►
From YouTube: Commissioners' Briefing (March 1, 2022)
Description
Briefing of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners' for March 1, 2022. The purpose of the Briefing is to discuss County-related business and future meeting agenda items in an open, transparent manner. No official actions take place during the Briefings. To view future Briefing agendas, visit buncombecounty.org/commissioners
A
All
right:
first,
we
will
have
an
update
on
covet
issues,
have
a
short
discussion
about
input
on
the
forest
planning
process
for
the
pisgah
halo
national
forest
have
an
update
on
land
conservation.
A
Any
other
items
commissioners
would
want
to
discuss
during
our
briefing
meeting
today.
A
B
Good
afternoon
board
of
commissioners
and
community,
thank
you,
as
always,
for
the
opportunity
to
provide
the
covet
19
update.
As
of
yesterday,
we
have
a
confirmed,
50
412,
covet
19
cases
in
buncombe
since
march
of
last
year,
and
as
we
approach
the
two-year
mark
of
the
pandemic,
we
are
watching
the
omicron
surge
continue
to
fade
and
cases
continue
to
decrease.
B
Since
then,
we've
seen
an
86
percent
decrease
in
cases
and
as
of
yesterday,
we
were
at
155
new
cases
per
100
000
per
week,
compared
to
200
and
a
little
over
230
new
cases
in
the
week
prior
and
compared
to
the
peak
that
you
see
up
there.
That
was
over
1150
new
cases
per
100
000
per
week.
At
that
peak,
the
percent
positivity
continues
to
fall
and
we
are
now
below
10.
B
As
of
monday,
our
percent
positivity
had
fallen
to
8.6
and
from
the
records
that
I
keep
every
day
we
haven't
seen
a
value
below
10
percent.
Since
the
end
of
december
of
2021.,
we've
spent
all
of
2022,
thus
far
in
double
digits.
Until
this
week,.
B
B
As
of
yesterday,
there
were
59
covet
19
inpatients
throughout
the
mission
system.
This
is
a
decline
from
almost
200
at
the
peak
and
over
just
over
80.
From
last
week,
five
deaths
were
reported
last
week
which
results
in
a
decrease
in
deaths
from
week
prior,
and
I
am
hopeful
that
we'll
continue
to
see
this.
These
trends
and
hospitalizations
and
death
continue
to
come
down
as
we
continue
to
go
forward.
B
B
In
this
new
tool
in
high
high
community
level
status,
the
public
health
recommendation
includes
recommending
mass
and
indoor
public
spaces,
but
indoor
masking
is
not
recommended
community
wide
and
medium
or
low
community
levels
and
according
to
the
cdc
buncombe
county,
buncombe
county's,
coveted
19
community
level
is
now
at
medium
in
this
level.
While
there
is
not
a
community
wide
recommendation
for
masks,
if
you
are
at
risk
for
severe
illness
or
immunocompromised,
you
may
still
want
to
wear
a
mask
in
public
indoor
spaces,
and
you
can
do
so.
B
Even
if
you're
not-
and
you
still
want
to
wear
a
mask,
you
can
still
wear
your
mask.
Also
in
this
level,
it
is
still
important
to
remember
that
if
you
have
symptoms
or
you've
been
exposed,
it's
important
to
consider
getting
tested
from
a
community
site
or
a
provider
testing
site
or
use
an
at-home
test.
B
So
the
bottom
line
here
is,
as
cases
are
decreasing
and
we
continue
to
improve
in
other
areas.
It
is
important
for
each
person
to
assess
their
level
of
risk
of
getting
sick
and
spreading
it
to
others
about
evaluating
your
level
of
risk
will
help
in
deciding
what
additional
precautions
you
might
want
to
take
like
masking.
B
We
did
see
a
slight
increase
in
vaccine
uptake
in
our
18
to
24
year
old
population,
since
the
last
update,
but
otherwise
there's
been
very
little
change
in
the
other
age
groups.
72
percent
of
our
eligible
population
has
received
at
least
one
dose
and
about
70
percent
have
received
their
full
series.
B
B
Cova
19
vaccine
is
available
by
walk-in
at
this
at
this
new
immunization,
clinic
on
the
first
floor
monday
through
friday.
8
a.m
to
4
30
p.m,
and
we
continue
to
plan
for
our
equity,
focused
vaccine
event,
with
our
partnership
with
healthier
together
the
ymca
and
mexican
consulate,
we
will
be
providing
cover
19
vaccines
on
march,
8th,
9th
and
10th,
in
conjunction
with
those
events,
and,
lastly,
just
a
reminder
that
there
are
numerous
vaccine
providers
within
our
community,
many
of
them
right
inside
your
grocery
store
or
in
your
neighborhood
pharmacy.
B
In
terms
of
community
testing,
the
north
carolina
department
of
health
and
human
services,
testing
search
partner,
optum
operated
at
unc
a
from
january
21st
until
february
20th
providing
testing
services
monday,
I'm
sorry,
friday,
saturday
and
sunday.
We
are
grateful
to
our
partners
at
mayheck
and
particularly
marty
stamey
for
coordinating
that
resource,
while
deployed
in
our
region.
B
B
they're,
also
currently
maintaining
their
hera's
convention
center
site
monday
through
friday.
Ten
to
two
as
well
and
lastly,
they've
added
an
extra
day
at
their
a
b
tech
site
now
will
be
available
sunday
and
monday
from
12
to
four
so
to
find
those
locations
and
times
for
available
testing
individuals
should
visit
the
starmed.care
backslash
testing
website
for
more
information
and
as
with
vaccine,
there
are
many
testing
providers
still
in
our
community
and
to
find
a
provider
that
is
not
listed
here.
Folks
can
visit
the
covid19.ncdhhs.gov.
B
And
so,
in
closing,
we
continue
to
see
improvement
in
our
community
when
it
comes
to
the
burden
of
covet
19.
covet.
19
cases
are
decreasing,
but
they
are
not
gone
while
cases
are
decreasing,
virus
is
still
circulating.
So,
as
we
continue
forward
in
this
new
phase
of
the
response
plea,
I
do
want
everyone
to.
B
If
you
are
high
risk
for
severe
illness,
please
talk
to
your
provider
about
treatment
or
visit
this
website
around
finding
treatment.
Remember
to
assess
your
risk
of
getting
sick
and
spreading
infection
to
others
when
deciding,
if
and
when,
to
wear
a
mask
or
have
other
additional
precautions
and
consider
getting
the
vaccine
dose
that
you
are
missing
today.
B
B
A
All
right
next
on
the
agenda
is
some
discussion
around
the
forest
planning
process
for
the
pisgah
and
nantahala
national
forest.
At
our
last
meeting,
we
heard
some
officials
from
the
united
states
forest
service
give
some
updates
around
the
force
planning
process,
and
so
we
also
wanted
to
provide
an
opportunity
for
some
of
the
citizens
in
our
community
who
have
been
real
involved
in
that
process
to
also
share
their
perspective,
and,
as
the
commission
will
recall,
we
have
the
biggest
area
of
I
think
it's.
A
The
largest
area
of
national
forest
in
the
county
is
in
the
big
ivy
area.
We
also
have
part
of
the
pisgah
ranger
district
starting
down
in
bent
creek,
so
we've
got
that
area
and
the
other
side
of
the
county,
but
there's
obviously
been
a
lot
of
community
interest
over
the
last
many
years
around
the
future
management
of
the
big
ivy
part
of
pisgah
national
forest
and
the
county
has
adopted.
