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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-08-26 - Minutes - Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 1 of 20 Council Member Sonia Gutierrez F F AY E Tr Council Member Sloan Scroggin Ward 1 Position I $ F Ward 3 Position I Council Member Sarah Marsh -A_ Council Member Sarah Bunch Ward 1 Position 2 0 Ward 3 Position 2 n _ �, Council Member Mark Kinion "s"' a Council Member Teresa Turk Ward 2 Position I Ward 4 Position I Council Member Matthew Petty K A N S PS Y Council Member Kyle Smith Ward 2 Position 2 Ward 4 Position 2 Mayor Lioneld Jordan City Attorney Kit Williams City Clerk Kara Paxton City of Fayetteville Arkansas Special City Council Meeting August 26,2020 A Special meeting of the Fayetteville City Council was held on August 26, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. in Room 219 of the City Administration Building located at 113 West Mountain Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Mayor Jordan called the meeting to order. In order to create social distancing due to the Coronavirus, COVID-19 pandemic, Council Members Sonia Gutierrez, Mark Kinion, Matthew Petty, Sloan Scroggin, Sarah Bunch, Teresa Turk,and Kyle Smith joined the meeting via online using a video conferencing service called Zoom. Mayor Lioneld Jordan, City Attorney Kit Williams, City Clerk Treasurer Kara Paxton, Chief of Staff Susan Norton, IT Director Keith Macedo, Police Chief Mike Reynolds, Fire Chief Brad Hardin,Chief Financial Officer Paul Becker,and two staff members from the IT Department were present in City Council Chambers while demonstrating recommended social distancing. Council Members Bunch and Kinion arrived after Roll Call. Absent: Council Member Marsh Pledge of Allegiance 113 West Mountain Fayetteville.AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www fayetteville-ar gov Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 2 of 20 Mayor's Announcements, Proclamations and Recognitions: Mayor Jordan: In light of the current health concerns, Fayetteville City Hall is closed to the public. This meeting is being held virtually. I am present in Council Chambers with a handful of essential support staff. City Attorney Kit Williams, City Clerk Treasurer Kara Paxton, Chief of Staff Susan Norton, IT Director Keith Macedo, Police Chief Mike Reynolds, Fire Chief Brad Hardin, Chief Financial Officer Paul Becker, and two representatives from the IT Department. City Council Members, City Staff, and the public are participating online or by phone. Other than those of us you see before you, the voices you hear during the course of this meeting are being recorded for public record and piped into the Council Chambers. Participation remains of the upmost importance to the City of Fayetteville. We have provided many ways to participate in the meeting, which includes contacting Council Members, City Clerk office or city staff prior to the meeting.The meeting can be viewed through Fayetteville's government channel online,YouTube, and joining the Zoom conference by smartphone,tablet or computer. Staff can view when you join the meeting and when you raise your virtual hand. We ask that you refrain from doing this until the public comment portion of the item on which you wish to comment. I will provide a longer than usual period of time for you to raise your virtual hand, so as to ensure time to be recognized. Due to the amount of calls and emails I have received, tonight Fayetteville residents will be allowed to speak first. When recognized,please state your name and address for the record. Public comment shall be allowed for all members of the audience who have signed up prior to the beginning of the agenda item they wish to address being opened for public comment. As we are about to begin, I am concluding the sign-up process at this moment. This is a time for public comment only. This is not a time for engaging Council Members and asking questions. The time to ask questions to your Council Members is prior to the meeting. I will not be allowing any profanity in this meeting. Don't engage a Council Member or anybody in the public. Each speaker is allowed five minutes to be broken into two segments of three and two minutes,which staff will monitor. Amendments may receive public comments only if approved by the City Council by unanimous consent or majority vote. If public comment is allowed for an amendment, speakers will only be allowed to speak for three minutes. The City Council may allow both a speaker additional time and an unsigned-up person to speak by unanimous consent or majority vote. Council Members may ask questions of the public and then give more time to speakers. City Council Meeting Presentations, Reports, and Discussion Items: None Agenda Additions: None New Business: SRP-2020-2021 DTF DCF Grant Award: A resolution to authorize acceptance of a State Drug Crime Enforcement and Prosecution Grant for state funding of the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force in the amount of $91,319.00, and to authorize Mayor Jordan to sign all necessary 113 West Mountain Fayetteville.AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www fayetteville-ar gov Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 3 of 20 documents to receive the grant funds.At the August 18, 2020 City Council meeting this item was tabled for two weeks. This item will be placed on the September 1, 2020 City Council meeting agenda. Mike Reynolds, Chief of Police: This is to approve our annual State Drug Crime Enforcement and Prosecution Grant to help reimburse the personnel expenses of the detectives assigned to our Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force. The grant award is for $91,319 with a local match of $18,264.The City of Fayetteville share of this grant is$57,107.49 with a local match of$11,421.62 and this money has already been budgeted this year.The City of Fayetteville has been the fiduciary of the Drug Task Force Grant since its inception in 1991 and the remaining funds of$34,211.51 from this grant will be disbursed to the Springdale, Washington County, and Prairie Grove Police Departments. This grant will take care of DTF personnel expenses through December 2020. We anticipate in December 2020 that the State Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) will be awarded to cover personnel expenses through June 2021. It's anticipated this grant will be awarded for $91,319 in federal funding, $43,597 in state funding with a match of $18,264. The City of Fayetteville share from that grant is anticipated to be $84,371 with a local match of$11,421. We anticipate a third grant in April 2021, which is the height of federal funding. It will be provided to offset the overtime, vehicle expenses, and the purchase of evidence information fund expenses for the Fayetteville Police Department. It is anticipated this funding will be $153,800 to the Fayetteville Police Department personnel with no match required. The Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force is a multi jurisdictional task force. It covers all of Washington and Madison Counties. The authority for the jurisdiction for the officers comes from the Washington County Prosecutor, Matt Durrett, which is also the Madison County Prosecutor, as well. The mission of the Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force is to identify, investigate persons and organizations involved in possessing,manufacturing, and trafficking of illegal narcotics. The Task Force is managed by a Control Board, which consists of four members, which are Washington County Sherriff Tim Helder, Springdale Police Chief Mike Peters, and Prairie Grove Police Chief Chris Workman. Chief Workman represents Prairie Grove, Lincoln, Farmington, West Fork, Greenland, Goshen Tontitown, Elm Springs, and Elkins. There are 12 total agencies that contribute to the Drug Task Force. I am the last member of the Control Board and since we are the fiduciary, I serve as the Chairman. The Control Board is responsible for developing and maintaining the policy and procedures manual for the guidance of Task