pages: CityCouncil/2021-05-08.pdf, 2
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CityCouncil | 2021-05-08 | 2 | Department with a Mental Health Division and sends mental health calls to John George Pavilion and overdoses to Alta Bates Hospital; it is important to see what resources are out there and how cities might partner to provide services; she could discuss the White Bridge Clinic; the Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets (CAHOOTS) model should be accelerated, as well as immediate training for Dispatchers and Officers related to the compendium. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she believes Council already gave direction on the issues, especially the CAHOOTS model; inquired whether the Mayor and Vice Mayor have a proposal for other areas the City Manager and staff are currently working on that will be on the upcoming agenda; inquired whether the direction is for staff to stop working on said items and dedicate more time to other areas being proposed. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated Council will be hearing from the City Manager as part of the discussion. In response to Councilmember Daysog's inquiry about the nine minute Council speaking rule, the City Clerk stated the Council Meeting Rules of Order have an exception; nine minutes does not apply to a meeting with a single item with no other business being addressed, such as this meeting; however, the presentation and public comments are still timed. Councilmember Knox White inquired whether the City Manager could provide an update on the work being done. The City Manager stated staff has been looking at models such as CAHOOTS, Community Paramedicine and a couple of different alternatives, as well as crisis services through the County; different resources are being reviewed; one issue is 24/7 response, which is not currently available; one model or a combination of models is being reviewed; the use of force policy is being reviewed; the incoming Police Chief also forwarded information on advisory and oversight committees. Discussed Police allowing an armed man to terrorize a gathering of mostly black protesters, killing Mario Gonzales, and requests for unarmed mental health first responders; stated over 10,000 people signed a petition; echoed the demands of the Gonzales family; urged Council to adopt a program like Mobile Assistance Community Responders of Oakland (MACRO); discussed a reduction in Police services and funding: Jenice Anderson, Alameda. Stated the Council knows what to do and has the Steering Committee recommendations, a petition, a list of demands and the suggestions from today; Council should set aside petty issues and come through for Mario Gonzales, as well as other Black and Brown people who have died in Police custody; Alameda is not different or special; a man did not need to die: Cheryl Taylor, Steering Committee. Stated Mental Health (MH) First is a non-Police response to decriminalize mental health crises; what happened to Mario Gonzales is a direct result of systematic hostility; she is in solidarity with the family; a community response model autonomous from Police is needed; Special Meeting Alameda City Council 2 Amy 8, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-05-08.pdf |