Loading...
06-25-20 Commission Workshop Adopted MinutesATTENDANCE: Present: Also Present: MINUTES Commission Workshop Meeting Thursday, June 25, 2020 - 6:00 PM Jordan Park Community Center Ellen Glasser, Mayor - Seat 1 Cindy Anderson, Commissioner - Seat 2 (District 1308) Blythe Waters, Commissioner - Seat 3 (District 1307) Candace Kelly, Commissioner - Seat 4 (District 1306) Brittany Norris, Mayor Pro Tem / Commissioner - Seat 5 (District 1312) Kevin Hogencamp, Deputy City Manager (DCM) Lori Diaz, Deputy City Clerk Kim Flower, Records Clerk CALL TO ORDER Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Invocation provided by Bishop Percy Golden. Mayor Glasser called the meeting to order at 6:04 PM. Workshop also being recorded on Facebook Live. 1. TOPIC: PROMOTING RACIAL EQUITY A. Public Comment None. B. Review of Proposed Action Items (Commissioner Norris and DCM Kevin Hogencamp) Commissioner Norris invited Commission and citizen input regarding topics to focus on. DCM Hogencamp reviewed the potential action items the community helped the City Commission reveal necessary for discussion and review at the last Commission workshop. The proposed items are included in the agenda packet. New action items will be added throughout this meeting. Interim Police Chief Gualillo spoke regarding changes that are underway for police department policies, which includes adding more specific language to the policies of Duty to Report, Duty to Intervene, and the training policy on De-escalation, as discussed in the last workshop. He also spoke regarding the review of the department's budget and status of upcoming projects which include body cameras and community policing programs. Commission Workshop June 25, 2020 Commission opened the floor to Public Comment. Hayden Prince requested clarification of the listed items "good stories" and "words that matter." Interim Police Chief Gualillo shared a positive story of a recent incident. Commissioner Kelly suggested making public the "good stories." JoAnn Wallace spoke regarding anti -racism, she stated it starts at home. Hayden Prince inquired what is actionable for this item, above encouraging anti - racism. Does the City have a curriculum in mind? Commission responded churches, partnering with the private sector, Facebook posts, community events and someone to guide the dialogue. Dee Davis spoke regarding communications within races, his experience with running the community centers, and agreed on a Community Policing Officer being a great asset to the community. He requested Police Officers come to his centers more often to interact with the kids. Rafielle Usher, PH.D., President of Community Diversity Enrichment Program, explained the programs goals and his experience with his program in this area. He challenges the City to reach all races for community programs/community centers. Pheonia Laverne spoke regarding her family experience and Cultural Integration Training success. Bishop Percy Golden spoke regarding community policing programs. He requested to budget for a dedicated position. Sgt. Jimmy Hundley spoke regarding 20 years of service with ABPD, the ability of Interim Police Chief Gualillo to lead and the department's daily community policing practices. Amy Crane suggested a program in use by St. Augustine Police Department, Alternative to Violence" as well as an organization called 904WARD to open dialogue with cultures. Chip Kenney requested the Commission to speak on their perception of the relationship between the police and the community; what is working/what can be improved (and from the police side also). Brief responses from Commission and Interim Chief Gualillo ensued. There was additional comments regarding policing, education on bike laws and the Karen" phenomenon when used to antagonize people of color. Commission Workshop June 25, 2020 In response to Public Comments the following action items were added to the list: Action plan for "words and actions that matter". Understanding stereotypes -people in authority not defending the wrong. Generational impact. Community children's programs be more diverse culturally and socio economically Add a metric to evaluate the programs. Provide education on bicycle safety laws and enforce universally. Cultural Integration Program/Training. Community Policing Officer. Grant Program. 904WARD and Alternative to Violence Program — ways to promote racial dialogue. City messaging. Historical infrastructure picture. Karens" C. Comments from Commissioners Commissioner Kelly spoke regarding the line item of historic spending, the emphasis of equitable spending for all parts of the City has been successful, grant assistance for projects throughout the City, need versus space for affordable housing and the adverse impacts of gentrification remain to be fixed. Every COAB department can do better to promote racial equity, not only the Police. Commissioner Anderson applauded the action item list and Interim Chief Gualillo for responding and working on police, disappointed that HR Director is not present for explanation regarding employment practices. Suggests adding to the list training for recognition of bias. Commissioner Waters spoke regarding how to make these items actionable. Suggests COAB use Social Media and City meetings for amplifying positive messages about equal justice and language as it pertains to race, etc. Commissioner Norris reported working with CM Corbin and DCM Hogencamp to recreate the Climate Survey, will be anonymous and web based. Requested the history spending on infrastructure projects and for a review of pay rates. Mayor Glasser is happy with the action item list and is committed to learning more and doing better. We can all do better. D. Public Comment Public Comment was held earlier in the meeting.) There were no further comments. Commission Workshop June 25, 2020 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Glasser adjourned the meeting at 8:04 PM. Attest: 0601vn4 Sale Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk Ellen Glasser, Mayor 01/2 Date Approved Commission Workshop June 25, 2020