Force operations. Ultimately the board is responsible for determining matters of operations as outlined in the Department of Finance and Administration Intergovernmental Services Agreement and the Intergovernmental Agreement or the MOU of the participating agencies and the Fourth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney, Matt Durrett. Board Members also approve and review monthly the meeting minutes, financial reports, and statistics. Since January 2018, the Drug Task Force has seized 84 pounds of methamphetamine, 8,139 prescription pills, 906 ecstasy pills, 2,899 dosage units of heroine, which a tenth of a gram is a dosage unit, 182 pounds of marijuana, 11 methamphetamine labs, dismantled 38 drug trafficking organizations, and seized 215 guns. In 2018, 63% of our arrests were for methamphetamine, 10% were from marijuana, 8% for cocaine, 6% for opioids, and 5% for heroine. In 2019, 69% of the arrest were for methamphetamine, 11% for cocaine, 8% for marijuana, and 4% for heroine. Thus far in 2020, 81% of our arrest have been for methamphetamine, 10% for heroine, and 4% for marijuana. The DTF has made no misdemeanor marijuana arrest in the City of Fayetteville in all of 2019 and 2020. In 2019, we had five drug related shootings, with three of those being drug robberies. We had 13 drug related home invasions of Fayetteville residents. Thus far in 2020, we have already had 10 drug related shootings, with four of those being drug robberies and we have 113 West Mountain Fayetteville.AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www fayetteville-ar gov Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 4 of 20 also equaled what we had in 2019 with 10 home invasions that were drug related of Fayetteville residences. Every week I get updates from the Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force on their activity. This past Thursday, our detectives set up surveillance on a residence in Springdale where multiple ounces of methamphetamine had been purchased. When the suspect drove away from the residence, the Police Officers stopped his vehicle and arrested him. Subsequently, the Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force did a search warrant on the subject's residence and they seized 3/4 of a pound of methamphetamine, 3 pistols, one of which was stolen, and $12,000 in cash. This past Sunday, Fayetteville Police Officers responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence in Fayetteville. The female told officers her male companion was in possession of a pistol, multiple drugs, and he refused to leave the property. The male subject was located in a back bedroom with possession of methamphetamine, cocaine, and a loaded handgun. Over the past couple of months, the Drug Task Force Detectives have been investigating and buying drugs from this subject and they responded to the scene to assist the Fayetteville Patrol Officers with this investigation. For the past fiscal year July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020 for seizures was 43 pounds of methamphetamine, 1,460 prescription pills, 422 ecstasy pills, 930 dosage units of heroine, 57 pounds of methamphetamine, 2 methamphetamine labs, dismantled 19 drug trafficking organizations, and seized 67 guns. There were 208 arrest made during that 365-day period. Of those 208 arrests, 136 were white, which is 65%, 38 were African American, which is 18%, 26 were Latinx,which is 12%,and 4%were other, which equated to 8 of the arrest. Of the 208 arrest, 142 of those, 68% resulted in arrest for charges for delivery of controlled substances, possession of controlled substance with purpose and drug trafficking. The primary drug of the person that was arrested during this timeframe, 74% were methamphetamine, which is 154 of the 208 people. Possession of drug paraphernalia and firearms equated to 17 arrest or 8%, heroine was 5% or 11 individuals,marijuana was 5%, 11 individuals,cocaine was 3%, 7 individuals,hallucinogens were 2%, 4 individuals and opioids and pharmaceuticals was 2%, 4 individuals. The majority of the arrest occurred in Fayetteville at 47%, which is 98 arrest. Springdale had 43%, which was 91 of the arrest and the other 19 arrest, which is 9% occurred in the rural areas of Washington and Madison County. The average age of the individual arrested by the Drug Task Force is 34.73 years of age. We had 39 confidential informants utilized last year during a 12-month period. The annual DTF budget as it relates to the City of Fayetteville is $528,278. $233,000 of that is budgeted in our General Fund and$295,278 is grant funds.I am proud of my officers and their professionalism, bravery, patience, decision making, and most of all, their resiliency over the past 10 months. I'm proud of their hard work and their willingness to adapt to the challenges we face as a city and as a nation. To our legislators tonight, thank you for your resiliency over this past week. It has been tough. I want to encourage you to support this grant that will continue to allow us to provide the safety and security our community deserves. I am hopeful we can have a meaningful and most of all, a respectful discussion tonight. Kirk Lane, Arkansas State Drug Director stated he was appointed by the Governor. He stated he is the single state authority for grants that have to deal with substance abuse,recognized nationally. He stated he oversees state funded prevention and treatment programs in the state. He stated he oversees the Arkansas Alcohol Drug Coordinating Council, which is a decision making board for the grant that City Council is deciding upon tonight. He spoke about how the grant works and how it is applied for. He stated they have chosen for the last 30 years to provide to the Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force,who the fiduciary is the City of Fayetteville Police Department,which they have 113 West Mountain Fayetteville.AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www fayetteville-ar goy Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 5 of 20 done an astounding job in managing these funds. He spoke about the grant funds being for a specific purpose. He stated what the City Council is deciding on tonight, not only would impact the City of Fayetteville and Fayetteville PD, but all 11 entities within the Fourth Judicial Task Force. He spoke briefly about drug statistics in Washington County. He stated the drug problem is steadily climbing and that it takes a concerted effort of enforcement, prevention, and treatment. He stated law enforcement places an integral role in the health and safety of the community, especially when it comes to treatment. He stated a lot of times it is the arrest of someone that leads somebody to seek treatment. He stated having an effective law enforcement Drug Task Force that is multi jurisdictional to keep up with people that are poisoning the community for profit, is so important. He encouraged City Council to understand that they can't change the parameters of the grant because it has been approved by the Alcohol Drug Coordinating Council,as outlined by state statutes and by federal partners. Council Member Petty: I heard that the Alcohol Drug Coordinating Council sets general policy for the Drug Task Force,but I also heard we have a policy and procedures manual that is developed by our local Drug Task Force Council. Can you characterize the kinds of policies that would be made by Drug Coordinating Council at the state level versus the kinds of policies that would be set in the policies and procedures manual at the local level? Kirk Lane: As far as the policies developed by the Alcohol and Drug Coordinating Council,there wouldn't be one. Other than the fact there would be a requirement that each drug control board have a policy and procedure manual in place for operating the Drug Task Force. Council Member Petty: Could we hear an example of the kinds of policies that would be in that policy and procedure manual? Mike Reynolds, Chief of Police: We would have evidence handling, purchase of evidence, purchase of information, covert fund handling, drug policy, and confidential informant management. Council Member Petty: It seems like that's kind of where the rubber meets the road in how things are administered. I was wondering if the policies in that manual that are on the same topics as we have policies for Fayetteville Police Department. Are the policies that are in the Drug Task Force manual, are those basically copy and paste policies of what we already have for our local department? Mike Reynolds, Chief of Police: No, not necessarily. There's one I can think of off the top of my head, which is use of force. Each agency abides by their home agencies use of force policy. We would follow all of the parameters that are laid out by CALEA mandates, also de-escalation, and qualifications for firearms is covered in that and how each agency handles that would be mandated by their own agency. That's really the only one I can think of that's a cut and paste. Council Member Petty: What you described begs the question for me when someone from another agency is a part of a response team to something that's inside the city limits of Fayetteville, are they required to follow our use of force policy? 