A
C
Hey
thank
you
so
much
and
thank
you.
Thank
you.
Thank
you
all
of
you
for
your
support.
So
far,
the
resolutions
that
you
have
passed
previously
have
been
instrumental
and
you
have
been
champions
of
this
forest
so
from
the
bottom
of
my
heart
and
from
our
community
and
from
the
public.
Thank
you
immensely
for
what
you've
done
so
far,
I'm
hoping
to
share
a
few
slides
to
show
you
what
you
have
helped
protect
so
far
and
ask
you
to
take
the
next
step.
C
C
Well,
while
that's
coming,
oh
here,
we
go
all
right,
so
big,
ivy
and
craggy
are
the
same
landscape.
Just
to
be
clear.
There
are
two
names
for
the
same
portion
of
the
pisgas
national
forest
in
the
northeast
corner
of
buncombe
county.
You
can
see
that
kidney
bean
shaped
area
of
national
forest
and
it
as
brownie
mentioned
it-
is
the
largest
portion
of
public
lands
in
buncombe
county
and
the
last
old
growth
forest
in
buncombe
county
there's
over
4
000
acres
of
ancient
forest.
C
In
this
neck
of
the
woods
and
spectacular
vistas
from
craggy
gardens,
craigie
gardens
overlooks
the
big
ivy
section.
We've
got
70-foot
waterfalls,
old
trees,
massive
old
growth
in
this
very
special
part
of
the
forest,
also
a
major
recreation
hub,
world-class
recreation,
mountain
biking,
hiking,
climbing
and
even
blockbuster
movies
have
been
filmed
in
big
ivy.
The
hunger
games
katniss
kissed
peta
right
beneath
this
rock.
C
This
is
corner
rock,
also
a
popular
bouldering
spot,
so
just
incredible
recreational
opportunities
and
then
the
biological
diversity
is
stunning
over
40,
rare
and
endangered
species
in
big
ivy,
including
salamanders
northern
carolina
flying
squirrels.
Just
a
spectacular
diversity
of
wildlife
in
this
region
and
then,
of
course,
the
views,
the
panoramic
vistas
from
craggy
gardens
the
most
visited
spot
along,
the
blue
ridge
parkway,
the
most
photographed
most
popular
spot,
500
000
visitors
a
year,
so
an
important
economic
engine
and
tourism
hotspot
for
buncombe
county,
and
this
is
the
view
shed.
C
We
mapped
the
views,
it's
not
just
visible
from
the
parkway,
but
from
interstate
26
you
see
big
ivy
as
you
come
into
buncombe
county.
Those
are
the
views
that
we're
fighting
to
protect
and
I'll
get
back
to
these
maps
in
a
second.
But
I
want
to
briefly
tell
you
a
story,
a
love
story
that
that
predates
me.
I've
lived
in
big
ivy
for
for
two
decades
now,
but
this
fight
is
way
before
my
time.
30
years
ago,
folks
in
the
big
ivy
community
stood
up
and
fought
for
their
forest.
C
So
when
they
first
released
a
draft
plan,
this
is
the
big
ivy
community
center
over
300
people
packed
the
room.
I
think
brownie
may
have
been
in
that
in
that
crowded,
sweaty
room
and
more
folks
couldn't
come
in
because
there
were
so
many
people,
the
the
fire
marshal.
The
fire
code
prevented
any
further
folks,
but
you
can
see
the
overwhelming
public
support
for
protecting
this
place.
C
The
sentiment
in
that
room
was
unanimous,
protect
big
ivy
and
now
the
next
generation
is
stepping
up
to
protect
this
place
so
and
we've
got
over
150
businesses
from
across
buncombe
county
and
beyond.
It's
received
incredible
coverage
in
the
media.
You
all
have
passed
two
unanimous
bipartisan
resolutions
supporting
protecting
all
of
big
ivy,
and
we
can't
thank
you
enough
for
that.
C
Where
things
are
at
now
is
the
forest
service
has
released
its
final
plan
after
eight
years
and
those
crowded
meetings
and
all
of
the
public
input
over
ten
thousand
folks
have
chimed
in
supporting
big
ivy.
Unfortunately,
this
is
the
map
that
the
forest
service
has
released
and
it
includes
4
000
acres
in
their
highest
priority
logging
designation.
C
So
the
north
fork
section
of
big
ivy
and
the
snowball
mountain
section
of
big
ivy
are
in
the
forest
service's
highest
priority.
Logging,
designation
and
they've
even
identified
the
logging
roads
that
they
plan
to
use
to
log
these
areas.
We're
really
concerned
about
that.
We're
asking
you
tonight
to
take
the
next
step
and
encourage
the
forest
service
to
protect
all
of
big
ivy,
including
the
north
fork
and
snowball
sections
which
are
critically
important
to
this
region.
The
the
north
fork
of
big
ivy
protects
the
head.
C
Well,
the
whole
big
ivy
area,
but
especially
north
fork
protects
the
headwaters
of
the
ivy
river,
which
weaverville
relies
on
as
its
municipal
drinking
water
source.
There's
also
1500
acres
of
old
growth
in
north
fork
and
snowball
snowball
is
home
to
one
of
the
most
popular
trails
along
the
blue
ridge
parkway.
The
snowball
trail
and
the
mountains
to
sea
trail
beautiful
vistas
from
hawkbill
rock,
a
really
important
cultural
heritage
site
at
the
end
of
that
section
for
the
big
ivy
community,
where
the
snowball
fire
tower
used
to
sit
that's
now
in
our
community
center.
C
So
the
cultural
and
natural
heritage
of
these
sections
are
really
important.
What
we're
asking
you
all
to
do
now
is
continue
your
legacy
of
being
champions
for
this
area
and
object
to
the
forest
plan,
encourage
it
to
protect
these.
These
four
thousand
acres
that
are
now
in
their
highest
priority
logging
destinations
and
simply
respond
to
what
the
public,
the
community,
stakeholders
and
and-
and
you
have
asked
them
to
do,
which
is
protect
all
of
big
ivy.
C
That's
where
we're
at
now,
I'm
happy
to
answer
any
questions
about
the
forest
plan
about
the
objection
process
about
the
views
from
big
ivy,
both
the
vistas,
as
well
as
the
the
perspectives
that
folks
would
like
to
share
so
happy
to
answer
any
questions,
and
thank
you
once
again
for
for
being
such
remarkable
champions
for
this
forest.
A
All
right
will
thanks
commissioners,
any
questions.
C
Yes,
unfortunately,
the
maps
that
the
forest
service
have
provided
are
really
bare
bones,
but
I
will
show
you
those
right
now:
it's
it's
the
lime
green
sections
of
this
map.
If
you
can
pick
those
up
there
at
the
northernmost
section
of
big
ivy
and
the
southern
westernmost
section
of
big
ivy,
it
also
includes
parts
of
shop,
creek
and
ox
creek,
which
have
become
really
popular
destinations
and
those
are
also
in
their
high
priority
logging
designations.
C
So
there's
real
concern
from
the
community
even
beyond
big
ivy,
the
asheville
community,
western
north
carolina
community,
the
recreation
community
conservation
community
have
all
been
very
clear
in
their
support
for
big
ivy
and
all
of
its
its
pieces.
