 Okay. There he is. Okay. To hold on one second. I do you have the thing, the reading thing pulled up right now? I am a disaster. I do. So I can. No worries. No worries. I had it pulled up and then I moved my windows all around. But I can certainly do it. No worries. I have to try to remember what you do because it's been a while. The meeting, I guess is, is called to order. And pursue it to chapter 20. Of the acts of 2021. This meeting will be conducted via remote means. Members of the public who which, who wish to access the meeting may do so via zoom or by telephone. No in-person attendance of members of the public will be permitted. But every effort will be made to ensure that the public can adequately access the proceedings and real time via technological meeting means. So welcome to the community safety and social justice committee meeting of December. And we have any announcements, I guess, to make. Are there any. Are we recording it? Yes. Yes. The meeting is recorded. Did we save the time? Oh, it is six oh six. Thank you. We'll get this eventually. I tried to be formal and then there was resistance. So I dropped the formality. All right. So are there any announcements to make at the beginning of this? I, and Phillip can. Go first. Okay. I just have a quick one. Human rights day is on the 10th. And the human rights committee. Is doing a candlelight. Vigil on the town common at 4. 30. This Saturday. So in the vigil will be for human. Oh, for the human rights day. And I think your guest speaker this year. Is Magdalena. Go ahead. That's, that's actually am Amherst amnesty. And I believe their event is from one to three. At the Jones library. That one I'm not too positive on, but that's what I believe that is. But yeah. So the human rights day will be reading the articles of the human rights declaration. So it's a good grounding work to go into the new year. Also. People are interested. Great. Leave it to me to mix those up. So, but your event is on the 10. And it's on the town common, the vigil. Correct. 430. Thank you. Any others. Allegra, you had something. I had two things. But I just wanted to make sure. Members of the committee and members of the public were aware that the community safety working group had received the gene Haggerty award from Amherst media. So that. To our members who are present. Congratulations. Very well deserved. And I don't know if this is an announcement or perhaps goes under the, you know, but I just wanted to make sure that. I just wanted to make sure that. I want to make the committee aware that. There was a press release yesterday from the police department that there were three new officers hired. At the Amherst police department. So. I just wanted to make people aware of that. And that is it for me, I believe. Thank you. Let me ask, can we discuss that when we talk about some of the things that we're doing right now? I don't know. I don't know if we can discuss those records or whatever. Absolutely. We can discuss that in there. Okay. Absolutely. Miss Pat, we're doing announcements right now. Welcome. And Dr. Frick. We're doing announcements. Do you all have any. Right now. Okay. Okay. Nope. Okay. All right. So we'll continue. So the agenda. Let's see. And show. Oh, are you hosting or is Pam hosting? I are listed as a co-host. I can. Yeah, I was just going to show the agenda. Pardon. I was just going to show the agenda. Sure. I can make you a. Okay. Thank you. So. I have everything up here. Okay. This is our agenda. For folks. Just to be reminded of what's going on tonight. We do have minutes to approve three sets of minutes to approve. Public comment. Member reports. And. Crescent. I update. So this is a, a rather. I don't really want to get to the ARPA because we put that discussion off several times. And then of course the resident oversight board. List of consultants and contractors. So quite a bit in town manager goals and report from. You. Okay. So let's go ahead and. Get into it. Stop screen sharing here. And. Yeah. Yeah. D just for clarifying question in terms of the gender. So when is it that we'll talk about what transpired in the town council the last time is that town manager goals? I mean, I'm just a little bit confused. Right. Is that it? It could be within that. So it's the, when you're talking about what transpired, which town council mean the one that we attended. The one that we attended. And then at the very end of all of the, I guess police records or whatever, there was the, you know, what passed in the town council or the motion and stuff. And so obviously I'm hoping we can talk about that because that would be, you know, we kind of need to like. Follow up on what happened, you know, on July 5th. And that was their response, quote unquote. Agreed. So it's not a formal. No, it should be. So it's just that was a lot to fit in. It could come under, you know, other topics. Or we can decide to make that. You know, more to prioritize that under four under, you know, a through H. So what do we think about that group? We need a discussion pertaining to the last motion. That the town council passed or discussed rather. Would that discussion just be kind of like our thoughts on the motion that they passed. Or maybe. I mean, we need to discuss like, okay, you know, we need to hold them to what they're saying. And there was a lot of things that they changed in that in terms of the demands we made. I mean, you know, the pressure needs to continue basically. I'm just like, it's because they passed that motion doesn't mean now we go back to sleep and we're like, it's fine. You know, we need to really dissect what they passed and see where the difference were in terms of our demands, which they, they, they really kind of, you know, took out a bunch of stuff and what really this means, right? We need to dissect it. So let me make a suggestion because we do have to approve the minutes. Let's go ahead and approve the minutes. And then under after public comment. Member reports would include D I and crest because there's going to be a crest and D I update anyway. So maybe we could have that discussion under number three. How do folks feel about that? Yay. Sounds like people want to unpack it. So where do we think that should go? I think it should come on down. Well, it's going to be pretty far down. So as we get close to, you know, maybe an hour and a half, we could check in with one another and decide, you know, is there one of these things in the agenda we can push to a next meeting and have that discussion. So can I check in with you, Deborah, at that point? So if I forget Allegra or someone else or Deborah, please remind me. No, I will. Yeah. Yeah. But since it will be a number six and we have like a lot on the agenda, we will never get to it. So yeah, we definitely need to do a check in. I'm thinking in an hour's time and then. Sounds good. Let's let's let's do that. Thank you. And also some of the agenda items will be really quick. Like the BIPOC nine report will be just coming up. I will make so it won't, it won't take long. Okay. And just, I would say probably the idea number, number D letter D for listening session. I think it was just to follow up on a public comment that we received last week and like maybe plan for the future, but not like to have a full flinched plan tonight. So that could be pretty quick too. Okay. So we might get through it pretty quickly. Hopefully. Oh, right. Well, I see. I'm looking at our meeting minutes. Trying to get to them here. Okay. August. So you all want me to show them. Yes. We can approve these minutes and get them, get them over with. Okay. So this is our meeting in August. Let me try to make it. A little larger. Move things around. I never have enough screens. Okay. Here we go. Can you all see it? Yeah. I have a question Pam. So I looked at the three different sets of minutes and not to say that they all have to be consistent all the time. This set has the public comment. Like their names. And I think the last set of minutes only refers to what they said and what their names are. I'm not sure that's important since they're recorded. But I, you know, maybe just some consistency on, on which. You know, either their names or no names. So. Jen and I have been alternating taking minutes and. And we do, we have very different styles, but we'll try to work to be more consistent. I think that. I'm actually not sure who wrote these minutes where they were written by her or by me. I think I tend probably not to include names. So I, my guess would be that she might've written these ones, but I'm not sure. Okay. Well, these are August. So they're pretty early. So yeah, she probably wrote these. Maybe in October. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. No names appear. I think under public comment. I appreciate how this is represented. In terms of the questions. Of the discussion. Looks pretty, pretty accurate. If I may, if I may comment on the minutes. Yes, please. So thank you to miss young and. And Jennifer. For the minute. This is good. The only comment I have is the one regarding the. Mandela foundation. It's a lot better. It's good. But I never mentioned. I believe I never mentioned. That you must would have reached out to Nigerian community, because I did not know that you must was involved in the first. I was referring to. The. Time managers report that I read. So I don't recall the time manager mentioning your mass involvement. So in my. Comments at CSSJC meeting. I don't believe I mentioned you must would have reached out to Nigerian community. So that's the need. Stuff I have for the minutes. Wait, that's in August, September or October, Miss Pat. So that's September. Okay. All right. So we're on August right now. I know. I was just making general. You know, okay. Of what I read. Yeah. Okay. All right. Okay. So are the August minutes. Okay. For everyone. Okay. Okay. Okay. For me. Yeah. Yes. So I, but I mean, but you have brought up the thing about the name. So we were moving the names of people that. That. Spoke there in a public comment. Oh, what's the situation? So what would we like to see, would we like to see our community represented in terms of their names. Is that helpful? Yes. It's not there yet. It's, it's the October minutes from what I recall that do not have public comment names. So this one reflects names and the October meeting does not. So we haven't gotten there yet. Okay, sounds good. Okay, so we need a motion to approve the August minutes. I move to approve the August minutes. I second it. Okay, all in favor. Can you all actually voice I since I'm. Okay, great. All right, it passes. Thank you. Let's go to September. And Miss Pat, do you know which page that is on for the September meeting. I keep scrolling down. I thought the minutes were much, much improved was written very well. It's just keep going down. Yeah. Keep going down is I believe it's here. Oh, no. Go, go back up. Sorry. No worries. I believe it's before your post presentation. Okay, here. Keep going. Is that September? I was looking at September October. So this is September. So maybe that was in October. D it's in September, you can go September. Why not go to line item number six post six. Oh, maybe it's. Yeah, it's not in September then which one was I looking at. I mean, we. Then let's go to October then, but I, I don't. I know that day. Yeah, it's October. It's October. Okay. So, so this is December. This is December. Okay. Yeah, yeah. So let's deal with September and get these out of the way if we can. Are there any comments, additions. Subtractions. Subtractions. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Thank you. To the minutes for September. So. Let's see. So there. Police department and compliance. Okay. I don't have any issue with it. And all motion to approve September's minutes. Second. Right. So we have a second. All in favor. Hi. Okay. So September minutes pass. Thank you. Oh, right. So October. Actually, I think the confusion is we had two meetings. In September, October, something like that. Do we not have two meetings? Okay. So let's see October. I know one of the months we had them. We had two meetings. Yeah. I think you're right. Okay. So here is October 12th. Meeting set of meetings. It looks like this is the one that doesn't have the name for the public comment term. Yeah. So. So this might be the one also for the. The Mandela foundation or something. Yes, it is. I think it's this one. It is on the last page, the second. Or the, the, yeah, the. Okay. So real quick. Pam, thank you for including what Deborah Ferrer said, because I think that reflects more accurately. What that conversation was like. On record. So thank you. I didn't revise these minutes. I've been out of the office for the last three weeks. They were revised by Jen. Okay. Great. Well, thank you to, to Jen for including that, because this is what I saw on the recording or heard on the recording. Yeah. Definitely. I agree. Okay. So this is the. What it says would have appreciated if somehow you mass or someone. Reach out to the Nigerian community. What I said. I recall saying was I would have, you know, I appreciated that our, you know. Somebody from our town would have reached out to Nigerian community, but I don't believe I mentioned your mask. I could be wrong. But I don't recall. You know, I mentioned in your mask. So above the, the first line, there's something saying has the town done any research to the Nigerian community and Amherst as a simple, or this would be a simple courtesy. And then the second, there was the response. And then the second statement. Okay. So if we could, what's the, what's the addition or retraction? So. The retraction is the UMass. That's all. Okay. Pam, if it's possible to just revise that to take out UMass. So it's, it's okay to, as it reads, thanks the town council and town manager, but would have appreciated if some, someone would have reached out to the Nigerian community. Yeah. So, yeah. So I'm wondering who made, I am not aware of a program where the town is working with Nigerian government. Yeah. I think that was my comment. Yeah. Is that. That was Dr. Young. Okay. That's what I thought. Okay. Okay. Because she wrote the minutes. Okay. That makes sense. Yep. So is it okay for it to go this way? Or are you just, you want the UMass taken out? Yeah. Yeah. I think it's okay for it to go this way. Because I didn't even know that UMass was involved, which is still fine that they were involved. But I based my. Comments on what I read from the town. Managers report. Sure. That he. Submitted to the town council. All right. But it's a, it's a good minute. I like it. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. And Phil, does the. The paragraph reflecting your comments seem accurate. Yes. Yes, they do. So. Yes, Pam, if it's possible for the minutes for this October meeting to be revised. With the UMass taken out of Ms. Pat's comment, I think it would be great if it was, if it was, if it was possible to put the, the people who. Said their comments. Who is it? A member of the public express concerns regarding. Truthfulness or what have you. If they have to identify themselves in the, you know, in the public meeting. And it's on the recording. So it'd be great to have that reflected. Within the written text. Okay. Thank you. Jen to review the recording. To check on the accuracy of the. Minutes that she's recorded them. She generally. Listen to the recording. You know, to check for accuracy. So I'll just make sure that she does that and adds the names of the members of the. Of the public. Great. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I just said, um, We could. Oh, sorry. We could approve these as. With the, with those changes. Or we could table. This set of meetings for next meeting. I think we should like prove it with those changes. I mean, it was spent half an hour trying to approve minutes. I think that is. Two. Two ways to go about it. So can someone make a motion. With that, with those changes included. So go ahead. To approve the minutes with the noted amendments to. I would like to know if you would include the person's name. Instead of a member of the public under second public comment. Second. Okay. And all in favor. Yep. Yep. Okay. So moves. We have all three sets of minutes approved. Thank you. Thank you. I get out of that. Alrighty. So now we are back to our agenda and public comment. So do we have. Any members in the audience interested in. Making comments tonight. Yes. Hi, everyone. Can you hear me? Yes. Awesome. I apologize for the background noise. I am cleaning out doors right now. But I wanted to one, thank you all for this incredible work. And. Two, I have. Just a concern and I'm not sure if this is the appropriate meeting to bring it up at, but I'm really looking forward to the DEI and press update. I have been catching up on the aftermath of the July 5th incident. And I guess for me, one thing that I hope is covered at the DEI update is moving forward with DEI reports and how they will be written. I am just now caught up with everything. And after reading Mr. Williams email, I was a little bit thrown off, I guess. And I feel like a little taken back that that wasn't included in the report. And I'm wondering if there'll be procedures that will allow for stuff like that to be included in reports going forward. Or if there's a staffing issue and more support is needed at the DEI department. Thank you. Thank you. So we're no one else. I can see has their hand up. At this time. Okay. So, um, Under member reports, again, I'm assuming that member reports means Cress and DEI. However, we have that under item four. Usually member reports is just us. Like if we have any reports in terms of things that we've done over the past couple of weeks. Oh, okay. Well, Definitely. Amherst media celebrated CSWG. And their great accomplishment through the. Community service award, Jean Hagerty award that is given every year. And I'm a member of the board of Amherst media. So we were very proud once actually CSWG was nominated. No one else put up a nomination. It's like, it's no contest. Of course they should get it. And just to, you know, reiterate that the work that you all have done is not only historic. It's important. It's important. And I think Mindy Dom. Really laid that out very nicely about the importance of this work for the state of Massachusetts as a model. So I'm just really honored to be in this community with, with this group of folks. Who are willing to devote their time and energy and intellect. To building a better community. And just want to say, you know, lift Ms. Pad up. This is her second time of getting the Jean Hagerty award. She, she received it. It was it two years ago from Amherst media. 