03/08/2021 - Minutes TIGARD
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Public Safety Advisory Board Meeting #6
March 8, 20215:00 pm-7:00 pm
Meeting Minutes
5:00-5:10 Welcome, Roll Call, and Centering Exercise
Chair Jimmy Brown called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.
Chair Brown thanked members for their continued participation in the process. Recognized the time
commitment. Looking forward to in-person meetings.
Chair Brown instructed staff to do roll call.
Name �F Role Present?
Jimmy Brown Community Representative
Thurman (Lee) Landers Community representative
Patty Lofgren Community representative
Justin Low Community representative X
Danny Rauda Community representative �X
Valerie Sasaki Community representative X
VACANT Community representative
John Gerhard IV Alternate: Community representative Non-Voting Member
Jeff Mott Alternate: Community representative Non-Voting Member
Jamey McDonald Police Chief/Designee �X
Nick Nunn Tigard Police Officers'Association (TPOA) X
Shelby Rihala City Attorney
Michael O'Brien Municipal Court Judge X
Abdi Mohamoud President of THS Black Student Union (BSU)/Designee �X
Emilio Calderon Tigard Youth City Councilor X
Liz Newton Tigard City Councilor
John Trinh Licensed Mental Health Professional
Centering Exercise:
Statement read and breathing exercise completed. Members invited to turn off camera to
participate in breathing exercise.
Racial Equity and Justice:
Today, we convene to listen and learn from each other through reflection and discussion.As we re-
evaluate and improve our public safety practices, we elevate the voices and experiences of the
communities who have been, and continue to be, disproportionately impacted by inequitable
systems. We thank all those who have advocated and worked on dismantling injustices in Tigard and
our broader community. We build off their efforts to create more equitable and just outcomes for
people of all backgrounds and abilities.
The purpose of our meetings is to:
- Develop understanding of current public safety structure, practices, and procedures.
- Identify and eliminate institutional racism within Tigard's public institutions by centering equity
and racial justice.
- We will bring forward the concerns and experiences of ourselves and our community.
- Bring recommendations to City leadership to improve the lived experience of all people in Tigard.
Chair Brown thanked Board Members for participating.
5:10-5:25 Icebreaker
Facilitator Kim Marshall called on to lead this activity by Chair Brown.This time is meant to foster an
environment of familiarity and collaboration in a virtual setting.
Question #1: What is one of your skills or hobbies that people may not know about?
Question #2: What was your favorite pet or teacher growing up and why?
5:25-5:40 Public Comment
No public comment during the meeting. One written comment from Michael Antonelli.
Board Member John Trinh asked if the written comment would receive a response.
Staff explained that Board Members or Chair should follow up with them to send an answer to Mr.
Antonelli. Board Member Valerie Sasaki requested to have to comment read.
Chair Brown read the comment aloud to the Board.
Board Member Sasaki made a comment that the Asian community is diverse and engagement
efforts should reflect that.
Board Member Trihn and Board Member Justin Low agreed with Board Member Sasaki.
Trihn motion to enter Mr.Antonelli's comment into the record. Vice Chair Abdi Mohamoud
seconded. No further discussion. Comment entered into the record.
5:40-6:30 So You Want to Talk About Race Book Discussion
Group discussions.
Board Member Danny Rauda reported out for his group.The conversation about race can be
subjective and based on perspective. Data is not enough. We need to believe people and their
experiences.The group also pointed out that racism has been present from the beginning of our
nation. Color of skin is one of the first things people notice.The author is biracial and this helped
create a book that touches on experiences and perspectives that people go through/think about.
Chair Brown thanked the group for their thoughts. Board Member Low thanked Board Member
Rauda for his comment on believing people of color about their experiences. If someone wants to
share what they said,they should be able to without coming off as angry.
Board Member Emilio Calderon mentioned that the theme of believing people of color was also
discussed.The group shared personal experiences in Tigard that bring these conversations into
perspective locally. Board Member Low added that racism is not just overt.Systemic racism is like an
iceberg:The tip is made up of symbols and statements that are visible. Everything down the bottom
are the things we have to keep an eye out to dismantle.
Chair Brown added that people of color internalize many interactions to get through the days.
