LIVE @ Asheville Finance & Human Resources Committee 08/28/18

Asheville Finance & Human Resources Committee Meeting Recap: August 28, 2018

On August 28th, the Asheville Finance & Human Resources Committee convened to review city agreements, discuss ongoing projects, and address concerns about transparency. The meeting centered around a comprehensive inventory of the city's agreements with outside organizations, along with updates on two significant projects: the restoration of the John B. Lewis-Sauber Complex (JBL) following flood damage, and a proposed sidewalk project at the University of North Carolina Asheville (UNCA).

A major focus of the meeting was a detailed examination of the city’s agreement inventory – a 35-page document outlining partnerships with various organizations. Committee members strongly advocated for increased transparency and a more user-friendly system, suggesting that the inventory be sorted by department to facilitate budget planning and public access. A key idea proposed was developing a dashboard to track these agreements, proactively identify potential issues, and communicate progress openly – rather than reacting to problems as they arise. While no formal votes were taken, the committee reached a consensus on making this agreement inventory publicly available on the city website.

Beyond transparency efforts, significant discussion was dedicated to the JBL restoration project, which is underway following May 2018 flood damage. The committee received an update on the timeline, vendor selection (which presented challenges due to high demand in the turf industry), and coordination with FEMA and the Governor's office. Concerns were raised about the city’s responsibility for flood mitigation and ensuring the long-term resilience of this important community resource.

The proposed sidewalk project at UNCA also generated considerable debate. The DOT is offering to cover a portion of the costs, but the city would need to contribute funds. Committee members questioned whether UNCA should shoulder a greater share of the expense, given that the sidewalk primarily serves their campus. Concerns were voiced about committing city funds without a firm commitment from UNCA, and the desire for greater clarity regarding their financial contribution. The committee agreed to continue exploring options for this project and revisit the matter at a future meeting, seeking a more equitable financial arrangement with UNCA.

What This Means for You:

This meeting highlighted the city's commitment to greater transparency regarding its partnerships and agreements. The planned dashboard, once developed, will provide residents with a clearer picture of how the city collaborates with external organizations. The discussion surrounding the JBL restoration underscores the ongoing efforts to rebuild and protect our community infrastructure after natural disasters. Finally, the debate about the UNCA sidewalk project reflects a broader conversation about shared responsibility and ensuring that city investments benefit all residents fairly.

What’s Next?

• City staff will be working to sort the agreement inventory by department and make it accessible on the city website.
• Exploration of a dashboard to track agreements will continue, aiming for a proactive and transparent approach.
• Staff will continue discussions with UNCA and the DOT regarding the sidewalk project, seeking a more equitable financial arrangement.
• The Council will receive the agreement inventory information to address any community questions.

This recap aims to provide a clear and accessible overview of the key discussions and outcomes from this important committee meeting.