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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGVPC Minutes 10.15.24Gun Violence Prevention Commission Tuesday, October 15, 2024 5:30 pm Williamson Road Branch Library 3837 Williamson Rd Roanoke, VA 24012 1. Kathy Cohen called the meeting to order at 5:31 pm. 2. Roll Call Commissioners: Kathy Cohen, Tim Harvey, Eric Anderson, Amy Hodge, Catherine Koebel, Elliot Major, Robert Lamour, Jared Rose, Shikira Williams City Council: Moon Reynolds, Job Cobb City Staff: Laura Carini Roanoke Police Department: Chief Booth, Captain Pulley Sheriff Department: Sheriff Hash 3. The minutes from September 17, 2024, were adopted by unanimous vote (Tim Harvey – Motion, Amy Hodge – Second). The minutes from October 1, 2024, were adopted by unanimous vote (Jared Rose – Motion, Catherine Koebel – Second). 4. New Business a. Kathy Cohen suggested the Commission meet at the Melrose Library monthly instead of rotating to other libraries. 5. Old Business a. Remaining American Rescue Plan Act Funding The Commission is unable to use the remaining funds to support organizations that resemble grants. Laura Carini explained it would have to be an open process. Funds can be used for community outreach, Melrose library, and books for students. Catherine Koebel asked if it was possible to use funds to get gift cards for victims. Angie O’Brien shared concerns with internal control, inventory control, and process control. Kathy Cohen then asked if we could implement gift cards through the police department. Chief Booth responded by stating they could possibly be distributed by RESET. Laura Carini suggested we think about the process and implement something similar to the gunlock process. GVI could also benefit from having gift cards. This would allow them to build trust between the community and police department. Catherine Koebel made a motion to provide the Melrose Library, Community Engagement, Books for RCPS Elementary students, and Gift cards with $10,000 each. Amy Hodge second the motion. The motion passed unanimously. b. Working Group Updates 1. Community and Neighborhood Engagement – No Report 2. Grants and Fund Development - No Report 3. Education and Research Ms. Ferguson explained the Safer Communities Grant at the last meeting. The grant includes $17,000 to plant 10 memorial trees and $31,000 for the Gunlock Ambassador Program. Sheriff Hash asked about the grant process so his department could get awarded funds to help residents return to society. He stated the Sheriff’s department also needs financial resources and help. 6. Reports a. Roanoke Police Department Community Engagement – Chief Scott /Captain Pulley The monthly RPD report was provided to the commission by Captain Pulley. Tim Harvey asked how we communicate this information with the public. Currently the RCPD uses Facebook and has created a YouTube video. Amy Hodge stated we need a more formal way of letting people know how well things are going. Chief Booth shared it is appropriate to share the monthly report given to the commission. Robert Lamour suggested the RPD place the report on their website. Joe Cobb asked for the year-to-date comparison of aggravated assaults. He also inquired about the strategies we are utilizing to bring numbers down in NW. b. Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Unit Update – no report c. RESET Update – Lloyd Merchant The team was deployed 4 times in September. On 9/4 there was an officer involved shooting. They met with 28 residents. On 9/11 there was a shooting on Westside Blvd. They came in contact with 10 residents, passed out 8 gunlocks and 9 ID kits. A concern was that some residents spoke Creole, and they did not have a translator. Robert Lamour agreed to translate for RESET in the future. On 9/18 shots were fired on Center Ave. Residents expressed concerns with speeding vehicles and trash. On 9/25, the team was deployed for a stabbing of a juvenile on Gilmer Ave. The Apprenticeship Program begins this Thursday with 16 youth. They have received funding for mentorship at the YMCA. Counseling and the Boxing program continues. d. Group Violence Prevention – Eric Mayo The focus for the month of November will be Ashton Heights and getting service providers together. 7. Announcements a. The next meeting of the Gun Violence Prevention Commission will be on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at the Gainsboro Library. b. The Sheriff’s department will sponsor a safe space on Halloween Night at the Berglund center from 4:30-7:30 pm. They plan to have 2000 children attend and could use support. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 pm.