Board Member Sasaki agreed with Chair Brown and thanked him for the comment because it
resonated with her own perspective/experience.
Vice Chair Mohamoud spoke for his group.The conversation got into the experience of voting as
groups try to oppress voters of color. Board Member Liz Newton added that everyone has different
lived experiences and we need to use them to be better. People of color are also capable of
microagressions toward members of their own community.
Board Member Rauda followed up on Board Member Sasaki and Vice Chair Mohamoud's comments
on healthcare experiences. Women of color disproportionately have C-sections.This is mostly
determined by the color of someone's skin. Board Member Rauda said that people of color have to
think about the question of race every day either to validate feelings/internal debate.
Chair Brown said that white people don't have to think the same/worry about the same issues.
Brown shared that his wife does not allow him to go out after 9 p.m. for personal safety concerns
stemming from being a person of color. He watches his neighbors walk by and think why he worries
after a lifetime in Tigard.
Tigard Police Chief Kathy McAlpine said that she fears in different ways.As a female, she worries
about walking alone after dark. Recognized the concerns of people of color.
Board Member Newton shared an experience with her friend who grew up in Tigard who is Black.
She said that her friend told her that everyone would watch her at the grocery store. Newton
realized her experience and gained insight on what people of color experience.
Board Member Jeff Mott recognized the value of comments made by the group. He acknowledged
that he does not worry about his safety based on his color of skin.
Vice Chair Mohamoud said that the conversation ties back to what the Board is trying to accomplish.
Facilitator Marshall thanked everyone for their conversation and encouraged the Board to continue.
Chair Brown thanked Board Members for their willingness to share. Brown said that he feels
comfortable in this setting. He is happy to be in this space.
Board Member Low acknowledge the public listening in. Low explained the Board's task in reviewing
policing in Tigard. He called on the community to recognize their part in improving the systems and
people's experiences.
Chief McAlpine thanked everyone for their contributions and reiterated the need to believe people
of color and their experiences.
6:30-6:50 Finalize Work Plan
Facilitator Marshall called on to lead Finalizing the Work Plan by Chair Brown.
The Board Chair and Vice Chair is presenting to City Council on March 23, 2021.The plan needs to be
finalized to send to the Council in their packet.
The Board Members reviewed the work plan: Roles, responsibilities, attendance, organization of the
Board (election of Chair and Vice Chair), work group and staff liaisons.
Meetings will be held on Zoom for the foreseeable future. Meetings are 2nd and 4th Monday.There
will be a two week break between today, March 8 and April 12.
The group will center racial equity and anti-racism. If they want to invite someone to present,they
should contact Eduardo Ramos, staff liaison.
Recommendation process: Discussion of meeting topic->Group formulation of recommendation ->
Finalize Discussion and make recommendation. 12 of 15 votes to consensus.
Board Member Newton encouraged as many Board Members to present at Council meetings when
recommendations are made. Board Member Sasaki requested meeting invites to all Council
meetings.
Chair Brown called for a motion to adopt work plan and topic schedule.
Motion made by Board Member Patty Lofgren.
Motion seconded by Board Member Sasaki.
6:50-7:00 Wrap Up and Next Steps
Facilitator Marshall said that anyone interested in participating in the formal meeting should contact
Eduardo Ramos, staff liaison. Otherwise, informal participation is encouraged as well.
Chair Brown thanked everyone for the words that they brought to the conversations during this
meeting. It gives perspective to the work that will be accomplished.
Commander Jamey McDonald:The police department should reflect the community it serves.The
people who pursue a career in policing have some great commitment to public safety. It is difficult
to hear about experiences of Board Members, but it is really powerful and critical.Thank you so
much because it helps us as an organization to be forward thinking. It gives the deeper perspective
we need to carry out the job.
Board Member Rauda: For the people who are new,this experience is unique. When we share each
other's stories it is a privilege. People forget that these personal stories are valuable and are
responsible with the stories.
Board Member Newton leaves every meeting grateful for the meaningful conversations.
Board Member Sasaki motion to adjourn.
Board Member Trihn seconded motion.
No further discussion.
Unanimous approval.
Meeting adjourned at 7 p.m.