But
those
are
especially
important
pieces
of
the
puzzle
that
we
want
to
see
protected.
F
So
much
this
is
really
helpful.
Can
you
just
walk
us
through
sort
of
the
timeline
and
process
moving
forward
in
terms
of
how
final
decisions
will
be
made
and
by
whom.
C
Yes,
thank
you
so
we're
in
a
60-day
objection
period,
which
started
back
on
january
21st.
So
we
have
essentially
until
march
21st,
to
file
any
objections
to
this
plan
and
there
will
be
objections
coming
from
many
groups,
conservation
groups,
recreation
groups,
even
other
counties,
not
all-
will
be
supporting
conservation,
but
we're
hoping
this
this
county
will
as
they
have
done,
and
but
we
have
until
march
21st
to
file
an
objection.
C
C
It's
a
simple
objection.
The
objection
could
simply
be
protect.
These
four
thousand
acres
like
we've
asked,
and
we
can
help
you
draft
that
objection
and
and
provide
you
know
legal
arguments
for
it,
but
it's
a
very
simple
statement
and
it
essentially
ensures
that
your
voice
is
heard
in
the
objection
resolution
process.
A
A
So
so
so
there's
there's
the
forest
plan
and
the
decision
about
whether
the
commission
would
want
to
submit
an
objection
or
other
kind
of
comment.
A
resolution
around
that,
the
the
other,
I
think
idea
I've
heard
from
the
community
is
that
sort
of
beyond
the
forest
plan.
The
hope
is
that
some
of
the
areas
in
big
ivy
and
maybe
other
areas
on
the
forest
service
can
also
receive
because
forest
plants
change
over
time
right.
A
It
seems
like
they're
always
revising
the
forest
plan
like
it
never
stops
for
some
reason,
the
so
to
permanently
protect
some
of
these
areas
on
our
national
forest.
The
hope
is
to
get
them
designated
by
congress
as
either
national
scenic
areas
and
there's
also
some
wilderness
area
designations
that
are,
and
many
of
which
are
supported
by
the
forest
service
right.
A
C
That's
already
supported
by
the
forest
service
that
has
wide
political
public
community
support
as
well,
and
that
would
be
the
next
step.
But
we
need
to
get
the
forest
plan
aligned
with
the
national
scenic
area
proposal
and
right
now,
those
4
000
acres
are
what's
missing.
A
So
there's
currently
a
wilderness
study
area
right
around
the
high
elevation
areas
of
the
craggies.
That's
right,
and
so
it
would
take
that
from
a
wilderness
study
area
go
ahead
and
designate
that
as
wilderness
and
then
the
balance
of
big
iv.
The
majority
of
the
property
wouldn't
go
into
wilderness,
but
a
national
scenic
area
designation,
which
provides
a
lot
of
protection,
but
also
some
more
flexibility
in
terms
of
how
it's
managed
and
utilized
for
recreation
and
things
like
that.
That's
exactly.
C
Right
so
that
would
permanently
protect
all
of
big
ivy,
all
of
the
views
from
craggy
gardens,
blue
ridge
parkway
permanently
protected,
so
we're
not
having
to
ask
the
forest
service
to
keep
coming
back
to
protect
these
areas.
A
C
Right,
so
the
forest
service
has
come
a
long
way.
They
initially
proposed
logging,
most
of
big
ivy.
Now
they've
proposed
a
forest
scenic
area
for
a
good
chunk
of
big
ivy
and
that's
a
big
step,
but
the
big
ivy
community
stands
together
the
recreation
conservation
community.
Everyone
stands
together.
We
want
to
protect
all
of
big
ivy,
that's
a
critical
watershed,
ancient
forest.
We
can't
neglect
the
two
most
important
pieces
and
so
we're
just
simply
asking
the
forest
service
to
go
a
little
further
and
protect
all
of
big,
which
is
what
everyone
is
saying.
C
Even
the
timber
industry
has
supported
protecting
all
of
big
ivy.
The
nantahala
pisgah
forest
partnership
is
a
coalition
of
30
organizations.
Diverse
organizations
includes
forest
products,
industry,
timber,
industry,
hunting
organizations,
as
well
as
recreation
groups.
They've
all
been
hammering
out
an
agreement
for
the
past
six
seven
years
and
that
compromised
their
very
first
recommendation.
The
top
of
the
list
protect
all
of
big
ivy
as
a
craggy
national
scenic
area.
So
there's
no
one
that
wants
to
log
big
iv,
except
for
the
forest
service
and
we're
hoping
they
will
respond
to
the
county's
input.
A
C
Right
well
in
2020,
you
all
passed
a
unanimous
bipartisan
resolution
supporting
the
craggy
national
scenic
area
and
we'd
love
for
you
to
reinforce
that
with
it
with
additional
resolutions,
if
necessary,
as
as
we
get
closer
to
congressional
approval,
but
right
now
most
urgently,
we
need
buncombe
county
commission
to
object
to
this
forest
plan.
Otherwise
the
forest
service
will
move
forward.
This
is
their
final
plan
and
without
objections
they
will
move
forward,
as
is
so
that's
why
objections
are
critically
important
right
now,.
G
Will
have
you
seen
across
the
country
with
other
forest
service
final
plans,
they're
being
some
success
with
objections
to
where
the
forest
service
is
really
listening
and
we'll
make
some
changes
based
on
our
objections
and
other
organizations.
C
Yes,
the
the
2012
planning
rule
has
enabled
this
process
to
be
improved
and
we've
seen
substantial
response
from
the
forest
service
to
objections,
especially
when
they
come
from
the
most
populous
county
in
the
pisgah
antihala
footprint.
You
all
have
a
really
important
role
to
play
and
your
voice
will
be
heard.
A
All
right:
well,
there's
no
other
questions
right
now,
so
will
you
know,
and
some
of
the
other
folks
and
friends
of
big
ivy
and
the
whole
coalition
of
organizations
around
us
have
obviously
spoken
the
commission
about
this
a
number
of
times.
So
I
think
their
request
is
that
we
file
an
objection.
It's
basically
filing
like
a
comment
in
the
forest
planning
process
after
will
reached
out
to
some
of
the
commissioners
after
last
meeting.
A
A
And
he
did
share
a
draft
that
we
could
consider.
So
if
this
is
something
the
commission
is
interested
in,
what
we
could
do
is
we
could
have
our
staff
look
at
the
draft
comments
that
were
prepared
by
friends
of
big
iv
and
because
it's
not
something
that
obviously
we
have
like
it's,
not
something
our
staff
work
on
day
to
day.
So
so,
if
someone
could
kind
of
take
a
first
cut
at
it
for
us
to
look
at
react
to,
I
think
that
would
probably
be
better
than
us
developing
it
ourselves.
A
Since
they've
got
a
lot
of
the
expertise
on
it
and
are
familiar
with
the
details,
but
then
our
legal
team
and
anybody
else
that
the
county
manager
thinks
would
be
appropriate
to
look
at
it.
Then
that
could
be
done
and
we
could
something
we
could
consider
for
our
next
meeting.
If
we
are
going
to
do
it,
we
do
need
to
do
it
at
our
next
meeting,
because
otherwise
we'll
miss
the
comment
period.
A
So
if
nobody,
if
there's
no
objections
to
that,
then
we'll
ask
will
to
to
share
a
draft
form
that
we
can
consider.
