HomeMy WebLinkAboutGVPC Minutes 06-17-2025 Gun Violence Prevention Commission
Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building
215 Church Avenue, SW, Room 364
Roanoke, Virginia 24011
540.853.2333
CITY OF ROANOKE
Gun Violence Prevention Commission
Minutes
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
5:30pm
Melrose Library
2502 Melrose Ave NW
Roanoke, VA 24017
The purpose of the Gun Violence Prevention Commission is to study the issue of gun violence in the
community, recommend strategies for prevention, intervention, and response to reduce incidents of
gun violence and address its effects on the community, and to work with citizens and community
partners in developing programs that create meaningful opportunities for positive non-violent
pathways for health and wholeness.
1. Welcome
The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 5:30 PM by Tim Harvey
2. Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Kathy Cohen, Tim Harvey, Amy Hodge, Josh Johnson, Robert
Lamour, Jared Rose, Valerie Koeppel
Commissioners Absent: Catherine Koebel, Elliot Major
Youth Commissioner Absent: Nazir Jackson
City Council Members Present: Phazhon Nash
City Staff Present: Sam Roman, Captain Andrew Ashby, Lloyd Merchant, Chief Scott
Booth
3. Approval of Minutes
Motion to approve the April meeting minutes was made by Valerie Koeppel and
seconded by Jared Rose. The motion carried unanimously.
4. New Business Updates
Presenter: Tim Harvey
• Requested Council Member Joe Cobb’s assistance in preparing the GVPC
presentation for City Council.
• Proposed revisiting quarterly stakeholder meetings in the fall, possibly starting
in August.
Commissioner Kathy Cohen
• Requested all Commissioners schedule a meeting with Helen Ferguson to collect
and distribute 50-gun locks.
5. Old Business
Working Group Updates
Community and Neighborhood Engagement
Lead: Amy Zigler
• GVPC participated in the Juneteenth event at McCadden Park.
• Working on visibility materials to improve community recognition at events (tri-
folds).
• Community events:
o HOPE Center Block Party – May 24 at 500 11th St NW
o No CAP Teen Youth Summit – May 31 at the Dumas Center (attended by
Commissioner Josh Johnson)
o Community Fun Day – May 31 at Melrose Library
Root Causes Working Group
Lead: Kathy Cohen
• Group was unable to meet; no report provided.
• Collaborating with Roanoke Libraries to focus on literacy initiatives.
Education and Research Working Group
Lead: Tim Harvey
• Planting Peace Project:
o Tree planting held at Washington Park on June 14.
o Clyde Jones to host an event at Horton Park; potential for neighborhood
outreach partnership.
o Recommended reading: Unforgiving Places – focuses on the impulsivity of
gun violence and the importance of credible messengers and cognitive
behavioral therapy.
Gun Lock Program
• 50 community members signed up to become Gun Lock Ambassadors.
• Upcoming Event: June 24 at Melrose Library – distribution of shirts and gun
locks.
o $100 Melrose Market gift cards for those who complete training.
o No Commissioners have completed the training as of this meeting.
6. Presentations
Roanoke City Libraries – Amber Lowery
• Presented on summer learning loss (“summer slide”) and the Summer 2024
Success initiative.
• Introduced the “Color Our World” Summer Reading Program 2025.
o Coloring books and programming materials were distributed to
Commissioners.
Roanoke Police Department – Captain Andrew Ashby
• Reported 5 gun-related homicides (up 2 from 2024) and 9 aggravated assaults
in 2025 (even year-to-date).
• Chief Booth:
o GVI (Group Violence Intervention) Program: 16 individuals contacted
based on 18 months of data.
o Only 2 individuals have been involved in gun violence incidents post-
contact.
o GVI Coordinator position has been filled; Joe Still is in the hiring process.
Youth Gang Outreach – Chris Roberts
• Absent. Sam Roman will request a report to be shared with Commissioners.
RESET Initiative – Lloyd Merchant
• Recent responses:
o 200 Market St SE (shooting): distributed 3 gun locks
o 100 Harrison (vehicular manslaughter)
o Lansdowne property: supported RHHA community event requests and
resident relocation
• Program Highlights:
o 30 youth matched with mentors
o Boxing program continues at Lancer Lot (Champions of Change); awaiting
updates on Norwich location
o City of Roanoke Apprenticeship Cohort 10 to begin Fall 2025
o Attendance Matters Campaign at Forest Park Academy concluded its 10-
week initiative; 10 students graduated
o Tara Hineline hosted a Mother’s Day Brunch at Melrose Library
o Tara Hineline also led a Virginia Beach day trip for 5 students graduating
from the “Gator Swimming” program
o Students visited UNC-Chapel Hill football program
7. Additional New Business
Community Builders Update – Joshua Johnson
• Requested GVPC Commissioners complete the Community Partnership
Interest Form.
Presenter: Tim Harvey
Requested Joe Cobb to assist with preparing the GVPC presentation for the City Council
for GVPC.
Revisit quarter stake holder meetings this fall, possibly August.
Kathy Cohen: Requested all Commissioner to schedule a meeting with Helen Ferguson
to collect and distribute 50 gun locks.
Meeting adjourned at 6:26 pm.
Next Meeting:
July 15th at 5:30 pm at 2502 Melrose Ave NW (Melrose Library)