On May 15, the Asheville Fire and Police Departments, in partnership with Buncombe County EMS, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department and the North Carolina Highway Patrol staged a mock motor vehicle fatality on the campus of Asheville High School to encourage teens to drive safely.
Several hundred Asheville teens attended the demonstration, which was preceded by a presentation from Asheville ABC Law Enforcement, Asheville High School and SILSA High School on the importance of driver safety, seat belts, obeying traffic laws and speed limits, and the dangers of drunk driving.
“Motor vehicle accidents are now the number one killer of teens,” says AFD spokesperson Kelley Klope. “We sincerely believe that through this on-going teenage driver safety program and with strong parental support, teenage traffic fatalities can be eliminated in our community.” (Special thanks to Johnson Auto Parts for donating the vehicle and Rice Towing for delivering it and hauling it away.)
On Monday, May 14, members of the Asheville Police Department and Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office teamed up to participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit the Special Olympics. The group escorted the torch through Black Mountain before passing it on to the Old Fort Police Department to continue its trip east.
From left to right: Lt. Mike Yelton, Sgt. Rebecca Allen, Brandon Morgan, Lt. Gary Gudac, Billy Morrissey, Nick Mitchell, Sgt. Ronnie Lance, Lt. Chris Young, Dep. Vicky Bradley, Lt. Stony Gonce.
On Monday, May 14, the League of American Bicyclists, a leading voice in bicycle advocacy and education, announced that it is designating the City of Asheville as a Bicycle Friendly Community. The league awarded Asheville a bronze-level designation based on the city’s accomplishments in increasing bicycle accessibility and awareness.
“This is a special achievement for us,” said Barb Mee, transportation planner and the City of Asheville’s staff liaison to the Asheville Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force. “We have been making strides in the bicycle community both in terms of communication and in infrastructure. To get this kind of recognition from an outside national organization helps spread the word that we are on a good track.”
Mee pointed to the hard work put in by the task force and other volunteers that is crucial to the evolution of Asheville’s bicycling network.
“Those folks are putting so much energy into this. We couldn’t do this without the partnership we have with the cycling community,” Mee said.
As part of its comprehensive bicycle plan, the City of Asheville has rolled out a number of enhancements to bicycle access and safety, including an expanded bike lane network, color coded lanes, bike racks on city buses, bike lockers, and a bike repair station. Bicyclers can stay connected to city developments through the ibike@ashevillenc.gov email account.
The City of Asheville remains dedicated to supporting multi-modal and sustainable transportation options. The league’s announcement comes as the city is preparing to participate in Strive Not to Drive week held May 21-25, as well as the May 21 roll out of phase one of Asheville’s Transit Master Plan. See more about the City of Asheville’s emphasis on multi-modal transportation at www.ashevillenc.gov.
City of Asheville employees from throughout the organization and across multiple disciplines were recognized May 2 at the Asheville Way Awards. The event is organized each year to spotlight achievements that affirm the city’s core values of excellent service, continuous improvement, integrity, diversity and safety and welfare.
Whether it was dramatically reducing landfill waste through a single-stream recycling program or leading youth programs in schools, implementing systems that save money or intervening to save lives, the City of Asheville had much to celebrate this year.
“We are a better organization for the work that you do,” said Assistant City Manager Jeff Richardson.
Nine teams and 30 individuals were nominated by their fellow employees, with nine awards given.
“That’s probably the best part of these awards,” said Derrick Swing, the City’s human resources manager. “The nominees are picked by their peers. There is the sense that their coworkers really want to give credit where credit is due.”
