pages: CityCouncil/2020-07-21.pdf, 34
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CityCouncil | 2020-07-21 | 34 | Vice Mayor Knox White expressed concern about the subcommittee not being a Brown Act body; stated there is an exception to noticing; committees can have subcommittees without violating the Brown Act; setting up a process, which is intended to be public and transparent, allows the ability to bring the entire community in; it should not be set up to have meetings that are unclear without notice; the process is problematic; expressed concern about the delay in creating a subcommittee, community objectives and goals and a work plan; stated the process does not seem to be moving forward; expressed concern about recommendations being received before the budget presentation in October; stated the steering committee process will take time; Council needs to be clear about direction provided and the scope of work; the matter is related to policing, not systemic racism in the entire community; expressed support for Council providing specific guidelines, expectations and timelines; questioned the dynamic of the September check-in; stated that he would like a commitment to the steering committee; the process feels like it is starting over and he will not be able to support it without a commitment to an open and transparent process. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated one of the subcommittees will address systemic and community racism and anti-racism. Councilmember Vella outlined resources which go into publicly agendized meetings; stated the intent is not to have a non-transparent process; the process will quickly fall apart if the City ends up with a process that does not include publicly agendized meetings, opportunities for community input and information is not clear; Council always has the ability to agendize items; noted the discussion centers around the selection process; expressed support for Council not dictating the goal; stated it is important for the community to goal-set and allow for a transparent process with the most meetings possible; many other jurisdictions have had informal meetings to receive input; the City must use the resources it has and should expedite the process; there is an expectation for the committee to make short term recommendations by October; inquired whether there is a way for Council to receive reports back on the progress in order to create a formal process subject to the Brown Act if needed. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the Brown Act is an important principle; expressed support for respecting the process of hearing from the community and letting the community lead; stated there may be a hybrid approach which allows groups to initially meet, get to know each other and allow for a transition into a Brown Act body. Councilmember Oddie stated that he is not under the impression that the process will be secret and conducted behind closed doors; there will be public vetting of the process prior to coming before Council; Councilmembers have the benefit of being able to deliberate for hours with many years of experience; Council is asking community members with little committee experience to be involved in the process; many people who have not spoken previously may be overwhelmed; Council should receive the best input possible. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated time is about to expire. Special Meeting Alameda City Council 12 July 21, 2020 | CityCouncil/2020-07-21.pdf |