That
would
be
consistent
with
the
previous
resolutions
the
commission
has
adopted
around
this
part
of
the
pisgah
national
forest.
A
All
right
sounds
good.
Well
will
thanks
for
being
here
thanks
for
all
the
work
you,
and
so
many
folks
in
the
community
have
been
putting
into
this
monitoring
of
our
public
lands
and
we'll
take
next
steps
on
it.
A
All
right
next
up
is
a
program
update
around
some
of
the
other
land
conservation
planning
work
that
buncombe
county
is
involved
in
and
can
commissioner
wells
is
going
to
get
us
started
on
this
and
I
think,
there's
some
staff
here
to
help
chime
in
as
well.
H
Thank
you.
Yes,
I
think
it
was
about
a
year
ago
that
we
we
discussed,
having
additional
funding
with
the
program
and
everything,
and
we
really
appreciate
the
commission
being
supportive
of
that
all
of
you
and
thought
it
would
be
good
to
provide
some
updates
on
that.
Just
so,
you
know
how
that's
going,
and
fortunately,
ariel
zype
is
here
as
well
as
some
more
and
I
think
she'll
introduce
some
of
the
other
staff
as
well
as
we
proceed
and
talk
some
about
the
great
work
that
they've
been
doing.
H
This
goal
also
helps
impact
some
of
our
other
strategic
goals
as
well,
so
it
impacts
our
public
health,
the
air
and
water
quality,
healthy
food,
of
course,
that
we
all
appreciate
also
educational
opportunities,
such
as
the
kemp
woodson
project,
that
is
in
progress
and
economic
vibrancy,
such
as
the
robust,
robust
farm-to-table
economy
and
tourism,
and
just
so,
we
have
some
overview
of
some
buncombe
county
facts
as
well,
the
as
you
know,
from
the
last
census.
This
is
kind
of
where
we
are
with
residents.
H
H
We
have
a
wealth
of
natural
resources
here
that,
in
my
opinion,
we
would
be
wise
to
never
take
for
granted,
because
I
really
do
believe
that
it's,
it's
not
just
impacting
us
now,
but
we're
thinking
of
our
future
generations,
and
so
that's
really
important
for
us
to
take
in
consideration
and
when
we
look
at
this
and
we
get
an
idea
of
the
potential
with
conservation.
So
basically,
one
percent
is
a
little
over
4
000
acres
to
to
continue
to
conserve
more
of
that
land,
and
I
think
right
now
we'll
look
here.
H
Oh
with
this
mapping,
you
can
get
a
sense
and
you
can
clearly
see
up
there.
Some
of
what
will
was
talking
about
as
well.
So
the
areas
in
red
are
the
public
land
and
the
you
see
the
blue
ridge
parkway.
They
are
connecting
those
two
large
areas
of
the
public
land
and
then
with
the
green
you're,
able
to
see
the
private
land
and
if
you'll
notice,
a
lot
of
work
is
being
done
around
the
public
lands
as
well,
because
we
have.
H
Fortunately,
we
have
a
lot
of
landowners
in
buncombe
county
that
very
much
care
about
conservation,
and
we
were
actually
out
in
that
big
ivy
area
last
week
doing
some
site
visits
with
some
land
owners
who
are
considering
putting
their
land
in
conservation.
So
we
were
up
in
that
north
corner
there
pretty
close
to
where
madison
nancy
and
buncombe
connect,
and
so
I
I
really
think
it's
it's
it's
wonderful
when
we
have
such
so
many
folks
and
and
actually
those
two
landowners
had
just
recently
moved
to
buncombe
county.
H
And
last
week,
when
I
was
checking
on
that,
it
was
one
of
the
questions
is
what
some
of
the
most
important
needs
for
protecting
land
and
water
and
they
could
give
their
top
three
responses
and
64
said:
protect
the
county's
environment,
air,
water,
soil,
61,
said
clean
water
and
52
percent
said
protect
working
lands
and
when
they
were
asked
the
question
about
the
biggest
concerns
for
the
future
of
buncombe
county
they
beyond
cost
of
living.
That
clearly
was
the
top
indicator
there,
but
the
next
one
was
50.
Losing
natural
natural
areas
in
agriculture.
H
I
think
that
that
is
an
area
that
we
all
agree
that
is
really
important
to
us
is
our
natural
environment,
and
so
I
really
feel
it's
incumbent
upon
us
to
be
really
good
stewards
of
our
natural
resources,
because
there's
so
many
things
you
know
whether
you
enjoy
hiking
hunting,
fishing,
kayaking
and
clearly
we
all
enjoy
eating
so
doing.
This
type
of
work
is
important
and
touches
everyone's
lives,
and
now
I'd
really
appreciate
it
if
ariel
would
take
over
there
and
share
some
of
the
good
work
that
they
have
been
doing.
H
I
I
We've
worked
very
closely
with
the
land
conservation
advisory
board,
as
well
as
the
agricultural
advisory
board,
and
we
have
been
able
to
close
seven
conservation,
easement
projects
since
last
february,
2021.,
so
that's
protecting
around
468
0.5
acres
permanently
and
some
of
those
acres
are
working
farms,
working
forests,
scenic
view.
Sheds
ridge
tops
mountainsides
wildlife,
corridors
and
projects
like
that.
I
I
I
So
recently,
we've
had
the
the
opportunity
to
complete
a
gis
analysis
to
create
priority
regions
of
conservation
for
buncombe
county
in
order
to
really
help
direct
this
land
conservation
work
with
researched
based
gis
analysis.
So
this
is
a
sneak
peek
at
some
of
our
currently
identified
priority
regions
for
farmland
preservation
in
buncombe
county.
I
We
have
identified
newfound
leicester,
sandy
mush
area
as
kind
of
one
region,
also
the
jupiter
iv
barnardsville
region
as
well,
and
the
fairview
king
creek
region.
So
these
are
regions
that
have
the
highest
conservation
of
agricultural
lands
and
protected
lands
in
the
county.
So
it's
really.
You
can
really
make
a
high
impact
by
putting
more
conservation
in
these
kind
of
regions
with
higher
concentration
of
protected
lands,
so
yeah.
I
H
And
and
with
that
mapping,
I
really
appreciate
that,
because
that's
been
one
of
our
goals
all
along,
and
I
really
think
it's
great
avni's
been
able
to
come
on
board
and
work
with
ariel
and
and
dig
into
that,
because
that
way,
we're
able
to
really
prioritize
those
areas
that
we're
looking
at
and
be
very
strategic
with
it,
the
and
so
just
to
give
you
a
sense
of
some
of
the
work
that
they're
working
on
with
this
as
they're
proceeding.
H
So,
specifically
like
right
now,
they'd
have
five
additional
projects.
Totaling
close
to
500
acres
ready
this
this
year
to
go
in
addition
to
what
they
already
have
budgeted
and
then
we
close
to
50
additional
projects
and
that's
on
the
farm
advisory
as
well
as
the
lcab,
which
is
the
land
conservation.
H
So
that's
all
of
that
together,
basically
about
another
50
projects:
5
000
acres,
that's
already
on
wait
list
and
the
great
news
is
that
there's
folks
still
coming
on,
there's
always
more
folks
that
are
interested
just
like
the
ones
that
we
went
out
and
visited
with
there
in
the
big
ivy.
