pages: CityCouncil/2021-05-08.pdf, 10
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CityCouncil | 2021-05-08 | 10 | Police Departments to better serve the community going forward. Vice Mayor Vella stated that she is interested in how the City operationalizes something imminently; if it is as easy as changing the priority of who is dispatched, she would like to see Community Paramedicine and Fire dispatched on calls for service for crisis intervention and mental health response, rather than sending an armed response; the 90 hours of County training should be done to give additional tools to people already being dispatched on calls; she would like to hear more about who Paramedics work with on the calls; she would like to understand the current system and how work is done in conjunction with each other; questioned what would it look like to have Clinicians working in conjunction with EMTs similar to other cities; stated that she wants to understand integration with the current dispatch system; discussed types of crisis calls; stated that she cosigns what has been said; the City needs to ensure that conversations are not just continued; instruction has been given; she wants to understand what the work plan will look like and the timeline; her preference is as soon as possible and before the end of the Fiscal Year. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she agrees with almost everything everyone else has said; discussed the Community Paramedicine program; stated AHS picking up the cost of one person is $250,000; moving forward she would want to look at Clinicians already trained in mental health response similar to the Berkeley model; the City should get the most skilled, appropriate people; transport should be expanded beyond John George and emergency departments; there are other facilities that the City may be able to tap into in San Leandro and Oakland; she agrees with what Vice Mayor Vella and Councilmember Knox White have said; who handles the calls should be reprioritized and response should be unarmed whenever possible, which should be done within the next eight weeks. Councilmember Daysog stated that he was pleased to be part of historic reforms on March 16th; the reforms were not implemented in time to prevent the tragic death of Mr. Gonzales; his death occurring one month after the Council vote underscores the need to redouble efforts to implement the reforms; expressed support for the meeting and accelerating the reforms; joined the community and City Council in expressing his heartfelt grief over the death. Councilmember Knox White acknowledged Councilmember Daysog's comments; stated the success of the pilot program should be based on removing as many interactions as possible; unarmed response is not needed; mental health officials are going to be needed at some point; the City does not have any on staff and would need to bring in consultants or staff at some point in time. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she was wondering if the City could tap into Alameda Family Services or some mental health clinical professionals to provide coverage after hours when the Community Paramedic is not available. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she wants to hear from the City Manager about whether he has a timeline; she would like an update in regards to the Council requests, which were the same issues raised March 16th. The City Manager stated staff is preparing to bring back a report based on the March 16th Special Meeting Alameda City Council 10 Amy 8, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-05-08.pdf |