Asheville Public Safety Committee meeting 3/26/18

Asheville Public Safety Committee Meeting Recap: March 26, 2018

The Asheville Public Safety Committee convened on March 26th to discuss a range of critical issues impacting our community, including the future of our fire services, police accountability, and challenges faced by Asheville’s homeless population. The meeting provided a platform for presentations from city staff, community organizations, and concerned citizens, resulting in several key discussions and potential next steps for the city.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the Fire Master Plan, presented by Steve Knight from Fitch & Associates. This plan aims to ensure Asheville’s fire department is aligned with best practices and meets the evolving needs of our growing city. A key focus will be evaluating station placement, particularly considering options for a new station on the north side of town. The committee emphasized the importance of a transparent and inclusive process, ensuring community input is incorporated throughout the plan's development. Additionally, Kelly Hines from the Asheville Fire Department presented on the upcoming Citizens Fire Academy, a valuable opportunity for residents to learn more about fire department operations and engage in hands-on activities.

A major point of discussion revolved around police accountability, sparked by a presentation from Code for Asheville. The group formally requested the city release various data sets related to police activity, including use of force incidents, emergency calls, crime reports, and officer demographic information. They also suggested the city join the Police Data Initiative, a national effort promoting transparency and best practices in law enforcement. While no formal vote was taken on this request, the committee agreed to send it to city staff for a cost analysis and potential presentation to City Council. Chief Cooper was also tasked with meeting with Amy Zeller to discuss implementation of recommendations from Code for Asheville.

Addressing concerns surrounding homelessness, representatives from Homeless Voice and B-Love presented a compelling case for policy changes. They highlighted issues like harassment, lack of public restrooms, and restrictions on park access faced by individuals experiencing homelessness. Their proposals included requesting officers prioritize offering services over issuing citations for trespassing, documenting instances where services are provided, and exploring the feasibility of a 24-hour public restroom facility. Dee Williams (NAACP) and Carmen Ronalds Kennedy powerfully emphasized the need for systemic change, advocating for a shift in city budget priorities and addressing racial disparities within policing.

The public comment period provided residents with a vital opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives. Recurring themes included frustration with the pace of change, concerns about over-policing and racial bias, and calls for increased investment in social services and affordable housing. David Capasso, representing the family of Jerry Williams, underscored the need for accountability and community-driven solutions following a recent incident.

What Happens Next? (Action Items & Impact)

Several important action items emerged from the meeting:

• City staff will assess the feasibility and costs associated with Code for Asheville’s data release requests.
• Chief Cooper and Amy Zeller will meet to discuss implementation of recommendations from Code for Asheville.
• The Finance Committee will consider the proposal regarding public restrooms and budget allocation, a crucial step towards addressing the needs of Asheville’s homeless population.
• Homeless Voice will continue working with the city and schedule a meeting with HIAC (Homeless Initiatives Advisory Committee).

This Public Safety Committee meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve public safety and address critical community concerns. The discussions surrounding police transparency, fire service planning, and homelessness demonstrate a commitment to creating a more equitable and responsive city for all residents. Citizens can expect further developments as these action items are addressed, with potential discussions at future City Council meetings.