The
great
thing
is
those
neighbors
keep
spreading
the
word
because
they
are
dedicated,
so
they
they
really
kind
of
they're.
H
Our
best
advocates
folks,
who
have
done
conservation,
are
our
best
advocates
in
some
way
because
they
talk
to
their
neighbors
and
then
more
people
are
interested
in
doing
it,
and
then
they
reach
out
to
ariel
and
ofny.
And
that's
one
thing:
that's
really
important
too.
I
want
folks
to
know
who
to
reach
out
to,
if
you're
interested
in
doing
this
work
and
ariel,
can
you
talk
some
more
just
about
the
some
of
the
other
projects
that
you
do
to
really
support
this
work.
I
Absolutely
so
over
the
last
year
we've
been
able
to
make
significant
strides
and
progress
in
our
land
conservation
program.
I
The
visit
nc
farms
app
was
able
to
be
launched
in
buncombe
county
this
summer
and
we've
also
led
a
regional
effort
to
bring
it
to
our
surrounding
counties
in
western
north
carolina
so
very
excited
about
all
of
the
work
we've
been
able
to
do
over
the
last
year.
Thank
you
all
so
much
for
your
continued
support
of
this
important
conservation
work.
I
H
Thank
you
ariel,
and
I
also
want
to
mention
on
our
climate
and
environment
subcommittee.
The
staff
has
been
coming
to
us
and
we're
working
on
some
specific
goal
settings.
So
I
think
something
will
be
coming
from
our
subcommittee
with
that
as
well.
So
just
wanted
you
to
know,
and
if
you
all
have
any
questions
for
them,
but
I
just
want
to
thank
you
so
much
for
the
great
work
you
all
are
doing
and
also
for
reaching
out
regionally.
I
think
that
is
really
important.
H
A
All
right
thanks,
ariel
thanks
terry
already
and
those
those
draft
goals
are.
Are
those
goals
are
for
between
kind
of
the
set
of
work
between
now
and
2030.?
Is
that
the
time
frame
that
is
being
looked
at?
I
know
I've
been
in
this
meeting.
We
just
refreshed
my
memory.
H
Yeah,
we're
kind
of
they're
exploring
that
they're
bringing
in
some
different
times
to
us
in
different
okay
goals,
but
yeah
around
that
so
beyond.
Beyond
our
2025
strategic
plan,.
A
J
J
So
here
you
have
a
chart
of
where
we
are
in
the
selection
process
by
city
council,
the
neighborhoods
and
you
all,
as
the
commission.
So
thus
far,
the
city
has
conducted
18
applicant
interviews.
They
did
that
on
february
15th.
These
were
live
streamed
on
the
city's
youtube
channel
and
the
public
input
page,
and
they
also
also
were
recorded,
so
they
are
housed
in
both
places
for
review.
J
They
are
scheduled
currently
to
appoint
their
five
nominees
to
the
commission
on
their
on
march,
8th
at
their
city
council
meeting.
Originally,
I
will
say
that
they
were
slated
to
select
on
february
22nd
that
there
has
been
a
bit
of
a
delay,
so
they
will
be
choosing
our
march
8th
and
they
are
currently
in
the
process
of
reevaluating
applicants
with
the
neighborhoods,
which
include
just
to
remind
everyone:
asheville,
public
housing,
burton
street
easton
valley,
street
heart
of
chestnut
hills,
shiloh,
community,
the
south
side,
community
and
stump
town
from
there.
J
Each
of
those
seven
communities
has
chosen
their
15
community
representative
commission
members
with
up
to
two
alternates
per
neighborhood.
These
city
council
will
be
officially
appointing
these
individuals
to
the
commission
at
the
march
8th
council
meeting,
but
I
also
want
to
be
clear
that
these
15
members
were
chosen
specifically
by
the
neighborhoods.
There
will
not
be
an
interview
process
or
a
separate
interview
process
by
the
city
council,
for
you
all
and
our
next
steps
here
in
the
county.
J
We
will
be
interviewing
and
selecting
applicants
and
appointing
five
commission
members
at
the
march
15th
board
of
commissioners
meeting
and
the
pool
would
consist
of
the
six
county
resident
applicants,
as
well
as
the
remaining
applicants
from
the
total
of
18
city
resident
applicants.
So
basically,
the
13
that
remain
after
they've
chosen
their
five.
There
will
be
those
as
well
as
the
six.
J
So
these
just
to
remind
everyone
and
bring
everyone
back
to
kind
of
the
focus
of
what
the
individuals
and
the
applicants
have
have
said
about
their
expertise
and
their
their
experience.
They're
based
around
these
five
impact
focus
areas,
so
they
have
come
come
together
and
you
will
see
that
on
their
applications,
the
five
impact
focus
areas
are
housing,
economic
development,
public
health,
education
and
public
safety
and
justice.
J
J
The
others
are
are
very
helpful
to
the
selection
process,
and
they
will
also
be
helpful
in
the
selection
of
alternates
to
the
commission
and
because
for
alternates,
we're
really
looking
for
generalists,
who
have
some
experience
across
the
board.
But
for
your
main
impact
focus
areas,
and
we
would
want
them
to
to
please
identify
what
they
are
most
interested
in
or
where
they
feel
like.
They
have
the
most
expertise.
J
J
In
case
someone
that
is
a
primary
applicant,
has
to
drop
from
the
commission
for
some
reason,
because
especially
this
because
this
will
be
a
very
long
term
project
and
one
that
is
highly
important
and
will
be
detailed,
we
want
to
make
sure
that
there
are
applicants
in
place.
So
just
as
a
reminder
for
the
vance
monument
commission,
there
were,
in
addition
to
the
six
members.
J
There
were
also
two-
oh
I'm
saying
this
correctly,
two
alternates
chosen
by
both
the
county
and
the
city
so
for
four
and
several
of
those
were
utilized,
so
I
just
want
to
bring
everybody
back
to
that
thought.
So
that's
one
of
the
reasons
that
choosing
applicants
will
be
very
or
alternate.
Applicants
will
be
important.
J
These
members
will
be
non-voting,
however,
that
is
the
the
primary
difference.
These
commission
members
are
expected
to
fully
engage
in
the
process
to
attend
all
meetings
and
to
also
be
compensated
in
the
same
way
as
the
primary
commission
members.
So
we
want
to
make
sure
that
there
is
the
ability
to
move
in
seamlessly
and
that
these
individuals
are
compensated
appropriately
for
their
time.
Regarding
compensation.
J
Just
want
to
share
that.
The
compensation
structure
that
has
been
chosen
by
the
city
is
15
per
hour
for
both
primary
members
and
alternates.
Those
funds
are
coming
from
the
prod
the
project
management
budget
directly,
and
so
that
is
a
cost
that
will
be
covered
by
the
city.
J
So,
given
that
our
suggestion
is
that
the
board
consider
appointing
a
minimum
of
two
alternates
that
have
that
general
experience
across
all
of
the
impact
focus
areas
so
regarding
selection
tools
and
materials
that
you
have
at
your
disposal,
presently,
the
candid
materials
are
provided
for
you
in
your
packets
and
they're
available
for
review
ahead
of
applicant
interviews
and
appointments
again
just
to
to
reiterate
the
appointment
should
be
made
based
on
their
expertise
and
experience
in
the
five
impact
focus
areas.
