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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/27/2012 Study Session 321 • YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION November 27, 2012 Council Chambers -- City Hall 10 a.m. City Council Study Session regarding Gang Free Initiative MINUTES t€sl Back Print 1. Roll Call Council: Mayor Micah Cawley, presiding, Assistant Mayor Maureen Adkison, Council Members Sara Bristol, Kathy Coffey, Rick Ensey, Dave Ettl (arrvied at 10:20 a.m.) and Bill Lover Staff: City Manager O'Rourke and City Clerk Clear Tee Guest: Consultant Steve Magallan, Magallan Consultancy 2. Discussion regarding Gang Free Initiative Steve Magallan reviewed a Power Point presentation and explained each step of the Gang Free Initiative (GFI) process. He reported on the gang resistance and intervention programs framework of 3 entry points: community, police, and schools. Any one of these areas can request outreach for an individual, which brings the person to a screening process. The outreach specialist can deem what track they recommend for the individual, and at anytime a physician can intervene in the process. WARNS is the metric measuring system provided free of charge by the State, which they will utilize. Suppression is vital during this process and there is zero tolerance. Mr. Magallan reviewed the re -entry strategy and players involved and discussed the Madison House Tutoring Incentive Program, which provides opportunities for after school homework assistance, tutoring, and other education -based programs. Mr. Magallan stated the GFI Committee wants to expand existing programs rather than create new programs. He also discussed the YMCA Aspire Mentoring Program and the GFI Committee is looking to double the existing program. He discussed the YPAL Life Skills Program and the idea of expanding and enhancing the existing program. The GFI Committee will also work with Juvenile Court to provide targeted outreach to high risk youth and families. The outcome of all programs is to lower risk of gang involvement among participants. Robin Berndt, Juvenile Court Administrator, noted they are sharing grants, an outreach worker has been hired and trained and they are already working with a handful of kids. She says they have seen this work in gang court with amazing results. Chief Rizzi mentioned their hope for flipping gang members into ambassadors for this program. Council discussed indicators and markers for gang activity and budget issues. Council Members Adkison, Coffey and Ettl spoke in support of the plan and thanked Mr. Magallan and Lt. Merryman for their efforts. Page 1 of 2 322 Council Member Lover asked about the Safe City Program and if they are a partner. Mr. Magallan took the best proposals for this program and is not excluding any group intentionally. Council Member Ettl stated he will reach out to that group. Council Member Lover questioned whether this should be a permanent employee position rather than one that is contracted out. City Manager O'Rourke believes hiring a permanent employee would cost nearly twice as much. Lynne Kittelson, 305 N. 9th Street, spoke in favor of the plan and thanked everyone involved. She also recommended Council read a book about the Four Principles of Execution and Leadership. Carol Folsom -Hill, 15 S. 6th Street, spoke strongly in support of this program and noted she is a member on the GFI Steering Committee. She stated this is real change for our community and it is a community -wide issue. Mr. Magallan stated he will bring back proposed contracts at one of the next council meetings. Coffey moved and Adkison seconded to adopt the plan. Motion: Approve, Moved by Council Member Kathy Coffey, Seconded by Assistant Mayor Maureen Adkison. Approved 7 -0. Council Members voting Aye: Adkison , Bristol , Cawley , Coffey , Ensey , Ettl , Lover . 3. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 12:06 p.m. to the next Council Business meeting on December 4, 2012 at 6 p.m. Motion: Adjourn, Moved by Council Member Rick Ensey, Seconded by Council Member Sara Bristol. Carried 7 -0. Council Members voting Aye: Adkison , Bristol , Cawley , Coffey , Ensey , Ettl , Lover . CERTIFICATION READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY / t4( co, CI MEMBER DATE ° 1 1 4 1 3 NCIL MEMBER DATE A ITN /c,cit,pv. / 0 ,;����i r l : ' r ? � � L � CITY CLEI,'K ; A ' cn j CA-A 4OR - r''t, . s • Page 2 of 2