19 to 19. Oh, okay. 2019. So you continue to do good work and the work of the people. And we so appreciate it. Any other member reports up Pam. Would you mind spelling the name of the award. Sorry. Yes. So Jean Hagerty was a community member, community activists. Also a member of the board of Amherst media at one time. J E A N is the first name. Hagerty. H is in Henry for Hagerty. A G G E R T Y. I believe I think there's two G's. So I just have a quick comment. Again, I'm very grateful. That I'm as media recognized as WG. I think I have to say what I've heard and what I observe. At event is that we did not see some of our. Actually, our town. We did not see any of our town. We did not see any of our town. Administrators did not show up. To support says WG. That is very disappointing. And this are the group of people that will go to other events. I also. We did not have. Anyone from time council. That attended. At least to support. Alicia walk walk walk. What is that. The committee. That worked hard. To produce two departments. To recommend. Several recommendations. I just want to put it out there. Because people are talking about it. It was very disappointing. Yeah. And I'll just make one quick comment to just add to it, you know, which I agree with what Miss Padgett said, because I also took note of that. And I just want to make one quick comment. And also to say that CSWG, it was upon our recommendation that we have CSS JC. You know, and I know we, we keep on just saying that they created the two. Departments, but we're, we're who we are because of CSWG. And we're meeting because of CSWG. So I think that that needs to be put on record. Two. And then also obviously the oversight board and a bunch of those other recommendations. And then also, you know, you know, you know, that's still all has to be, you know, we need to keep the pressure to make sure that all of those recommendations, especially those recommendations applicable to the police. You know, one of them, which we're going to talk about later, which is, you know, not hiring any more police members, which was one of our recommendations, which is totally being disregarded. Are also going to be taken into consideration. So yeah, obviously, you know, the work that we do isn't acknowledged, but so thank you Amherst media for acknowledging us and doing that. But, you know, the work is far from over. There's still a lot, a lot of work to be done. It wasn't an also, it was not announced in the Amherstown website. And I know that is, you know, some stuff going on between Amherst media and our town government, but such an important occasion. It wasn't announced there. The Chamber of Commerce, they have the newsletter that goes out there, announced bunch of stuff. And yet this event wasn't announced. So go figure what is happening in this town. If you don't fall in, they, you know, you're canceled in this town. I have to say it. I have to name it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Deborah and Miss Pat. That folks were missed. I know that there were a couple of regrets from town council members who were at, you know, a conference and different things. So, but. They were missed visibly missed. Yeah. Well, and especially the town staff, you know, that was not our reach to CSWG say, oh, by the way, I can't make it. You know, I know this is happening. That was not acknowledgement from the town. It's, it's very dishappening to say the list. Yeah. So thanks to, to Mindy Dom for those proclamations. And for recognizing how this work reverberates throughout the state and the region. Thank you. Any other member reports? Okay. Alrighty. Let's continue. So under. Number four action and discussion items. We have updates from Cress and DEI. So whoever wants to go first. Your call Pamela. I should do it. Okay. Okay. Okay. So, I'm fully staffed with responders for the first time since about halfway through training. Tia out will join the team. She's currently still living in Adams. So about an hour commuted in. So we're working to get her closer to town. Really. Fantastic. Higher town got really lucky. We've gotten really lucky with all the responders that they've shown up. Really competitive group of folks. We have a really unique background supplier for the position. Pamela was on the hiring committee for that. But we ultimately feel like we made the right decision. One of the key components she brings to the team is that she is our youngest member. And recognizing that and serving a community with large or a range of ages. She's 20 years old. So having someone that age on the team allows us to communicate with folks in different ways. And she's had some real value. So I'm really stressing to the responders now is to take care of themselves. I'm trying to model that myself. I'm about nine months into 60 hour weeks. So I'm a little, a little sleepy. Sorry. I didn't make the event, but I'm really having to prioritize some rest at this point to make sure I can keep going. If you get a chance. WWLP wrote a story, a couple of local news outlets. Well, we were awarded a grant. It doesn't actually come with any fiscal things. So that should make it easier. But it allows us to work with seven other municipalities. And council of state governments. Justice equity group, which is really allowing us to look at communities that are actually similarly sized to us. There hasn't been a work group like this yet. I was, I spent an hour on a call with. Some Royal mounted Canadian police. There's a Canadian community involved in this. And just hearing about the differences and just health systems and the way that that impacting is, is pretty big. Folks saw the vaccine clinic that happened at bangs on Monday. We were able to support the town and getting about 463 people vaccinated. And we'll be at the survival center on the 16th. And potentially another clinic after that. So that required our whole team. I'm pretty proud of the way that my folks handled that. And we're able to deal with some tricky situations that day. And a particularly smooth way. We're ramping up for January. We're now in some conversations about what our next steps look like. The really good news is we will be able to be dispatched to technologies here. We're in a pretty intensive training process. Just a heads up. It looks like there may be some days in December in which we're not able to respond to calls because we need to respond to calls. We're not able to respond to calls. We're really well trained in not just the radios, but the electronic record system that we're procuring this month. So we'll announce that on, on the website and work to make sure we get that information out to folks. Yeah, the work is going. I don't know what else to say, except everybody's really stepping up. I'm really proud of the team we have. You know, we're not perfect. But we're not perfect. We're not perfect. But we're quite an experienced and there's no, I don't know a shortcut to get that. And we had a really successful call with a local service provider that actually evolved fire and police and kind of stepping in and stepping back and something that had been really theoretical for us for a long time. But on the scene, we were able to handle it pretty smoothly. And it ended up in someone, not needing to be transported anywhere, Yeah, I could and do talk about this for hours and hours. I'll try to keep a brief. I know you all have a big agenda. So there's any quite. Oh, and we have our cars ordered. So now we're on the state list. If anybody wants to send good vibes, we will take all of them. We have two cars coming. And as soon as they get in town, we will get them running as soon as we can. So I have a couple of questions. So you said it's going to be some days that you all are not going to be responding because you'll be, you know, kind of focused on another, I guess. Yes, I'm training and things like that. So what happens when you all are not responding? Because obviously, I get concerned that what's what's plan B, you know, in terms of like, you know, so the police are the ones that are going to be responding. I mean, have police gotten any new training? Has any of their people gone to some of the training that you all went to to see if they're able to respond to some of these issues in an adequate way, because then the community is just out of luck, I guess, in terms of for these days. So yeah, what's plan B? And then I have more questions, but let's start with that one. So I guess the answer is there would be brief windows of time where we weren't able to respond. There's 12 of us. So that, you know, I would, with the size of our department, we're always going to be a COVID outbreak. An active got away from not being able to respond to things. I can't and won't speak to police training. I don't, I'm not involved in any of those conversations. But that's what I'm saying. I think though. Okay, let me, let me say what I need to say. I think you need to be involved in those conversations. Pamela needs to be involved in some of those conversations with the police to say in terms of what's going to happen. You know, when you all, and I get it, right? Cause you all are only, you know, so many people and you guys, you know, fall thick. But a plan B needs to happen so that the community is not out in, in bad terms, you know, when you all are not present, you see what I'm saying? So what I'm saying is I would like you all to, to, to, to figure, you know, to think something up something in regards to it. So that, you know, the community is not impacted because obviously July 5th is a very real example of what happens when, you know, police that don't have adequate training or willfulness, you know, what happens when they go, you know, Renegade and they do whatever it is that they, they, they, they, they actually train to do, which is not to be responsive to community. So, so that's my first point that that, you know, needs to happen. And the other things that I want to hear about, I know you've talked about it before, but just to kind of white confirmation is when are the hours going to be increased? When are you all going to be handling noise complaints? Also, you know, even if you guys do the noise complaints, because I know noise complaints could be a lot, but even if you guys do it in, in kind of like really thinking about what's priority in terms of noise complaints. So obviously priority would be any nonviolent, you know, non-violent. You know, So there is a lot of concern that's involved. Miners Because obviously, you know, the police can't handle it. So those are some of my questions. Any, any responses or January. Seven is our next kind of shift in hours. examining what the capacity of our folks is, what sort of supports they need to be effective. We'll be getting some communication out to the wider community in the next week about what that'll look like. I just want to be honest that we are probably operating and we'll be operating pretty close to the ends of our capacity. Everybody is doing a lot at showers and I don't know that I can ask any of my team to take on anymore and feasibly, I don't know that I can offer much more. Then kind of what we're doing right now, this was always going to be true. We are a small department and so I just want to, when we talk about things like policies and training for other departments, I don't know that reasonably there's anything on my plate that I could take off to take that on and my plate is very full right now. So I'm not making excuses, I just want to be honest about what my capacity looks like right now. We do have a, yeah, I just want to say one piece, we do have a motivational interviewing training that we've offered to anybody. The survival center is looking at it, Craig's door has taken it, the Amherst College Police Department is taking it, it is widely available to anyone who would like to take it and it's the same trainer we have. So I think one thing that I'd like to say about that and I mean, again, I'm not trying to put and I know you all are doing everything that you all can do and you all are doing a great job. I want to put it out there, you guys are doing excellent work, I've only heard positive things about the work that you all are doing. And so that's why I'm saying we need more of it. So this is why we're here, right? So what do you need Earl? You know what I'm saying? Do you need an assistant director? Do you need blah, blah, blah? Do you need, you know, I think you need to go back and really kind of think about what you need and you know, how many more staff or whatever because you can't do it all. And yeah, if you all get sick, because remember when CSWD when we were looking at this, we actually had recommended a lot more staff and things like that. And we got chopped down, you know? So I think the reality, right? Because now we've had it, you guys are in place for like nine months or whatever, many months is that's what they had said, right? Oh, well, we want to see if this works and we want to see if people are going to utilize it. Guess what? Yes, it works and people are utilizing it. And that means we need more. And we need more to assist you and we need more to assist the staff and we need more in place. And we understand how the budget system is, you know which really kind of crowds out, you know, programs like yours. And so that's what I'm saying. I mean, I don't want to add another thing to your plate but I think this will be something actually good for you to do. Because if you say what it is you need, we can go to back for you. Yeah, so the only thing I do, I just don't want to get ahead of we're in the midst of a kind of internal budget process and me and my program assistant Kat Newman are taking part of the day tomorrow to get that in. No, we believe that town is gonna partner with us on those things. I just want to say, and I think again, I think this is kudos to the CSWG and everybody who worked on this. So we are the fastest department to deployment in the country by at least a year it looks like. So, you know, some of this is a conversation about not just kind of growing capacity but not wanting to grow faster than what we can kind of take on. So one of the things we're looking at is having another public forum. I know there was one last January and having a space. There's a process of community conversation that the Obama administration did that I really liked as far as getting kind of group feedback. So I'm working with the town right now to get that scheduled and worked out with everyone. I'll make sure you all get invited and good notice before it goes up. Thank you, I appreciate it. Great work again. Appreciate you. Sorry, Pat, for interrupting you. No, you didn't. I was the one waiting for the chair. It was great to finally meet you in person. I know the other day. Yes, it was really nice. Yes. Yes, Pat. Oh, so I can go. Okay, okay, okay. So actually, that touched on some issues I wanted to raise. Let me just name it. It's equity issue, okay? So the police department never shut down because of training, the fire department doesn't. And why should Crest program not be available on any given day? Is it resource allocation? Do we need more staffing? Training, scheduling, you know, when that is, you know, training with the police department, they don't shut down for all the police officers to attend. Maybe, you know, figuring out staff, press staff, some go, have go another time, something to think about. I also is wondering about the mental health services that in Springfield, I'm curious to get an update. I know that our town is working with a white-led mental health organization, which I continue to remain concerned. And CSWG did recommend a bipolar-led organization, mental health, and it seems like it went out, you know, out of the earth in, like, I'm just curious to see the update. Are we still... It might be easier for me to work. ...professional relationship with the mental health organization in Springfield is my question. The ADMA, the African Diaspora Mental Health Association? Yep. Yep. We put out an RFP for mental health services. The reality is that I wanted to make sure that this was done ethically, that it wasn't, that every body who wanted to have an opportunity to bid. So we selected from the bidders we have. I'm not going to get back into that. I think we've had that conversation. There were challenges where we're over it. I think we've resolved the issues that we had, and we can really, the people we're working with, I believe, and now we'll have another opportunity next fiscal year, hopefully assuming that the DPH grant continues to look to loop more folks in. But I don't want to spend too much time looking back, because I think that first question is one that I can sink my teeth into a little bit more. So the fire department and police department are much larger than us. They also have a longer history, so they're able to send folks a way to get trained. These are not what I would call modality trainings. These are trainings on using our equipment. And without everybody able to use them at the same time, we're not able to leverage that technology for anybody. So it isn't, if I had 10 more people, I would still shut that down the department to train the folks on this thing. It is a kind of a wait thing. The expense to get another set of this training would be burdensome for us given where we are right now. We're using a large national CAD system. So getting a training together is pretty tricky. They work with hundreds of municipalities. So we have been able to operate with training by having folks go out. So a good example is Chalo, who's one of our responders. He's currently doing some shadowing with a motivational interview trainer. So that in the future, he'll be able to offer that training internally to us during people's shifts. But I think, I just want to remind folks, we don't have any institutional history. So the big part is we don't have anybody who comes to the table with skill sets that they can offer. So if we train half of our team, then it'll be an equity issue because it'll take us a long time to get any training back and it'll mean that half of our team has a skill and the other half doesn't. And it'll just create some teams being able to, you can disagree, it is kind of where we are with it. And we've examined doing half of the team and half of the other, but right now, everybody is still in need of supervision. They're three months into deployments. They've worked for the town for five months. That is very early. If you look at Cambridge Heart, they hired their staff a year ago. They have not deployed yet. They're still training. So I'm proud of where we are with it. I don't mean to be disagreeable. No, it's not disagreeable. I'm an employer and I don't shut down my company because all myself have to go to training. I will, you know, we are range for groups to have the training done. Sure. So I'm really concerned if Crest will be shutting down because, you know, the department is the youngest, new, you know, and then there's no coverage. There's no backup. I'm just concerned in general. I appreciate that. Yeah. So thank you, Earl. And it sounds like, you know, you're doing your best to run a capacity and serving a broad sector of our community. I have a question about now that you bring up, you know, not using ADMA, okay. Can you clarify what group of social services you're using for mental health and is it contracted individual therapists or is it as a business or group in terms of