LIVE @ Asheville Public Safety Committee (PSC) 10/22/18

Asheville Public Safety Committee Meeting Recap: October 22, 2018

The Asheville Public Safety Committee convened on October 22nd to address critical issues related to public safety, with a significant focus on the city's response to Hurricane Florence and securing vital funding through federal grants. The meeting, attended by committee members and city staff, provided a detailed look at recent activities and future plans for our community's safety.

A major focus of the meeting was a comprehensive review of Asheville’s response to Hurricane Florence. City officials, including representatives from the Fire Department, detailed how the city prepared for and responded to the storm. While Asheville itself experienced minimal impact from Florence, the committee heard about the significant efforts made to support neighboring communities. Asheville’s Swiftwater Rescue Team assisted in flood rescues, a communications team bolstered radio resilience, and the city even deployed a specialized mass evacuation vehicle to transport residents from local hospitals and nursing homes. Notably, a WNC Peer Support Team provided crucial mental health support to first responders in Columbus County who were working on the front lines of the disaster. This demonstrated Asheville’s commitment to regional collaboration and supporting fellow North Carolinians during times of crisis.

Beyond the hurricane response, the committee also received updates on ongoing improvements to public safety resources. Three new fire engines are now in service, contributing to a reduction in fleet repair costs. A replacement ladder truck is currently under construction and expected to arrive later this winter. Furthermore, the Fire Department is actively replacing turnout gear for firefighters, with initial shipments already received. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing and approving applications for three key FEMA grants: the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), the Staffing for Emergency Response Grant (SAFER), and a Fire Prevention Grant. Approval was also given to secure funding for police body armor through the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant and formalize Asheville’s role in managing a High Threat Grant. These grants, if approved by the City Council, would provide crucial funding for equipment, staffing, and fire safety education initiatives.

There were no public comments offered during the meeting, but committee members highlighted a desire to streamline grant application processes across all city departments. This would help avoid conflicts and improve efficiency in securing vital funding for public safety initiatives.

What's Next?

The committee’s recommendations regarding the FEMA grants and other funding requests will now be forwarded to the City Council for final approval. Following that, these requests will be presented to the Finance and Resources Committee. A suggestion was made to develop an inventory of annual grants for all city departments, which would improve coordination and streamline the application process in future years.

This meeting underscored Asheville’s proactive approach to public safety, both in responding to immediate threats like Hurricane Florence and in securing long-term funding for essential resources. The outcome of the City Council’s consideration of these grant applications will directly impact our community's ability to provide effective emergency response and fire safety programs.