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<br /> <br />Community Task Force and noted she supported the creation of an Inclusivity Commission. She believed this <br />would help the City to keep this topic front and center for the City Council. She recommended the Council <br />formalize this Commission because it would provide a formal setting for public comments regarding <br />inclusivity in the community. <br /> <br />Councilmember Fynewever discussed how this Council could have a valuable imprint on the community by <br />creating an Inclusivity Commission. She explained if this were set as a priority the Council could then budget <br />a staff position accordingly. She believed curating a space for conversations mattered and she understood <br />people would show up to speak. She appreciated the fact the City was working to be transparent through these <br />conversations. She commented on the importance of having open dialogue, positive actions and the sharing of <br />voices in the community. She requested the Council consider naming the new commission the Human Rights <br />and Inclusivity Commission or Public Rights Commission. She believed this would provide a more thorough <br />format for residents to bring issues forward. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen stated the larger issue would be for the City Council to consider how to keep the work <br />of the Task Force going. He explained he supported a commission being formed and that the name be the <br />Human Rights and Inclusivity Commission. He indicated a number of cities have such a commission and he <br />wanted to see New Brighton move forward with the creation of this commission. He suggested this <br />commission work in conjunction with NYFS. He stated he would like to see the NYFS mental health position <br />filled. He reported the New Brighton Public Safety Department has a tremendous track record, but there were <br />always ways to improve. He noted he would be interested in the Public Safety Commission reviewing the <br />departments use of force tactics. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson requested further information regarding the open position with NYFS. Paetznick explained the <br />original position was filled by someone who worked for NYFS six months and has since moved on. He <br />reported NYFS was reevaluating the position and was looking at additional funding options. He discussed <br />how mental health situations were now being handled by the department. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson commented on the value of having a mental health specialist working with the Public Safety <br />Department. Paetznick stated he would pass along this information to NYFS. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen discussed the staffing changes that have occurred at NYFS. He stated he valued the <br />mental health position and appreciated how this staff member worked to serve all of the member cities. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth agreed it would benefit the City to have mental health support from NYFS. She <br />commented on how mental health issues were not just a police issue, but rather was a larger concern. She <br />explained the City should consider how to create a City and environment that feels welcoming and is <br />welcoming to people from all different backgrounds, races, and ethnicities. She understood the focus was on <br />the police but she wanted the City to consider other ways to be inclusive in order to make a difference in the <br />community. She didn’t want to see this issue fade into the background but rather should be moved forward. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson summarized the comments she has heard from the Council and noted the Council was <br />interested in focusing on the community, providing a space to talk while remaining transparent, and planning <br />for a potential staff position. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth indicated she did not believe a staff person was necessary, but rather it was more <br />about evaluating what the City needs and where efforts should be focused. She explained she was more <br />interested in creating a plan or assessment and noted a consultant may be needed to assist the City in finding <br />what areas should be the focus. She understood this would be a long process that could not be done overnight. <br />She stated there would have to be a constant effort from the City to address inclusivity and human rights.