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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 26, 2016 Page 6 1 stands in the way of change. Ms. Foreman stated other cities are creating a greater community as 2 change and growth can come after tragedy. She wanted change and accountability and 3 challenged everyone to recognize there is a problem and move towards a solution. She asked the 4 leaders to have more diversity training and proactive communication. Ms. Foreman stated she 5 has a list of what other communities are doing and will share it with anyone. 7 Ms. Kathleen Lomar -Exel 3113 Armor Terrace, stated she has two children in Wilshire Park and 8 wishes she would have heard more from the Council since Philando's death. She stated the City 9 Council Meeting should not have been cancelled, there needs to be more listening sessions, and 10 the Village Fest parade cancellation does not make sense. Ms. Lomar -Exel stated there needs to 11 be a thorough investigation, press conferences should have been held, and the Council should 12 have been at the peaceful protest. Ms. Lomar -Exel felt the silence of the Council and the Mayor 13 needs to stop now and asked villagers be involved in the Police Chief search process. 14 15 Ms. Kate Martin, 2513 30`h Avenue, stated she has been happy with the status quo being busy 16 with her own life but there is work that needs to be done and she is getting involved. Ms. Martin 17 stated she is asking for greater community involvement with the police, input on the hiring of the 18 Police Chief, required training for all police and elected officials, partnerships with local civil 19 rights organizations, and renewed commitment to equity. She would like public statements and 20 actions from each Council Members and the Mayor. Ms. Martin stated she is looking forward to 21 working with the Council or newly elected Council to take action. 22 23 Ms. Kristine Lizdas, 3013 Townview Avenue, stated she is an attorney. She mentioned the 24 meeting in February 2015 and litigation based on denial of an application for the Islamic Center 25 within a Light Industrial District. Ms. Lizdas stated the application was denied on vote of 4 -1, a 26 settlement agreement was reached, and the City was ordered to approve the application. She felt 27 the City failed to see what the lawsuit showed us, that self - examination should have occurred at 28 that point. She does not intend to let another opportunity pass. 29 30 Ms. Jaime Rooney, 3108 Armor Terrace, stated she moved to St. Anthony two years ago and 31 wants to focus on the opportunity of the moment. She asked the City to take the great 32 suggestions made here tonight, noting there are a number of people that want to help. 33 34 Mr. Molly Franzis, 2702 33`d Avenue NE, stated he attended St. Charles school and when he was 35 young, he was wrongfully arrested in St. Anthony and accused of stealing his own vehicle. He 36 would like there to be a St. Anthony Village Youth Council and more community interaction 37 with police and Council. Mr. Franzis suggested bias training be held. He felt communication has 38 been poor and stated he would like to develop a phone application to be used by the City for 39 communication. 40 41 Ms. Jennifer Simpson 1332 Winters, stated she has two children and empathy for the Council 42 during this time. She stated the Council is here to make a difference and asked for three things. 43 She stated there needs to be clear accountability and support for the police, the City needs to look 44 at the data and offer trainings, and this is not a time to wait until the investigation is done. Ms. 45 Simpson asked for a Citizen Advisory Board to help make things better. She also asked the 46 Council to lead in this issue, be present, and participating. Ms. Simpson stated her child's 47 kindergarten class is 40% kids of color. She stated the Council has support.