113 West Mountain Fayetteville.AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www fayetteville-ar gov Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 6 of 20 Mike Reynolds,Chief of Police:No,sir.They would follow their department's use of force policy based upon the way the general orders are written. Council Member Petty: That helps me understand where local policy gets set. Council Member Smith: Are our state grant applications currently taking full advantage of the federally allowed treatment and intervention funding? Kirk Lane: Yes. There are several different funding sources that are out there. Some independent providers and different courts and organizations can apply for. There is state funding I oversee that we apply for and then sub-grant out to different entities identified or through procurement at DHS and through the legislature. Some of the big grants we have out there involving treatment are the state Opioid Response Grant. We have one and should be hearing about it that values about $22 million in a two-year period. It will be applied throughout the State of Arkansas for treatment in 11 different programs. It covers education, prevention, and treatment. In 2019, you only had 29 doctors in Washington County that provide medication assisted treatment. Because of the grant that we got and acting under, the first state Opioid Response Grant, we have increased that in Washington County in a one-year period to 73. Having more access to treatment is where we are going. Peer recovery specialists program previously had zero, but now you have six. It is my duty to look at grants to make sure they are not duplicating services and make the best use of the money. Council Member Smith: I heard you say yes that we are taking full advantage of the allowed uses in federal funding,but that doesn't quite jive with what I've heard in the past. If we have somebody get on later and have their list of the federal grant documentation that they would get from a federal website,there wouldn't be listed any example programs that we wouldn't be able to take advantage of?You are saying that anything they can find on a list that the federal money is eligible to be used for that our grant here in Arkansas would allowed to a sub-grantee? Kirk Lane: You have to understand how a federal grant works. If you read through those multiple pages of a federal grant, it tells you who is allowed,who is qualified and what entities are qualified to apply for those grants. For example, on the JAG grant, only certain entities can apply. For example,the City of Fayetteville couldn't apply for a federal JAG grant because they wouldn't be an eligible person. Reading through the eligibility is one thing you would need to do. The second thing, what you write that grant for that specific purpose, has to be followed and measurable. If you don't meet those parameters, then you may not get the grant. We as a state entity are taking full advantage and then opening up those dollars to the state. Are individual counties, cities and organizations taking advantage, I would say no, not exactly. They need to educate themselves on what they can apply for, how they can apply for or hire people that can help them with the grant writing. I would ask you,has the City of Fayetteville engaged in any means to obtain the lock zone to save its own citizens? Council Member Smith: Thank you. We will probably have plenty of other questions tonight. If the Drug Task Force grant we are looking at tonight is not accepted by the City of Fayetteville, what are the consequences? What happens to that money?What happens to the Drug Task Force? 113 West Mountain Fayetteville.AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www fayetteville-ar gov Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 7 of 20 Mike Reynolds, Chief of Police: My understanding of being the fiduciary, we are responsible for dispersing the money to the other agencies. If we vote to not accept this grant, we would refuse the amount of money I highlighted, but as the fiduciary, if the other agencies still wish to accept that money, we would disperse the money to Washington County, Springdale, and the rural agencies with Prairie Grove being the home agency, which would receive their portions of the grant funds. I don't know what would happen to Fayetteville PD in the Drug Task Force. I haven't been given any direction on that if we would continue on with the Task Force and if we would supplement the funding through the General Fund or if we would not have the money for the Drug Task Force and if we bring those officers back to the Police Department. If we bring the officers back to the Police Department, we still have a responsibility to our community to enforce drug crimes we have experienced. The Drug Task Force still has the jurisdiction to do that with the member agencies underneath the Fourth Judicial Prosecutor, Matt Durrett. I would no longer be the Chair; we would have no direction and no supervisor in the Drug Task Force. They would do operations as they see fit within Washington and Madison County and whether or not they would do drug investigations in Fayetteville or not. If it's not Fayetteville PD or the Drug Task Force, then there is still an issue out there that has to be dealt with by either the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation or Arkansas State Police. I haven't been given clear direction if it doesn't pass. Kirk Lane: If the City of Fayetteville chooses not to pass this grant, it would go back to the Drug Control Board of the Fourth Judicial Task Force. They could vote another agency fiduciary in the Task Force to be the fiduciary and the funding would go through that. If the City of Fayetteville Police Department chooses to pull out of the Task Force,respectfully,they can do that.The Fourth Judicial Task Force operates under the parameter and authority of the Prosecuting Attorney in Washington and Madison county, so the Fourth Judicial Task Force can operate within the City of Fayetteville. If they chose not to do that and not to have a fiduciary and not accept the funding, they would close, and that funding would go to one of the other 18 Task Forces that are left in the state. Council Member Smith stated it's important we recognize the stakes of this decision are huge for more than just Fayetteville,but for all of the other agencies involved in this. Council Member Gutierrez: How big is prevention a part of this project? Is it a small part or a big part? Mike Reynolds, Chief of Police: As far as prevention goes with this grant we are talking about tonight, it's specifically for drug enforcement. Our prevention comes with the catalyst of the arrest in getting them into the system and drug court offers the best prevention out there for someone who is suffering from drug addiction. When you are talking about the state level grant funding, it was like three to one for prevention and treatment versus drug enforcement that are being dispersed at the