Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune15thAgendaCITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS Regular Meeting of the Falcon Heights - Community Engagement Commission City Hall 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue AGENDA June 15, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. A. CALL TO ORDER: B. ROLL CALL: May___ Kohn___ Johnson___ Larrabee___ Cooley-Kistler_____ LaDouceur____ COUNCIL LIAISON Wehyee___ STAFF PRESENT: Nandkumar___ C. Presentation D. Approval of Minutes: • May 18, 2020 minutes E. DISCUSSION 1. CEC’s Role/Goals 2. Hate-Speech Resolution 3. Volunteers 4. Community Statement – George Floyd 5. Sub-committee updates F. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS G. ADJOURNMENT: CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS Regular Meeting of the Falcon Heights - Community Engagement Commission City Hall 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue AGENDA May 18, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. A. CALL TO ORDER: B. ROLL CALL: May_X__ Kohn_X__ Johnson_X__ Larrabee_X__ Cooley-Kistler__X___ LaDouceur__X__ COUNCIL LIAISON Wehyee_X__ STAFF PRESENT: Nandkumar_X__ C. Presentation D. Approval of Minutes: E. DISCUSSION 1. Social Distancing Events • Together Tuesdays did not have a lot of neighborhood participation. • Commission will create a hashtag for the City so each neighborhood can share their social distancing events with the City. • Discussion about a chalk event with prizes was brought up. This could be a way to engage youth and families to participate. • An alternative idea for Ice Cream Social was discussed. Ice Cream Social could include ice cream sandwiches or other prewrapped ice cream assortments. Old fashion races or activities that allow distancing can also be used. City Council will determine at a later date whether or not to hold the Ice Cream Social. 2. Continue discussing and plan next steps the Strategic Planning Report • Goals for the first quarter were achieved; updated neighborhood liaison handbook and updated new resident handbook. • 2nd Quarter goals will be discussed at the next meeting. 3. Neighborhood Liaison Handbook/Training • Neighborhood Liaison book was reviewed by the Commission and has been approved to post online. 4. Hate Speech Resolution Update • Council Member Wehyee discussed the minor changes made to the Hate Speech Resolution from the City Council Workshop. • CEC Commission Members came to a consensus that the statistics in regards to residents should be removed. This will prevent having to keep updating the statistics in the Resolution as the demographic of the population changes over time. • Council Member Wehyee will make changes and send to CEC before sending the final version to the City Council Meeting. 5. New Residents • New residents packet has been updated and approved. • Distribution of new residents list should be sent to Commission Members in order for them to contact new residents. • Staff will look into possibility of having apartment managers provide the packet to new residents. F. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS G. ADJOURNMENT: 8:16PM ITEM FOR DISCUSSION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ The City That Soars! Item Community Engagement Role and Goals Description The CEC continues to explore opportunities to promote community needs and issues, crime and prevention, public awareness, community involvement, and human rights issues. In 2019, the CEC educated the residents about the 2020 Census, revamped the Neighborhood Liaison program, requested for a new website, and promoted the “Cultivating a Caring Community” initiatives. The 2020 goals include increasing volunteer opportunities for residents via city events and non- profits, create a five year program plan, and create a Community Calendar Event page on the website to increase community involvement. At the June 15, 2020 meeting, CEC will continue with the strategic plan and talk about upcoming goals and discussions. Budget Impact N/A Attachment(s) • Strategic Planning Report at a Glance • Community Engagement Commission PowerPoint Action(s) Requested Discuss what Community Engagement Commission can do for the Community in regards to ongoing issues. Commissioners to review the report and PowerPoint. Provide recommendations and updates from subcommittee. Accomplishments from Q1 and goals for Q2 should be discussed by the commission. Meeting Date June 15, 2020 Agenda Item E1 Attachment Strategic