Safe, Healthy, Connected People Commission

9/13/2022 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Mary Hussmann (Chair), Yam Basnet, Elise Carlson, Courtney Blasius, Meredith Bushey City Staff Present: Ray Coffey, Nate Eddy Guests Present: Aurora Hurd (Council Liaison); Prudence Dougherty (Library Committee); Collette Khajehali (Library Committee); Colleen Moore (Library Committee) Call to Order by: Mary Hussmann Meeting Start Time: 6:37 PM Minutes Recorded by: Ray Coffey II. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: Motion to approve minutes of August 30, 2022, as presented. Motion by: Yam Basnet Second: Meredith Bushey Passed, Unanimous III. Public Comment It was noted that there was a quorum of the Library Committee meeting in attendance, however the Library Committee would not be taking any formal action as a group. Elise Carlson brought up concerns about encampments in Casavant and Memorial Park, and Ray Coffey shared that there was a work day scheduled for Monday, September 19 to address the issue, and that his team had been working with the Winooski Police Department to ensure people were not camping in the parks (which is a violation of City ordinance). IV. City Council and Department Updates Councilor Hurd updated the Commission on City Council’s final approval of the Non-Profit Grant Guidelines that the Commission reviewed at their August 30, 2022 meeting. City Council adopted guidelines, but did not include the expanded eligibility criteria that the Commission had recommended, opting not to allow unincorporated groups to be eligible to apply. Mary Hussmann asked about the projected timing for the Commission to review applications, and Councilor Hurd and Ray Coffey shared that it would likely be at either the October or November meetings most likely. Mary also asked which staff person would be supporting the application process, and Ray Coffey shared that it would either be himself, or City Manager, Elaine Wang. Councilor Hurd shared that City Council discussed Eviction Protection Policy at the most recent Council meeting, and that the concept was sent back to the Housing Commission for further research and to develop recommendations. Additionally they shared that Council approved the position description for a new Housing Initiative Director, replacing the former Community and Economic Development role that has been vacant for about six months.  Councilor Hurd shared that City Council discussed Eviction Protection Policy at the most recent Council meeting, and that the concept was sent back to the Housing Commission for further research and to develop recommendations. Additionally they shared that Council approved the position description for a new Housing Initiative Director, replacing the former Community and Economic Development role that has been vacant for about six months. Councilor Hurd shared that Council approved the Community Services Scholarship Fund Fundraising campaign, and Ray Coffey provided additional details, including that the scholarship fund had been completely depleted after the pool season, and that a broad effort to replenish the fund would get underway in the coming weeks. Ray shared that the pool season was officially wrapped up (but for a few remaining adult swim lessons running through 9/23) and that he’d bring a full report to the Commission at a future meeting. Ray also shared that the Community Services Department was hiring for two AmeriCorps positions, as well as Thrive staff for the school year. V. Inclusion and Belonging Liaison Update Ari Cano was not able to attend, so this was tabled. Mary, Aurora, Ari, and Ray will meet outside the regular meeting to discuss options for whether to establish the I&B Liaison as a voting member of this Commission, and will bring a recommendation to a future meeting. VI. Review and Approve Workplan for FY23 This was tabled, however there was a brief discussion of the fact that this effort would be tied back to the City Council’s annual Policy Priorities and Strategies document. This item will be brought forth to a future meeting for approval. VII. Presentation from Winooski Library Committee The Commission received a presentation from Nate Eddy (Library Director) and members of the Library Committee (Prudence Doherty, Collette Khajehali, Colleen Moore) about the Winooski Memorial Library, including details about patronage, circulation, and activities of the Committee over the past year (see attached presentation). The Library’s current space was highlighted as a challenge given it’s small size, however Prudence reflected that being located at the O’Brien Center was optimal in terms of being accessible to residents, and was a much more utilized space than the previous location in the Champlain Mill. Ray and Nate discussed the current situation with a prospective sale of the O’Brien Center, and how efforts were being made in the context of those discussions to explore options for expanding the Library’s footprint. It was noted that there is specific language in the City’s Master Plan calling for improved/expanded Library services. Meredith asked whether other spaces had been considered, and Ray shared that he’d had discussions with the Catholic Diocese about St. Stephens Church, but that a Library was not an options for a future use of a former church per the Diocese. The City is certainly open to exploring other spaces, but is focused on the potential at the O’Brien Center currently. An additional issue that came up was visibility/wayfinding with the new Butternut Grove building being in front of the Library, and Ray shared that as the project wraps up there will be an effort made to improve signage to the property, and the Library in particular. The Library Committee shared that they are beginning efforts to explore adding a youth position to the Committee (targeting Fall of 2023), and Mary Hussmann recommended the possibility of providing a stipend. Several members of the SHCP Commission and Library Committee gave kudos to the Library staff for all the incredible work they are doing! VIII. Adjourn Motion by: Meredith Bushey Second: Courtney Blasius VIII. Adjourn Motion by: Meredith Bushey Second: Courtney Blasius Meeting End Time: 7:57 PM