LIVE @ Asheville City Council Meeting 8/28/18

Asheville City Council Meeting Recap: August 28, 2018

On August 28th, the Asheville City Council convened to address a variety of important issues impacting our community. The meeting included recognition of local environmental efforts, discussions on ongoing city projects, and a significant review of police practices aimed at improving community relations. This recap provides an overview of the key decisions, discussions, and next steps for residents to stay informed.

A major highlight of the meeting was the formal recognition of Asheville as a certified wildlife habitat, thanks to the dedication of organizations like Mountain Wild and Warren Wilson College. Council members unanimously approved a proclamation designating September 2018 as "Certified Community Wildlife Habitat Month," celebrating the collaborative efforts that have made our city a haven for wildlife. This achievement underscores Asheville’s commitment to environmental sustainability and provides an opportunity to further promote these practices within our community.

Beyond the celebratory recognition, a significant portion of the meeting focused on improving public safety and police practices. Consultants from 21st Century Policing Solutions presented a detailed review of an incident involving Asheville Police Department Officer Hickman and citizen Mr. Rush, outlining their findings and recommendations for improvement. The consultants praised the city's commitment to procedural justice and highlighted the department’s willingness to learn from past experiences. The council will track and report on the implementation of these recommendations at a meeting scheduled for September 25th, demonstrating their commitment to ongoing progress.

During the consent agenda portion of the meeting, council members engaged in discussions regarding several items, including an easement agreement on Reservoir Road. Concerns were raised about the historical context of this land and potential development impacts, leading to a postponement of a vote on that item. A grant for the African American Heritage Survey also sparked debate about matching funds and future funding opportunities, while a franchise agreement related to transportation prompted the council to request review from the Multimodal Commission. These discussions reflect a commitment to thorough consideration of all aspects before making decisions that affect our city’s infrastructure and heritage.

Public comment was provided by Jan Cubanette, who spoke passionately about the Reservoir Road easement agreement and its potential impact on the community. Her testimony underscored the importance of citizen engagement in local government decision-making processes.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. The Multimodal Commission will review the franchise agreement to ensure alignment with transportation planning goals. The city will diligently monitor and report on the implementation of recommendations from 21st Century Policing Solutions, demonstrating a commitment to improving police practices and community relations. Finally, the council will revisit the Reservoir Road easement agreement at a later date, ensuring all concerns are addressed before a final decision is made.

This meeting demonstrated the Asheville City Council's dedication to addressing critical issues facing our community, from environmental sustainability and public safety to infrastructure development. By staying informed about these discussions and decisions, residents can actively participate in shaping the future of Asheville.