state level. $35 million versus $12 million was the last figure I knew of Director Lane, do you have anything additional? Kirk Lane: You are exactly correct. What's coming into prevention and treatment are in the tens of millions of dollars that are being dispersed out. There's not a lot of federal funding that comes 113 West Mountain Fayetteville.AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 8 of 20 into law enforcement. There is some that comes into law enforcement training that we disperse through some of our grants, but the majority of the money goes to prevention and treatment throughout the state. Council Member Gutierrez: The prevention part is in a different area and this specifically is the enforcement area?Overall in the state,there's quite a bit of funds for prevention,but not this grant? Kirk Lane: Yes, ma'am. Mike Reynolds,Chief of Police: That is absolutely correct. Law enforcement is not the entity that is able to apply for that prevention and treatment part of this grant. The one I can think of is drug court and we could partner with them or another entity to try to get local funding for that. I am all about a multi-disciplined approach. We need some assistance. If we could get more prevention and treatment here, I would wholeheartedly support that. Mayor Jordan stated for public comment tonight, we want the citizens of Fayetteville to speak first and then everybody else. He stated when people get up to speak,give your name and address. He spoke about using appropriate behavior,not using profanity,and staying on topic. He reiterated the amount of time for speaking and rules about amendments. Todd Crane, 2055 South Doral requested for Council to do the fiscally, morally, and ethically responsible thing and approve the grant. He spoke in favor of the resolution. Philip Dickson, 2683 North Club Drive spoke about being a felon and that his life has been destroyed by the Drug Task Force. He spoke in opposition of the resolution. Abel Tomlinson,60 West Smith stated there is an outcry against police brutality and the excessive amount of money dumped into Police Departments. He spoke in opposition of the resolution. Teresa Hammond, 10453 Horan Road spoke about working in the medical field and seeing a huge rise in narcotics and prescription abuse. She spoke about the quality of life in NWA. She spoke in favor of the resolution. Chris Chew,2947 Miramar stated there is no justice in the war on drugs that this Drug Task Force is waging on this community. He spoke about defunding and disbanding the Drug Task Force. He spoke in opposition of the resolution. Susan Norton, Chief of Staff: Mayor, we are having some confusion by members of the public about the differences between Zoom and the streaming video. We are still getting requests to join Zoom to comment.The rules for public engagement the City Council operates under are as follows, "Public comments at a City Council meeting shall be allowed for all members of the audience who have signed up prior to the beginning of the agenda item they wish to address." We already have over 200 people signed up. We are not accepting more registrants to the Zoom product. People can watch via the stream and that is how the meeting will be conducted. 113 West Mountain Fayetteville.AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www fayetteville-ar gov Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 9 of 20 Dr. Holly Hertzberg, 3664 North Tower Circle stated she supports local law enforcement and funding for the Drug Task Force. She encouraged Council to approve the grant to prevent drug abuse and ensure public safety. She spoke in favor of the resolution. Caleb Lebow, 1717 East Bowen Blvd stated he supports the DTF, funding, and local law enforcement. He spoke about the DTF tracking down criminals with massive amounts of drugs coming into the community. He spoke in favor of the resolution. Derrick Cockland, West 2660 Wedington Drive stated people with mental health problems should not have their first point of contact being with law enforcement. He spoke about control over individuals. He spoke in opposition of the resolution. Catherine Snyder, 3993 North Steel Blvd spoke about white supremacy. Stephanie Kendall, 3490 East Fredricksburg Circle spoke about fully supporting the Drug Task Force. She stated if someone is doing an illegal drug or selling an illegal drug, they should be arrested. She stated the City Council has proven they are not supporting the safety of our children. She spoke in favor of the resolution. Kyle Norris, West Village Lake Drive stated many are claiming the Drug Task Force is a racist and abusive agency to minorities and young people and spoke about it being a false narrative pushed by people of anti-police intentions. He spoke about data. He spoke in favor of the resolution. Ruth Burk,2974 North Gregg stated it's important to have the Drug Task Force. She spoke about being a recovered drug addict. She spoke about the rising rate in addiction during the Coronavirus pandemic. She spoke in favor of the resolution. Jeff Koenig, 2853 North Rivercrest Road spoke about the statistics of the DTF removing guns. He spoke in favor of the resolution. Jeremy Woody, 5225 West Yellow Brick Road stated he is in favor of the grant and the DTF. He stated he can't fathom not trying to take drugs off the street in Fayetteville. He spoke in favor of the resolution. Courtney Cassidy,Walnut Crossing stated she's a Deputy Prosecutor for Washington County and is responsible for prosecuting the majority of the DTF cases, which is about 90% of her caseload. She spoke about the DTF's professionalism, integrity, and dedication in making the community a safer place to live. She spoke about data. She spoke in favor of the resolution. Brooke Sanderson,Bittersweet Drive spoke about her husband's family that is in the medical and law enforcement field. She stated the drug trade is big business and it surrounds itself with other crime. She stated a vote to defund is giving up on a program that has not failed us. She thanked the men and women of law enforcement. She spoke in favor of the resolution. 113 West Mountain Fayetteville.AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www fayetteville-ar gov Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 10 of 20 Pedro Fimbres,638 West Laura Lee Street stated defunding the Drug Task Force will be inviting unlawful behavior in the City of Fayetteville. He stated one of the biggest misconceptions of substance abuse is that an individual is only hurting themselves, but that's completely wrong. He stated drugs dominate the thoughts and actions of drug users and causes poor judgement. He spoke in favor of the resolution. Peter Tonnessen, Hearthstone Drive stated he fully supports the Drug Task Force. He stated he applauds the courage of the Police in dealing with issues. He spoke about methamphetamine usage. He spoke in favor of the resolution. Rachel Kim bro, 1751 North Hunters Ridge stated supporting the Police does not mean we can't also support rehabilitation, mental health services and other forms of non-policing community support. She stated defunding the Police puts more of a workload on already overworked officers. She spoke about Police Officer salaries. She spoke in favor of the resolution. Laura Lucier, Fayetteville resident stated she is a retired School Media Specialist. She spoke about Fayetteville being a great place to live. She stated FPD are amazing in the job that they do. She spoke about preventive treatment grants. She spoke in favor of the resolution. Steve Smith, 2010 North Bridgeport stated he supports local law enforcement and the DTF. He spoke about living in Little Rock in the 1980's and early 90's and saw what drug fueled gang violence did to that town. He spoke about Police Officers putting their lives on the line. He stated if you don't like the fact that certain drugs are not legal,then you need to change the law. He spoke in favor of the resolution. Scott Berna, 2716 North Candlewood stated he supports the FPD and their actions in the community. He stated as a funeral director he deals with