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Referring to the public safety communication, President O'Malley asked the task force to <br /> expound on its recommendations regarding the city's block clubs. <br /> Ms. Rodriguez-Carbone discussed how block clubs vary in their approaches. Some operate with <br /> a goal of serving as a block watch. She expressed that block clubs should help to build <br /> community and bring neighbors together. The task force recommended that the city provide <br /> additional guidance and resources to block club captains <br /> President O'Malley acknowledged that this variety of approaches is true in his experience. <br /> Director Gelsomino spoke to the power of this group and the individual skills and talents that <br /> they bring. She encouraged councilmembers to take time formally and informally with task force <br /> members and to read their work. <br /> Council and the task force had further discussions regarding how Council can be more <br /> responsive to the task force. <br /> Council and the task force discussed the purview of the task force and whether or not it would be <br /> helpful to host townhalls with the public. Ms. Rodriguez-Carbone expressed concern for member <br /> safety at such forums. Questions were raised about whether or not this would be productive and <br /> if it is part of the task force's role. <br /> Director Gelsomino and members of the task force added that the task force has received hostile <br /> public records requests and visits to its meetings by hostile individuals. Director Gelsomino <br /> assured Council that she is at all meetings and knows what to do if a situation becomes <br /> threatening. <br /> Councilmember Kepple asked if it would be helpful for Council to appoint an official liaison to <br /> the task force. Ms. Rodriguez-Carbone replied that the task force could discuss that possibility. <br /> At this time the legislation requires the task force to provide quarterly reports to Council. <br /> Councilmember Shachner inquired as to whether the task force's role is to focus on the city as an <br /> employer or the city as a whole. He also questioned how much advising the task force will direct <br /> toward the administration, since many of the issues it intends to tackle fall within the purview of <br /> the administration. <br /> Ms. Rodriguez-Carbone replied that she is hoping that the task force will initiate a cultural shift <br /> with its work. The task force's goal is to provide recommendations to the city, and it will be up <br /> to city officials how to respond. <br /> Councilmember Shachner expressed high hopes and expectations for clear deliverables, similar <br /> to reports provided by previous volunteer boards and commissions. <br /> President O'Malley reflected on the backwards way in which city officials regarded LGBTQ <br /> equality only a short time ago. He stated that this Council does not want to be that way, and act <br /> backwards regarding racial equity. He thanked the task force for their helpful insights. <br /> 2 <br />