social services for mental health? So I can speak to the folks we have signed contracts with. We're still negotiating some with some groups. So what I would say is we're using the Wildflower Alliance, which is recommendation of the LEAP report. They have a whole Wild Ivy social justice movement, which is led by folks of color. They're gonna start providing some mental health groups in town. We did not end up with a case management provider. Nobody bid to do that. So it wasn't a service that we're able to offer. And then we have our MI trainer on that, that training milieu too. We were only able to work with the folks who filled out the RFP. And so we were limited by that. I see. So there's a possibility that people were not interested in filling out the RFP or it wasn't, they didn't see it as competitive enough or you don't know. The feedback we got from folks was that there were contracts that came out from the state that were larger fiscally and that our contract for the work required to bring services across counties to Amherst, the amount of money just wasn't frankly gonna, they weren't gonna be able to get clinicians to work. And that's a very real concern with the kind of work shortages. We worked really hard to recruit folks. I would say we had eight or nine agencies reach out and ultimately the vast majority of them decided not to move forward with us. And I respected them making that decision as an agency. For a big agency, what we heard was you would need at least a quarter million dollars to do anything. And that was the full thrust of the funding that we were really looking at. So it became challenging. Okay, that I understand. Thank you for clarifying that. So obtaining individuals who would be willing to provide these services instead of, I guess, the RFP system, that's not something that you all are entertaining to have like individual contracts? I think it opens the door to a substantial conflict of interest potential. And that I don't mean for anybody but me, the impression that maybe I would be hand selecting folks that I knew as opposed to making it an equitable process. That's what the RFP process is intended for to make sure that everybody is measured against the same standards. And it provides some oversight. And I really wanna make sure that particularly in matters of fiscal things that there isn't even the impression of any ethics violation. So that's why we chose to go the RFP route. And I think what we're likely to do is do it again next year. Now that we'll have a year under us and we may recalibrate pieces of it to make it more attractive for folks. Okay, and maybe it's more competitive financially. That would really be a matter of the state. So the grant we have only allowed, 250,000 is what we have for community providers. Right, yeah, so, okay. We're pursuing grants where we have a grant we're waiting on right now that I don't know how great the chance is we're actively pursuing grants. And so that's one of the hard parts about this if we can find a grant that could expand that. Absolutely, we absolutely considered individual therapists and even separate from this, we're looking at, we have a social service meeting that we started but doing a version of that for individual therapists who are interested. Right, right. And really wanting to create that sort of equity piece. I'll tell you the hard part has been that particularly for therapists of color, they're in high demand right now. So we wanna make sure that we do this in a way where we are actually able to get some of that diversity into it. If I started it today, it wouldn't look any different from what folks would be able to get just through their insurance. Okay, thank you for clarifying that. Phil. Yeah, on the discussion of clinicians and all that, I don't know if you looked into UMass clinical psych program, they also have clinicians there. Also a low income barrier that if you have not insurance that we'll cover, you can pay out that income. I do know that there's a high weight list on it. So just wanted to offer that. We're talking all the clinical groups. We've had some discussions with most of them in town. And we are, one of the places we're hoping to grow is to build out a clinical component. I think ideally we would have clinicians on the team but we couldn't afford them right now based on what the market rate is. And that's the market rate for working remote or working in an office, not necessarily like being on the street with folks. So it's a really hard market and there's some big mental health products coming on the market in January that are gonna make it even more challenging. We're seeing people, Allegra knows this, we're seeing people come out of college into like pretty intensive roles that historically you wouldn't see someone go into for maybe a decade. And so that job market for those folks in particular is just continues to be really, really challenging. And one of the feedback we have gotten from every mental health provider we've talked to is that they would appreciate us staying out of that market for right now, not being competitors. Got it. And then I just had a clarifying question if you could, do you know the dates that Crest will not be responding just for community members or? No, no. And obviously if there's a way around it, we'll do that. But the challenge is just there isn't, our schedule's pretty tough right now, kind of folks are coming in outside of our briefing at the beginning and middle of the day. Everybody is kind of doing stuff all throughout the day. So I think if it's up to me, we're gonna try to do it in that week between Christmas and New Year's where things are generally quieter anyway. So hopefully that effect won't be too profound. We'll still have someone answering the phones. So this won't be a no response for those folks. It just may be a slightly delayed one. And sorry, Deborah, you asked a question earlier that I should have answered, we have already gone on some calls that would be considered noise complaints. We've been dispatched to those, including some downtown and we've been successful at those folks who are making a lot of noise downtown. We have found that folks are pretty receptive to us and that's a huge testament to folks like Kevon Lord and Kenneth Michael Q, Vanessa Phillips, folks who grew up in town and really understand where folks are coming from. We have found really great success in that kind of familiarity with some of the more challenged communities in our town. Yeah, and I thought you all would be successful. It's just about, again, it just having the capacity to do it. Yeah, so I think where we are now is I think it was a misstatement for us to say that we wouldn't do noise complaints. I think what the actual thing is for large noise complaints on the college campuses or noise complaints with people where there's a history of violence or a reason for folks to be concerned, we aren't gonna go, but recognizing that gamut of noise complaints, particularly for some of the downtown folks who are experiencing substantial emotional distress, we're seeing those folks all the time now. And one of the things we'll start in January is we may start a team early and do some of the folks who sleep rough outside, sleeping like ATM places, getting some responders out to do that work as opposed to currently the setup. And if folks voted on election day, you almost certainly saw a Crest Responder at your polling place, which was another piece of things that we're able to do, which we didn't think we would be able to do, but made sense the day of. Appreciate that. Is there a way to put that on the town website or to inform people that that week, Crest Responders will be taken a hiatus due to whatever, just to let people know to not expect a Crest Responder during that time. Yeah, and we've actually been doing that all along with the holidays. Because we haven't expanded to those other shifts, we're still really needing to give folks the holidays. So when the Thanksgiving holiday came up, we posted something up saying, hey, Crest won't be here the Thursday or the Friday. And what we found actually is it was helpful. The people who we have, we're starting to get the regular flow of people. We have a woman at Clark, we walk home and back and forth from the senior center every day. Those folks, we were able to get other folks in town to support. Amherst Neighbors has been great. The Survival Center has been great partners. So in those spaces where we're not there, we're really working to proactively get resources for the people who we know would be looking for us on those days. That's really awesome, because it gives a picture of a community that cares. So I appreciate thinking through that. Okay, any other questions for Earl or about Crest? I just want to, before I go, over the last week, I've gotten some really great feedback from folks like Lee, that Amherst is starting to come up in national conversations around this. And that's something I'm really proud of and that we're able to be so forward thinking. I know that's because of the time and commitment folks have put in. I just shared the leap report with folks in Canada and Florida. I spoke at a church in Florida who's looking at changing their security apparatus. So I know for a long time, we've talked about how the larger communities have helped us. But now we're supporting about five or six communities that are looking to do this sort of initiative that I'm really proud of that. I think that was a big hinge point for us when we were able to start offering support to other communities. And that's happened and we're really excited to be doing that. We're looking forward to bringing some of those folks into town soon. And we'll work with all of you with if folks are available, we'd love for them to meet as much of the town as they can. That's really great to know. So you're saying, if I heard you correctly, that you were using the CSWG Leap Report. Yep, yep. Okay, and that research and sharing. Yeah, I spoke on a panel at a national convention on Saturday and shared the Leap Report. Lots of people had read it before they showed up. We are getting calls from Oakland. Folks are looking at this and setting up. And it's really interesting because now lots of folks are looking at the process we had and looking to replicate it, which is, I think, I hope for everybody feels a little bit like justification. Well, that's awesome, Merle, because for a while that report and that information was not validated. So thank you for stating it publicly that it's being used now nationally, even internationally in Canada. So anyway, I really appreciate what you're doing. I know it's a hard task. You've been on the job nine months. You and Pam have put in a lot of effort to ramp up very quickly. And we're just here to really support that, help you think through it and make sure it's going to the community. I hope you guys know I always appreciate the tough questions. I appreciate that you all are so thoughtful in searching in these things. I won't ever get better if people don't ask those sorts of questions. Great. Thank you. I just want to mention, I'm very impressed with your leadership. I like the energy you brought to your job. And when we recommended Cress, I never envisioned the approach that you took that I really, really like. You were out there in the community. People know what Cress is because I've asked people randomly. Have you heard about Cress Responder or something? And then I'll mention one or two members because I know one of them worked for me and they said, oh, that program. Yeah, okay. Yeah, I've seen them around. So I think you've done excellent job. In terms of visibility about Cress program. Thank you. And we'll have fliers and pamphlets for you all in January. We're handing out about 500 to a thousand business cards a week. We are doing our best to get the word out. And we appreciate the work you all do in spreading that. I know you all are doing that in your network. So thank you very much. Yeah, and I think the other thing too, and I think it was mentioned by Mindy at the award, but obviously, it's really great. And some of us already said it about the fact that others are trying to look at what we did and trying to replicate it. Because I think a lot of times here in our own town, we're not given as much credit for anything, but at least others outside of the town are appreciating it. So... Yeah, I've said it other places. I'll say it's here for the record. If it wasn't for those conversations that you all are a part of, I would not have even considered taking this job. If it wasn't for the work that had already happened, I don't think if I had to do those conversations and then figure out how to do what I'm doing, I would have had any ability to be effective. So the fact that that work was done when I got here, I think if you look at other communities where their director is having to start that process themselves, you can see why we were able to move with the speed we did. And that's a testament to the conversations and the work this community did. Hey, little man. All right, I'm gonna get out of here now. Thank you all so much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Yeah. All right. Okay, let's move on. I muted myself. Hello Pam. Can you give us an update on DEI? Sure. There's not gonna be a lot to communicate because as I've said, I was out for the last three weeks. But the things that you should be aware of is that I think at the last meeting I said that Jen and I had completed an assessment tool with plans to roll that out to the apartments that we were awaiting approval from the town manager. And so we have had that process reviewed by the town manager and approved. So that is ready to really roll out. She and I completed basically a calendar of events that would coincide, or I guess coincides not the right work, that would list the planned activities for the DEI department and the Human Rights Commission. So like an annual calendar events that would be both cultural and informative in nature. So included in the cultural events. So the Lunar New Year, Martin Luther King, Kwanzaa and then a plan for the informative events around the racial healing work. So that calendar has been completed and we have gone through the list and sort of decided who's gonna take the lead in planning events, although the plan is obviously for us to work on all events together, but someone needs to be sort of take the lead in the planning for those things. Philip already mentioned one of the upcoming events, which is the Human Rights Day. In addition to that, plans are underway. And I think Jen has been planning this primarily with Liz Hager for Kwanzaa on December 26th, which will be from 11 to three at the Bangs Community Center. And then the Martin Luther King Day celebration that the town will do will be on January 15th. And then on January 17th, the town will be participating in the National Day of Racial Healing that is sponsored by the Kellogg Foundation. So I'm taking the lead on putting that program together. In addition to that, I have followed up with sort of informal contact with two different groups of consultants. So I've contacted three individuals that might be possible consultants for the resident oversight board. I've heard back from two of the three with plans to have just preliminary conversations with them about the scope of their services and their fees and that those conversations will take place in advance of the due date for the budget or budget proposal. So they'll have an opportunity to put that information into a proposed budget for next year. And I have been assured that we won't be waiting until next year to hire that there would probably be an opportunity for a mid-year appropriation to get the work started during this fiscal year. And then the second group are individuals who I've identified to have conversations with around the work around the racial reconciliation or racial healing. And I think that's pretty much all that I have to report on at this point. So thank you, Pam. I have a question about the, you mentioned three consultants. Are they national, regional, local? So all of the individuals that I have reached out to in concern regarding the resident oversight board are past presidents of the Nakali organization. Right. Okay. So, and one of them is regional. So, but they're all past presidents who have worked with the organization and who now do consulting work. The other consultants around racial healing, as you know, I had reached out to Dr. Love, prior reached out to her a second time. And then the other individuals are all within the commonwealth. Okay. Yes. So, yeah, it'd be interesting to know, are they regional, western mass, Boston? Because when you're talking about doing that type of work, it's good to have a sense of the community, of course, that you're working with. Right. So with both of the potential consultants, there will be an RFP process. So it will be public, but these are individuals that I've just reached out to have some preliminary conversations with so that I can have an understanding of the scope of services and what the range of fees might be so that I can craft the RFP in a way that will likely receive interest. Yeah. So there's no formal commitment to hire anyone, they'll be an RFP process. Thank you. Ms. Pat. So you're ready. Thank you for your report. And I'm glad that you reached out to Dr. Barbara Love. As she knows, there's WG really strongly recommended her in our report. I have questions around Rob, the resident oversight board consultant. For some reason, I'm having anxiety of who the town ends up hiring. I would hope that that person or group will go with what CSWG recommended because it will be really a slap in the face if what we researched with the input from LEAP and seven gen consultants, and if that is thrown out of the window, I think that will not be good. So I am really having lots of anxiety because I think CSWG really, really worked hard to make sure that we got it. And I understand that as variations of resident oversight board. And I don't want to repeat myself, but we'll see how it plays out. So all of those reports mentioned the national organization, which since I think I haven't found another premier organization, that's the, I'm gonna get the acronym incorrect, but I think it's the national organization. I can't remember what the C is for law enforcement. So this one national, it's NACALE is the abbreviation. So in all of the consultants that we reached out to for this initial conversation, there will be an RFP process for this, are all past presidents. The prior sort of timeline that I had drafted relied heavily on both the prior reports that had been done and the advice of that organization. So I don't, it's the N is for civilians. So national association of civilian legal law enforcement oversight. I don't think that there would be misalignment between the work that had been previously done and the individuals who might respond to an RFP. I don't know if there would be another class of individuals that would be better