AGENDA CATEGORY: General Business
SUBJECT:
Title
Follow-Up Discussion from June 11 Community Conversation and Discussion of Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Youth Task Force, Police Department Directives Task Force, and Continuing the Community Conversation About Racial Justice
Body
DEPARTMENT: Administration
PRESENTERS: Malcolm Fleming, Town Administrator
TIME ESTIMATE: 90 Minutes
only required for non-consent items
FISCAL INFORMATION: N/A
Cost as Recommended:
Balance Available:
Budget Line Item Number:
New Appropriation Required:
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt the proposed Ordinance
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SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
In response to George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis and the resulting public outcry around the world for action to prevent similar injustices, on June 11th the Town hosted a virtual Community Conversation moderated by Town resident Justin Brooks. That Conversation provided an opportunity for Town residents to share their perspectives, questions and suggestions. The following Saturday, June 13th, over 400 people, including the entire Board of Trustees, Police Chief Stewart and Town Administrator Fleming participated in a Black Lives Matter/Together We Rise/Being Better Neighbors March organized by Justin Brooks and other community members. Then, during the Board of Trustees' June 16 Study Session, the Board discussed what actions the Town should take promote racial justice, diversity, equity and inclusion in Erie, to continue the Community Conversation, and to provide an example for other communities to emulate.
During the June 16 discussion, Board members expressed support for:
* Forming an Erie Police Department Directives (Policies) Task Force
* Exploring the creation of a Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Advisory Board
* Creating a Youth Task Force
* Identifying ways to keep the Community Conversation going
In response to the Board's support for these actions, staff explored these issues a...
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