The 2012 Asheville Way Award nominees are listed below, with the winners highlighted:
Continuous Improvement
Jamie Bullman (Water/Customer Services) David Foster (Public Works) Dave Stuart (Water Production Ivan Thomas (Water/Maintenance) Joel Tweed, Jr. (Water/Customer Services)
Integrity
Brandon Buckner (Water/Meter Services) Jerry Hill (Public Works/Fleet) Derrick Swing (HR)
Diversity
Christopher Daniels (Public Works/Streets) Douglas Zuendt (Fire)
Safety and Welfare
Michelle Massey-Smith (Water) Bernard McDowell (Public Works/Administration) Keith McCulloch and Kevin Skoniezcny (APD)
Excellent Service
Phyllis Corns (Water/Customer Services) Stephen Fridl (Fire) Chris Maloney (Public Works/Sanitation)
Outstanding Leadership
Ron Kerns (Water/Administration) Joy Ponder (Fire) Jeff Staudinger (Planning) Thomas “Shane” Williams (Public Works/Fleet)
Above and Beyond
Amanda Buchanan (APD/CID) Janet Dack (Economic Development) Joe Fioccola (APD/Support) Krystal Frizzell (Finance & Management Services) Karen Good (Water Production) Robert Kun (Public Works/Engineering Services) Sue McMullen (APD/Animal Services) Randy Stallings (Planning)
Rising Star
Zachary McTaggart (APD/Animal Services) Mark Stevens (Public Works/Fleet)
Outstanding Teamwork
Asheville U.S. Cellular Center Team(Civic Center): Karen Gillespie, Dan Dover, Benita Wynn, Anne Stafford, Marcia Hart, JC Gillespie, Jim Smith, John Ball, Richard Quick, Jeanine Crum, Norbert Irvin, Ian Moye, William Hyde, Jody Beck, Chris Scott. Communications Team (APD/Support): Cathey Trimnal, Joy Griffin, Joe Fioccola, Angela Young, Stephanie Bierce, Terry Darakjy, Susan Macmurchy, Scott Sutton, Dwight Danner, Chad Hyatt, Megan Young, Kristina Hoffman, Lynn Fraser, Hannah Combs, Jane Barbee, Kara Moyers, Karen Morris, Tim Bailey, Charles Parker, Rich Zayatz, Shelli Tayman, Evan Edwards, Harry Gillis, Angela Siciliano. FY 10-11 Audit and CAFRTeam (Finance and Management Services): Charity Constant, Jeanie Eplee, Beverly Evans, Eric Hardy, Samantha Jones, Tia Keith, Pat Liguori, Harry McDaniels, Tony McDowell, Amy Patterson, Carey Perkins, John Sanchez, Erin Wheeler. Health Services & Building Safety Team: Mark Case, Nikki Reed, John Kutscher, Erik Hagen, Debbie Weisbeker, Nancy Walker, Karen Fountain, Pat McCall, Debbie Byrne, Marlene Hensley, Anne Hawes. PC Rightsizing Team (IT): Kathy Wilson, Jeff Reble, Sonya Crump, Steven Frey, Larry Bopp, JJ Wilson, David Hutcherson, Debbie Ruff, Ellane Chandler, Gina Zachary. Purchasing Team (Finance and Management Services): Amy Patterson, Lyle Willis, Donna Martin, Jim Wright, Otis McIntosh, Celia Lytle. Recycling Team (Public Works/Finance): David Foster, Maggie Ullman, Richard Grant, Sonja Kun, Russell Roe, Laura Piraino. Utility Billing Team (Water/Customer Services):Deb Romaine, Darlene Barnwell, Jamie Bullman. Rapid Intervention Team Training Instructors (Fire): Sam Robertson, Chad Bryson, Adam Wilson, Mike Quinones, Eric Johnson, Dustin Cooper, Rafael Bango, Nate Rogers, Mike Webb, Patrick Crudup, Wes Rogers.
There’s a natural connection between public transportation and interacting with people. Riding the bus sparks conversation and fosters real face time with others in the community. Now, the City of Asheville is looking for volunteers who have the knack for both to be “Bus Ambassadors” and help us introduce riders to the changes that are part of the new upgraded ART Transit System.
As the May 21 roll out date approaches, the City of Asheville has been engaging with the community to unveil the new routes, increased service frequencies and other changes that are part of the implementation of the first phase of the Transportation Master Plan. A touring gallery of new maps, route information and Google Transit demonstration has been making the rounds throughout City of Asheville neighborhoods to let people know about coming enhancements.
“We have had some very successful events and we have more planned, but what we need now are people from the community to help us spread the word about the great changes we’re going to see,” said Transportation Planner Mariate Echeverry.
In the weeks surrounding the rollout, volunteer bus ambassadors will be stationed on buses and at the downtown Asheville transit center to provide tips and answer questions and help other riders get acquainted with the new system.
No experience is necessary and everyone is encouraged to take part; volunteers will take part in a training session about enhancements like Google Transit and route optimization and be equipped with maps, FAQ’s and a cool ART systems map T-shirt they can keep.
“This is a great opportunity for fans of multi-modal transportation, whether it is biking, walking or bus riding, to volunteer and show support for improving public transit.” Echeverry said. “You can come out and have fun, learn something new and help build the community’s awareness of transportation alternatives.”
On Friday, April 27, City of Asheville employees participated in the YWCA’s Stand Against Racism event. Throughout the day, employee volunteers guided their fellow coworkers on a walking tour of landmarks that chronicle the history of race in Asheville and the rise of local movements that advanced civil rights and the rights of women.
You can watch a video version of the City of Asheville’s Stand Against Racism event at the link below.
Twenty three years on any job and you are bound to make close friends, but 23 years on the job with the Asheville Police Department, and you are family. That’s what Captain Daryl Fisher said at his April 24 retirement party, surrounded by friends and colleagues from the APD, the City of Asheville and the community at large.