J
A
rubric
and
question
bank
have
been
provided
by
the
reparations
commission
project
management
team
and,
while
they're
not
mandatory
for
your
use,
they
may
be
helpful
tools
for
you
in
the
interviewing
process.
Again
going
back
to
that.
First
slide
that
we
talked
about
with
where
we
all
are
in
the
process.
Interviews
of
all
city
residents
were
live,
streamed
and
recorded,
and
they
are
housed.
So
these
interviews
can
be
viewed
on
the
city
of
asheville
youtube,
page
or
access
via
public
input,
and
so
at
your
discretion.
J
You
may
choose
to
utilize
these
recorded
interviews
rather
than
holding
separate
interviews
for
the
county
appointments,
but
that
is
that
is
at
your
discretion,
but
it
is
something
that's
available
to
you
and
before
we
get
into
our
discussion,
I
do
want
to
add
a
little
bit
of
information
about
one
other
additional
form.
That's
in
your
in
your
packet
this
afternoon,
that
is
a
reparations
committee.
Commitment
statement
that
is
provided
by
the
city
was
drafted
right
by
the
city.
J
We
were
provided
that
document
to
review
last
week
from
the
city's
council,
and
so
I
want
to
make
clear
why
that
is
being
used.
What
function
that
serves
and
where
that
is
kind
of
in
the
ecosystem
of
all
boards
and
commissions?
So,
first
of
all,
I
just
want
to
share
that.
We
in
the
county
do
not
have
such
a
document
for
any
of
our
boards
and
commissions.
J
Nor
does
the
city
have
such
a
document
for
any
of
their
other
boards
and
commissions
other
than
this
specific
one,
and
so,
when
asked
why
exactly,
they
were
choosing
to
have
this
form.
This
document,
this
language
included
specifically
for
this.
The
information
that
was
relayed
back
to
me
is
that,
because
of
the
nature
of
this
particular
commission,
public
input
scrutiny
the
sensitivity
of
the
issue.
They
want
to
make
sure
that
there
are
no
conflicts
of
interest,
no
political
aspirations,
nothing
that
would
take
away
from
their
full
involvement
with
the
commission.
J
So
I
just
want
to
make
sure
that
you
all
have
reference
to
that
one
document
that
has
been
added-
that
is
new.
We
just
got
that
within
the
last
week,
so
I
wanted
to
share
that
with
you
all
and
with
that,
I'm
glad
to
help
answer
any
questions
or
speak
to
anything
or
if
there's
anything,
I
don't
have
the
answer
to
at
present
I'll
be
glad
to
source
it.
For
you.
K
J
At
present,
I
personally
am
not
certain
how
long
that
is
how
long
their
commission
is
scheduled
to
last.
I
don't
know
the
end
date
at
present
at
this
point.
As
far
as
I
know,
the
next
steps
after
the
seating
they
will
move
into
their
next
process,
but
we
haven't
been
giving
details
on
that
portion
of
the
work.
So
far,
we've
really
just
been
focusing
on
the
seating
and
selection
process.
A
D
J
Is
a
scope
of
work?
So,
despite
the
fact
that
I
don't
have
a
projected
end
date,
the
commission
is
seated
only
for
you
know
what
will
be
a
defined
amount
of
time,
because
the
end
goal
for
the
commission
will
be
to
make
recommendations
on
what
the
reparations
could
look
like
in
the
community.
So
it
will
not
be
an
ongoing.
It
will
be
for.
H
J
That
is,
that
is
up
to
you.
Okay,
the
the
clear
numbers
for
selection
are
five
primary
commission
members
that
are
chosen
by
the
county,
five
by
the
city
and
then
15
by
the
neighborhoods,
for
a
total
of
25
total
on
the
commission
plus
alternates.
The
alternate
number
has
not
been
defined
by
the
city
either
one
of
the
points
that
was
shared
with
me
this
week,
and
I
don't
think
that
there
is
is
clear.
J
You
know
decision
around
this,
but
one
of
the
pieces
is
that
the
city
has
or
is
considering
waiting
to
select
their
alternates
until
we
have
selected
not
only
our
five
but
any
alternates
that
we
would
like
to
choose
as
well.
So
if
one
were
to
go
with
seven,
we
would
be
able
to
choose
our
five
plus
the
two
or
two
alternates
for
seven
total.
We
would
be
able
to
make
those
choices
on
the
next
meeting
at
march
15th
and
then
they
would
look
back
into
that
pool.
J
J
H
Okay,
and
so
basically,
we
need
to
decide
how
we're
going
to
select
folks
for
interviewing
right.
I
would
think
that
we
would
interview
all
the
county
applicants
since
they're
six
and
then
decide
how
I
mean.
Are
we
wanting
to
interview
all
the
city
applicants
that
weren't
selected
or
watch
the
interviews
and
maybe
watch
the
interviews
and
then
see
if
there's
some,
that
we
would
also
like
to
interview?
Would
that
be
one
way
of
doing
it?.
J
F
What
process
we've
used
with
large
applicant
pools
that
where
we
want
to
do
a
fair
number
of
interviews,
is
have
each
commission
member
bring
forth
several
names
and
try
to
create
a
pool
of
maybe
out
of
19?
We
would
create
a
pool
of
a
dozen
or
so
to
interview
towards
the
goal
of
selecting
five.
So
that's
we've
used
that
a
couple
times
when
it
hasn't
felt
realistic
to
interview
an
entire
applicant
pool.
H
A
J
Right
or
well,
I
two
is
a
suggested
number:
it's
not
up
two,
it's
really
at
your
discretion
for
how
many
so
just
to
go
back
over
those
numbers,
because
I
know
I
gave
you
quite
a
few.
Okay,
there
are
six
applicants
from
the
county.
There
were
18
applicants
from
the
city.
The
city
will
choose
their
five
from
that
list
of
18
on
march
8,
which
will
leave
13,
plus
the
six
county
applicants
for
county
review.
So
that's
a
total
of
19.
J
H
A
K
A
Does
early
childhood
doesn't
have
a
meeting
that
either
so.
C
A
Don't
have
any
meetings
before
the
briefing
meeting,
so
we
could
try
to
handle
it
on
that
day.
B
A
A
I'm
a
little
I'm
a
little.
You
know
I'm
a
little.
It's
not
like,
I'm
against
the
idea
of
interviewing
all
the
county
applicants,
but
in
a
way
like
not
interview,
get
not
interviewing
the
city
applicants
the
inter
the
folks
from
within
the
city
I
mean.
I
know
the
city
will
have
interviewed
them
or
done
some
kind
of
review
process,
but
that
information
won't
be
inside
our
heads.
So
I'm
wondering
how.
A
To
those
applicants
too,
because
we
could
theoretically
appoint
whoever
we
wish
right,
I
mean
it's
not
I
mean
if
we
just.
I
don't
think
this
will
happen,
but
theoretically
we
could
say
you
know
it
just
turns
out
that
these
folks
from
the
city
are
just
the
best
folks.
For
this
I
mean
there's
not
like
it's
not
like.
We
have
to
pick
from
more
the
county
pool
than
the
city
pool.
These
are
all
county.
They
all
are
residents
of
buncombe
county
right,
so.
H
Yes
and
the
thing
is,
we
can
go,
watch
the
interviews
right,
so
we
can
clearly
go
ahead
and
go
watch.
