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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 8.3 - 3358 Establishing Community Taskforce (2) Page 1 of 3 STAFF REPORT CITY COUNCIL DATE: September 1, 2020 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM: Linda Smith, City Manager SUBJECT: Establishment of a Community Taskforce Prepared by: Councilmember Jean Josey and Councilmember Shawn Kumagai EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The City Council will consider the recommendations by Councilmembers Josey and Kumagai on the formation of a Community Taskforce on policing in Dublin. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Receive the report, discuss, and select a scope, and consider the formation of a Community Taskforce. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Staff estimates the contracted facilitation services will cost between $20,000 and $35,000 depending on the scope selected. In addition to this, the ongoing management and support of the Taskforce will require dedicated portions of budgeted staff time from the City Manager’s Office and Dublin Police Services. The cost to administer the Community Taskforce can be accommodated within the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Adopted Budget. DESCRIPTION: Background At the July 9, 2020 Special City Council Meeting, the City Council held a study session to discuss policing and services in the City of Dublin. This study session was the result of the City Council’s desire to discuss the national discourse surrounding police brutality and the killing of George Floyd, as well as numerous public comments requesting a City Council discussion and review of policing policies within the City. As a result of this discussion, the City Council established a subcommittee of two members. Councilmembers Josey and Kumagai were selected to further explore and develop the scope and mechanics for a future Ad Hoc Community Taskforce (Taskforce) on policing policies and procedures. The subcommittee met on August 7, 2020. Their recommendations for City Council discussion and approval are detailed Page 2 of 3 below. Taskforce Scope: The subcommittee prepared two scope options for the City Council’s consideration: Option A: Taskforce to conduct a review of policing in Dublin including developing recommendations on: 1. Training Curriculum 2. Policies and Procedures 3. Data Transparency and Context 4. Communications 5. Public Engagement and Community Relations Option B: Explore a more global scope for the Taskforce to develop recommendations inclusive of Option A plus the following items which are within the City’s purview: 1. Boards and Commission Recruitment 2. Inclusive, Equitable, and Accessible Programming and Events 3. Community Agency Funding and Support 4. Communications Membership: The subcommittee recommends the Taskforce consist of nine (9) voting members with three (3) alternates. Alternates will be allowed to participate in all meetings of the Taskforce. The City Council shall make a good faith effort to ensure Taskforce membership maintains demographic diversity (i.e. gender, race, age, sexual orientation, etc.) as well as representation from: · Homeowners and renters · Business owners and property managers · Students · Senior Citizens Selection Process: Potential Taskforce members will be identified through an application process. The subcommittee proposes they initially review applications, interview potential candidates, and make recommendations to the Mayor for appointments. The Mayor shall make all appointments, subject to approval by the full City Council. The Taskforce is also subject to the Brown Act. Term of Taskforce: The term of the Taskforce shall begin in December 2020 and expire on June 30, 2021. The Taskforce will have a minimum of one regular (1) meeting per month. Additional special meetings will be determined by the Taskforce. Taskforce Meeting Logistics Taskforce meetings will take place on Zoom and will be facilitated by a contracted Page 3 of 3 facilitator. If the City Council selects Option B, the facilitator will have more targeted expertise facilitating discussions on policing, diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. In addition, to support the Taskforce further for Option B, Staff recommends holding a capacity building training on diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to ensure all members have a shared baseline understanding of these concepts and their related implications on local policy. This training would take place in December as a component of the Taskforce’s Orientation. Staff from the City Manager’s Office and Dublin Police Services will provide additional support and management of the Taskforce. Estimated Timing: September 1, 2020: City Council Establishes Taskforce September 14, 2020: Application Period Opens October 14, 2020: Application Period Closes October-November 2020: Applicant Review, Interview, and Appointment December 2020: Taskforce Orientation (Brown Act, Roles, Expectations) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access Training (Option B only) January 2021: Taskforce Begins June 2021: Taskforce Ends July 2021: Taskforce Recommendations Presented to City Council Next Steps Following City Council selection of a scope and approval of the Taskforce, Staff will develop application materials and will begin to advertise the recruitment process, both broadly across the City’s regular communication channels and through targeted outreach to certain community groups. STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE: None. NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH: None. ATTACHMENTS: None.