And I'm going to leave um and I will have a full and robust um uh report for you next month. This month it's I have the the um reports are in there. >> Okay.
>> But it's it's kind of minimal, but >> Okay. >> Okay. All right. >> All right. Thank you. >> Take care. You too. Um, so let's see. It is 6:30 and I am calling this meeting to order. It is
Thursday, October 22nd and this is the Community Safety and Social Justice Committee. Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025 extended through June 30th, 2027. The ability of public bodies to meet in a fully remote or hybrid manner. Members
of the public who wish to access the meeting may do so via Zoom or by telephone. No in-person attendance or members of the public will be permitted, but every effort will be made to ensure that the public can adequately access the proceedings in real time via technological means.
Um so let's see we can go over the agenda and then get into it. Um so let's see. We will have announcements, minutes, member reports,
public comment. Um, Crescent DEI updates, but I actually Did we get a packet? Is was did I miss something? We did not get a packet. >> Yeah, that's the thing. I mean, we were supposed to have the packets. Angel said um she was going to upload the packets,
but uh you know, I didn't check on the town um site. Do you know if she ever uploaded it? I haven't had the chance to look today yet either. Um but I will um otherwise I don't think we will have a
DEI or a crust report um because I believe they are both in other things. Um I'm not on the right website. Um so let's see what else do we have? We
have planning for the council meeting, Ammeris community homes presentation, um the League of Women Voters report, Rob youth empowerment, retreat planning, public comment items not anticipated.
Um I'm not seeing the person from Ammeris Community Homes here yet. Um, so I was going to suggest that maybe after we go through the regular beginnings of announcements and member reports and public comment, start with Ammerst
Community Home since we were having a guest, but the guest is not here yet. So, does anyone have any announcements? No. Um, okay. Yeah, I don't think
>> I do either. Um, I think there's a lot of stuff going on in town in terms of events. Um, there is, I think, a holiday trickor treat thing on Sunday downtown.
Um, I don't know if I think DEI did some like coloring and stuff last time last year. I don't know that they're doing that again this year, but that is an event open to the community. Um, yeah, >> the only thing that I could say is not
announcement, but just to say that obviously the block party was great success. There was a lot of people seemed like maybe might have been the most people that I'd seen in recent years, at least post pandemic. Um so that was really well attended.
>> Oh there is a DEI update there or there is a packet on the website. Um and there are some events happening. >> Okay. Can you uh announce them? >> Yes. Hold. Let me see. So one is that the DEI department is sponsoring a
college preparedness workshop next Wednesday. Um it is the early release day for the high school. So, it's October 29th at Town Hall in the town room from 1:30 to 3:30.
Um, Ammerst College and UMass are also co-sponsoring it. Um, and then that evening at the Yuyu church, uh, right downtown, there is going to be
a bystander training led by representatives from Pioneer Valley Workers Center, ACLU of Massachusetts, and the Lucay network. Um, talking about what to do when ICE is in the community. and that is also co-sponsored by the
Human Rights Commission, League of Women Voters, Jewish Activists for Immigration Justice, and the Peace Development Fund. Um there is in the packet a QR code on that event if you want to sign up to go
um the next Thursday. Oh my gosh, there's a lot going >> before before you move on. So the the college prep is 1:30 to 3:30, you said? >> Yes. >> Okay. And then the other the the the lucay training is what time again? >> Uh it is
6 to 8. >> Thanks. >> Um then the next day October 30th at town hall in the town room from 5:45 to 8 there will be refreshments and a
discussion in the beloved becoming beloved community series. with a session focused on civics, civility, and citizenship. Um, okay. And then there's the Crest newsletter.
Um, and then the the leagues report. I'm just looking at the packet now to see what else is in here. Um, sorry, since I did not know it was here. Um, and then our our slides for the presentation.