Planning Report/PowerPoint Submitted By Nalisha Nandkumar, Assistant to the City Administrator Community Engagement Commission KIM JOHNSON CHAIR Community Engagement Commission Members Kim Johnson, Chair Katie Kohn, Vice Chair Georgiana May Karen Cooley-Kistler Dena Larrabee Andrea LaDouceur 1 Vacancy Yakasah Weyhee, Council Liaison Nalisha Nandkumar, Staff Liaison About The Community Engagement Commission advises the City Council on matters related to community needs and issues, crime and prevention, public awareness, community involvement, and human rights issues. The commission also helps plan and facilitate community events such as Human Rights Day, Spring Together and block parties. Subcommittee Roles Events: Outreach to guest speakers Overseeing and securing location Evaluation report after event Record event inventory Business: Communicate for potential partnerships Update and monitor business directory on the city website Communicator for Businesses only Advocate for business such as complaints, city support, advertisements Liaisons: Recruit Assign one commissioner to communicate with liaisons Create liaison meet ups Update the Neighborhood Liaison Packet Communication: Monitor/update social media, and content creation Maintain communication with commission subgroups (example follow-ups) Work with city staff on advertisements and outreach strategies Subcommittees for 1st Quarter Projects Hate Speech Resolution: Create a resolution that reflects the community’s values and what Falcon Heights stands for Georgianna, Councilmember Yakasah, and City Staff Amanda Neighborhood Liaison Handbook: Continue to update the handbook as needed Dena, Kim, and Katie New Resident Packet: The packet is outdated and needs to be updated Julie and City Staff Amanda Next Plan Create a Second Quarter Roadmap which will include accomplishments from the First Quarter Roadmap Create a 5 year focus plan 1.Recruit Neighborhood Liaisons and make changes to the program as needed 2.Youth Events and Programming 3.Senior Events and Programming 4.Intergenerational Events and Programming CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS VISION FOR 2025 Falcon Heights is a Multi-model, accessible city with aesthetic streetscapes Falcon Heights has a welcoming and inclusive environment Falcon Heights’ Residents are informed, engaged and con- nected through multifaceted, accessible and interactive communication Falcon Heights has City and resident led dynamic community engagement ac- tivities that engender community participation Falcon Heights safety needs are met in a trustworthy and trans- parent fashion for all Falcon Heights has spaces/ buildings to facilitate gather- ing of our community (within and beyond borders) Falcon Heights has community led service initia- tives Falcon Heights is engaged with local business and organizations Vision Statements Strategic Directions Enhancing Public Safety Leveraging Community Involvement Showcasing our City Creating Common Spaces Improving Communication •INTEGRATE BUSINESS WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY •REASSESS AND REDIRECT OUR COMMISSION AC- TIVITIES •EMPOWER RESIDENTS •IMPLEMENT CEC STRATEGIC PLAN AND INTE- GRATE WITH LARGER PLAN Goals •BEAUTIFY STREET SCAPES •CREATE “UNIQUE TO FALCON HEIGHTS” FESTI- VAL/EVENT •IMPROVE FACILITIES •IDENTIFY SPACES FOR COMMUNITY USE •FIX COMMUITY PARK •ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY THROUGH INTERAC- TIVE AND PRO-ACTIVE POLICING •IMPROVE DIRECT, INDIRECT AND 2-WAY COM- MUNICAITON WITH THE CITY 1.Initiate Empowerment campaign (Quarter 2) 2.Complete CEC plan (Quarter 1) 3.Develop Strategic Plan for each commission (Quarter 3) 4.Develop business engagement plan (Quarter 4) First Year Priorities 1.Develop a streetscape plan (Quarter 3) 2.Decide on City logo and implement (Quarter 2) 3.Analyze potential for expanding existing annual events to annual festival (Quarter 4) 4.Decide Lauderdale fire contract (Quarter 2) 1.Yes/No on state bonding money (Quarter 1) 2.Finalize construction plans for City park (Quarter 4) 2.1. If no bonding then gain consensus on al- ternative solutions (Quarter 4) 1.Yes/no on alternative locations (Quarter 4) 1.Reports received on police activity every quarter 2.Risk identification activity in contract (Quarter 1) 3.Plan from Sheriff to conduct risk assessment (Quarter 2) 4.Learning sessions from police (Quarter 3) 1.Launching new website (Quarter 1) 2.First town hall meetings (Quarter 2) 3.Establish communication