“It has been fun. This is truly a family,” Fisher said. “Everybody has to look out for each other. Without that, we’re out there alone. Stick together, look out for each other and be safe.”
APD Chaplain Bill Snyder presents a cut-and-paste "Facebook" to Capt. Daryl Fisher at Fisher's retirement party.
Widely recognized in the community for his work both within and outside the department, Fisher reaffirmed the close-knit ties officers have as a team.
Fisher began his APD career as a patrol officer in 1989 and worked in multiple arms of the department including the Drug Suppression and Criminal Investigation Units, achieving the rank of Captain in 2007. Along the way, Fisher contributed invaluable support to milestones within the department, including participating in major drug investigations as a member of the Metropolitan Enforcement Group and later as command of the Drug Suppression Unit. He was integral in the move of the APD’s emergency communication operations into the joint 911 call center the City now shares with Buncombe County and for the past two years has overseen command of the Patrol Division.
At his reception, amid stories and jokes from his fellow officers, Fisher was presented with his service weapon by APD Chief William Anderson who cited Fisher for his “Character, dedication and preparation.” Anderson was especially thankful for the help Fisher provided for the incoming chief, who took on the job earlier this year. “He made sure I had as much information as possible when I came in,” Anderson said. “Daryl is an example of what we want to accomplish.”
Asheville City Manger Gary Jackson praised Fisher for upholding the integrity of the department. “He has always done good work and he has made the department proud through it all,” Jackson said.
A bike lane on South Lexington Avenue got fresh coat of green paint this week as part of an effort to enhance bicycle visibility and safety.
The one-block climbing lane between Aston Street and Patton Avenue is the first of several spots the city is pinpointing to try out a strategy recently approved by the Federal Highway Administration as a way to make downtown bike lanes more visible to motorized traffic.
Color-coded bike lanes are easier to see and identify through confusing traffic patterns and intersections, and studies have shown that color-coded bike lanes help increase drivers’ awareness of bicycles in the area. That means bicycle riders can feel even safer in downtown Asheville.
Downtown Asheville's gets its first color-coded bike lane
“A big part of getting people onto bicycles is making them feel comfortable traveling through city streets,” says Transportation Planner Barb Mee. “And the success of our bike plan rides on getting more people using our bike lane system.”
The section of Lexington Avenue was selected for the nature of its traffic and for the condition of its recently repaved surface. The project is still in a preliminary phase and the Transportation Department wanted to begin with the most sound surface it could find. The department will be testing different materials for durability, ease of application, cost, and most importantly, slip resistance. From a materials standpoint, Mee says, this treatment could be an extremely cost effective way to give a big boost to downtown bicycle accessibility.
“Our hope is that it really does make cyclists more comfortable and lead to fewer misunderstandings by drivers,” Mee says.
Sustainable and multi-modal transportation remains a priority for the City of Asheville. In 2008, Asheville City Council approved a comprehensive bicycle plan. Since then, the City of Asheville has unveiled many new enhancements for bicycle accessibility including new bike lanes, downtown bike lockers, and a repair station in the River Arts District. Click here to see more about the City of Asheville’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Services.
ASHEVILLE – On the evening of 3-01-12, the City of Asheville Police Department held its annual Awards Banquet to celebrate the many achievements of the department from the previous year.
Asheville’s own local celebrity Harry Anderson, (from TV’s Night Court and Dave’s World), very graciously and hilariously provided the evenings entertainment and expertly shepherded the award recipients through the night’s festivities.
Among the many receiving awards this year:
Sgt. Ernie Welborn: Officer of the Year
Sgt. Ernie Welborn, a 27 year veteran of the department, constantly proves himself to be a valuable asset to both the police department and the City of Asheville. Ernie began his career in 1985 and has served the department as a Patrol Officer, K9 Handler, Forensic Technician, Detective, and Detective Sergeant.
He has assisted or led thousands of case investigations ranging from homicides, rapes, assaults, frauds, and theft. Sgt. Welborn is known around the office for his technical computer skills, and has the reputation for being able to find just about anything on anyone electronically. These skills have aided in the apprehension of countless numbers of wanted and missing persons.
Sgt. Welborn has done a great deal of research for APD in preparing our agency for electronic reporting of pawned items, commonly referred to as “Leads Online”. If enacted, this ordinance will assist APD in locating stolen property much quicker, and hopefully apprehending thieves.
He has researched and outlined the necessary technical specifications of a proposed interview room and camera system for the Investigations Division that once installed will enable better recording of suspect interviews.
Sgt. Welborn has spent a great deal of time and work coordinating with the District Attorney’s Office and the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) in moving the department forward with electronic DA Papering. This program is still in a pilot phase with Asheville being one of a handful of departments across NC participating. Once fully enacted, this undoubtedly will save thousands of dollars per year in paper and personnel costs to our agency.
