HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/27/2012 Study Session 321
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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.
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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 .
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