Safe, Healthy, Connected People Commission

3/14/2023 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Mary Hussmann, Courtney Blasius, Amanda Goldstein, Hannah Kretvix City Staff Present: Ray Coffey, Rick Hebert, John Audy, Aurora Hurd (Council Liaison) Call to Order by: Mary Hussmann Meeting Start Time: 6:34 PM Minutes Recorded by: Ray Coffey II. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: Approved unanimously Motion by: Courtney Blasisus Second: Amanda Goldstein III. Public Comment None IV. City Council and Department Updates Councilor Hurd shared that the School and City Budgets passed on Town Meeting Day. They also shared that a new City Councilor (Charles Judge) had been elected. Ray Coffey shared that the Community Services Department has seen strong registration for summer programs (including the pool). He also shared that the City has been active in hiring summer staff, especially for the Pool, and that Pool Supervisors for the 2023 Season were solidified. Ray shared that he and Elaine have been working actively with partners from CHT and CHCB, as well as the Library Director, as we look at options for the future of the O’Brien Center. Ray also shared that Winooski Library Director Nate Eddy will be the 2023 recipient of the Sarah Hagar Award from the Vermont Library Association in recognition of his outstanding work in his role. Chief Audy shared that call volumes are exceeding pre-pandemic levels for emergency responses for both EMS and Fire. He also shared that there will be a new Chief coming on at St. Michaels Rescue. Chief Audy continues to work with the Housing Commission on policy reviews, and they will be presenting to City of Essex Junction officials about our Rental Registry/Code Enforcement program. Chief Audy also shared that there is a statewide recruitment effort (Operation Mayday) for Fire personnel.  presenting to City of Essex Junction officials about our Rental Registry/Code Enforcement program. Chief Audy also shared that there is a statewide recruitment effort (Operation Mayday) for Fire personnel. Chief Hebert shared that the Police Department has begun the hiring process for anticipated openings, however out of 25 applicants so far, none have been moved forward. Additionally, the PD has two staff out on long term medical leave and there are several retirements on the horizon, so recruitment is a concern and a priority. V. Inclusion and Belonging Commission Liaison Updates While our Liaison (Abdi Mohamed) was not in attendance, Aurora shared that the I&B Commission reviewed the Equity Assessment Worksheet at their February meeting. VI. Municipal Plan Safe, Healthy, Connected People Goal Review The group reviewed FY2023 Priorities and Strategies to assure alignment to Master Plan Goals, and answered the following questions: Have past and current initiatives been aligned to the policy goals in the Master Plan? The Commissioners in attendance answered “Yes” to this question. Do we feel like we're making progress toward goals? The Commissioners in attendance answered “Yes” to this question. Are current efforts supporting multiple goals? The Commissioners in attendance answered “Yes” to this question. Are there goals we are not currently moving forward on at all? This question was not specifically discussed, however not concerns were raised by the Commission. Which 2-3 priorities should future policy focus on in the next year or two? l Support Public Safety recruitment and retention (Goal 12, Goal 19) l Childcare growth (Goal 12) l Equity/Inclusion/Belonging: Focus on Goal 22 and 18 and on Equity Audit results l Mental Health (Goal 8) VII. Inclusion and Belonging Commission Equity Audit Review Discussion Tabled VIII. Community Services Program Need/Interest Survey Plan Review The group ran out of time to discuss this item. Ray will send the Focus Group questions, as well as an updated draft of the survey questions, to Commissioners to review via email, and reminded the group not to reply all when sending feedback or comments IX. Adjourn Motion by: Courtney Blasius  as an updated draft of the survey questions, to Commissioners to review via email, and reminded the group not to reply all when sending feedback or comments IX. Adjourn Motion by: Courtney Blasius Second: Amanda Goldstein Meeting End Time: 7:57 PM