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Home My WebLink AboutGVPC Minutes 08.15.23Roanoke City Gun Violence Commission Meeting Minutes 08-15-23, at 5:30 pm Roanoke City Municipal Bldg 4th floor council conference room Commissioners Present: Stacey Sheppard, Nicole Ross, Joe Cobb (virtual approval), Elliot Major, Shakira Williams (virtual approval), Decca Knight, Tim Harvey, Kathy Cohen (virtual approval), Eric Anderson Commissioners Absent: Topic (Agenda Item) Notes from Discussion Roll Call See roll call above Quorum present Motion Decca motion for virtual attendance for Joe Cobb and Kathy Cohen Elliot Second Joe is out of town working on dissertation Kathy is recovering from surgery Approval of Minutes from July 18 2023 Motion: Decca 2nd: Nicole Motion passes Old Business ○ Working groups (all with prevention, intervention and response focus) Community /Neighborhood Engagement Grants/Sustainability/Funding Research and Education Joe asked that commissioners consider a working group to determine which one they would like to be on and, part of the groups and help bring voices and perspectives to the groups (networks) Legislative Recommendations: Review from the strategic planning and sessions as well as the May/June meeting Dave Harrison, American Bar Association presented recommendations to the Gun Commission. These were then presented to the July legislative comm. Mtg of council. Then, in August legislative committee mtg for city, there was another review/mtg. presented by Kathy Burcher representing Advantus Strategies working with the City of Roanoke to develop and advocate for our legislative agenda in Richmond. Dr. Catherine Koebel Stromberg also gave her overview of lobbying recommendations to the Gun Commission that was also presented to the Legislative Committee Discussion regarding reflection legislative recommendation(s): Chief Stokes clarified COV 18.2-56.2 (code of VA) for class 1 misdemeanor and read the code for allowing harm to children with a firearm Chief Stokes clarified COV 18.2 56.1 Reckless Handling of a firearm Discussed elements of these crimes Discussion was had as to the effectiveness of the tax and, if it would actually reduce the want to purchase a firearm Discussion was had as to where the firearms are being obtained (not legally purchased) Consensus on recommendation on Safe Storage Holding gun owners criminally and civilly liable Permit to purchase handguns (more in-depth background) State Funding Strategic Recommendations: Elite Business Strategies New Assessment (Survey) Ordinance Changes – See handout Recommendation #1 Research and gather and review evidence based data related to root causes Recommendation#2 For commission to be involved in the funding process recommendation Recommendation #3 Secure ongoing funding for gun violence prevention, intervention and response Recommendation #4 Increase and sustain partnerships with the community to aid in the reduction of gun violence New Business ○ Roanoke Police Department, Acting Chief Stokes 11% increase in gun fire and incidents 11.5% down in property crimes Starting to see increase trend in commercial robberies Chief Stokes gave an overview of updates the RPD is doing to address the issues in the community. Teams, state assistance, town hall discussions, walks in the community, citizen academy. Tomorrow, 8-16-23 at 6-8pm is a town hall @ Straight Street with RPD o Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Unit Update- Chris Roberts Chris introduced Mr. Jabari Webb to the group for a new outreach worker Chris is working with United Way, Neighbors United (project pinpoint) 1200-1500 block of Hanover Ave. A survey was completed and the survey identified who rented, owned, demographics, services requested, needs, etc. This identified some needs in the community and, thankfulness. Cleanup day is Aug 19th Saturday on Hanover o RESET update- Decca Knight Month of July 1900 Brandon Ave 10 individuals contacts high frequency as transient area 1600 Sigmon Rd 4900 Showalter Rd Between the two 20 contacts 700 block Hunt Ave entire complex 40 resident contacts Stigmas shared for “snitching” Request for cameras- needed in complex 1600, 1700 block of Melrose identified as hotspot “missy” is noted for bullying, 700 block 18th st and Hanover Ave as well for recent homicides During one account a Hispanic Male sought substance abuse assistance o Star City Safe- Jeffrey Powell We ran a pilot program with TAP Baseball program- brought back to NW Participate this weekend in back to school events Libraries and United Way (thank you) for the Young Doctors program 13 youth graduating HQ has their graduation and youth have moved into their programs Announcements Hill Street Baptist Church is hosting a healing community conference Sept 8 and 9th CHIP of Roanoke Valley is creating a gun violence resource guide, Joe asked that we share information and resources to Rachel Hopkins Mr Wilson was recognized by Vice Mayor Joe Cobb- a visitor to the meeting. He is a Roanoke County resident, but has property in Roanoke City and his daughter and grandchildren reside in Roanoke City and wants to be involved. Retired electrician. Nicole reminded all of the RPD community conversations. Assorted dates and times. Adjournment 7:00pm adjourn