HomeMy WebLinkAboutFH Inclusion and Policing Task Force Minutes_5-23-17CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Falcon Heights Inclusion and Policing Task Force
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
MINUTES
May 23, 2017 at 7:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL:
ANDREWS
X
JOHNSON-POWERS
X
BALLENTINE
X
LEEHY-CO CHAIR
X
COLOND
X
THOMPSON
X
DEMERATH
X
WADE
X
JOHNSON
STAFF PRESENT:
MAYOR LINDSTROM
X
CO-CHAIR/COUNCIL MEMBER GUSTAFSON
X
CO
-FACILITATOR QUICK
X
CO-FACILITATOR MORRIS
ADMINISTRATOR THONGVANH
X
I. Call to Order
7:24pm
II. Review Agenda
There were no changes to the agenda.
III. Review of the
May 2, 2017 Meeting Minutes The minutes were accepted as is.
IV. Finalization of Inclusion Recommendations Thanks was given to the drafting committee for all of their work and members
provided feedback on the inclusion recommendations. There was agreement on the vast majority of the recommendations. Questions remained about how the recommendations would be implemented.
There is some overlap with activities the city is already doing. The suggestion was made to add the value of being intergenerational. Since the city has a staff of seven there is a need
for connecting with community partners who have existing programs. Recruiting for city commissions has been difficult. Much of the city administrator's work has been put on the back
burner.
A suggestion was made to create programs for financial, legal, and occupational development. Again, the city staff doesn't have the capacity to start new programs so partnering
with existing programs seems more viable. Members have contacts who could lead workshops. Some mechanism of
accountability and applying for grants is needed. Perhaps local businesses could be involved. A grassroots effort is needed with personal invitations to get community members involved.
Ramping up block parties may provide opportunities for constructive conversations and recruiting. Relationships need to be established to address the heart, soul and mind aspects of
reconciliation and inclusion.
A team could be created that reports to the Community Engagement commission much like the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The CERT is self-managed
and works with other communities. The Community Engagement could appoint a team of 3-4 people to focus on this effort.
The stance of the task force is that this is everyone's work
and there is openness around implementation. This is not asking city hall to be the sole entity for the healing of the city but a commitment is needed to hire someone to see the recommendations
implemented. This type of effort usually takes a person working with the right partners two to three years to implement. Start with funding for a staff member rather than raising money
to hire someone. An announcement that is press release worthy is needed for the community to see the importance of this.
Every increase in the budget raises taxes. There could be significant
property tax increases if all policing and inclusion recommendations are fully implemented. The chances of hiring someone are almost zero. Perhaps a consultant model could be used.
Break
at 8:54
Amy Johnson was not able to attend due to an unexpected event. Ken Morris had a conflicting meeting. Early May was the original end time for the task force.
V. Coordination
with City Council
Policing recommendations were presented at the May 3rd city council workshop by Melanie and Kathy. Two council members agreed with 90-95 of the document. One agreed
with 75 percent. On May 24th, the council will vote on receiving the recommendations. At the June 7th workshop, the inclusion recommendations and value statements will be presented.
A final decision on these will be made on June 14 at the earliest. There is a possibility the council could accept a certain percentage of the recommendations.
Communications about
policing are on the city website. Sack will post details on Twitter and Facebook. The city staff is looking at what policing services we receive now and what options we will have with
Ramsey Co. The question remains about how much the city is willing to pay for. The city could request to join the Ramsey county group of cities the sheriff's department currently covers.
Six deputies needed to cover the city 24/7 would cost around $700,000. Council and staff have had a high level of transparency through various communication vehicles.
VI. Planning
for the Community Conversation #5 (June 19) Meeting will start at 6:30pm and child care will be available. The design team has met in preparation for the meeting and is working out the
details of the questions. Current opportunities and resources include the Ramsey County Library who has a race based book club and the Science Museum who has an exhibit on race and has
been doing outreaches. The state librarian can assist with racial covenants on homes. This meeting is an opportunity to mobilize people. A teaching on Juneteenth could be on the agenda.
VII.
Discussion of Task Force Process
Feedback was given by members about the task force process. Comments included thanks to the leadership for their direction and sacrifices, gratitude for authentic interaction, and statements
that the work was hard yet fulfilling. Community conversations worked well for vetting out the recommendations. Tremendous effort was given in collecting and organizing the community
input. A major challenge was trying to focus the voice of twelve people in the timeframe the group was allotted. Understanding about the process evolved over the last six months. The
effectiveness of the recommendations will be revealed in the future.
Areas for improvement were the need to define community, better time management, metrics on police interactions,
and more expert input earlier in the process.
No one got everything they wanted but members can say they gave their all and be at peace with themselves. Lay down disappointments and
continue the work of implementing the recommendations even though the task force is ending.
Announcements
Last Community Conversation on June 19, 6:30pm, at Falcon Heights United Church
of Christ.
Thank you to all for your sacrifice and dedication.
Adjourn
10:12pm