Hosted by Lenoir-Rhyne University April 12, the Sustainability Symposium featured six speakers from different areas of expertise in conservation, renewable energy, city planning and more.
Author: Brooke Randle
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Council members reverse course on water fees
During Council’s last scheduled work session for the fiscal year 2023-24 budget on April 11, some members appeared to reverse course on a previous push to freeze residential water fees.
Council to consider water plant update study
The direct filtration systems used by both the North Fork and William DeBruhl treatment plants may not be sufficient given the likelihood of more severe weather in the future. DEQ has called for upgrades to the plants, including the addition of sedimentation basins to capture eroded or disturbed soil washed out during storms.
Council seeks freeze on residential water fees
Residential customers pay higher rates for water than do commercial or industrial water consumers — $4.77 and $4.20 per cubic foot for single-family and multi-family housing, respectively, compared to as little as $2.29 per cubic foot for large manufacturers. Several members of Council said that the discrepancy was troubling.
Council to consider South Slope Vision Plan
Some projects outlined in the plan include a gateway to reconnect McCormick Field and Memorial Stadium with downtown, public art installations and commemoration of the neighborhood’s African American history. The plan does not include specific funding commitments for capital projects or investments.
Council approves up to $20M for McCormick Field
Attendees at baseball games may pick up part of the tab for the McCormick Field improvements through a new 50-cent “facility fee” to be added to each ticket.
Signing off: Local teens ghost social media
Area teens choose their mental health, jobs and hobbies over participating on social media.
Asheville Council to consider up to $20M for McCormick Field improvements
McCormick Field has been home to a minor league baseball team for each of the past 64 years. The current Tourists franchise brings in roughly $9.8 million in local spending annually for Buncombe County.
Council stakes out goals, talks team-building at annual retreat
Council rates itself on success regarding team-building agreements and discusses top priorities for next fiscal year at annual retreat.
‘Smart bus’ system coming to Buncombe County Schools
The new technology will include GPS tracking of school buses, onboard cameras and an accompanying parent app.
Safety, transit concerns raised at first Asheville budget meeting
Tom Tesser was one of several commenters from the Asheville Coalition for Public Safety, a recently formed advocacy group that looks to build support for the APD. Five of the nine speakers on budget matters sought larger salaries for police officers and shared their personal experiences of downtown crime and safety issues.
Council requests public input on budget priorities
In addition to providing public comment during the meeting, members of the public can also participate through the city’s budget priorities survey which is available until Friday, March 3.
Therapists discuss resources for coping with birth-related trauma
As many as 1-in-5 women experience mood changes or anxiety after experiencing trauma while giving birth, with roughly 9% being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, according to Postpartum Support International.
Council opts for $5.9M in I-26 aesthetic improvements
The “aesthetic treatments” approved as part of the package include improved lighting, safety railing, pedestrian and bike surfaces and monument pillars.
AVL school board selects firm to lead superintendent search
Summit Search Solutions described itself in its proposal as a “boutique” search firm that specializes in education.
Asheville residents ponder name changes after marriage
An Xpress reporter seeks input from local couples as she weighs the merits of changing her name after marriage.
‘Blended learning’ here to stay in Buncombe County Schools
Janet Frazier, the school system’s media technology specialist, explained that even prior to the pandemic, BCS had begun incorporating more technology for both staff and students.
Asheville joins Buncombe County surveillance system
An agreement between Asheville and the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, approved by City Council in a 4-1 vote Jan. 24, will allow the APD to use a county-operated camera network to monitor the public.
Council to consider reparations commission audit request Jan. 24
The reparations commission unanimously approved a recommendation for the city of Asheville and Buncombe County to “stop further harm” to the Black community by “ceasing the repetition of institutional processes that lead to racially disparate outcomes.” The audit is meant to ensure that such harms have actually ceased and that local governments are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Buncombe school board supports control over academic calendar
During their meeting of Jan. 12, members of the Buncombe County Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution that supports amending the state’s school calendar law. The document blasts the current law for a range of woes, from learning loss to difficulty in providing teacher training.
Council approves independent committee to review water outages
The new nine-member board will include two residential water customers, one commercial customer, one emergency response or disaster relief professional, two communications professionals and three experts on public water systems.