Okay. All right. So, those are all the up the announcements for events that were in that packet. Um, I didn't see minutes in the packet. So, okay. So, I am and I wouldn't have
reviewed them since I didn't know that there was a packet in the first place. Um, any member reports? >> I do. >> Go ahead, Emerald. So, I I had a chance to meet with um
Chief Ting um I think it was prior to our last scheduled meeting and we discussed a range of um items including um ice in your community crest
and so um the availability was no one was available to be here tonight or the last meeting. However, I did extend an invitation to have Chief Ting um come to our meetings um like he did previously. So, the takeaway from Ice Community is
that um the federal government does not notify um town staff or Ammeris PD when they were here. And to the best of his knowledge um ICE in Amherst has been very limited. He mentioned three specific instances when they were here
and I think we've discussed those prior um at our meeting when we heard that they were at Garcia and the restaurants were closed. Um he also mentioned an incident where um someone was stopped I believe on Henry Street and one of his
officers happened to be on Henry Street and that's how they learned that the car was being stopped by um these cars and that's how he learned that it was ICE was when one of his officers um went behind the stopped car
or these cars stopping this car and started asking questions about what was going on and then he realized that they were ICE. But um consistent with what we've seen on the news and heard um the federal government doesn't notify when
they are um in the community. There's no obligation to do so. Um I did ask about um in our schools and yes he did reiterate that he appreciates that there are concerns but um standing policy and
and again this is not um you know by no means APD policy but they try not ICE rights has to go in schools but again we've seen where um they're not following any kind of playbook but
Again, he did reiterate that, you know, our schools are locked. So, um, someone literally would have to let them in the building to actually get in our schools. Um, the policy that I believe I shared with you is the current policy. He did
reiterate that, um, town government has reiterated their support for our immigrant community to say that there is no support for ICE. He reiterated that Amherst PD does not um work with ICE in any shape or form. Um as well as you
know there there really isn't any other information that they have available that they can put out for our community because consistent with the policy that I shared and that he provided um they are following that policy. Um APD does not in any way, shape or form work with
or um support ICE. We also talked about um in detail again, you know, one of the things that's in the policy was identification and you know, holding people in custody for ICE. Um we got into some details
where we reiterated that um he reiterated right that that that doesn't happen. If someone gets arrested um by Amherst PD, there is unless there is an actual um warrant signed by a judge,
there is no cooperation or hold someone so ICE can come pick them up. That is not something that APD participates in. And I did talk about um similar um situation with courouses where you know if there's a detainer um you know there's there's
people are not held unless there is a legal document asking them to be held and that has to be a warrant not just some um request from ICE to hold someone. APD does not do that. Um so the community can feel rest assured to that
that you know again they can still call their local police for help for support um without fearing that you know they're going to be turned over to ICE. He again in no uncertain terms he was very adamant reiterated that APD serves the
community and does not in any way shape or form um work with ICE. Um we also got into the detail um of crest. Um he wanted to reiterate that um by no means
is APD um antirust. He does appreciate that the the community or the sentiments that some has expressed that APD may be antir. One of the things um that he was very vocal about and is that
we talked about Crest taking 911 calls and he said and um I I hope I'm not misquing him, but he said there are no issues with um Crest taking 911 calls.
The problem is that Crest has no documented standard operating procedures um as to what to do and he was very very firm to say until there are crests documented policies um in place that is
not going to happen and it's not because um APD is not in support of Crest. It is because Crest as a department needs to have policies and procedures that they can follow. Um we discuss very simple
examples um that you know say what happens if Crest responds to a noise complaint and then they got there and this noise complaint you know somebody brandishes a weapon or um it becomes super rowdy. there is nothing documented
um as to what Crest does and that and and so um I asked about you know we were told before that Crest is working on policies and again
he said that there are no policies in place and so I'm I'm I'm I didn't realize Camila wouldn't be here tonight because that was going to Part of my questions um in that regard is um about those policies and
procedures because I mean we all appreciate liability reasons. We all appreciate safety of Crest staff and so yes it does make sense that um you know there needs to be a playbook and so he said um while the while some people in
the community may think APD is um antirust he wants to reiterate that they are not. However, he wanted to maintain firm that crest is not taking 911 calls, not because a APD is antichrist. It is because crest does not have any
documented policing procedures in place that allows them to do so. Yeah. And so, um that was um so yes, we had verifying conversations um and those are the takeaways from um the meetings with Chief T.