In the 2011 calendar year, Sgt. Welborn has assigned and/or closed over 6,700 cases and 5,600 detective case supplements.
Chief Anderson and the men and women of the Asheville Police Department are very proud of Sgt. Welborn’s achievements as an Asheville Police Officer and for his excellent service to the community and the City of Asheville.
Nancy Carlson: Volunteer of the Year
Ms. Carlson has been volunteering for the Asheville Police Department for nearly 18 years traveling from Transylvania County once a week to volunteer in Victim Services.
Karla Reed: Volunteer of the Year
Ms. Reed has been volunteering with the Departments Emergency Response Team for 17 years as the units Paramedic. Before retiring from Buncombe County EMS, she would burn holiday or vacation time to train with the team. She is the team’s longest serving member.
Grey Clough: Explorer of the Year
Mr. Clough is an Asheville High School student who joined the Explorer Post in 2010.
He has shown his dedication to the Post by volunteering to assist at such events as the Christmas Parade, Bele Chere, and meeting and sharing with youth students at the Reid Center. He is an informal leader to newer members and was a member of the team that won first place in Felony Vehicle Stops, at the Winterfest Competition in Gatlinburg, TN.
Sgt. Don Eberhardt: Chaplains Award
Sgt. Eberhardt, a 12 veteran of the department, was awarded the Chaplains award for his continued support and dedication to this all volunteer unit of civilian chaplains. Chaplain’s duties include counseling, crisis response, visiting sick or injured officers and their families, and providing assistance with death notifications.
Barbara Brank: Civilian Employee of the Year
Barbara is a 20 year veteran employee of the department and is currently assigned to the Central Records Unit. In a job that demands excellent customer service skills, Barbara always rises to the challenges and demands of her job. Her work ethic is second to none and in the past year has taken more than 49% (over 600) of the reports taken by the Central Records Unit. This is a count unmatched by most, if not all, of the officers of the department.
ASHEVILLE – City of Asheville employees recently installed a “Fixit” bicycle service station at the Clingman Avenue roundabout. It is a repair stand with an attached air pump and hand tools, including screwdrivers, wrenches and a tire lever. The station provides an opportunity for a cyclist to make minor repairs and adjustments on the road rather than having to carry tools or walk an ailing bicycle home.
“The city consulted with members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force and other cyclists about whether they would thought this was a good investment in encouraging bicycling, and to find the best location to test one of these stations,” said City Transportation Planner Barb Mee. “This was the consensus.”
The River Arts District is a destination and a bicycle crossroads. It is at the bottom of two long hills that join West Asheville and downtown, and near the Lyman Street and Riverside Drive bicycle lanes. The location is also next to a transit stop that serves downtown and West Asheville.
People have already noticed the repair station. Area resident Kelly Ingram noted, “the bicycle service station is incredibly helpful! I can use it when I bike to and from work and when I’m commuting around town. It is at a very convenient location so I don’t have to worry if my tire gets low or I need a few tools while I’m in the River Arts District or biking to West Asheville!”
The station is an investment aligned with city goals of integrating non-motorized modes into the city’s transportation network and providing Asheville’s residents and visitors with transportation options. It also makes the city friendlier to bicycles, another City Council objective. According to Mee, “An area where bicyclists feel welcome is one where they will patronize area businesses and spend their money. This, along with good bicycle parking, is a way to make cyclists feel welcome.”
“The cycling community is thrilled by the fix-it station in the River Arts District. Cyclists can tune up their bicycles after a ride along the river and greenway. The fix-it station also strengthens Asheville’s commitment to multi-modal transportation as it’s located at a bus stop on the recently improved sidewalks of Clingman Ave. I’m proud of our city’s expansion of infrastructure that supports the many modes people use throughout the day. The fix-it is a winner,” said Mike Sule of Asheville on Bikes, an area advocacy group.
Bicycling for transportation is a way to incorporate physical activity into someone’s day. Studies have found that people who use active transportation are, on average, more physically fit and have a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease compared to people who use only motorized transportation.
“Kudos to the City for the installation of the Bicycle Fix-It Station in the River District. People of all ages and sizes can reap the benefits of feeling good about their health and themselves by engaging in active transportation. Studies show that the risk of chronic disease is reduced and that individuals report greater vitality and a sense of well-being when they walk or bicycle regularly”. Vicki Rowe-Currence, Health Promotion Educator and member of the Asheville Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force.
These public bicycle service stations have been used in other cities, including Wilmington (NC); Cambridge, Mass., and Omaha, Nebraska.
Several hundred Asheville teens attended the demonstration, which was preceded by a presentation from Asheville ABC Law Enforcement, Asheville High School and SILSA High School on the importance of driver safety, seat belts, obeying traffic laws and speed limits, and the dangers of drunk driving.
