Asheville City Manager Gary Jackson has undertaken a major staff reorganization: Three senior staff members will oversee “functional groupings” that put multiple, related departments under one umbrella, and a new “general services” department will oversee building and vehicle maintenance. Jackson claims the changes will make for better coordination and efficiency,
Tag: City of Asheville
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Asheville City Council preview: Signs and drive-thrus
After the analysis of its financial dilemmas before, Asheville City Council’s formal meeting tonight sees the return of a controversial proposal for drive-thrus on Merrimon Avenue and expanded signs in Biltmore Park.
Asheville City Council’s tax dilemma
Some of the biggest news in city government this week isn’t happening at Asheville City Council’s formal meeting, but at a presentation to the Finance Committee at 2 p.m. this afternoon. There, staff will lay out the effects of rising property values in the city, and the details of Council’s challenges will become more clear.
APD: evidence room situation improving; “we know what happened”
The situation of the Asheville Police Department evidence room has improved, with a new manager and better systems, Chief William Anderson told media today. He also says he’s better informed about what led to missing evidence, and who was responsible, but refused again to reveal further details. Photo by Max Cooper.
Opposition to seizure of Asheville’s water system gains statewide momentum
The local fight over the legislative push to forcibly transfer the city of Asheville’s water system to the Metropolitan Sewerage District has helped spur a larger statewide reaction. Last week, the League of Municipalities adopted the defense of local utilities as one of its top priorities, and 40 cities and towns across North Carolina have passed resolutions against state government taking municipal infrastructure.
City: unauthorized work led to Carolina Lane building collapse
The work that caused the collapse of 15 Carolina Lane Thursday afternoon was never authorized by the city of Asheville. The Building Safety department is currently investigating the incident. Photo from the Asheville Fire Department.
Ice Storm Warning for WNC, schools and bus service closed
The whole region is under an ice storm warning today, as the National Weather Service cautions residents about a “wintry mix” of ice and snow through this afternoon.
Asheville City Council gives New Belgium the go-ahead
During a meeting that lasted almost to midnight, Asheville City Council approved New Belgium’s brewery in the River District. Council also approved funding for sidewalk improvements and a study of alternate truck routes to address concerns of some residents about the traffic the business will bring. (Pictured: City Clerk Maggie Burleson swears in all those who wanted to speak at the public hearing. Photo by Max Cooper)
Asheville’s city election season off to early start
Last week made it clear the city of Asheville’s political season is off to an early start, as this year’s elections will determine the majority of seats on Asheville City Council. Two mayoral candidates (Vice Mayor Esther Manheimer and former city staffer John Miall) have already declared, and Council member Cecil Bothwell says that he’ll run for another term. Photo by Max Cooper
Vice Mayor Esther Manheimer will run for mayor
In an email to Xpress, Asheville Vice Mayor Esther Manheimer declares that she will run for mayor. Asserting a “need for inclusive, inspired, strategic leadership,” she plans to launch her campaign this spring.
Ending gun shows on city property faces legal complications
An assertion by Asheville City Council member Cecil Bothwell that the city’s ordinance banning firearms on city property should mean an end to gun shows here is unlikely to hinder this weekend’s show at the WNC Agricultural Center. State law restricts localities’ ability to regulate or prohibit gun shows, and city staff are currently looking into the implications of those rules.
Security changes to Asheville City Hall coming this spring
Asheville City Hall should see a new entrance and metal detector completed this spring, according to Building Safety Director Robert Griffin. The changes are the latest in a gradual increase in security at City Hall over the past few years.
The bus now runs on New Year’s
For the first time, Asheville’s transit system is helping residents get home from the aftermath of their New Year’s celebrations, or wherever else they might need to go today. The bus system will now offer limited service during holidays throughout the year, part of an effort to expand its availability.
New entrance, metal detector coming to Asheville’s City Hall
Visitors to Asheville’s historic City Hall will soon see increased security measures in the form of a new entrance and a metal detector. Photo by Max Cooper.
NC transit study: need to ensure low-income riders have access
In a study with potential implications for Asheville’s own transit system, the NC Justice Center emphasizes that systems need to focus on helping low-income riders.
MSD makes $57 million offer for Asheville water system, despite concerns
At its Dec. 12 meeting, the Metropolitan Sewerage District board voted to offer $57 million over 50 years for the city of Asheville’s water system. Several members expressed doubts about the fairness of the process, but stopped short of a motion formally noting their reservations.
LIVE: Coverage of the MSD board meeting
Now that the city of Asheville and the Metropolitan Sewerage District have both released their reports on a possible merger of the water system, the MSD board will consider proposals for taking the city’s system under its control at its meeting this afternoon. Follow live Twitter coverage of the discussion.
LIVE: Twitter coverage of the Dec. 11 Asheville City Council meeting
It’s going to be a busy night (and afternoon) at Asheville City Council, as it considers a long-awaited report on a possible merger of the city’s water system, board members for the Business Improvement District, and, of course, the “pub cycle.” Follow all the goings-on with our live Twitter coverage.
City releases water merger report, finds local agreement best option
The city of Asheville has released a report by the Raftellis consulting firm on a possible merger with the Metropolitan Sewerage District. The report claims that an “inter-local agreement” between the two would have the greatest benefit while avoiding the cost of a merger. MSD taking over the city system will, according to the report, cost the city around $3.75 million a year.
City freezes lead arts administrator job, evaluating cultural programs
The city of Asheville has frozen the position of Cultural Arts Superintendent, vacant since the departure of Diane Ruggiero in September, pending a review of the city’s budget process. City staff are also evaluating the department’s programs to determine how to continue providing its “core services.”
Former Asheville City manager Jim Westbrook dead at 68
Former City Manager Jim Westbrook died yesterday evening in a car wreck in Vass, N.C. Westbrook served as city manager from 1995 to 2005.