families on a daily basis who have been affected by drug abuse. He spoke about the trauma that drugs cause. He spoke about drugs and gun data. He spoke in favor of the resolution. Allison Williams, 332 Horn Street stated the DTF has been a toxic shadow in Fayetteville for far too long. She stated musicians are some of the DTF's favorite targets. She spoke about data. She stated FPD will still have the ability to arrest drug offenders without the DTF. She spoke in opposition of the resolution. Thaddeus McCleary, 890 South Washington Street stated criminalization is the wrong strategy and the war on drugs hasn't solved the problems of addiction. He spoke about getting help for people who are addicted to drugs. He stated one of the stipulations of the grant has direct impact on immigrant communities. He stated people of color are disproportionally affected by how these laws are enforced. Doug Reeves,Drexel Court stated he supports the Drug Task Force.He stated Police are enforcing laws that they have been given to enforce. He stated he grew up in Western Washington County where there were meth lab problems and the DTF helped to resolve some of those issues. He spoke 113 West Mountain Fayetteville.AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 11 of 20 about protecting citizens, especially children who are growing up in households where there is drug abuse. He spoke in favor of the resolution. Council Member Smith requested for City of Fayetteville speakers to speak first. Morgan Moore, 1251 East Shepherd Lane spoke about how drug abuse can take a toll on the mental and physical health of people. She spoke about the many accomplishments of the DTF in the past three years. She stated the DTF not only works to intervene in large drug operations, but also attempts to find help for those impacted by the drug culture. She spoke in favor of the resolution. Carly Geanolous, Angels Drive stated based on evidence there is not a bias against people of color, minorities or young people,nor is there a focus on marijuana arrest. She stated drugs are far from victimless and the DTF serves as a voice and advocate for those victims of drug use by working to get the drugs off the street. She thanked the DTF for all their work. She spoke in favor of the resolution. Jim Ed Summers, 1876 Buckley Drive stated he supports the DTF. He spoke about drugs affecting many people. He stated our economic conditions in NWA are so beneficial and law enforcement are seeing an increase in drug traffickers from other states. He spoke about being thankful for the Police and the city. He spoke in favor of the resolution. Blake Worthy,2753 North Ida Lindsey stated addiction is a mental health issue. He stated in NW Arkansas there aren't alternatives to being locked up. He stated it doesn't matter how many drugs are taken off the street when the conditions aren't changed for the people who are using. He spoke in opposition of the resolution. Sarah Geurtz, 3030 North Verona Lane stated she's in full support of the DTF and believes a vote against will bring more drug crime to Fayetteville. She spoke about drugs destroying lives. She stated drug use is a mental issue,but it's also a criminal issue. She stated drugs feed crime and sexual exploitation of children. She spoke in favor of the resolution. Stephen Coger,2317 Yvonne Drive stated the DTF has caused a lot of harm to the community of color and trans community. He spoke about young people being used as confidential informants. He spoke about clear expectations and accountability. He spoke in opposition of the resolution. Cotten Harris, 1153 East Township stated that this is not a Consent item on the agenda is absurd. He spoke about being a paramedic in NW Arkansas and has seen the effects of drugs. He stated drugs and drug violence are alive and well in the community. He stated the DTF targets some of the worst drugs in the community. He thanked the FPD and DTF for everything they do. He spoke in favor of the resolution. Sarah Moore, 400 West Patricia stated overdose deaths in Washington County are some of the top in the state. She stated as funding is looked at,they have to measure themselves in how efficient 113 West Mountain Fayetteville,AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www fayetteville-ar gov Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 12 of 20 they are towards the stated goal and objective. She spoke about asking the DTF to create more transparency to the community. She stated the prison system is punitive and not rehabilitative. Ila Campbell, 3917 East Spyglass Hill Drive stated she supports the DTF and the FPD. She questions why this isn't a Consent agenda item. She stated she expects the Council to pass laws, procedures, and policies that reflect the values and concerns of the community. She stated it appears that the goal is to defend or underfund the Police Department. She spoke in favor of the resolution. Mayor Jordan: We will now hear from folks that are not residents of Fayetteville. Jayme Thompson, Gentry citizen thanked Chief Reynolds, Director Lane, and FPD. She stated she spent her childhood surrounded by individuals with different addictions. She stated her brother committed crimes while under the influence of illegal narcotics and believes without the intervention of law enforcement he would still be on the streets using illegal narcotics. She requested for Council to protect all of NW Arkansas. She spoke in favor of the resolution. Lexi Acello, 3618 North Tower Circle in Fayetteville stated she is a law student and a child of an addict. She stated she supports the black voices who oppose funding the DTF. She stated there needs to be an intervention in the racist and ineffective actions of the DTF and similar forces. She stated if Council supports this grant,she urged them to use this as an opportunity to pair the funding with reforms. Matt Durrett, Park Place in Fayetteville stated he's the elected Prosecutor for Washington and Madison Counties. He spoke about the Council needing to listen to Chief Reynolds because of his experience and expertise. He stated the DTF is needed to successfully enforce the drug laws. He stated this is one of the greatest places in the state to live and part of that is because of law enforcement. He spoke about drug dealers and drug manufacturers not respecting boundaries. He spoke about treatment options. He spoke in favor of the resolution. Joe Rocko, 8255 West Skull Avenue in Springdale stated 10 years ago his brother-in-law became a drug addict. He spoke about the positive aspects of DTF becoming involved and created change in his brother-in-laws life. He stated by not funding this grant, we would be allowing an outside Police Department with different views and not everyone performs like FPD. He spoke about data. He spoke in favor of the resolution. Betty Bartholomew, 10941 North Battlefield Park in Prairie Grove stated she has an addiction program through her church. She spoke about supporting the funding of the DTF. She stated when someone gets arrested,that's sometimes the only time they will get the help they need. She spoke about resources to help people with their addictions. She spoke in favor of the resolution. Katherine Smith, 12727 CP Rakes Road in Bentonville stated she is opposed to defunding the Police or DTF anywhere in this country. She spoke about her daughter being an addict and doing well now, but that can change at any time. She stated drugs are a disease that's plaguing the 113 West Mountain Fayetteville,AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 13 of 20 country. She stated if the DTF is defunded, it will allow criminals to take over and affect everyone in NW Arkansas. She spoke in favor of the resolution. Rachel Gifford,Bentonville citizen stated her gratitude to all law enforcement,dispatchers,EMS, and other civil servants who do so much to keep our community safe. She stated Fayetteville is an area influencer and this decision in favor of the DTF will have widespread impact as it sets the standard for NW Arkansas. She stated other cities that are sending negative messages regarding the