2021-05-18-COD-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Victoria highlighted the need to anticipate mental health issues and the use of crisis intervention, noting that 5 out of 10 situations needed de-escalation but the police often arrived first before social workers. She shared that when death occurs in a police shooting, 50% have a disability, and 25% have mental illness. CoD would be happy to be involved in any training to build awareness. It is being anticipated that the new station will have a space for a private domestic consultation or an area where things can be discussed more privately. Shaun reinforced the need for calming spaces as they relate to neurological disorders. Sue offered support for creating a welcoming space, creating a community room or meeting space for the community. Francine asked if our Police know how to work with someone with a hearing disability? This was an open question. She also shared that 988 will launch in a year. 988 will be a number that anyone can dial for mental health issues and support. It is hoped that this new number will help minimize the number of calls that police have to respond to. Julie recalled the good work of the force and when a dispatcher talked someone through having a baby. The Select Board will be writing a report end of June— community outreach for further discussion can happen until then. Update concerning meetings covered Francine Stieglitz (Reimagining Public Safety)— she felt that our conversation largely covered the conversations and that most organizations were satisfied by Dr. Fernandez's report that reinforced what we had to say. Len Morse-Fortier (Community Safety Conversation)—he felt that more information will be coming soon. Update on DEI Officer hiring The interview process has started. Janet and Victoria offered questions that were used in the panel interviews. There was also a meet and greet time with Citizens' Advisory Council which Victoria is on. The position starts July I". Janet did flag for the town that it is problematic for them to ask candidates to have a driver's license as a condition of the position. Additional new business and updates on new projects • There will be a new paint store on Bedford Street near Alexander's; Jim will check for accessibility to see if ADA is triggered by the cost of the project. • A new occupancy permit was given at 8 Camilia Place for a new bike shop. Fire and building inspections are at the beginning of the permitting process; they might need to make improvements for accessibility, such as the door and parking spaces. • There is a project on Watertown Street, by Nation Development; they are in the stage of wood framing, with possibility of finishing in late fall or winter. The other is a bigger project, with a concrete base; framing is not planned until the fall. The Waterstone project involves big buildings, on the Arlington line; Jim says they are nice facilities. Before they finish, Jim will invite them to visit the Commission. Meeting adjourned at 7:08 PM. Minutes submitted by Sue Cusack 2