roadmap/systems (Quarter 3) 4.Create short videos (Sit down with each elected official (Quarter 2)DRAFT ITEM FOR DISCUSSION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ The City That Soars! Item Hate Speech Resolution Update Description At the Wednesday, August 7th, 2019, City Council Workshop the Council made a decision for the Community Engagement Commission to review the proposed resolution. The propose resolution condemns racist and xenophobic language. At the August 17th , 2019 Community Engagement Commission Meeting, the Commission recommended approval with the following strikeout. Changes: (iii) strongly condemns all of President Donald Trump’s racist and xenophobic comments. At the Wednesday, September 4th, 2019, City Council Workshop the Council discussed the Proposed Resolution and it was a 1-3 vote. City Council did not moved to approve the resolution. At the Wednesday, May 6th, 2020, City Council Workshop the Council discussed the Proposed Resolution. At the Monday, May 18th, 2020, Community Engagement Commission members made a few changes in regards to the language of diverse population. The resolution was approved at the May 27, 2020 City Council meeting. Budget Impact NA Attachment(s) • Approved Resolution Action(s) Requested Community Engagement Commission should discuss how the resolution can be used in the community. Meeting Date June 15, 2020 Agenda Item E2 Attachment Hate speech Resolution Submitted By Nalisha Nandkumar, Assistant to the City Administrator CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS COUNCIL RESOLUTION May 27, 2020 No. 20-24 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A RESOLUTION DENOUNCING HATE SPEECH-ACTS WHEREAS, the guiding principle of Falcon Heights as outlined by the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the city’s 2019 Strategic Plan is to cultivate a caring community; and WHEREAS, Falcon Heights prides itself on its increasingly diverse population; and WHEREAS, a significant proportion of Falcon Heights residents were born outside of the US; and WHEREAS, the incidence of hate motivated speech and crime has increased over the last few years; and WHEREAS, valuable members of our community, including women, racial minorities, people with disabilities, and religious observers are the target of most hate crimes; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the city to protect all of its residents against hateful actions and speech; and WHEREAS, we, the city of Falcon Heights upholds the community centered philosophy and practice of our current policing agency, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department, and are committed to the longevity of this community centered practice and philosophy; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Falcon Heights hereby: 1. Affirms its commitment to denouncing all hate motivated actions and speech. 2. Reaffirms its commitment to fostering a safe and welcoming community for all of its residents and visitors. 3. Continues to foster and value “Cultivating a Caring Community”. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Moved by: Approved by: ________________________ Randall C. Gustafson Mayor GUSTAFSON ___ In Favor Attested by: ________________________ MIAZGA Sack Thongvanh ANDREWS ___ Against City Administrator LEEHY WEYHEE ITEM FOR DISCUSSION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ The City That Soars! Item Volunteers Description Recruitment of volunteers could ease the number of tasks that Neighborhood Liaisons are assigned. By decreasing the number of tasks that Neighborhood Liaisons are assigned this could peak the interest for residents to become Neighborhood Liaisons. By recruiting volunteers this would allow more residents to fill a role and be involved, it will provide points of contacts in the community. Budget Impact NA Attachment(s) NA Action(s) Requested Chair Kim Johnson will discuss this idea more in depth. Community Engagement members should provide feedback. Meeting Date June 15, 2020 Agenda Item E3 Attachment N/A Submitted By Nalisha Nandkumar, Assistant to the City Administrator ITEM FOR DISCUSSION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ The City That Soars! Item Community Statement- George Floyd Description On May 25, Memorial Day, Mr. George Floyd was horrifically killed by Minneapolis Police Officers. We express our deepest condolences to the Floyd family, and all those impacted directly or indirectly by this latest tragedy. As a community that