LIVE @ Asheville Public Safety Committee (PSC) 12/17/18

Asheville Public Safety Committee Meeting Recap: December 17, 2018

The Asheville Public Safety Committee (PSC) convened on December 17, 2018, to discuss a range of critical issues impacting public safety in our city. The meeting covered updates from the Asheville Police Department (APD), community risk reduction efforts by the Fire Department, and a proposed overhaul of the city's noise ordinance. This recap summarizes key decisions, discussions, community input, and next steps for residents to understand the outcomes.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the APD’s performance and ongoing initiatives. The committee received a positive quarterly update, noting a 2.3% decrease in violent Part One crimes year-to-date – a substantial drop since May. While property crime saw a 9% increase, the APD is actively addressing this through targeted efforts. Transparency was also a key theme, with discussions surrounding the release of APD support data (calls for service and citizen complaints) as a step towards greater accountability. The committee also acknowledged the ongoing challenge of recruiting minority officers, emphasizing continued outreach efforts to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and military bases. A new Community Liaison Program, assigning command-level staff to 15 communities, aims to improve communication and build stronger relationships between the police department and residents.

Beyond law enforcement, the committee heard from Fire Marshal Kelly Hines regarding community risk reduction strategies. The presentation highlighted a comprehensive approach based on the "Five E’s" – Education, Enforcement, Engineering, Economic Incentives, and Emergency Response. The Fire Department’s proactive programs, including the Citizens Fire Academy and fire safety education in schools, were recognized for their positive impact. The committee also discussed the possibility of creating an open data dashboard to track key public safety metrics, a move aimed at providing residents with greater insight into city operations.

Perhaps the most contentious topic of the meeting was a proposed overhaul of the noise ordinance, presented by City Attorney John Maddox. The proposal includes shifting from civil penalties for noise violations to infraction-level court proceedings, eliminating the Noise Runs Appeals Board, transferring construction noise regulation to the Development Services Department, and addressing barking dog complaints solely through animal ordinances. This sparked considerable debate among committee members and during the public comment period. Residents voiced concerns about the potential impact on addressing noise disturbances from businesses, particularly those operating late at night. A recurring theme was the need for clear communication and effective enforcement to ensure residential areas remain peaceful, especially considering the increasing number of residents working from home.

During public comment, several residents directly addressed noise concerns stemming from businesses like the Salvage Station and expressed a desire for more robust enforcement of existing ordinances. The committee listened attentively, acknowledging the importance of addressing these concerns and ensuring a balance between business operations and residential quality of life.

Key Decisions & Next Steps: The PSC voted to forward the proposed noise ordinance changes to City Council for further consideration. The APD will continue its recruitment efforts, with a focus on diversifying the force. City staff are exploring options for an open data dashboard to improve transparency and accountability. Finally, the city will continue collaborating with the NAACP regarding written consent policies for police searches. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engage in the ongoing discussions surrounding these important public safety initiatives as they progress through City Council.