HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/05/2010 08B Minutes 11-10-2009 Council Public Safety Committee Council Public Safety Committee
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CED Conference Room
City Hall
November 10, 2009
MINUTES
Council Members Present: Maureen Adkison, Dave Edler and Sonia Rodriguez
Adkison called the meeting to order at 3:00.
I. Gang Initiative Proposal
This special session was convened to discuss Councilmember Rodriguez's gang
initiative proposal. She expressed that a long term strategy needs to be developed to
combat gang activity using the three-pronged approach of suppression, intervention and
prevention. The proposed initiative would need to have strong support and backing,
and would need to have specific benchmarks and timelines. She recommended the
City of Yakima take the lead role in developing this strategy and creating community
partnerships. One drawback of having the City in the lead role is that the police
department is the only entity involved in gang prevention and suppression efforts that is
accountable to the Council. No other partners have that accountability to the Council.
Rodriguez advised that Michael Morales believes he can draft a proposal based on best
practices around the country. Granato advised that almost all of the other models
around the country have one person coordinating the initiative, a so-called "gang czar".
There is grant funding available for such an initiative, however, there are many other
agencies who will be applying for the funding. It may be most beneficial to allow one of
those agencies to take the lead position and the City to partner with them.
Zais suggested that an Anti-Gang Coalition be formed, using the same model as the
Substance Abuse Coalition that was formed in the 90s. The next steps to forming such
a coalition would be to approach the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments with a
proposal. Adkison inquired what would be the next step required. The initiative would
need to be brought to the full Council. It was MOVED by Rodriguez and SECONDED
by Edler that staff put together the coalition framework over the next 90 days to present
to the Council. Motioned PASSED unanimously. Staffing and funding need to be
included in the initiative, and a summary of best practices should also be included.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
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Maureen Adkison
Public Safety Committee
Minutes prepared by Terri Croft