funding of their departments are experiencing an increase in drug use, violent crimes, and businesses moving out of the area. She spoke in favor of the resolution. Adam Persenaire, Prairie Grove citizen stated he works at a drug rehabilitation facility that helps people fight through addiction. He stated he is in favor of keeping the funding for the DTF. He stated prevention is a huge part of recovery and in order for prevention to be successful, you need accountability, which is what the DTF provides. Carlotta Whitley, Huntsville citizen stated without the DTF there will be a rise in drug use, crimes, and overdoses. She spoke about the cost of rising drug addictions. She stated there should be more funds going to DTF for training, equipment and more personnel. She stated her daughter was murdered by an upcoming, want to be drug dealer. She spoke in favor of the resolution. Ashley Pruitt, Lowell citizen spoke about her younger sister being a meth user and the only time she had any peace was when her sister was booked in jail. She spoke about her sister being three years sober now. She stated she's thankful for the DTF, FPD, and all officers who work tirelessly in making NW Arkansas as safe and drug free as possible. She spoke in favor of the resolution. Kachina Edmisten,Huntsville citizen stated drugs are not a victimless crime. She stated Madison County appreciates the DTF and their efforts. She stated if the life of drug dealer or user has been shattered, she doesn't care. She stated it would be better to be in prison than dead. She stated drugs are the destroyer of all lives, not the DTF. She spoke in favor of the resolution. Cal, 2413 South 15th Place in Rogers stated this proposal is to add money to an oppressive force. He stated when drug addicts are locked up as criminals instead of people who are sick, they may be stripped of their citizenship rights,such as voting or running for political office. He spoke about his concerns of no-knock warrants. He stated he wants to be safe and the DTF isn't the way unless there is some real change to it. He spoke in opposition of the resolution. Dustin Roberts, Goshen citizen stated he is a lawyer in Fayetteville and his kids go to school in Fayetteville. He stated he has never had any reason to ever doubt the FPD. He stated he supports FPD and DTF, which they are the gold standard. He stated problems that are elsewhere in the country are not problems here in Fayetteville. He stated DTF does not wear recording equipment because they are under cover. He spoke in favor of the resolution. Rachel Carbajal, 3631 Lexus Drive in Fayetteville stated she supports the DTF and is thankful for local law enforcement in keeping the community safe. She stated defending the DTF will create chaos. She spoke about needing a joint effort within the region to keep streets clean. She stated 113 West Mountain Fayetteville.AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www fayetteville-ar.gov Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 14 of 20 saying no to the DTF sends a welcoming message to criminal activity. She spoke in favor of the resolution. Madeline Porta, Fayetteville citizen stated despite DTF's operation in the area since 1991, the drug epidemic isn't going anywhere. She stated we can't incarcerate our way out of the tragedies of addiction. She spoke about DTF arresting so many black and brown people disproportionately. Gwendolyn Hill, Fayetteville citizen stated she supports the black voices that oppose this grant. She stated locking people up doesn't solve or address addiction. She spoke about having interventions for people before they get arrested. She spoke about data. She spoke about censorship. She spoke in opposition of the resolution. Janis Srader, West Fork citizen spoke about how drugs can destroy lives. She stated drug criminals don't think about whose families they hurt, instead it's all about money and having a good time. She stated there is no such thing as a victimless crime. She spoke about NW Arkansas being a safe community. She spoke about her respect for law enforcement and is in favor of the resolution. Danie Townsend, Springdale citizen stated he grew up in Detroit, which was a very high crime area and saw first-hand what happens when drug crime happens. He stated defunding DTF is absolutely insane. He stated he is a nurse, served his country, state and has seen a lot in his life. He implored Council to listen to their constituents and residents of NW Arkansas. He spoke in favor of the resolution. Tommy Sisemore, 18588 Robinson in Fayetteville stated his appreciation for FPD. He spoke about data. He spoke in favor of the resolution. Natasha Devonne, 1650 North Sang Avenue in Fayetteville stated being an African American with systems like this, don't always work. She stated she was born addicted to crack cocaine. She stated jail does not fix broken people. She stated she does not support the resolution, but supports taking funds and figuring out a way to put it into other systems to where it benefits all. Jacob Hodges, 114 Woodcliff Road in Springdale stated the United States is the most incarcerated country on earth and Arkansas is consistently one of the most incarcerated states in the United States. He stated the increasing of Police and the DTF in Arkansas hasn't worked. He spoke in opposition of the resolution. Fernando Garcia, Fayetteville citizen spoke about his experience of being pulled over on the interstate by the DTF and believes he was being profiled. He spoke about undocumented immigrants. He stated law enforcement are racist institutions. He spoke about racism being a public health crisis. He spoke in opposition of the resolution. Council Member Bunch: People have asked why this was not on the Consent agenda. Can we explain why? 113 West Mountain Fayetteville.AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www fayetteville-ar gov Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 15 of 20 Mayor Jordan: I put it on Consent because this is something we pass every year. I put it on Consent and if a Council Member wants to take it off for public discussion, they can. In this case we had a Council Member that did, so now we are having public discussion. Susan Norton, Chief of Staff: Generally, items are placed on the Consent agenda that are resolutions and not necessarily high dollar value. Council Member Bunch: If anybody asks to have something pulled off of Consent, I don't know that we have ever had an argument over pulling something off of Consent. We usually just pull it off. City Attorney Kit Williams: It has to be unanimously left on Consent. If one Council Member says they don't want it on Consent, it's off Council Member Smith: I was the Council Member that asked to take this off of Consent. I feel that our Consent agenda is for things that can be supported without question. We don't even pass resolutions for contracts with recycling haulers in this city on Consent. We pull those off regularly to discuss them. Armed officers deserve some public attention and we have ample members of the community who needed to discuss this. I disagree that it should be on Consent because it should be a discussion. It's a controversial topic with different points of view. If we can't hear the perspectives of people of color in our community, then we aren't listening. You can't do this job if you aren't willing to consider every residents' situation. Mayor Jordan: Chief Reynolds, explain to me being stopped for moving. Mike Reynolds, Chief of Police: I'm not discounting what the individual experienced. I have no knowledge of that particular stop. Our Drug Task Force is not mobile. They don't make traffic stops and we don't do interdiction stops. I would like to learn a little more about it, so I can look into it and see what they are talking about. Mayor Jordan: Speak to me about body cameras on undercover officers. Mike Reynolds, Chief of Police: We have discussed that with the Control Board. It is a concern of mine to have body cameras on undercover officers. It compromises their undercover capacity. It could be a safety issue. A lot of the conversations they are having with individuals regarding where they are getting their drugs and who the drug suppliers are,if we record those conversations, those conversations could fall under the Freedom of Information Act. That information could be released and could endanger those folks lives, which is my biggest concern. I believe there are some areas where we could wear cameras or wear audio recording devices and I'm open to some of those areas. Certainly, during post Miranda interview of a suspect and when one of my undercover officers is doing a drug buy. There are some areas, but to ask them to wear them 24/7 is problematic. Mayor Jordan: What are some of the goals you have for the future of the Police Department? 