Laserfiche WebLink
at a higher level than the Clean Neighborhood Ambassadors, as they're looking to hire people <br /> with life experience, a potential security background, has great verbal communication skills, and <br /> is comfortable dealing with individuals with escalating behaviors. DCA works with Block by <br /> Block, which is a national vendor that serves as a national special improvement district <br /> association. Parks Ambassadors would operate on bikes in city parks and would follow protocols <br /> established to notify local law enforcement. DCA's Smart System logs every interaction an <br /> Ambassador has with the public and can provide feedback. Ms. Krieger manages all community <br /> programs for DCA. Mr. Eckhart emphasized that that the Parks Ambassadors will not replace <br /> law enforcement and are there to augment them and serve as a force multiplier. <br /> Councilmember Shachner noted that the program has only been in existence for 2 months and <br /> asked if it has been deployed anywhere else. Mr. Eckhart stated DCA is getting ready to deploy <br /> in Cleveland's Gateway district, adding that the program is modeled after ones on the west coast. <br /> Ambassadors are expected to verbally engage with members of the public and they would also <br /> have training in de-escalation and CIT training through the ADAMS Board,just as law <br /> enforcement does. He added Block by Block provides training on racial equity as well. It was <br /> clarified that Ambassadors would not be armed and would communicate with Lakewood's <br /> dispatch center in protocols established with LPD. <br /> Mayor George stated that the Parks Ambassadors would serve as a security guard/friendly face <br /> with specialized training, adding that if the pilot program were successful, the city could reduce <br /> the number of security guards and add to the DCA partnership. Mr. Eckhart continued by noting <br /> DCA is focused on hiring people from the community and has found the practice to be successful <br /> in other neighborhoods. <br /> Councilmembers raised questions about expected shift dates and lengths and hiring methods. The <br /> city expects 4 Ambassador positions to be working 8 hour shifts staggered in the early mornings <br /> and evenings. 2 would be at Madison Park, I at Lakewood Park, and I as a rover between all the <br /> other larger parks. DCA attracts applicants through social media, QR codes, etc. and screens for <br /> Lakewood residents. <br /> Parks Ambassadors are expected to interact with park goers on a regular basis, make contacts at <br /> nearby businesses, and become a part of the community. Councilmembers suggested strong city <br /> involvement in the interview process. Councilmember Bullock asked if the program would be <br /> layered in with existing basketball court mentors and Public Works personnel. He noted the price <br /> of the contract at$640,000 over 3 years, asking if it would be more efficient for the city to hire in <br /> house in order for better return on investment. Mayor George responded noting that there has <br /> never been a formal program at the parks, however highlighted her administration's expansion of <br /> the mentor program and security guard staffing. She stated the ARPA dollars serve as a way to <br /> fund the pilot program and see if it will be worthy of future investment. <br /> Councilmember Kepple spoke to her experience dealing with a similar program in public <br /> libraries and suggested hiring teachers or people with more social backgrounds for the Parks <br /> Ambassador positions. She noted a presence of young adults without a clear path forward at <br /> Kauffman Park and suggested that the city use the program to reach out to that population. <br /> 3 <br />