prepared to do the type of work that it's very specialized. If I may, and I will shut up after this and I'm kind of getting ahead of myself, will it be possible to have at least two former CSWG members and I'm thinking about Mr. Ross Venon Jones and Breanna Owen to be part of this process? So it is their baby, I know we all CSWG with but this is their baby. So it's just something I wanna throw out there. Yeah. So I don't know whether they, I guess I don't really know the answer to that question because I don't know what the parameters are for the RFP process. I have another meeting scheduled to speak with Sean early next week. And I know that he'll be working closely with me in helping me to put that process together. So I don't know, I have to understand what the parameters are for the RFP process before I could respond to that. Because CSWG, we actually was involved in RFP in the past and that's how we were able to hire seven gen to consult with, I will shut up. So Deborah, all right, yeah. Yeah, so thank you, Pamela for the update. I think going along with what Ms. Pat is saying, we just wanna like, when you're getting ready to do the RFP I guess it would be good to kind of come back to us to kind of, so we can really see what the parameters are for these consultants because yeah, we don't need to kind of recreate the wheel here since a lot of the work has already been done. And we wanna make sure, right? You're gonna be putting, I'm very happy that you're putting out as an RFP so that also we can make sure to kind of get in touch with anyone, things like that, right? And put it out in the community and things like, in regards to others applying for the RFP. So that's the thing, we do wanna make sure that there is alignment between, because what you wanna use the CSWG report that we did using 7th Gen and LEAP as consultants is to really that be the guidepost and the consultants coming on, which I'm in agreement with the consultants coming on but it's for them to come on to help do the work so that oversight board can be put in place as quickly as possible. So we'd appreciate you once you have kind of the parameters for the RFP, if we could look at that, there'll be one, and then two, in terms of the RFP for the trainers for the racial healing, that's another one too, just to kind of share that with us. I know a lot of consultants. So I wanna make sure that I get it out to people because that's gonna be key. We need to get the right folks for this racial healing because to do racial healing, you need to have someone that really, the community, especially a BIPOC community are gonna trust. They can't be same old, same old, can't be consultants holding up the status quo and things of that. It's gonna be someone who truly knows how to create that atmosphere and environment of safety and trust to guide through and have a real plan, right? An intensive, intentional plan that's going to be over some time. It's not gonna happen overnight. And so yeah, so that's another one that I'll be interested one, seeing that written up a draft before it becomes final. And then when it does become final, letting us know so that we can get the word out. Thank you. Allegra? I think I wanted to echo what Ms. Patton and Deborah had already said. And I was looking at Neckle, Neckle, however we say it. Neckle, yeah. Neckle, I was looking at their website the other day because I know that a lot of the research supporting the CSWG recommendations was drawn from some of that material. And I did like that on their website, they have a feature where you can search different things that have been put into place in different places. And you can actually filter it like a normal thing that you search on the internet these days, but there is a filter that you can put in for whether there's subpoena power for current officers. And I guess my suggestion or my hope would be that we would be looking at those boards that met that filter because I think, there needs to be that power for this board. But I guess my question was in terms of the consultant, would they, I'm hoping that they would receive all of the previous reports that have already been pulled together as a start, as a jumping off point. So that, that line is laid out in the beginning or kind of like this is where we're already coming from the research that has already been done and how can you carry us forward? And I think, I think kind of what Deborah said, bringing the timeline that you had kind of showed us about the different things you hoped to have done before. I think hopefully the consultant could kind of take us through that timeline and not take us back to what had already been done by CSWG and SevenGen. I don't know, was there a question in there? I think there was a question somewhere in the middle. Sounds like concerns, which are good concerns. So go ahead. No, so yeah, I don't know that there was necessarily a question, but I think the, there's any consultant who wouldn't review all of the prior work wouldn't be worth hiring. So that would be an expectation of the professionalism of the person that you would, no one who would seriously take on this job would not want to review and have it under a deep understanding. And I think by limiting to some extent, at least this initial inquiry, the conversations to past presidents, Nicole, you get the level of expertise in depth of knowledge that's required. So I have not had, I mean, I just, as I said, I was out for three weeks. I just placed those inquiries this week. I have a conversation scheduled for this Friday and another conversation scheduled for the following Friday. And I have not heard from the third, from the third possibility. If I don't hear from them by the end of the week then I'll reach out to a fourth. The purpose of these preliminary conversations are really more to assist me in the drafting of the RFP. So I have a full understanding of what the scope of services are and what the fee schedule would be. I did not want to attempt to draft an RFP without having some conversations with some experts because what I might assume to be the scope of services might be far off from what is actually needed. And I don't have an idea of what the fee schedule might be for this type of work. So in order to get that background, I've scheduled, I've tried to schedule these three preliminary conversations which will help in drafting of the RFP. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Pam. So kind of like Allegra, one of the concerns are I have two concerns and maybe suggestions since this is preliminary right now. And it's great that you're sharing this with us because this is what we ask for. We ask to be supportive and available to you to help shape what's the end result eventually of a resident oversight board. So two things because this was some of the stuff that I consulted with CSWG about looking at NACL. One part of NACL concerning resident oversight oversight is kind of a cautionary tale, right? As Allegra offered or I don't know, it's Deborah, whoever mentioned you have to have subpoena power. So these communities who have resident oversight boards in place and don't have subpoena power, it's a kind of null and void in terms of bringing a complaint and having any ability to act upon anything. So that's one. So if you could look at the communities and they do have some listed within NACL's website and if you again need help doing that, we're here. It's also I think in the report. So look at the ones that have subpoena power and that have been somewhat successful because there are some communities where it has been problematic where those residents have not been able to participate on any level. So there are good models out there, in other words. And then the other thing is that there is something beyond I guess a resident oversight other communities have created something like a resident oversight board, not calling it that. One that I often bring up is in San Diego and it comes out of an organization like a CSWG so to speak, San Diegans for Justice. And they created something like a resident oversight board but it was actually something that they brought to a vote in their community to make sure that it was part of the overall structure within the town. Not necessarily that we need something like that but again, it might be helpful to look at other models in how the residents are able to participate and have some level of authority. So those are basically the two things I have to add. Any other comments for Pam? Okay, I guess it's also in our agenda so thank you for providing some comments on it before we get to as a whole agenda item, but. So I just want to mention that Councilor Dorothea-Pam is with us. Oh, great. And I don't know if anybody reached out to Councilor Pat DeAngelo. They're both our liaison, I feel so bad. Well, no, I think everybody's doing a lot and it's on the agenda and I'm sure you know, Jennifer Moisten, who sends out our invitations, hopefully is sending it to the Council members. If not, we need to make that correction. Do you know, Ms. Yang? I don't know if this was sent out but I think in the past, Jennifer has, but I'm not sure, you know, as I said, I've been out for the last three weeks. So I'm not sure what. Okay, so we just need to check on that. I don't think it should be our job, Ms. Pat, to send that out. I see Dorothea-Pam has her hand raised and I believe as our liaison, she is allowed to answer a clarifying question. That would be great. Can someone allow her to speak? You have it, Pam? So she's- Dorothea, can you? Are you moving? Okay, here we go. They did not send out a notice but I went to the website and checked in that way and I'm late checking in because I was on grandparent duty earlier today. But it is easier when you do send one out. It does prompt the memory. So that would be nice if you did. I would appreciate that. So sorry. So if we could make a note of that, Pam, and have Jennifer in her multiple email she sends out to also include Pat DeAngelis and Dorothea-Pam, I'd appreciate it. So thank you. Thank you. So where are we? If we have no more questions for Pam Young, we can move on to a budget advocacy. I think those are things that have already come up within these conversations with Cress and it came up last meeting with DEI. We were asking Miss Young how we could advocate for more staff for the DEI office. We've heard from Earl that things are already stressed. I mean, I hear them about the holidays, but if we look at the research and statistics, it's during the holidays. I mean, it's all the time, but during the holidays in which people who were challenged with addiction, mental illness, often fall into crises. And so that kind of thing is really important. And so that concerns me personally and as a resident that this great organization is doing a great job, is not gonna be available. And so maybe we can't correct it this year, but it's definitely something we need to advocate for in terms of funding. I mean, yes, they deserve time off, but they're like you say, Miss Pat, as a business owner, you account for coverage when your regular folks have time off. So I don't know if we want to put together, I mean, I think we need to at this point because this is this moment, a list of what we see as the CSSJC areas of funding that pertain to the continuation of the CSWG suggestions and that was approved by town council that these are areas that need to be funded. Cress was never fully funded. This marks a hole in that funding and their capacity to fulfill their role. Same thing with DEI. So I think, you know, if Allegra can you, maybe as we talk about this, if we could have a quick discussion on the different items that we need to maybe send for as an organization, as a CSSJC, as a group to the town council and to the town manager. Are you asking me to write something down? Yes. I'll be right back. Oh, or whoever, no, no, not now. It's being recorded. It's being recorded. Oh my gosh. Okay, it's okay. But if we could maybe just kind of go over some of these other suggestions that we have mentioned throughout these meetings. So Cress, you know, it sounds like they're getting two vehicles. That's exciting, but, you know, they're not fully funded so they don't have coverage. DEI, we already see that, you know, that they need more staff, right? What else? So my suggestion will be, I know everybody's so busy and we tend to put everything on the co-chairs. CSWG already made recommendation. My understanding is that during budget season, each departmental head, you know, they come up with a proposal that they submit to the town manager, I'm assuming. So I think our role is just to, the same exact recommendation that CSWG did in support of the two departments, ICDI. Department, for example, we need multicultural, BIPOC cultural center. We need the youth center. Right. And it's still, DEI is still underfunded. We, you know, we need office assistant, you know, to support the DEI director and the DEI assistant director. And I can go on and on. They rob, stipend that, you know, that CSWG recommended. All those stuff is already in place. We just need the co-chairs to, if we trust the co-chairs, instead of them bringing it for review or something, the document is already there. They can just then state that they're, you know, they want to support the two departments and send to town manager and then to the town council. One thing I do want to mention is that I do not buy the fact that the finance committee keeps saying, we have to make tough, you know, decision, tough choices and this and that, only when it comes to project that impacts marginalized community. We don't have any problem like advocating and pushing for Jones library. It doesn't matter how much it costs, but when it comes to youth center and bi-cultural center, that's when we start making tough decision. We cannot accept no for answer. We need to show up at those hearings and speak up. That's what I want to say. Thank you, Ms. Pat. And just so to clarify, you think if we write like a brief memo and attach the original budgets as outlined from CSWG, that would be sufficient. Except that the budget that we propose at the time does not include, for example, stepping for the resident oversight board. We didn't include that. And I'm sure that all the expenses that we didn't include. Is everyone agreed for that? Cause that would save a lot of time. Yeah. We need to take a vote. For the new members, I would like to hear from them. Freke? Bill? Could I have a second round of what this process is? So again? Could I have a second round of what this process is? Someone is going to draft some documents. Could you explain what's going on? I'm not sure. I'm not sure. Yeah. Okay, so CSWG, CSLJC, it's... This committee is something that CSWG recommended to ensure that the recommendation made by CSWG is actually implemented. So part of our role as CSWG is to really monitor and make sure that we continue to advocate for those projects. So I think one of the things that could happen is, either the co-chairs or Jen can send you and Phillip the recommendation from CSWG that is still not funded. Like the Cress program, they didn't fully funded. And that's why that department is struggling with coverage. Like they're not doing 24-7 that we recommended. That's like an example. And then the DEI department, for example, we only have two people doing so much work. They need like office assistant. And DEI department is not just Ms. Pamela and Ms. Jennifer. It also includes youth center, BIPOC cultural center and other services, transportation. The town council did not, they're not even discussing it, the finance committee either. But there's other projects and services that we recommended that it's not been talked about. The request is mostly on John's library. Right, it's in their report. It's in their report. So if you go to the CSWG report and it's on the town website, you'll see the recommendations. Okay, so all we're asking is if it's okay with this committee to rescind that list, basically emphasizing that the CSSJC wants to see these items funded, fully funded. So it's already been asked for, voted on, all of that, but it hasn't been funded. So when we talk about budget advocacy, all we're asking is that, do we agree to send some type of email, memo, what have you to the town council to emphasize these things need to be funded this round? And not the dollar amount is the project, the items, because things have changed since last day that we recommended. So like the cost of buying like vehicle might be different for DEI department because we think that DEI department also need a vehicle and they don't have it right now. If we have, with the part by cultural center. So the email that will be sent to the town manager and the town council will just list out CSWG demands, what we recommend that, not necessarily the money associated with it. They have to figure that out. Debra? Exactly, exactly, yeah. Debra? I mean, I get that, but I guess what would make this a difference for them to move the needle, I guess, to make them say, okay, yeah, we're gonna do this. You know what I'm saying? I guess for me, it would need to be, like if it was in conjunction with Earl saying, yes, I need XYZ PDQ, Pamela's saying, I need XYZ PDQ, you know what I'm saying? I mean, obviously the youth empowerment, all those other ones, those, yeah, we need to include it because they haven't even funded any of those. But with Cress and DEI, they're already in existence. So if we're just gonna say, yeah, we want it fully funded, okay, yeah, all right, you said that last year. Well, we have examples from the report. We have examples just what Earl offered, you know? So they're gonna have to take off a week during... So that's what I'm saying. I think that's where we need to include some of those examples. Can you see what I'm saying? Absolutely, so with you all's permission, that's what Allegra and I could do, I could do, but I agree, it has to be substantiated and rooted in, you know, these... What's happening now? Exactly, so... Okay, and then tacking on the other recommendations. Yep, I agree. And we should not also forget because of the role that we play is to recommend issues of equity. So only very few committees are getting stipend. So I would like us to include in our advocacy for budget to include other committees like Human Rights Commission. I'm going to forget some other, you know, housing, whatever, for them to also get stipend. The town is where resource, we have the money. It's like, where are we putting, where are we putting our values and priorities? So saying that we don't have the... I don't listen like, I don't listen to... We have to make tough choices. I don't care. I don't care, yep. Okay, so if we're in agreement, because, you know, I don't even want to go through the whole history of three, well, two and a half years ago, where this whole conversation began about the town budgeting their values. So this is just something we stay on them about. You know, you budget other people's values. These are the values that we see as important as BIPOC and allied BIPOC