City Council - Rules & Government Relations Committee

CITY OF EASTHAMPTON OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL Easthampton Municipal Building 50 Payson Ave., Ste. 100 Easthampton, Massachusetts 01027-2260 Telephone #: (413) 529-1460 RULES and GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Meeting 09/20/2021 Attendees: R&GR Committee Members: Councilor Thomas Peake, Chair Councilor Peg Conniff, Clerk Other Attendees: Councilor Owen Zaret Councilor Salem Derby Councilor Homar Gomez Rebecca Edwards Stephen Bryla Anne Talley - Healthy Youth Coalition Lexi Polokoff Bri Eichstaedt, Health Director Sindy Mojica, School Department James Davis Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm. The meeting was recorded. Minutes from 08/09/2021 approved 2-0. 1. NEW BUSINESS A. Climate Emergency Resolution - Resolution declaring a climate emergency in Easthampton. • Councilor Derby spoke to the criticality of taking action on Climate Change issues NOW! • Councilor Gomez spoke and thanked Councilor Derby for bringing this forward. He mentioned the anniversary of Hurricane Maria hitting Puerto Rico 4 years ago which killed 4000 Puerto Rico residents. Motion by Councilor Peake, Second by Councilor Conniff. Passed 2-0 2. CONTINUING BUSINESS A. Resolution re: De-criminalization of therapeutic psychedelic plants - Review wording. Councilor Rist had requested some edits and provided those to Councilor Zaret. Councilor Zaret noted some minor wording changes to the resolution. Those changes were reviewed. • Removed the paragraph requesting the police consider those using these plants be considered low priority for arrest. • Other clarifying comments were made regarding the intent of the resolution. Public Comment: James Davis : BayStaters for Natural Medicine: Spoke to the chal- lenges of the current state and the issues faced by Indigenous People Stephen Bryla: Business Owner in Easthampton - Go With the Float Believes in this cause and has a personal story of success utilizing medi- cinal plants. Shelby and Donovan - Easthampton resident. Supports this resolution Rebecca Edwards - Healthy Youth Coalition - Here to listen. Would be interested in how/if usage increases among children. Sindy Mojica - Very concerned about access of psychedelics for youth. Does not believe there is enough information. James Davis: Responded that children are using it today. Children may feel more inclined to speak to their parents if it is de-stigmatized. Shelby and Donovan - Does not support requiring Western medical complex use of psychedelics. To be brought to full council on October 6. A drag of the most recent version should be sent to councilors in advance to review and digect.The public may speak to it during public speak Motion by Councilor Peake, Second by Councilor Conniff. Passed 2-0 Proposed amendment to council rules: Add Rule 20 - Remote Participation - 7:00pm - Motion by Councilor Peake, Second by Councilor Conniff. Passed 2-0 Next Meeting: TBD