113 West Mountain Fayetteville.AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www fayetteville-ar gov Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 16 of 20 Mike Reynolds, Chief of Police: We have performance measures and all of our divisions every year we publish those performance measures within our department. Since I had detectives signed to the Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force,I had them publish some performance measures. In January 2020 we published; "The Drug Task Force personnel will seek to disrupt and dismantle illicit drug markets by investigating drug distributors and drug trafficking organizations, prioritizing drug trafficking organizations associated with methamphetamine, heroine, and firearms. In recognition of a strong nexus between drug trafficking and firearm related crimes, the Drug Task Force will devote resources to specifically identify, investigate, and prosecute violent offenders who possess firearms. Drug Task Force investigators will also help our partner agencies by identifying firearms cases suitable for federal prosecution and furthering the investigations through prosecution."That is just within the Fayetteville Police Department. With the grant funding,it also requires us to have stated goals and there are five objectives. Mayor, you signed off on that for the Drug Task Force to submit to this grant. The objectives are on the submission for the drug grant program. There are 12 performance measurable items. Mayor Jordan requested the Chief to speak about drug court. Mike Reynolds,Chief of Police: The Prosecuting Attorney could explain about that,but I support a multi-disciplinary approach of what we do. Our job is to enforce the law. I am empathetic to helping individuals where we can. Mayor Jordan requested the Chief to speak about confidential informants. Mike Reynolds, Chief of Police: I have been the Police Chief since September 2019. I have had two complaints on the Drug Task Force. One of the reports was about three weeks ago and that incidence was in May 2016. I looked into that matter and it was an individual that was 18 years old. He was stopped by a Fayetteville Police Officer in May 2016 for a traffic violation and a small amount of marijuana was located. The officer was going to give him a citation and offered him to also be a confidential informant. My understanding was the individual was never handcuffed when I looked into the incident. He was driven to a discreet location and he claimed he could buy heroine. The officer called a DTF Detective to that location who interviewed the individual and offered him the opportunity to be a confidential informant. The individual chose not to be a confidential informant after he spoke to his parents and then he was written a ticket weeks later for the marijuana. The other incidence I was made aware of was an individual I spoke with at an event that told me in 2008 he had been in a residence where a search warrant was executed and DTF came in and used excessive force against him. That occurred 12 years ago and it is difficult for me to find that information. Anyone who has a problem with my officers or a problem with the Drug Task Force, contact me or one of my supervisors in a timely manner and I will look into it. If I can look into it, that's not a timely manner, I will do what I can to find out the details. Mayor Jordan: There was 84 pounds of meth confiscated? Mike Reynolds, Chief of Police: Yes, since January 2018. Mayor Jordan: 8,100 illegal pills? 113 West Mountain Fayetteville.AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 17 of 20 Mike Reynolds, Chief of Police: That is correct. Mayor Jordan: How much heroine? Mike Reynolds, Chief of Police: It was 2,899 dosage units of heroine. One dosage unit is like a tenth of a gram. It's like a sweet-n-low packet. If you dump that out and take a tenth of that, it's a dosage unit of heroine. Mayor Jordan: It was 11 meth labs, 38 drug trafficking organizations busted up, and 215 illegal guns confiscated? Mike Reynolds, Chief of Police: Yes, sir. Council Member Scroggin thanked everyone for speaking. He stated different demographics are having different experiences and that can't be ignored. He stated he will be voting in favor of the resolution. He stated he wants Fayetteville to stay as fiduciary of the program, instead of letting it go to other Police forces. He stated it has been mentioned that the Police in Fayetteville are infallible, but he disagrees with that because there is work to be done. He spoke about Facebook Fayetteville Police Officer posts. Council Member Bunch thanked everyone for speaking. She stated she doesn't know any family that has not been, in some way, affected by drug addiction. She stated it is heartbreaking. She stated she feels confident the DTF is there to try and reduce the larger dealers on the street and not attack somebody just walking around with a small amount of marijuana. She stated the DTF by doing that, helps get guns off the street and helps reduce the other types of violent crimes that are associated with drug trafficking. She stated we need a specialized group to help target drugs and is in support of the grant. Council Member Turk stated she moved back to Fayetteville from Washington DC eight years ago,where there was quite a bit of crime. She stated she worked in West Africa for six years where there was not much rule of law and a lot of problems. She spoke about FPD being a very conscientious Police force that is in touch with the community, but is also focused on getting the bad guys. She stated the DTF grant money is for large scale distributors and traffickers. She spoke about making drugs scarce and keeping Fayetteville a great town. She spoke about the positive component of the discussion for the past two weeks and believes there should be an opportunity to explore additional funding for prevention and treatment. She thanked the Police for all that they do. She stated she will be supporting the resolution. Council Member Petty stated he's going to vote to accept the grant on the basis that he is uncomfortable allowing the administrative functions to pass from Fayetteville to another jurisdiction. He stated he worries about the consequences if that were to happen. He spoke about working with the Chief of Police and Mayor to institute some procedural reforms relevant to some of the things we heard tonight, but also some of the things he has learned through comments over the last two weeks. He requested to know how soon he could expect to see revisions to the policies and procedure manual about body cameras and audio recording. 