folks. So if that's okay, it's basically reemphasizing the CSWG mandate. If I may, you don't know this is coming, but you can blush, Dr. Dee. If you're waiting for her and some other people two and a half years ago who push that if a committee is going to be appointed, you have to have steepened. And what happened? What happened? A lot of majority of BIPOC folks signed up and see what we produced. Absolutely. So when we will raise hell, it's not always easy that we get everything that we ask for, but we'll keep pushing is the point. And thanks because we have short memory in our town, but for me, it's good to keep reminding us, people who have done something that we tend to forget. If you're waiting for Dr. Dee and some handful of resident who are bold enough, that's why, you know. It benefits everyone of CSWG. So we need to keep pushing that. Human Rights Commission, other committees, the town needs to pay up. We have the resources, we have the money. And also the town council, if we want diverse candidates to run, we need to raise what we're paying them right now. With the long hours and everything, it's almost insulting for what they're getting right now. And I don't even know what the process is. I would like to see the town councilors, well compensated because they do hard work. I don't always agree with them, but they put in a significant amount of time. So noted. What they're doing. So noted. So I wanna make sure we are paying attention to time. It is 7.53 and we have not gone to the resident oversight board. Is there other items? Is there something else to discuss regarding the resident oversight board? Or did we cover it? And also remember that my alarm went off a long time ago in regards to the whole thing about the motion and the July 5th incident. Absolutely. So can we review what we have under four? So resident oversight board, I know that there's more to discuss within that. Listening session. What, do we want to table that? Or do we want to, we have to, okay. So we want to discuss that. List the consultants and contracts. Five minutes, five minutes. Arfa distribution, town manager goals, report from you. All right. So what I would like to see, because I don't want us to forget what happened during the town council meeting. I think we do need to unpack it. Let's do the resident oversight board. And then what would come after that in terms of priorities, not the five minute pieces, the longer pieces, what would come after that? I think probably unpacking town council slash other things that have come forward related to that. So after the Rob, that's what we're gonna do. Okay. Let's do that. All right. Resident oversight board. So this isn't so much about like the actual, once it is implemented, but I kind of have a suggestion for kind of a stop gap until it's up and running. And my suggestion would be that if there is another incident and this committee becomes aware of it, we could make a formal complaint with the post commission, ourselves or as a committee. And that would be a way where the complaint is not just lodged at the Amherst police, but is lodged at this other entity. So that would be, that's, I guess, where my thinking was today. I agree. Now that we know kind of a bit more about post, it's within two days, right? That we would be able to, or it should have been, let's say the police as well within two days are supposed to report these things. So, and even HRC can make a formal complaint to the state, but you're saying as a CSSJC, now that we know, that would be, that was within our purview to also as a group make a formal complaint. That is my understanding. Yeah. And would be, I suppose, my intention. Yeah. So how do we feel about that? That's a useful, I think it's a useful way in which we should spend our time. Those are things that we're concerned about. And as the kind of official group within the town in that capacity, as well as the HRC to file that with the state, I think that would be something useful to do. Yes, Ms. Pat. So, Allegra, thank you for bringing that up. I'm totally in support of that. I'm wondering if people feel that we need to make a motion around this and take a vote or just regular agreement, either way is fine with me. I also want to mention very quickly that a resident has sent me a document which I forwarded to you all, to the town manager, to the town councilors and to the police chief. I was very concerned and disturbed because we've been told that the town has been in compliant with post. Well, a resident tried to get that information and indeed our town didn't do anything. How can we even start healing in our town when simple transparency is not happening? I don't know where we go from here. It's very frustrating. If indeed the town have filed complaint with post, it should be publicly available. But obviously it did not happen and we've been lied to and I don't like using that word at all. I'm very frustrated. Thank you. So Pam, and I know you're not part of the police, but it was reported as we looked at our notes from September that they were in compliance of post. So can you explain the discrepancy or? So I cannot explain the discrepancy. I can only reiterate what was said to me, which was that the town is in compliance with post. I think that it might be appropriate to ask for more clarification. I think I have an understanding about what, why there might be a discrepancy, but I don't fully have the facts and so I wouldn't want to speak to that. But all of the communication from the police department has been that they have fully complied with their requirements for a post. So it is confusing because on one hand, compliance with post might mean, and obviously I cannot get into the psychology so we need a clarification that they have sent in, I think it's one third of the police department, all of the documents pertaining to one third of the police department and their officers, right? All the identifying information, complaints, all of that. So maybe that's what they think being in compliance. However, reporting this particular incident two days later are not reporting it would make them out of compliance because they are obligated to report it. So yeah, I think that that is the question around that needs clarification. The requirements, the way in which the post commission is working is that each municipality is having one third of their police officers reviewed for credentialing and then that credentialing is good for a three-year period. So I do believe that the police department in Amherst has completed that. There is less clarity around the complete reporting process and actually Jen and I attended a webinar training today that was done by the mass municipal I guess, Massachusetts Municipal Association on post where they reviewed of some of the statutory requirements and some of the issues that they are still addressing that they have not completed their processes for. And the webinar was given by the current chief of police in Petsville who sits on the commission and another post commissioner in Ricky Zwinga, I don't know his like background, but they went through the requirements and made very clear that while their role in the commission is to implement the statute, is to implement the statute, they were not involved in the writing of the statute and so there are lots of points that they're seeking clarification on. There's no agreement around what certification means, for example, like for different agencies because post is not only reviewing every city and town city and town police department also doing reviewing police departments at several other agencies, the state troopers so they are still working through some of their alignment of what their requirements are. So, I am uncertain, I know that the communication from the police department was that they have met with all of their requirements. I think it would be fair to ask them about the complaint process. I don't have specific information about that so I don't wanna attempt to have a response to it because I just don't know. So I appreciate that and it sounds like on this particular issue, it has not been addressed in terms of their compliance, that's unclear. Allegra. I was just going to say that I think that there were a number of points at which it seems to me from reading the post stuff that things perhaps should have been reported if the police themselves did not file their own complaint against themselves related to the incident. It seems like at the very least when HRC filed a formal complaint that would have triggered a reporting of a complaint to post. And then I know in Mr. Stewart's letter, he referenced a phone call to the police with a complaint about how the youth's name in one of the Freedom of Information Acts had not been redacted properly and nothing came of that. So I don't know. Again, if there are then three points at which it could have been a complaint that should have been filed or, and that's I guess how I'm interpreting it, but. I think it's, it is an interesting legal question to pose whether the HRC complaint would have triggered a filing to post. I think that that's, you know, my guess is that hasn't occurred in the Commonwealth yet, hasn't been litigated, don't really, I don't know if people haven't have an answer to that, but that might, I could see that as a triggering. I'm not sure if the Freedom of Information violation, if there was one would have triggered a post because the HRC complaint very clearly states that there raises the issue of bias. And so the three categories are bias, serious bodily harm and, you know, it might be death, right, right. So the Freedom of Information, I'm not sure of, the HRC complaint because it raises a question of bias, probably I don't know that might have been a trigger. I think as, I think that, you know, it's still, post is still trying to figure out all of their procedures and policies and we're still sort of in a gray area where compliance is concerned. And the presentation that they did today, I think they said that they've reviewed around, if I have the numbers right, maybe around 8,000 police officers certifications about to maybe a little bit over 200 have been desertified. And some of those are resignations, some of those have are pending. So, you know, they're still in the process of really figuring out all of their internal, processes and trying to work with the legislature and some of the executive board about executive branch about a number of different things, you know, what parts of the complaints can be made public, you know, there was just a lot. That webinar, which will probably be available in the next day or so I would be happy to share it's a little difficult to hear because the sound wasn't great, but we've also been promised to receive the PowerPoint slides and that information could be shared with this group as well. That would be great, thank you. And I don't mean to cut you off, it's just we're, so I want to get us to a decision because I think Allegra makes a really good suggestion that in lieu of a resident oversight board, at least the HRC and the CSSJC could do the work on behalf of the community of bringing to the attention, right, of the state certain issues regarding it here and the compliance to post and this seems like a really likely one because what was brought up maybe not, you know, excessive force, certainly there is discrimination that the complaint and the parent pointed out and it's a complaint. We're not here to adjudicate that or whatever, but it's their complaint and then unprofessionalism. So, you know, was that at least written up and brought to the attention of the state as being someone's complaint within the community? So I think this is a gray area, but it's an area that maybe we could help to clarify, get some clarification. If I may, I think since we have knowledge of this already and we found out that the town did not fight complaint, I think it is our duty to fight the complaint. I know it's kind of late, but it's the symbolism around it. I think HRC and CSSJC, you know, we should fight the complaint and send it to post. And I don't know how you all feel. Because I was under the impression that, you know, when compliant, that's what the police chief said in one of the town council meeting. And that's, you know, I remember him saying, you know, some of his office has been certified and everything compliant with post, everything. So obviously he didn't tell us, you know, the whole story. And I think I still strongly feel that we need to fight complaint to post. I know the two day has lapsed, but we still need to do it. Well, I think the two days is a stipulation from my reading for the police that their obligation is two-day window to file it. For the public, I'm not sure that that two-day window, is that your understanding Pam? Yeah, I don't think there is a statute of limitations on complaints from the public. Right, thank you. I mean, ideally it would be, I'm sorry to interrupt you, ideally it would be good for HRC to do it, but I think it will even be stronger to have two town committee to jointly file it. Absolutely. Yeah, I mean, that's what we're here for. We're not here for to be popular or something. We're here to improve our community. History will judge each and every one of us. How we've done to move our community forward. We need to do the right thing. So I think it needs to be worded in a particular way to talk about the police were obligated, according to post to file within two days, we have found out that is not true or there's some discrepancy in that filing. But we also want to make sure that this complaint has been lodged with the state. So it goes on record. I think that's what we need. I don't know if we need to necessarily say, well, we found out it's not true. I mean, we don't know, you know what I'm saying? I just think we just need to say, hey, you know, we're not sure whether it was father or not. It wasn't. Then let's do it. It wasn't. I don't need me to interrupt you. Aligar, do you mind reading the letter? No, I know. I read the letter. I read the letter. Well, for the public, for the people in the audience, if they haven't read it. I will read it. Hold on. Okay. I mean, yeah, our town didn't file any complaint. So yeah, I want it to be on record. Oh, okay. Okay. So pursuant to a public record requests dated November 18th, 2022 pursuant to MGL chapter 66 section 10 and 950 CMR 32, the peace officer standards and training commission in parentheses commission here by response to your public records request dated November 18th, 2022. In your request, you stated, please furnish all complaint submissions related to the Amherst police department and your records to date. I am specifically looking for complaints since June, 2022 and any dispositions related to an incident on July 4th to 5th, 2022. After that was the pleas to July 4, 5, 2022 was the initial request. After a diligent search, the commission has not uncovered any record responsive to your request. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a waiver of any rights, privileges, protections, immunities, claims or defenses that may be available to the commission, all of which are expressly preserved. Thank you. No filing of complaint on behalf of our APD to post. So we need to file. Yeah. So are we in agreement? Yeah, Phillip, I don't want to put you on the spot, but you need to go back to your group and see what they think about the whole situation. If they want to file it themselves, that's fine. If they want us to join with your group, that's fine too, you know, either way. It needs to be filed. I don't care if it's HLC or CSSJC or combination, it needs to happen. That's why we have these committees. It's called social justice, right? So Phil, what do you think about that? I'm OK with either. I mean, I will bring it up to the HRC and I imagine that we will probably vote to file if this committee also wants to file. I think that that's perfect too. I think having multiple avenues will be great. I will go on record, though, since I was the one that filed the complaint on behalf of the HRC, that it was filed on 721-2022 in regards to the town of Amherst report of alleged police misconduct. And the brief paragraph that I gave was this complaint is being made against the two officers involved in an incident with the police or with Amherst youth on July 4. This incident involved a majority BIPOP group of youth that received a noise complaint while waiting for AAA to arrive. The officers asked for IDs, which then resulted in a abuse of power by the officers that led to them or to telling one of the youth, you have no rights. This complaint is being filed by the Amherst Human Rights Commission that I am co-chair of. The Amherst Human Rights Commission believes that a human rights violation had been committed by the officers by them stating that these youths do not have rights. The Amherst Human Rights Commission would like to inquire about actions taken towards these officers to ensure that this situation does not happen again. So there you go. Complaint and wanting follow-up. So I think whatever we file and send should have that letter as well attached to it because that is definitively a complaint, not to mention the parent who sent their letter in. And I don't know, maybe we have to seek permission to utilize that letter, actually two letters. So are we agreeing that Allegra and I will draft something? Do you all want to see it before we send it? It sounds like Phil has to present this to HRC anyway. When's the next meeting for HRC? I believe it's sometime in the week of the 19th. Oh, OK. So not too far out. So are we in accord or do we need to take a vote? So what are we saying? Is there something jointly? Are we doing something ourselves or what's the? So Phil says that on the 19th, they're having a meeting for HRC. And he's going to present very similarly what we're discussing here. On the 21st, actually. Oh, the 21st. Oh, OK. So it's even further out. So it depends. Yeah, if we want to wait that long, certainly you all could do your own through the HRC. And then we could send something through the CSSJC. I think that might be better. Yeah. OK. That might be better. I want to hear from Freke. Yes. Yeah. I don't have much to say. I just think it's certainly appropriate that we are in agreement about the language for the timing. And so once it's drafted, if that could be sent by email and we have a look, that'll be fine. OK. So we would send it to Pam and Jennifer, and then they would send. I believe that's the process. Then they would send it to, excuse me, the committee. Yeah. And then we just wouldn't reply all. We would just. Yeah, we're one. Yeah. Just reply to them. OK. They would share it with you all. Yeah. In terms of editing. Yeah. All right. Are we OK on that? It's easier if we have dates. Like, when do you guys think you can draft it? I know this is busy month for everybody. You know, when do you? Yeah. Things like that. I find out that when you put dates to projects, you know, people then, I need to respond back. Yeah. Right. So when do you guys think you can draft