Public Safety Committee (Virtual) (Sep 25, 2025)

Public Safety Committee Meeting Recap - September 25, 2025

The Public Safety Committee convened virtually on September 25, 2025, for a meeting focused on providing policy recommendations and discussing public safety matters. The committee, led by Chair Councilmember Bo Hess, included Councilmembers Antanette Mosley and Sheneika Smith, along with City Manager Debra Campbell and other relevant staff. As an informational meeting, no formal votes were expected beyond the approval of minutes.

The meeting began with the unanimous approval of the minutes from the committee’s previous meeting held on July 2025. Following approval, a brief period was allocated for public comment, allowing individuals to address the committee on matters of concern. The bulk of the meeting was dedicated to two informational presentations: an update from Fire Chief Cayse on the Asheville Fire Department's (AFD) work plan priorities, and a review by Jeremy Knighton regarding the After Action Report related to Tropical Storm Helene.

Chief Cayse’s presentation highlighted ongoing AFD initiatives, particularly the efforts of the AFD Resource Engagement and Support Team (REST) in addressing homelessness within the Central Business District (CBD) and West Asheville. REST’s work, involving crisis care, encampment response, and connecting individuals to resources, has reportedly led to a 57% decrease in encampment reports in West Asheville. The presentation also detailed AFD's progress towards transitioning to Advanced EMT (AEMT) services and the implementation of a 24/7 fourth shift, approved by Council in July. Future work efforts include collaboration on Code Purple shelter locations and developing a weekend shower program with the YMCA.

Jeremy Knighton’s presentation focused on the After Action Review (AAR) following Tropical Storm Helene, outlining identified gaps within the Emergency Operations Plan/Continuity of Operations Plan and presenting a work plan to address those shortcomings.

Looking ahead, the committee is planning to discuss topics such as public safety bond projects, an Asheville Police Department (APD) quarterly update, and a Civilian Traffic Crash Investigator Program in future meetings. The expansion of the city’s public solicitation ordinance, approved by the committee on July 2025 and expected to be presented to the full council in August or September, remains a significant ongoing consideration.