113 West Mountain Fayetteville.AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www fayetteville-ar gov Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 18 of 20 Mike Reynolds, Chief of Police: In my short tenure, I have been very pragmatic and progressive in my leadership. I think it was very evident shortly after the horrific event involving George Floyd. We saw a lot of demands for police reform and change. To answer your question about when to expect to see reform, I think soon. I need to explore and listen to legal advice for confidential informants. I may not be in total agreement with 24/7 recording. I would be willing to propose some of my recommendations to the Control Board. As I stated earlier tonight, I am the Chair of the Control Board and hope my colleagues would support me in these recommendations. We will continue to improve where we can. Council Member Petty stated he was grateful for that answer and will take Chief Reynold at his word. He stated he wants to encourage the Chief, Mayor, and City Council to envision that as a process, not as a document that they are waiting for. He stated he hopes that if we were to engage in this conversation in a more deliberate process, rather than when agenda items like this come up and we have these discussions that seem bigger than the agenda item, we might be able to accomplish a lot of what the community is asking for,with the respect that the department is asking for through that process. He spoke about legal counsel for prospective confidential informants. He stated it seems like in the past that the CI program may have been a way to get some lucky bust, but it seems that the procedures and goals of the CI program have changed in more recent years. He spoke about the criminal informant programs effectiveness. He spoke about his interest in understanding the process more about bringing recommendations to the Drug Control Board, revising the policies and procures manual or other changes that can be memorialized in other venues. He spoke about upholding his oath to the City of Fayetteville to do his due diligence on decisions. Mayor Jordan: We will look into things, Council Member Petty. The Chief and I are having discussions. He is on the Governor's Task Force. Mike Reynolds,Chief of Police: It's the Governor's Task Force for Improving Law Enforcement in the State of Arkansas. We have a final report due to the Governor in December. I assume there are going to be some mandated changes for all of law enforcement in Arkansas. I am looking forward to that report. Mayor Jordan: The Chief is doing a great job on that Task Force. Mike Reynolds,Chief of Police: Thank you, Mayor. Council Member Kinion thanked everyone for their feedback and respects everyone's points of view.He stated we can't judge the Fayetteville Police Department on our perception of other police departments. He stated our leadership in FPD is superior and the officers are excellent. He stated we have to pass this grant because he wants FPD to be in the leadership position for the DTF. He stated the City Council Members have a good broad set of values. He stated his values are based on 63 years in Washington County. He spoke about drug cycles and subculture in some parts of Washington County being prevalent, which leads to more violence and families destroyed. He stated he sees the DTF as a critical element in law enforcement and will be supporting the grant. 113 West Mountain Fayetteville.AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www fayetteville-ar gov Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 19 of 20 He believes Chief Reynolds sincerity when he stated that people could contact him if they don't believe that justice was served or their rights respected. Council Member Smith spoke about receiving emails from people saying to take the free grant money. He reminded the public that grants come with either strings attached and sometimes in the form of the impact that the action of the grant will have on the community. He stated free money is rarely free, which is why it's critical to do a policy assessment before accepting a grant. He thanked Chief Reynolds for the data he provided. He stated one thing he didn't hear in the Chief's statistics was a comparison of over last year so we could see the improvement that has come in the last 18 to 24 months of some of the racial disparities,which he should be commended for that work and the quick turnaround. He commended the citizen activist for requiring accountability of the city and the system. He stated there is no citizen oversight committee for law enforcement. He wants to investigate setting up a citizen committee to provide a forum for these types of conversations. He spoke about the need of a neutral pathway for citizens to voice their concerns. He requested to know from the Chief what is next after the grant and what he needs to be more effective in taking the next steps to reduce drug use in Fayetteville. Mike Reynolds, Chief of Police: It's a multi-disciplined approach. It is not about dismantling the Police or defunding. I believe in treatment and prevention; which Director Kirk Lane could help us with that. I have set up meetings with him and folks from the Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition to have an open dialogue. I think they have some really great ideas and we just need to find that pot of money and initiate some of these programs. We need diversion programs. The Police Department can't just merely arrest our way out of problems. We need community support in helping to solve this problem. Council Member Smith spoke about his reasons for not expanding the School Resource Officer program,but instead to hold it steady. He stated we didn't yank the rug out from under the existing SRO's.He-stated with this grant, we are looking at doing the same thing, which is to continue the DTF the way it has been,with a commitment to progress and re-evaluate things. He stated it would . be chaos-to have the program continue under different leadership. Council Member Gutierrez thanked Council Member Smith for taking the item off of the Consent agenda. She stated they have had a good conversation and to be able to hear from the community, especially people of color. She thanked Council Member Petty for being committed to working on procedural reforms,which she would like to be involved in. She spoke about citizen comments. She spoke about pairing funding with reform and is in favor of recording situations to be able to use in court. She spoke about having a safe community,which is good for the economy, students,and families. She stated as a woman of lighter skin color,she has a certain more privilege. She stated she is working with the FPD who have been incredibly open and gracious about improving transparency in communication to the public. She spoke about increasing social responses, which would help decrease criminal responses. She spoke about establishing a FPD resident city task force or committee. She stated there was a lot of misinformation leading up to this meeting. She spoke about supporting the Police Department. She stated there is no other person that she wants to lead the DTF than Chief Reynolds. She stated she will be supporting the grant. 113 West Mountain Fayetteville.AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 www fayetteville-ar.gov Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 26,2020 Page 20 of 20 Mayor Jordan: I have received emails and phone calls this week. At the end of the day when we looked at the numbers and type of drugs such as the pounds of meth, illegal pills,doses of heroine, meth labs, drug trafficking, and 215 illegal guns, there was no way I could not support this resolution. I have worked with Chief Reynolds for a while. I have found Chief Reynolds to be honest, open, intelligent, and progressive. He is an excellent Chief and he wants to advance the Police Department to make it the very best it can possibly be. I am 100%behind him and the Police Department. There are some things we are going to be looking at and conversations to be had. We will move everything forward in a progressive manner. This is due to the leadership of Chief Reynolds and by having a very fine Police force, which I am very proud to be the Mayor of. Council Member Smith moved to approve the resolution. Council Member Gutierrez seconded the motion. Upon roll call the resolution passed 7-0. Council Members Petty, Scroggin, Bunch, Turk, Smith, Gutierrez, and Kinion voting yes. Council Member Marsh was absent. Resolution 214-20 as recorded in the office of the City Clerk Announcements: None �cJ'ournm t: 9:0fpp.m. t i �� `o l t t l TR��1�� .`‘�G�G\T Y p 9sG,� i e Jo , ayor Kara Paxton, City Clerk Treasurer ; FpYETTEVILLE��.; 4/45 ,�y',G-0 N Co�` ‘ 113 West Mountain Fayetteville.AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www fayetteville-ar gov