The
interviews
of
everybody
that
applied
through
the
city,
it's
just
that
the
ones
that
applied
through
the
county
haven't
been
interviewed
yet
so
it
seems
as
if
they
should
get
a
chance
at
being
interviewed
as
well.
A
F
F
I
would
I
just
think
of
it
as
an
applicant
pool
of
county
residents
who
have
applied
for
this
and
they're
going
through
different
systems
based
on
my
mic
as
well.
I
apologize
so
that
so
I
put
that
on
the
table
that
we
just
look
at
the
total
list
and
figure
out
whatever
method
feels
most
comfortable
to
folks
to
narrow
it.
G
H
G
A
A
That's
let's
say
that's
option
a
and
say:
option
b
would
be
kind
of
the
scenario
jasmine
described
where
we
all
just
kind
of
look
at
the
total
pool
of
applicants
and
everybody
comes
we
we
decide,
you
know
everyone
ranks
their
top
four
or
five
or
whatever,
and
then
those
two
you
know
have
the
most
overall
interest.
We
focus
on
interviewing
that
set
of
applicants
and
it's
presumably
kind
of
a
combination
of
inside
and
outside
the
city.
So
let's
say
that's
option
bay
option
b
so
who
would
lean
towards
option
option
a.
H
K
Not
purposely,
I'm
purposely
being
quiet,
okay
and
now
I'm
going
to
start.
You
know.
I
hope
that
this
whole
process
is
not
just
wonder
dressing.
I
don't
like
the
way
it's
starting
out.
I've
attended
several
of
the
meetings,
one
for
stumptown,
where
I
lived
for
24
years
and
then
another
for
the
south
side
area
where
I've
lived
for
the
rest
of
my
life
since
I've.
You
know
been
here,
but
this
is
the
most
convoluted
thing
I've
seen
and
you
know
I
want
to
see
us.
K
K
K
K
I
want
to
see
this
be
a
success
because
it's
needed
in
the
area,
but
we've
got
to
make
sure
we
do
it
right.
We've
got
to
make
sure
we
have
the
people
on
there
who
are
going
to
do
a
good
job
of
representing
these
communities
and
all
which
you
know
I
have
no.
I
think
it's
a
good
idea
to
have
the
people
from
the
communities.
True
I
mean
we
need
them
because
they
have
been
the
ones
who
have
been
affected
right,
but
it
just
seems
that
we're
making
this
so
darn
complicated.
A
K
Well,
I
think
the
best
way
to
make
to
appoint
the
decisions
is
to
look
at
the
pool
and
pick
out
who
we
think
would
be
the
best.
We
can
look
at
the
pool,
the
ones
that
they've
interviewed
for
the
city,
but
I
would
feel
more
comfortable
looking
at
that
using
that,
but
for
us
to
bring
him
in
and
us
to
do
our
own
interview
process.
A
J
J
A
You
know
we
could,
if
we've
got
five
appointments,
we
definitely
need
to
make
potentially
a
couple
of
alternates
as
well.
That's
seven,
a
pool
of
19
applicants,
so
you
know
a
little
under
half
will
end
up
being
selected
for
at
least
one
of
those
positions
I
mean
if
we
were
going
to
narrow
the
pool
down
some,
you
know
which
we
usually
do.
If
we
have
a
big
pool
of
applicants,
I
mean
what
would
be
the
range
to
narrow
it
down
to
you
know
12
to
13
or
something
in
that
neighborhood.
A
A
But
if
we're
not
going
to
do
that,
I
mean
I
would
I
would.
I
would
still
lean
towards
the
idea
that
we
all
pick
the
you
know
four
or
five
like
pic
you're,
four
or
five
people
you're
most
interested
in
interviewing.
A
K
K
A
Does
anybody
have
any
other
thoughts?
I
think
that's
a
great
suggestion,
all
right
so
review
the
entire
list.
Everybody
in
essence,
is
going
to
get
kind
of
five
of
your
dots
to
put
on
people.
You
got
it.
You
got
to
pick
five
different
ones.
You
can't
put
all
your
dots
on
one
person
or
two
people
right,
so
you
gotta
come
up
with
a
list
of
your
top
five
and
then
so
in
terms
of
timing.
A
M
A
A
Okay,
but
does
the
timing
work
on
this?
So
if
we
don't
if,
but
if
we
don't
start
till
the
13th,
then
is
it?
Is
there
really
time
to
set
these
interviews
up
the.
F
J
L
So
so
originally
the
city
had
said
in
march,
but
then
they
pushed
back
their
timeline.
So
I
think
we
should
get
some
flexibility
there
in
order
to
make
our
appointments
as
well.
So
just
but
like
rachel
said
there
is
no
drop
dead
date
at
this
particular
time
that
they
want
us
to.
I
just
know
they
want
to
get
this
process
completed
as
soon
as
possible.
J
That's
correct,
that's
my
understanding
as
well,
and
so
unfortunately,
due
to
that
pushback
with
their
selection
process,
it's
made
our
time
frame
shorter
and
so,
given
that
and
that
that
point
has
been
raised
with
the
city,
we
definitely
do
have
the
room,
as
mr
joyner
said,
to
request
an
extension
on
time.
A
So
march
is
one
of
those
months
where
there's
three
and
there's
actually
five
tuesdays
in
the
month
right.
So
I
am
I'm
just
I'm
concerned.
I
mean
I'd
like
to
see
this
moving
ahead,
but
it
does
feel
like
a
very
tight
window
to
like
wait
until
we
learn
what
the
city
council's
decisions
are.
It's
like,
we
would
all
need
to
then
once
we
know
who's,
not
in
consideration
like
within
24
to
48
hours.
A
We
would
need
to
communicate
with
mr
joyner
who
we
would
like
to
interview
so
that
there's
still
time
for
him
to
and
others
to
notify
the
applicants
to
be.
A
Do
you
feel
like
that
is
realistic
if
we
could
get
you
our
list
of
five
applicants,
each
within
48
hours,
like
so
by
the
end
of
let's
say
the
end
of
the
day,
thursday,
like
city
council,
makes
a
decision.
Tuesday,
we'd
have
wednesday
thursday.
If
we
could
get
you
our
names
by
thursday.
Does
that
does
that
work?
Because
I
don't
I
don't
you
know
just
I
know
you
know.
We
probably
need
at
least
a
day
and
a
half
to
review.
What's
what's
there
and
then
make
the
make
our
recommendations.
D
A
If
we
get
through
that
time,
so
if
we'd
been
narrowed
down
by
thursday,
he
could
notify
the
ones
who
are
then
selected
and
that
can
work.
Okay,
all
right.
Well,
that
sounds
like
that's
viable
then,
and
so
we
can
keep
it
all
moving
ahead.
So
we're
not
taking
three
more
weeks
to
make
a
decision.
L
Just
a
quick,
I
guess
question
so
each
one
of
you
will
send
like
five
individuals
and
is
it
up
to
me
to
decide
to
do
the
ranking
and
yes.
K
G
A
A
Thank
you
for
helping
us
think
this
through
and
mr
joyner,
thanks
to
you
and
for
in
advance
for
helping
to
coordinate
the
interviews
and
if
everyone
could
just
maybe
make
a
note
on
your
calendar
or,
however,
you
do
it
that
on
wednesday,
you
need
to
be
sure
to
check
your
email
from
lamar,
because
on
wednesday,
or
by
the
end
of
the
day,
thursday,
you
need
to
weigh
in
on
who
you
want
your
your
five
interviewees
to
be
great
all
right.
