Environment & Safety Committee – March 26, 2024

Environment & Safety Committee Meeting Recap – March 26, 2024

The Environment & Safety Committee convened on March 26, 2024, focusing a significant portion of the meeting on public input regarding police funding and transparency alongside updates on sustainability initiatives and grant applications. The committee, comprised of appointed citizen representatives, plays a vital role in advising the City Council on matters related to environmental protection and public safety. This recap summarizes key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents interested in understanding local government actions.

A central theme throughout the meeting was a robust discussion surrounding the Asheville Police Department (APD). Numerous residents voiced strong support for increasing APD funding, specifically advocating for a 6% wage increase and improved retirement/health benefits. Concerns were raised about understaffing, challenging working conditions, and difficulties attracting and retaining officers – issues highlighted through personal experiences shared from recent police ride-alongs. Alongside these calls for increased support, a resident also brought up concerns about transparency and accessibility of committee information, requesting earlier posting of agendas and more in-person public engagement opportunities.

Beyond policing matters, the committee received updates on two key sustainability initiatives. Bridget Herring, Sustainability Director, presented a final update on the "Less Plastic Asheville" project, emphasizing its current focus on community education and outlining plans to shift towards internal reductions within city operations. A key outcome of this effort will be a proposed proclamation designating April as "Less Plastic Asheville Month," aligning with Earth Day and encouraging residents to reduce plastic consumption. The committee also heard about the "Electrify Asheville Buncombe" pilot program, a partnership with Brightspace aimed at encouraging households to transition to electric heating and cooling systems. This program will utilize a new online marketplace connecting residents with vetted contractors and provide access to inclusive financing options through the North Carolina Clean Energy Fund.

The committee took several formal votes, all of which were recommended to the City Council for approval. These included approving the minutes from their previous meeting and, crucially, authorizing applications for several grants vital to the Asheville Police Department. The committee voted to recommend City Council authorize application for both the 2024 COPS Law Enforcement and Mental Health Wellness Act Grant and the 2025 High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDA) Program Grant. They also voted to recommend acceptance of the 2023 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant and the 2023 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant. Finally, a two-year renewal of the Leica Geosystems contract, used for crime scene investigation technology, was approved.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified. The committee will bring the "Less Plastic Asheville Month" proclamation to City Council for consideration, and the Sustainability Department will continue its focus on internal plastic reduction efforts. Brightspace will be responsible for launching and developing the "Electrify Asheville Buncombe" program, including community outreach events. The City Manager will handle the necessary paperwork and budget amendments related to the approved grant applications, ensuring these vital resources are secured for local law enforcement. Residents can expect further updates on these initiatives as they progress, demonstrating the committee's ongoing commitment to both environmental sustainability and public safety within Asheville.