has also experienced a similar tragedy with the killing of Philando Castile by a Saint Anthony Police Officer who was assigned to the City of Lauderdale that fatal night, we understand the pain and anguish that such a tragedy conjures up in communities. Like many other communities, the City of Falcon Heights has decided to write a Community Statement to release all communities about the tragedy that took place. Budget Impact NA Attachment(s) •Community Statement Action(s) Requested Council Member Wehyee will briefly reflect on the Community Statement. Community Engagement Members can share input. Meeting Date June 15, 2020 Agenda Item E4 Attachment Community Statement Submitted By Nalisha Nandkumar, Assistant to the City Administrator City of Falcon Heights Statement on Mr. George Floyd Friday June 5, 2020 On May 25, Memorial Day, Mr. George Floyd was horrifically killed by Minneapolis Police Officers. We express our deepest condolences to the Floyd family, and all those impacted directly or indirectly by this latest tragedy. As a community that has also experienced a similar tragedy with the killing of Philando Castile by a Saint Anthony Police Officer who was assigned to the City of Lauderdale that fatal night, we understand the pain and anguish that such a tragedy conjures up in communities. In response to Mr. Floyd’s killing and the general pressures of systemic oppression felt by our Black community, we have seen mass mobilization across Minnesota and most major cities in the US to eradicate systemic oppression once and for all. While most of these protests have remained peaceful, several actors have taken advantage of the situation to vandalize, loot, and send threatening letters to neighbors. Although Falcon Heights has not been the primary target of the above acts, we are aware and saddened that these incidences have occurred in our community. In these turbulent times, we are called to resist hate-filled speech and action and any attempt to divide our community. We hope that we can utilize this critical moment in our history to reflect on how each of us can contribute towards a more just and equal society. Since 2016, the City of Falcon Heights has taken gallant steps to eradicate hate-filled actions and speech, to ensure that our community is a safe and welcoming community for all. •Creation of the Task Force on Policing and Inclusion – made up of a diverse group of residents and nonresidents, with a mission to “articulate, affirm, and operationalize our values as acommunity to be an inclusive and welcoming environment for residents and guests of Falcon Heights, with an emphasis on policing values, policies, and procedures.” •Held Community Conversations – Five community conversations that drew participation frommore than 180 people from Falcon Heights and the surrounding communities. •Established Restoration and Unity Day – celebratory events sponsored by the Philando Castilefamily that take place annually on July 6th and 7th on the front lawn of City Hall. Last week (May, 27, 2020), The City Council passed Resolution 20-24, A Resolution Denouncing Hate Speech-Acts, to affirm our commitment to our collective value of cultivating a caring community. We look forward to building on our diversity and inclusion efforts to ensure that each member of our community feels safe and welcomed. For more information please click on the links below. Falcon Heights Inclusion and Policing Task Force Falcon Heights Reinforces Inclusive Values Our Dearest Condolences to the Floyd Family, City of Falcon Heights ITEM FOR DISCUSSION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ The City That Soars! Item Sub-committee updates Description Andrea and Dena are the social media subcommittee. They will post for CEC and respond to other posts when appropriate. Georgiana is our liaison communication person. She will email liaisons when we need to be sure all get information, not just those on Facebook. A Community Calendar was discussed at a previous CEC meeting. The Community Calendar would list events happening in each neighborhood. City Administrator would like further research and a policy/guidelines list created before the calendar can be live on the website. Budget Impact NA Attachment(s) NA Action(s) Requested Updates on sub-committee from last meeting. Create sub-committee to research guidelines/policy for Community Calendar. Meeting Date June 15, 2020 Agenda Item E5 Attachment NA Submitted By Nalisha Nandkumar, Assistant to the City Administrator