The
last
item
on
our
agenda,
for
today
is
the
arpa
economic
development
appropriation.
M
Good
afternoon
good
afternoon,
commissioners,
tonight
we
wanted
to
preview
an
item
for
the
upcoming
board
meeting,
but
wanted
to
get
you
up
to
speed
on
what
that
is,
got
a
few
slides
to
present
to
you.
This
does
relate
to
the
local
fiscal
recovery
fund,
so
the
arpa
funding
and
it
relates
to
a
prior
allocation
that
you'd
already
kind
of
voted
on.
But
we've
got
some
changes.
We
wanted
to
share
with
you
today
and
we'll
need
ultimately
your
approval
at
the
upcoming
board
meeting
for
those.
M
So
as
background
you
approved
1.25
million
for
the
mountain
community
capital
fund
in
november
2021..
That's
that
loan
guarantee
program
for
small
businesses
very
equity
focused
the
funding
was
allocated
through
the
local
fiscal
recovery
fund.
So
that's
arpa
funding,
original
applications
submitted
by
mountain
bizworks
on
behalf
of
the
mountain
community
capital
fund
and
as
a
reminder,
the
mountain
community
capital
fund
or
the
mccf.
M
M
So
that's
our
background,
but
there's
a
slight
issue:
nothing
too
problematic,
but
definitely
want
to
get
you
up
to
speed
on
it.
So
staff
conducted
conducted
additional
analysis
of
the
treasury
guidance
and
identified
a
potential
issue,
and
because
of
that,
we're
recommending
a
program
change
the
original
program
utilized
funds
for
the
loan
guarantee
program.
M
M
So
with
that
said,
in
order
to
change
this
allocation
programmatically,
we
believe
it
needs
another
public
hearing,
because
it's
an
economic
development
appropriation.
It
needs
a
public
hearing
period
regardless
of
funding
source.
You
conducted
a
public
hearing.
Last
time,
and
so
we
would
recommend
that
this
come
before
the
board
at
our
next
meeting
on
march
15th
big
bullet
at
the
bottom.
No
additional
funds
requested.
M
So
it's
still
a
small
business
lending
program
still
seeking
to
create
jobs
by
lending
to
small
businesses
that
lack
sufficient
credit
or
collateral
to
access
the
needed
capital
to
retain
and
create
jobs.
So
these
are
businesses
that
are
creating
jobs
that
basically
don't
have
enough
collateral
to
get
traditional
lending.
M
The
population
same
demographics,
we're
looking
at
small
businesses
less
than
25
employees
founded
by
low-income
entrepreneurs,
so
still
focusing
on
equity.
Small
business
development
funding
remains
at
1.5.
1.15
million
dollars
with
100k
used
for
additional
administrative
costs.
Results
are
the
same
90
businesses
expected
to
receive
loans,
creating
or
retaining
320
jobs.
M
Additional
note
in
our
work
with
the
cdfis,
we
were
able
to
maintain
the
creation
of
the
loan
guarantee
program,
and
so
you
know
in
some
ways
by
transitioning
into
a
direct
loan
program,
it'll
free
the
cdfi's
up
to
fund
the
loan
guarantee-
and
this
is
a
really
important
point,
and
I
wanted
to
just
talk
about
it
a
little
bit.
M
The
reason
the
loan
guarantee
is
important
is
because
it
gives
confidence
to
investors
that
are
giving
their
money
donating
their
money
to
cdfis
that
these
that
these
loans
have
a
backstop,
it's
not
about
just
taking
on
more
risk.
It's
about
creating
additional
confidence
in
the
overall
system.
By
having
that
loan
guarantee
that's
important.
M
A
M
The
primary
investor
in
this
particular
item,
but
you
know
someone
like
mountain
bizworks
or
self-help.
You
know
the
majority
of
their
funding
doesn't
come
from
buncombe
county.
You
know
it's
going
to
come
from
traditional
lenders,
credit
unions,
things
of
that
nature,
and
so
they
need
to
be
able
to
communicate
to
those
investors.
Hey
we
have
a
way
of
you
know
backstopping
some
of
these
loans
that
are
more
risky
because
of
lack
of
collateral.
A
M
D
H
So
just
so,
I
understand
basically
we're
going
to
take
the
money
that
we
were
going
to
do
as
the
kind
of
the
cloud
or
the
other
loan
we're
going
to
do
the
direct
loans,
but
there
will
be
still
that
other
put
in
for
what
we
had
originally
attended
as
well.
That's.
M
M
Still
helping
the
same
businesses
but
also
importantly,
keeping
the
the
lending
ecosystem
together
by
having
that
backstop
in
place.
Okay,
great
all
right,
so
then
a
summary
of
key
changes,
so
this
chart
just
meant
to
show
you
some
of
the
key
components
of
the
program.
What
was
the
original
proposal
and
then
what
is
the
new
proposal?
I've
bolded
the
items
on
the
right
which
have
changed,
so
you
can
quickly
understand
the
differences,
so
the
program
manager
originally
self-help.
In
this
case
it
now
becomes
mountain
biz
works.
M
The
funding
same
funding
amount,
not
bolded
the
use
of
funding
by
buncombe
county.
The
change
is
to
go
to
a
direct
loan
model,
so
our
funds
again
direct
loans,
which
is
compliant
with
treasury
guidance
outcomes,
are
are
the
same.
Loan
guarantee
amount
remains
the
same
and
the
loan
guarantee
source
changes
so,
whereas
we
were
initially
providing
the
loan
guarantee,
this
now
becomes
mountain
biz
works
so
that
that's
kind
of
the
key
changes
to
the
program.
M
I
wanted
to
summarize
it
because
I
know
it's
a
lot
of
moving
pieces
definitely
available
for
more
questions,
but
in
terms
of
next
steps
you
know
notice
of
public
hearing.
We
would
notice
that
today
or
tomorrow
and
then
we
would
host
a
public
hearing
on
march
15th
at
which
time
I'll
have
mountain
biz
works
available
with
me
as
well.
To
answer
any
of
your
detailed
questions,
but
before
we
close
what
questions
do
you
have.
A
And
if
going
back
to
this
loan
guarantee
question,
if
somebody
defaults
on
one
of
the
county's
loans,
though,
or
maybe
even
taking
a
step
back
from
that
the
county,
the
county
has
never
paid
back
for
this.
We're
investing
this
into
this
they'll,
be
the
initial
estimated
you
know.
90
businesses
would
get
that
get
loans
as
they're
repaid
they'll
just
make
new
loans
to
other
small
businesses
in
the
area
like
it
never
gets
paid
back
to
the
county,
correct
and
therefore,
in
terms
of
the
loan
guarantee
aspect
on
this.
A
M
Correct
so
no
revolving
loan
for
the
county.
We
won't
see
dollars
coming
in.
However,
the
mountain
community
capital
fund
that
that
loan
guarantee
amount
that
will
continue
to
revolve
over
time
and
continue
to
provide
that
collateral
that
confidence,
which
will
stabilize
the
system
so.
A
All
right,
commissioners,
I
think
we
have
completed
all
the
items
on
our
agenda.
So
let's
adjourn
this
meeting
and
we'll
reconvene
at
five
o'clock
for
the
regular
meeting.