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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGVPC Minutes 04.16.24Gun Violence Prevention Commission Minutes Tuesday, April 16, 2024 Belmont Branch Library ∙1101 Morningside St. Kathy Cohen called the meeting to order at 5:31 pm. Roll Call Commissioners: Kathy Cohen, Tim Harvey, Eric Anderson, Amy Hodge, Catherine Koebell, Elliot Major, Shakira Williams, Robert Lamour, Jared Rose City Council: Joe Cobb, Stephanie Moon Reynolds City Staff: Angela O’Brien, Laura Carini, Christopher Roberts Roanoke Police Department: Scott Booth, Llyod Merchant, Susanna Camp The minutes from March 19, 2024, were adopted by unanimous vote. (Elliot Major - Motion, Amy Hodge - Second) New Business Orientation for members 1. Introductions: Members and guests introduced themselves. 2. Historic Overview: Vice Mayor Cobb provided Commissioners with the Gun Violence Prevention Commission Report. He highlighted the content of this report which included the purpose, history and timeline, root causes, and prevention efforts. 3. Strategic Plan: Vice Mayor Cobb provided Commissioners with the Gun Violence Prevention Commission Strategic Recommendations and Action Steps. Vice Mayor Cobb briefly discussed the 8 recommendations of the Commission. 4. FOIA: Laura Carini discussed the FOIA Basics. She reminded Commissioners that everything done by the Commission is public including any documents created. Emails should not turn into discussions and phones should not be used to send text messages for business related to the board. 5. COIA: Laura Carini provided handout - An Overview of the State and Local Government Conflict of Interest Act and its Provisions Concerning Transactions, Contracts. She shared if Commissioners have a personal or financial relationship with anything we are discussing, contact her to discuss possible conflicts. Old Business None Reports 1. Roanoke Police Department Community Engagement – Chief Scott Booth explained that efforts from the community are paying off. We remain at 5 cases for the year. He went through the Gun Violence Statistics Report which now includes suicide by firearm. Chief Booth asked the Commission to determine what data they would like reported in the future. 2. Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Unit Update – Chris Roberts reported they currently have 17 clients and 7 of those are connected to probation officers. His team continues to work with clients in group settings except when it is not possible to have clients together due to their conflicts with each other. Chris Roberts’ team has a goal to meet 2- 3 times per week with clients and currently cannot meet that goal due to staffing. They currently plan to hire part-time staff. They meet with 8 high risk students at Westside, 19 - 6th graders at Addison, and students at NCTLA. His team is in schools making contacts with students with the hope that their positive interactions will lead back into the community. He met with 2 William Fleming students in January for conflict resolution which has been successful thus far. Robert Lamour asked Chris Roberts what was the root cause of conflict? Chris Roberts responded at times it is a lack of communication. 3. RESET Update – Lloyd Merchant explained the purpose of RESET. He shared they go into the community and do walks to support individuals affected by gun violence. In March they were deployed 3 times. They mobilized on Avenham to support the community after a child was killed in a car accident. They spoke to 15 residents who expressed concerns about speeding. The residents suggested police controls and installing traffic lights. Mr. Merchant met with the mother of the deceased child and offered support. During spring break, they collaborated with Humble Hikes. Gloves Not Guns was held on March 26 where youth displayed talent and unity. Commissioner Cohen previously asked if the Boxing and Brawling program would consider servicing adults. Mr. Merchant stated they are working on a way to figure it out. Announcements • Daisy Parade – What’s Good Roanoke was represented. • April 27 - Combat Fitness, Free Event • Gunlock Update – They have worked with 5 nonprofits, libraries, RESET, and collaborated with Salem VA to provide a series of videos on suicide prevention. • Gunlocks were available at STEAM day at Va Western • Commissioner Koebel suggested engaging people as gunlock ambassadors. • The police department was commended for providing activities for students over spring break. • Commissioner Hodge announced she is going to Melrose library. People are standing in line to get free food in NW. The community can help by providing items to the pantry. • Next meeting on May 21 at the Raleigh Court community room. Meeting Adjourned at 6:38 pm (Elliot Major - Motion, Amy Hodge - Second)