something? Well, this week is filled up for me. Yeah, I could maybe get to something this weekend next Wednesday. I'm pretty free, so I can try and work on it then as well. So look at my calendar here. Yeah. So if I send something. So can I send something to D by next Wednesday and then D can send it to D can kind of edit things and send to Pamela and Jennifer to send to the group? Is that still kosher? That's an OK way to do it. Yeah, OK. All right. Well, let's do that. That would be really helpful. OK. And then you just need to have a deadline for people to get back. But I think if whoever doesn't get back or whatever, I think we keep it moving. You know what I'm saying? You have to hear back from everybody. So so it sounds like we're in agreement with starting the process to file in this particular case. And I know Ms. Pat had brought up earlier, should we vote about whether this would be a process we want to do hopefully not on a regular basis, but like in until ROB is up and running is this and I just I want to make sure that people are on the same page about that. If that's if that's something we want to agree on, whether that's formally or just. Yeah, I don't know if it needs formal agreement because each time it will need a discussion to to make a decision about an action. Right, right. So I don't know. We could certainly vote on it. I would be in agreement, but I'm just not sure that that's what we we need. We'd have to have deliberation anyway. Right. I'm flexible either way for the sake of time. If we don't vote, that's fine. If we do, that's fine. Ideally, HLC will be the you know, the first group committee to to get a complaint. But if they come to us, then we'll we'll file with post. I assume that people would just, you know, go to HLC. I could be wrong. Well, I hope I hope people come to us as well about it. But yeah, you're right. How it's set up in the town, they would go to HLC first. OK, so we're in agreement. Yeah, do you want to vote? If you want to make a motion, if y'all want to make a motion, go ahead, we're just the co-chairs. Y'all go ahead. Make a motion. Um, OK, because I'm bossy. That I tell people to do what to do stuff. Go ahead, go ahead. Thank you. So I think that we should to write things and send them to D to send to Jen to send everybody. No, no, no, not that one. Oh, you're talking about post to post. OK, are we are we talking about in particular or in? You're tired, darling. OK, I am tired. Hold up, Miss Pat. Freke, you have your hand up. Yes. Now, frankly, I've been interested in what that motion would be. I based on our discussion. I'm not sure that it's necessary, giving again that we already will have the librations, which will lead to a decision on possible action. And so different incidents might end up showing and it would be left to us after the liberation to decide on what that case is. I think what emotion would do would be to incentivize us to have that as the only possible action at the end, which may be appropriate. But at this point, isn't wise. It is, I think, the most effective means we have for moving things forward. And perhaps we can keep it that way, but it doesn't need. I don't think it needs to be put up for it. I would also I would second that that I don't think there needs to be a motion in that if this group just collectively knows that as a tool to use, then we could just all decide to bring it up when that comes up. I'm with that, Phil. So we are motioning. I'm good. I'm good. We're going to ease with this. OK, great. All right. So we know how to proceed for this particular complaint. Yeah. All right. So can we move on? Yes, great. So, Deborah, you want to rephrase your your question that you had at the top of the meeting? Well, no, I just wanted to look at because with all the information that was included for this meeting all the way on the very bottom, it talks about the motion, I guess, that was passed at the town council. So I just wanted us to look at that, right? To see, you know, what this really means in terms of what the town council is going to be doing, whether it kind of equates the demands that we had sent out early on after the incident. You know, like, for instance, the compensation fund, the just compensation fund is not mentioned. That that was left out. That's one of the really striking areas that was left out. But to kind of analyze that, have some discussion and see if we want to do anything in terms of follow up. Absolutely. So is Dorothy Pam and Michelle Miller still in the audience? And we have Alicia, too. Oh, and Alicia, that fantastic. Alicia, would you, is it OK, gang? If Alicia was brought in to discuss this motion and what it would mean? As long as they can do that, can they do that? Public comments. Well, she's, yeah, but so if we, as long as we bring her in to to discuss it, yeah. So it's not public comment, but there's less. There's not enough of them to make a quorum or of the town council. So I think they could be brought in as panelists if they so. So I'll bring the three of them and as panelists, if that's your desire. That would be great. Thank you. Thanks, Pamela, because that was my question. Are any of them in there, Alicia? Yeah, so they're coming. They're there, and yeah, awesome. So, Alicia, do you want to speak to this first? And then we can ask Michelle and Dorothy. Can we put that up on the on the screen? Remember, at the end? Oh, yes. OK, let me find it. Yeah, yeah, the last page of our meeting agenda notes. Yeah. Well, we're doing that. I just want to really acknowledge the councillors that really, you know, supported CSWG and CSJC. I don't want to miss anybody's names. Here we are. Yeah, is this one? Yeah. All this other stuff out of the way. OK, and let me know if you want to scroll down. So is Alicia there? Hello. Hi, everyone. Yes, thank you. So I have just a couple of comments. Thank you all for inviting me in here to your meeting and for all of the work that you're doing. So I would honestly prefer if either Michelle or Dorothy would speak to the motion and I want to explain why very quickly. I actually did not support this motion and not because I think it's bad. I think this is like these are all great things. But I would prefer that somebody who supported it would speak to it. And then I would be happy to offer more comments later if you all would like more comments later, but I would just prefer if someone else presented it. So, Alicia, one quick question, though. I thought the ones on the bottom, though, the recommend town manager, didn't you do some of those? No, how much is not here? So I just not there at all. I proposed a separate motion that also did pass, but it was not this motion. Oh, so we didn't add yours. OK, so yeah. I thought that the bottom bullets were something that you recommended. Yeah, because I can't see. So recommend to the one recommended town manager to work with the police upon to review and update if a purpose like the policies of the police department this review. So being. Oh, OK, yes. Sorry, I apologize. So, yes, I I proposed. I can't remember how many. Sorry, different motions that night, but yeah, a few. And so two of them passed. One of them is the second to last bullet. That's one complete motion and then, yes, the last bullet was the second motion. So those are two separate motions that passed. Yeah, can you talk to those since we have you and then we can talk about. Yeah, absolutely. So I actually got these directly from the CSWG report. And so I know that there are a number of recommendations in there that have not yet been addressed by the council. But these ones I saw as. Directly pertaining to the incident that occurred and that if these things would have happened, that they could essentially help to prevent situations like that from occurring again. And so I decided that it was an appropriate time to rehighlight these things. And so I proposed them all separately because I thought that together it might not pass, but that at least I could get certain portions of it passed, if not everything everyone agreed on. And so the first one I recommend the town manager work with the police department to review and update if appropriate selected policies of the police department. This came directly from the leap report. And so they actually included in the report samples or examples of what recommendations to the actual changes to these policies could be. So there is existing documents as to recommendations to how those policies could possibly be addressed. But they ended up going with the use of force policy, the consent searches at low level and pretextual stops. So the town manager and the police department should be reviewing these policies. And then the second motion was the recommendation that the town manager work with the police department in building upon its current efforts and identifying steps to develop a proactive anti-racist culture in the police department and that it be documented and regular updates be provided to the council, which also came directly from the CSWG report and just to sort of shift the lens from being just not racist to proactively anti-racist was the emphasis for this motion here. So just for me with those two, you know, obviously, you know, awesome and of course, it came from CSWG. So for me, I think where we could be helpful in terms of of, you know, making sure that these things kind of get worked on is in terms of timelines and deadlines, because I don't, you know, it just kind of says town manager, you know, to work with the police department. Yeah, that could be a year from now that could be what you know. So can you provide any thoughts on that? Or do you want us to discuss it and come up with a timeline? Because I mean, that's what I would be interested in. It would be deadlines for the town manager to get these things done. Yeah, Alicia. Yeah, go ahead, Alicia. Just to respond to that, Deborah. So I, so this would be a good thing to advocate for in terms of town manager goals. If that's something that you want to see happening more quickly. I know that I personally will be advocating for that. So I think that's one of the things, but there hasn't been a timeline as of yet. So depending on whether or not that will be included in the goals that might make a difference between like how quickly things start to happen, if that makes sense. Yeah, that makes sense. Thank you. Absolutely. So town manager goals is on our agenda, whether we get there or not. I do want to emphasize as Alicia emphasized town manager goals. This is no small issue. When we started this process two and a half years ago, a handful of people in this community submitted a document to the town council and to the town manager regarding the town manager's goals to put in issues of equity. And already we were thinking about DEI. And so those were the things that we stipulated as a community. We wanted to see the town manager do within the year. And whether it took a year, two and a half years, we are there. If they are not in the town manager's goals, he has no and written and voted on by the town council. He has no obligation to meet any of it. That's simply how it works. So all right. Thank you, Alicia, who Dorothy or Michelle, would you like to speak to these other items here? Dorothy, I'd be happy to just I have a couple of observations. If that's OK, Dorothy, you good with that? Yes, yes, I'm very fine with that. OK, I'm driving. So I hope you can hear me. OK. Yes. OK, great. So I think that the point that you just brought up and actually that Alicia raised and then that D pointed out about town manager goals, I think is critical. So town manager goals are being discussed on Monday evening. They were postponed from this past Monday. And so we have an extra town council meeting happening this Monday at the normal time. So if a member of this group would be available to attend to speak at public comment or if some written comment can be sent in. We can also, Alicia, Dorothy, myself, we can also, as Alicia said, advocate during that meeting to make sure that I know, for example, in the current draft, Alicia's motion pertaining to the anti-racism racism training with the police department has specifically been added. And even the date of the motion is in the goals to reference that. And it also expands to say that the town managers should begin working with all departments, but beginning with the APD as agreed to in that motion. So we can certainly work on getting other specific items into the town manager goals. We'll be finalizing those goals at GOL on Wednesday, the 14th. So there will be some time between Monday, the 12th, when we discuss it as a full council and Wednesday, the 14th for you all to provide additional feedback to us in those couple days so that when we provide a final recommendation, it will include everything. And then the other point I wanted to observe is in the first motion. There's language in there about the reporting needing to go to both the HRC and the CSSJC. I think there's I can't read it because I'm driving with. There's like a two week window in which you all would review whatever the report is. And item seven, item seven develop a communications plan to raise awareness in the community about these efforts that the town manager will report on actions to be taken and our progress and addressing the above no later than four months from the day to this vote. Yeah, well, and then like draft reports to be available to the council, the Community Safety and Social Justice Committee and the Human Rights Commission as well as the public. And then and then there's supposed to share a report with us provided by the town council five days prior to the time. Yeah, before so that we can share advice to the town council five days prior to the town council meeting. Yes. And I think that's a really critical point in which if whatever reporting comes back in that that four month mark to be able to provide feedback at that time, that's not to say that you can't through Pamela, of course, I think who will be providing updates as you as she moves along with the work. But I think that that's a critical juncture in really providing either written or verbal feedback when you get those reports. Agreed. And it has everyone working together and listening to one another. Yeah, exactly, exactly. And I just really want to publicly appreciate Alicia for the additional motions that she brought, because I think that it really kind of pushed maybe the council into some further expansion and discomfort. But but it really got us to drill into these, you know, pieces that were kind of been going in circles around. And so I think that it was it was really helpful to have those additional pieces added. So absolutely. That's my observations right now, and I'm not sure if he has others. No, thank you, Michelle. And I have to say, Alicia, if it were not for Alicia's presence on the town council and her persistence. Yes. And in the face of I have to just call it of being marginalized oftentimes on the town council. This would not appear there. And, you know, and just to appreciate not only her persistence, but her intellect in drafting this. Thank you, Dorothy. Well, I just want to second what you said. After every town council meeting, I am absolutely amazed at both Alicia and Michelle or just thinking on their feet, being so clear, saying things in ways that I can't gather it together. So I'm just we're very, very appreciative. And because we do so much and get so confused, I would appreciate if you could send me a link to this document. Sometimes after the meeting, it's hard to remember what did we do? You know, I mean, they go on forever and ever and ever. So if you could please send me this document because I remember this issue. And I'd love to have it handy. Thank you so much. Absolutely, Dorothy. Thank you for what you do. Any questions for our three council members that have taken time to be with us this evening? Well, I guess for me, I would want to, you know, I get it that it's saying there because I'm more kind of focused on timelines and everything, because obviously this happened back in July, right, in terms of getting some type of solution and addressing, you know, what happened and obviously now is going to take another four months or what have you. So my thing is, OK, how are we going to get? How is the community going to get updates that this is getting done? Because already, like I said, one of the glaring omissions is the just compensation fund that's not here, which was something that we really wanted in terms of our demands that would have been for the families, for the young people that were impacted and for the, you know, for the parents and families. And that's not here. You know, I get it that, you know, the town manager finally apologized, which thankfully that happened. But to this day, we got no apology from the chief. We've got no apology from anyone else that represents the APD. You know what I'm saying? I mean, so this glaring, you know, gaps in this motion, as we know that there would be because that's why this motion was passed. So, you know, I think there's needs to be more kind of deadlines, timelines, and also updates to the community to say, OK, you know, this is what we're working on. This is what's happening. And, you know, you know, I don't see that. And how can that happen? Right. And I appreciate that, Debra, because again, linking these items to the town manager goals and even specifying, which is something the GOL, I attended the GOL committee meeting that is defining or trying to redefine what are town manager goals. Some council members wanted to take out the specificity, feeling that it holds the town manager too tightly to a plan and that he can't be more flexible during the year. I disagree. If there is no specificity, such as within the year town manager, we would like to see this happening and then we'll, you know, evaluate that, right? That needs to be written into the town manager goals. So we could suggest in terms of timelines in that way within the year and then get the town council and the town manager to drill down on, you know, we're going to be checking in in three months or four months or or what have you, those types of things. But have a year in which we say, this is what we want to see. This is what we want to see you do town manager, because it's your job to do that. Yeah, Alicia has her hand up and then Vera. Sorry, I think I just forgot to take it down earlier. Oh, OK. So Vera, you're going to be at a talk during the public comment. Is that OK? OK, Miss Pat, you have your hand up. So I just want to appreciate Councillor Michelle, Alicia and Dorothy and other councillors who continue to support us even when issues are very difficult and unpopular. For me, my whole impression about this motion is a show to me because, you know, like one to four, the first four or five items to me is like one to four. It's repeating what CSWG already worked on. And then number five is really the one that really gets me very, very frustrated, exploring youth empowerment centre for real. That is no commitment. That says nothing to me is the point I'm trying to say. It's just like complete waste of time that night just to show that, you know, that it's the motion that has been proposed. Another thing is the. Anti-racist that was being proposed. I think it's good, you know, I did request information about consultants and contractors, OK, that APD deal with. And I was particularly interested in trainings and the document we are sent to us to CSJC. And what I saw there seems to me, most of the trainings is mostly towards law enforcement. Yes, there is maybe a couple of consultants, one local one that, you know, would do a social justice type of training. But my point being that APD claims that they are working on, you know, anti-racist and it's not showing. It doesn't show from what I requested for CSJC to look at. You know, 10 year period, I did not see any names of consultants who specialize in doing diversity training and social justice training, except for one or two. Most of the funding was more like reimbursement for trainings that officers go to and, you know, meals. Hotel, whatever. And so let's us be real with this motion. Like, what is it exactly is going to happen? We need timeline and we need action. It's not just a piece of paper like document collecting dust. I don't have too much faith on this on this motion, unless if we really, really push hard and start, you know, pushing for results. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Pat. So I think it's twofold. I think, yes, there are, particularly at the very front there. It replicates what the CSWG asked for intended. It just, and it lacks specificity. Re-emphasizing some of this stuff as CSWG originating, I think is important to rework that because as you have said, Ms. Pat, this place has a very short memory. And so I think it would be helpful to re-emphasize CSWG made this proposal and it needs to be fulfilled. Organize a review of public safety protocols, all of these things that are coming from the CSWG reports, if we could point the origination, I think it would be helpful to remind people. However, there are things such as the number seven develop a communications plan. I actually feel very strongly we need that in this community because if it were not for Phil being on this committee, you know, maybe one or two of us attending the HRC committee, but some of us don't have time to attend yet another committee meeting. So it's important that we have a space or a process in which we can all communicate together and work together to build capacity. So number seven, I think we need to emphasize that. And again, have a timeline. We want this within the year. Okay. You know, and we can go through this and figure out what is new here as Alicia, you know, introduce these are things from the CSWG. Well, again, emphasize this is a reiteration or reworking of this, but we want to see it within the year. You know, so I don't think it's all a show. It's what I'm saying, Ms. Pat, I think some of it. Yeah, because it's performative because they present this stuff. And then there's no action attached to it. I see it as an opportunity to try to demand, excuse me, demand action within the year. And we have people now on the town council who are willing to, with us, make sure that the town manager does this as planned, you know, under the goals. So I don't want to throw it all out, I guess. I'd say let's rework it. Folks who were able to attend on Monday, you know, maybe they can either read it or we could send in a statement so I don't know how people feel about that. I think I like the suggestion of Councillor Michel, you know, if we can have one or two rep in order to speak about this, I think that would be fantastic. I think my worry about naming this a show. Next spring is sort of like transitional period. I know some of the people who are in the city during the transitional period, I know some of us will be off, will be getting off, you know, this committee. And it's election year for, you know, town councillors. You know, there's just a lot and it will be around the time we're talking about resident oversight board. We're going to be talking about visioning of our community. How are you going to do visioning when, you know, the youth perspective were not included here. There's no, you know, victim compensation. I mean, I would like people to put me wrong, but our town, the way it is, I just hope we still have people who will be able to push it through because this could drag through next fall. We don't know who is going to get elected in town council and God help us about it. So that's the reality. This is the history of our town. Yeah. So that's, you know, I would have loved to see something like two months timeline. That would have given me more confidence. But for some reason, this committee and very few has appointment for one year. How is somebody going to be effective to serve on one year on a committee? So we'll see. It's just, you know, these are, you know, real concerns like. It sounds good. Great in paper. And if we're pushing for four months timeline. I don't know. So Michelle. Are there suggestions you can make to make this stronger in terms of attaching this to town manager goals? That's a great question. I'm going to let me take a look at this and compare it up to what we have as a working draft for the town manager goals. And then I will provide some feedback to the co-chairs and Pamela and Jennifer. And, and then you can figure out how to sort of work with that in terms of coming, bringing reps on Monday. We're certainly happy to represent if timing doesn't allow. We will be there to advocate for and represent, but we can also represent if you're not able to be there. One other thought I have is. Pamela, of course, will be providing updates at your meetings as you're continuing to meet over the next few months. But the liaisons to the committee, Dorothy and Pat, could request the town manager to include, and he may do this already because he's gotten pretty good at doing this, but he could include some update in the town manager report, you know, on a bi-weekly basis or a monthly basis or something, whatever is agreed upon. So that there's some sense, because I think what Deb pointed out actually is really critical. Hey, buddy, I'm going to be done in just one second, sweetie. I think what Deb pointed out about the community and the public being aware that progress is being made, it's really, really critical. So I think that's one way for that to occur. And I'm going to brainstorm and try to, you know, think about some other ways that we might keep this committee informed as well as the public informed and have, as you said, Dee, that sense that we are in this together and we're all working together to move these things forward. Okay. Yeah, we'd appreciate your feedback on that. I'm going to be flying on the 12th. So I won't be available at all. So that's, I'd like to get some feedback soon in order to at least know some of these things we discussed will go forward for the Monday night meeting. Yes, I will, I will endeavor to get you something by the end of the day tomorrow and then hopefully that will give us some time to, so that we can make sure that it's sort of settled prior to the 12th. Okay. And I am so sorry, my son just jumped in the car. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for your appreciation and respect and gratitude to all of you. So thank you. Thank you. Love you too. Bye. All right. Bye. So any comments, Deb, how did, you know, I know it falls short a lot. How do you feel about that process, at least from Monday? Yeah, I mean, I think if we can get it together, you know, I know for me too, I'm super busy. So I'm not even going to be able, I can't make a meeting or anything like that. This next week is just craziness. So yeah, but yeah, you know, how are we going to get it before the town council? Right. The question with the short timeline, you know, Wednesday and we got to get everything to them by the, probably before, or no, no, it just has to be read, right? Yeah, that's all, that's all. And if people, you know, anyone from this committee can attend the meeting, they can also during public comment, you know, have, have some comments about the motion, what it's lacking, what's needed, you know, the town manager goals in general. So, you know, this is something that's already passed, but it's like, okay, town council, attach it to the town manager goals, because at least it'll have a year timeline. I mean, you could have more specific timeline, of course, but within that year, they'll be evaluating has the town manager met the items that are attached, the items that are attached to his goals. I wondered if it would be a lot easier to put it in writing and maybe CSJC can request that it be read because at town council meeting, I've seen some town councilors reading, you know, letter or document that somebody sent to them. Maybe we can request that. Like obviously we are all very busy and have extended so it's one way out. Just to request that whatever we write to town council is read that night. If none of us are available to attend. Yeah, most definitely. Can anyone attend Monday night? What time is it? Well, you know, it's one of those council meetings. And if you missed it, if you missed it, you know, public comment, that's over. You don't have second chance. Right. That's the problem. And that's usually in the beginning. Yeah. That is if you're there on time. Yeah. That's always the trick. Yeah. I mean, I can try. I know. Or again, we can send send in our comments. And send them into town council members. And like you say, Ms. Pat, they could either. Either read them or, you know, emphasize our points. So Alicia, Michelle, door to Pam. So the beauty of reading it is the media might pick it up. Sure. That's the unless if we physically alternatively, we can send a copy to the media. That way, if they didn't read it, you know, media would print it for us. Right. That's true too. That's true too. And I think, you know, if Allegra, if we want to work on this, the budget can be attached to these items. You know, again, budgets represent values in priorities and towns. So. These equity and social justice issues that we are dealing with. And that that motion represents. They represent also time and money, you know, who's going to work on them, you know, as DEI is a crest. You know, that's, that's time and money, that's budget. So anyway, there's a way in which to craft it. Within that scope as well. But again, attaching, attaching it to town manager goals is important. All right. So who is doing, so who is doing this task? I'm confused. Well, we already have a budget advocacy letter. And what I'm proposing is that the budget advocacy. Letter can include some aspect of these motions. Okay. Sounds good. Yeah. The people agree. Okay. That sounds good. I'm looking at time. It's nine o'clock. We've been pushing the upper fund. For a long time now. And I just wanted to comment quickly about my request. Consultants. Just so, you know, I actually saw my son is over here. You know, saying, you know, mom. Please. So I'm going to, unfortunately, I'm going to have to go. And just to say quickly for January meeting, you all can just set it up whenever you, you, you want to just because I'm going to be away in January. So, you know, on vacation. Enjoy. What are you going home? Back to my country. Nice. So yeah. Thank you. So yeah. So I'm just going to. Okay. Have a good holiday. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Well, let's try to get through ARPA here. And try to close up our, our meeting. Miss Pat. Did you want to discuss it? And should I put something on the screen here? It's okay. So first of all. I appreciate that the document I requested. Was sent. However, it wasn't complete. And so that's like a source of frustration for me. Because I specifically requested. That it includes by breaking down by race. Minority on businesses could be. Also include white women. And I don't have any problem for. You know, our local business. You know, I'm more curious to see how it's distributed. You know, in terms of. People of color. And I couldn't get that information based on the document that was sent. And again, it's just frustrating. Waste of time. And I want to request that again for our next meeting. That's all I have to say. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And it's just frustrating. Waste of time. And I want to request that again for our next meeting. That's all I have to say on that. Very quickly about the request for consultant. And. Consultant and contractors. Well, what we got. I'll start with a positive. It's good to know that our town. In our taxpayers, you know, go back to our community. For different services that they provide. I think that's wonderful. What is glaring for me is that. That came that jumped up to me is that we, you know, we spend a lot of money on vehicle maintenance, which we should, because it's after all is APD. But we do have, I want to remind, you know, APD that we do have people of color who have garage. That we could also patronize and take some of the APD vehicles there also to repair. So what comes to my mind is that Spanish guy on Belcher Town, Belcher Town Road that has garage is our auto garage or something. We have Middle Eastern that has auto express. So if we can just like, if our town can remember to do business with more diverse businesses and town would be helpful is the message. So in terms of training, I already alluded to wait for the sake of time. I'm not going to dwell into a way that APD has continued to make us believe that they get diversity training and everything. I requested for that. And it couldn't tell me the type of training they're getting better than some contracts or business. Some local one in Greenfield, it seems like more of law enforcement type of training. So again, I'm frustrated the information that was sent to us, you know, is very, you know, insufficient. I couldn't make much out of it. Very frustrating. Another reason is the fact that some people wanted to know, you know, who is doing business with the, with APD so when people make public comments. So we know, you know, where their perspective is, and this, the document that we received did show white people, you know, would defend Ames police, you know, so if people want to get more information they can go and review it. I don't know their names, but I think it's public record now people can access it through, you know, the packet we received tonight. So when people coming out to either demonize the Ames youth of July 5, we know where they're coming from. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Pat. So the document I saw, and maybe I'm, I'm saying the wrong thing, not about the police part for the ARPA funds. Yeah. It does. It doesn't break it down what type of minority owned business. Exactly. Yeah, but it does say minority owned business. It could be women. Women are considered minority owned business. Certainly, certainly, certainly. So I see what you're saying that would be helpful to break it out of gender and have race. I am looking for race because I had three black owned businesses in this now that I reached out to you that are you aware of ARPA funding? Right. And they said they didn't. Right. And when I asked them to contact, they were told it was too late. When I asked them, you know, did you guys even know about that? And nobody reached out to them. They did not know anything about it. Right. And so that report that we received, that document that we received did not mention people that I contacted, who contacted Chamber of Commerce. I did not see their businesses listed, but they did. And these are black owned businesses. One restaurant, Jamaican restaurant, hairdresser, the only black owned, black hairdresser in town, and the Spanish auto garage. Right. They did not know anything about the funding. And then we keep getting the fact that Bid is saying that they didn't, they didn't charge any service fee. But Bid got a lot of money for Drake. They got a lot of money. Why? Because they have access to our town manager. So this issue is not solved yet. We will continue the conversation next time. So it's an issue of equity. The reason being that we didn't get the complete information that I asked for. So who got the money by race? How much? We didn't get that. But we have Bid was given rich, wealthy landlords, got a lot of money from APA, and they're saying they didn't charge any money to distribute money to small owned businesses. So this issue is not rested. I got just one room. Yes, first for Miss Young. Are you listening to me? I want to request for once more grant money from APA funding that BIPOC businesses received from town and the amount. So thank you, Miss Pat. Thank you for even requesting this because it's an issue of equity. I do want to ask, Pam, do you know if within the information you are sent or given? Is there a breakdown in terms of how people identify racially? I don't know. I mean, obviously all of the requests have gone to the finance director. And from my understanding, these reports were, I know the reports were generated from that department, but I don't know what detail they have or whether they have. And I'm assuming somebody can answer to break down those categories by race, but I don't know that. And, you know, it's not information that I would have access to or getting the information from the finance director. Thank you. I appreciate that. So Miss Pat, I know you have helped people fill out these ARPA fund applications. Is there a space there to designate race or does it simply say minority owned? So basically when I reach out to them, I told them to contact Chamber of Commerce and I found these that I will help them with the process. They came back to me and said that they were too late to apply. Okay, so you haven't seen the application to know if there's a space in which. I have. It's actually on the website. Yeah, yeah. So there is a space to indicate racial designation. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. But the point of it is that the town claimed that they're going to give priority to a business of color and then in terms of reality, that's not what has happened. I understand. I understand. Because I already Googled all the businesses that receive the funding, the racial breakdown, but I don't want to know. We don't have time to discuss that. And that's not the point. I think any business that need the money should get it. It's not what I'm saying. It's like how many BIPOC benefited from it is my point. No, and I get your point. I'm simply trying. Yeah, I'm simply trying to understand how those categories are tabulated how they are indicated within the application process and then within how the Chamber distributes that. It sounds like, you know, that there is a place in which to indicate racial identification. So why aren't we getting that. So, okay, I think that's a fair, that's a that's a fair question and as you say we'll take it up some more. I think this has to be another aspect of our, it is, it's already an aspect of our equity work. I think, you know, with you working on this Miss Pat, maybe it could be another member also working on this, but to to get the funding that comes from the state and federal monies to go equitably to the offices of color is important and of course it's part of the DEI work. It just sounds like there, there hasn't been enough inquiry, as we're finding out to get them to report out the Chamber, the town to report out in that way. You know, we need a full racial breakdown. So, Miss young, is there a way to give more guidance on that and asking for this information from finance. Oh, your, your mute. My understanding. Can you hear me now. Yes. Okay, yeah, it's my understanding that each time we placed a request to the finance. It's been directly as it was asked in this setting. I mean, I'm sure I'm scheduled to have a conversation with son, Sean about my own budgeting process next week. I'm happy to raise the question again and ask if there is the capacity to have more detail. I don't know what I haven't reviewed the form so I don't know whether they're what, what's being asked on them. And I know that that when Jen asked for this information the last, you know, time that she did that the information wasn't available from the committee. And I don't know why, but the question was asked in regards to everything that you asked for from the prior meeting. Okay, thank you. Dorothy has hold up on this Pat one moment. Dorothy has her hand up. Someone allow her to speak please. Yes, Dorothy. Okay. No, you just meet it yourself. Okay, that's a good question to ask the question is outreach. When outreach is done. Is it to only members of the chamber and the bid, or is it to all of the businesses in town. Perhaps we should ask for some clarification on outreach, particularly for the ARPA funds. That's my comment. Thank you. Thank you so much. I also want to say the whole process I really have issues where. Like what the town give it to be a powerful group to distribute money. I think we, we calling ourselves as inclusive anti racist community. It's just common sense that a committee of business owners could have been set up to deal with the funds allocated to business community to have representation from all races and type of business. No, it went to bid. And they'll give it to the people that they work with. That's the way things work here. People have easy access. So, Miss Pat, I think, yeah. So the process is flawed. Yes, we should not be giving bid and chamber of commerce, because not everybody like. Council of authority just pointed out not everybody belongs to chamber of commerce. Right. So people will just assume that, you know, because they're not meant by the, you know, they're not eligible to apply. So I have issues with that. I really like to see things changing this time. I'm not business as usual. We need to, you know, shake things up a little bit. We still have $2 million of upper front left. Okay. And we don't have youth center. I like some of the money to go to also to business of color in this time who are really, really struggling that impacted by COVID pandemic. In fact, that is a commission set up by the state to get input from different municipalities of how the upper fund has been utilized. And if our town doesn't do the right thing, I think it will be the responsibility of this, this body, you know, to raise concern on state level, because this is tax dollars money. And some people are hurting. Some people are on the verge of going out of business, when there is really, you know, some help for them. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Pat. It really is an important topic and bringing entrepreneurs and supporting business owners here. Miss young and knowing, you know, DI is in need of another person there. In the capacity of your office. Is there any interaction with the business community, particularly the chamber and the bid. And then we'll go to Phil. I'm not, I'm not skipping you. I just want to ask this follow up question. I had preliminary meetings with both members of the Chamber of Commerce and the bed and had some very preliminary discussions. Because Jen is on the chambers diversity and equity task force for lack of a for, I'm not sure if the proper title but for lack of a better word. So she's had some discussions about ways in which they might diversify and increase their membership. And within the town we've all. Sean attended a support supplier diversity training that was done by the Commonwealth. And he and I have had conversations about possibly hosting an event so that we could get businesses within the community, you know, state certified so that would allow them to be on the list of approved vendors for municipalities within the state so there's been some preliminary work along those lines but it hasn't moved very far. So, you know, I think this is something where a Miss Pat, who, you know, is a business owner was a business owner in the town has some experience. I've also been to those supplier diversity workshops because I'm a black woman business owner, and they only go so far if your own town or municipality doesn't do the outreach or makes it difficult for you to be hired in any capacity. So, you know, it's only so much those workshops do, but having someone like a Miss Pat, who has had experience in this town knows the minority owned business owners, you know, doesn't have to be Miss Pat, she isn't up to do, but someone in, you know, with that skill set, and to pay them, even if it's part time to go and do that outreach because the chamber is not a public entity. You know, so that it becomes problematic in terms of equity. So, just some thoughts and and I think we're going to have to revisit this and maybe devote a whole meeting to it because I think it's really important. Yeah. Phil. I just have a point of clarity because I just looked at the application right now and so it says that gender and race and ethnicity are on the application but it is optional to fill out on the application so there's that piece. And while looking at the website I just want to bring up an inequity that I found under their language point it is translated in Spanish to access the application but once you get on to the actual application. It's still in English so even if you were Spanish speaker, you would access it, but then not be able to fill it out. If you if English was not your first language. Oh, thank you Phil. Just that is like a whole piece on access and equity. Yeah, I think we're going to have to in once January comes like schedule a whole meeting just about this and maybe invite some of these business owners miss Pat. Yeah, that that you have been in touch with because it sounds already like there's a diverse array there. That's totally elucidated. Phil, thanks. All right, so any other comments about ARPA funding and vendors to the police and that type of thing. Sounds like we already got our work cut out for us in terms of budget advocacy in town manager goals. The other thing was report from youth. And we might hear about 930. Okay, so just two minutes very quickly. You know, the incident, July 5 is like onions. It's like there's so many moving parts. So the bike work youth and their families really, really want to take their time, such as the post issue that just came up with recently. So the report will be ready. But I'm not giving like the specific month that we would be because I saw many moving parts. So, so much. Yeah, thank you for working on that though. Just to revisit miss Pat is doing a report where she's including not only the letters from the parents but the youth as well and in the CSS JC version of the report. So thank you. So we're looking at January. We're hoping if it's not, I'll let you guys know in advance, but it's going to be comprehensive. And it will be a gift to our town. It will be donated to the local libraries, because history doesn't matter. Absolutely. July 5 has defined our town in 2022. There's no arguing about that. And so we need to document it from the victim's perspective and their families. As much as it might, you know, it may not be a popular report, but the truth. The truth. The truth. It has to come out. So the families are taking their time. So gather all the pieces from the newspaper headlines. Everything is going to be put together and put it, take it out there. It will be out there in the public. It's a history document. Thank you. Thank you. We're almost to the end. Upcoming agenda items and we have to schedule for January. So it's the holidays. All right, folks, Deborah's already said she's not going to be here during January. But would people rather midpoint of January or the end of going towards the end of January is our next meeting. And I could say, for me to any other ideas. See the end of January. There's a Wednesday, the 25th. When does HRC meet again without a conflict with you? The third Wednesday, so we'd meet on the 18th. So the 25th could work for. Okay. That works. All right. So the 25th of January. Are we all good with that? Oh, yes. Yes. Any other options for the 25th. Well, there is. Well, the 18th HRC is meeting. And if we meet earlier in January is the 11th, if we keep it to the Wednesday. I mean Thursday, I don't know. I think we had all agreed Wednesdays was better for us. It doesn't matter to me. Yeah, I was thinking I'll be busy on the 25th of January. Okay. So there's Tuesday is the 24th. And Thursday is the 26th. Does anyone have a preference? It doesn't matter to me. Okay. Well, you're saying you're flying out on the 25th breaking. I will definitely not be flying. But I will. Definitely be busy on the 25th. Okay. Can you do 24. My preference is any day, but it's the 25th. Oh, okay. Can you do 24 to four. Wonderful. Thank you. Great. There we go. That was easy enough. And that's good for you, Phil Allegra. Okay. Allegra. Yep. Okay. So tired. I know. It's been a lot. All right. Well, that's done. Any other items that were not reasonably anticipated. I don't think that's a bad idea. In fact, I think it's a good idea. And I was actually thinking. Not just. Necessarily about the school, but if we were maybe to outreach with other. Committees, like, for example, housing and do like a joint listening session around housing, maybe transportation access with the lighting situation that's come up. So I just, I thought that might be something. We could think about for scheduling, maybe in the spring or. I like that. Is there a way for one of us on the committee other than the two co-chairs. To, um, You know, outreach to these other committees, these other town committees that might have intersecting. You know, goals or ideas with the CSSJC and find out what they be interested in doing something like that. We already have two natural liaisons. Philip. So HRC. And we have a leg graph for housing. So. Well, a leg was a co-chair. But, you know, problem solved. Well, Freckay or Phil, could y'all do that outreach? There's housing. There's the HRC. Obviously HRC is, is logical with Phil. But there are other committees that are, you know, like a transportation. You know, The access. Yes. Yes. Um, that is a major issue with the transportation committee. I don't mind nominating myself with the knowledge that I probably will not get to this until January. I'm going on vacation for like. Sometime in California. Good for you. Very nice. But I can get to the commission. Yeah, that's fine because I think we're, we're saying down the road that we would like to do something like that. So if, if that's okay. Freckay, is there a committee you, you might, um, Would outreach to. If there's a policy. Then could I have a list of what those committees are? I could pick. I'm not sure. You said they are some beyond what you mentioned. Yeah. They're on the town website. Yes. They're on the town website and just think, you know, synergistically where do, you know, it might intersect. So transportation, like we mentioned, uh, has to do with a ability, right? And disability. Um, making sure the PVTA, you know, Uh, Works with folks who have these physical, you know, challenges. Um, Whereas transportation isn't always opened. To them. It's, it's, it's been documented as a problem in the town. Uh, the senior center. You see. Uh, is another one. So. If I, If I, If I may say. I hope I didn't interrupt you. I think Lauren Mills is good at stuff like this. You know, If we can reach out to her and say, you know, Could you reach out to this group? She would do it. She likes to send emails. Sure. She's not on the committee. I can listen with her. And so we discussed her proposal. Uh, because to me, I'm being hesitant. It's like, because I know some of the people in, for example, Access. Uh, Transportation committee. I know some folks, but that's not the point. I don't want to, you know, contact people. We don't have date. You know, there might be some questions. I won't be able to. You know, to answer. Lauren seems to have a good head as to what she wants. So, um, I don't think we have too many committees. Okay. That center around marginalized issue. You know, people. Yeah. She can reach out to them. I mean, we've covered HLC. And Allegra. I don't think your mind, you know, Mentioning that at housing. I know you're doing a lot. But you know, I can reach out. What I'm saying is I'm volunteering to reach out to. Lauren Mills. And have a discussion with her. You know, and we can brainstorm. You know, groups that she can reach out to. Okay. Miss Pat, that's fine. I don't care who does it. I just, I think, you know, we, we're the committee though. And it's great that if you could get Lauren to, you know, to help with that, but our committing members, you know, should take some of that. If we're interested in doing it, should take some of that responsibility. That's, that's really my point. Um, but. However it gets done. That's fine. Chair of a committee. What did I, what do I tell them? What do I tell them? Like, what are we looking for? After January. So our February. Yeah. Our February meeting, our March meeting, you know, those types of things. January is probably going to already be filled. But, uh, February, March. Meeting. So just see if they're interested. And we'll let them know. You know, as we get closer to it, what date. Um, but. Obviously we've been setting dates, uh, for our meetings. Each. After each meeting. So it's not like a set date. Right now. So just see if they're interested. So we're going to be the lead sponsor. And then we're soliciting. Co-sponsors. Yes. Committees. Sounds good. Sounds good. Sounds great. That you already have. You're talking. You have your talking points. Thank you. All right. So, uh, great meeting. Um, any other topics? Public comment. Oh yeah. I know. Okay. Well, why is it's not even written into here. I don't know. Where's our public comment? Why is it down there? Okay. Yes. For your patients. Of course. Public comment. Hello. Vera. Hi. Can you hear me? Yeah. Absolutely. Okay. Vera cage. 12 long metal drug. Amherst. Um, I want to speak to the. Public records request that came back. That the. Amherst police or there have been no complaints, um, from the police department or any other entities to post. Around, um, Police, uh, Complaint. Um, so I. Wanted to find out from. The town. Why that didn't happen. Um, or if. It got submitted and maybe post has it wrong. Um, but I think that that's such an important. Issue to. Figure out. Because it sort of confirms people's belief not to trust. The police. Um, If they can't. Directly come out and say. No, we didn't file or yes, we did and post made a mistake. So we need to figure out, you know, where, where the holes are. Um, and, and I hope that the town council. Is a, should be made aware of this. Um, the town manager, of course. Um, I would. Hope that. There should be a complaint against the. Police chief. If in fact his department did not report to post. Um, and, and I think the, the post agency should, should address that, you know, what, what happens to. To police departments that aren't in compliance with, with the law. Um, so I'll leave my comments at that. Um, at the prior town council meeting where. Um, the different motions were discussed. Um, I. Had the impression that the town manager, the police chief. Um, or that the town manager thought that. Imposing it would be an imposition to. Do, um, Anti racist trainings. Um, without their engagement. Um, and I, I thought if they're, you know, it was curious about these, you know, They've had, um, and what topics were covered. And it appears, you know, um, Romney associates back in the fall of 2020. Um, was paid $14,000 to do. A diversity training with the police department. Um, and this was a sole source procurement. So it wasn't, you know, a bidding process or anything like that. So I just wanted to, um, I think they build for 20,000 and I believe Amherst college kicked in, you know, the 6,000. Um, clearly that. That event was not enough. Um, Or that we're wasting our time and energy around focusing on changing the police. Because, you know, they've always insisted that they've been following protocol. Um, and, and the public may feel that they have been violated, but the police keep saying they're just following their own practices and protocol. And they're not doing anything out of compliance with their own rules. Um, so. I think that we definitely need to keep centering. The, the groups of people that have been adversely impacted by the police. Um, and their conduct and, and, and how much of a resource. Hog that they are in this town, you know, um, So three people, three officers have been are now with the department. Those are additional people. Um, and yet. The department of justice and police have been trying to make sure that the police are not, is not going to be using the same bit of the force. That press the struggling with keeping up with the demands. Of our, of our reality. Um, so let's really focus on. Putting resources. To the communities that are adversely impacted. And not to the police. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you, Vera. All on our agenda. Does anyone want to make a motion. I move. End the meeting. So moved to adjourn. Anyone seconds. Again. You have a second. All in favor. Yeah. Merry holidays. Merry Christmas. We just need to state the time for. 939. Thank you. We adjourned. Thank you. Great holiday everyone. Yes. You're next year. Real quick, Pam. How is Jennifer going to post this meeting, the recording, or will you post it? So it's my understanding that the meetings are automatic, that there's a system in place. Oh, it's automatically. Okay. I just want to make sure to get notes. Okay. I'm not posted automatically then Jennifer. Well, I don't know whether schedule is today. It takes, I think there's a little bit of delay. Yeah, 24 hours. Right. So it'll be posted probably by Friday at the latest. Okay. Thank you so much. Thank you everyone for. Committing to this work. And I do hope y'all spend quality time with your friends and family and be safe and look forward to. Working with you in January. Thank you. Good job. Good job. Thanks. Good night.