Can I can I um jump in on a few of those points? >> Yeah. >> So, first point that I want to say and I want to make it publicly is for Chief Ting to um or whomever else to agree to come meet with us. That would be the first thing. And as you know, Eveald,
I've been um you know, kind of contacting you and just being like and you know, can you have Chief Tang or someone from his office um come meet with us because that is critical and important. Obviously, I'm thankful that
you went and you know and got this information especially around the ICE um information cuz that's really important um to make sure that they are following protocol and not um interacting with ICE agents and not collaborating with them
and not notifying them uh of of um anyone that ICE is quote unquote interested in. Um and so that's great. However, you know, I want to say it publicly that we invite and we want
someone from the APD to come on our meeting so that we can have a conversation in regards to a lot of different things that that you were able to to discuss. I'd like to kind of go deeper into some of these issues. So um
you know Chief Ting you know is cordially invited uh uh to come and attend and we have a set schedule. So you know he or anyone else should be able to attend knowing that this is when we meet. You know they have 45
people there. They have a lot of people there. So someone should be able to attend one of our meetings. So that's the first thing. Second thing in terms of the ICE sightings, I've I've heard of a lot more sightings than three specific instances. Um cuz community members have
been contacting um you know them just you know patrolling UMass grounds, them patrolling different kind of apartment complexes and things like that. Um, so
you know, maybe the police didn't know about this, but there's been a lot more sightings than than three, for sure. Um, so, you know, so obviously that's something that we'd like to kind of go more into um specifics on if if he was
able to to come on board. Now, in regards to Crest and the fact that that till this day since um our recommendations were put in place back CSWG recommendation put in place back in 2021, the creation of Crest in 2022,
there's been this um work on these protocols for this patch. And according to what was uh told to us, those protocols were put in place. But then they were not put in place because they
had to be um vetted by legal and then Camille told us maybe what two meetings ago or three meetings ago. We'd have to go look at the minutes that she completed those protocols and those protocols were with I'm assuming the town manager or whomever needs a
dispatch or whomever. So someone's not being truthful here. I'm sorry. You know, and I've heard from different community members, verifiable community members, that there is great resistance in the APD for Crest to have uh dispatch
calls. All right? Because for CSWG, it was very clear that Crest should get any and all calls that are nonviolent. And you are right. Obviously, something can start nonviolent and then turn violent. And if that's the case, then there
should be protocols in place as to how the APD could then assist or help. But it doesn't mean that APD needs to go initially because if there if it is a non-violent incident, then Crest should be the one called. Okay? So, I don't buy
it. I don't buy it. I don't buy it. And I'll say it again. I don't buy it. So, where what what what is going on here is what I want to know. Who is not being truthful is what I want to know
because from my from from community members that have come to me time and time again, the police have been the ones that have been resistant. And so um and for me, all I can go by is time,
right? 2022 and 2025 about to be in 2026 and still calls are not being dispatched. Facts are facts. So again, I invite the APD to come and talk to us at one of our meetings.
>> So I I agree with you that there is a disconnect somewhere. And um I I I don't think I I don't think it's unreasonable to say that there are resistance from APD, but his position was as a matter of
policy, as a leader of APD, it is not um APD's policy to be crest resistant. And going back to what you were saying with um policies, you are absolutely correct. I think it's I think it's more than two or three meetings ago that we had the
conversation with Camille about stand operating procedures and we were told those were done. they were submitting being reviewed. And again, I'm a little bit unless I wasn't paying attention, didn't realize she was not going to be here tonight, but that was I I meant to ask to your point, where is the
disconnect um in terms of those policies? Because I also believe that in some of those meetings too, we also suggested that we would offer our assistance to review um those policies and help if we can. and unless you guys have received something. I don't think I
was never outreached about helping. And so, yes, you are absolutely correct. Um, we're either um not being given all the information or there is misinformation being
provided um somewhere. And I think we need to be able to um get to the bottom of that. But um even now with whatever policies was submitted to town to town staff for review um I believe if I'm
remembering correctly at one point I did ask can we see that policy and I do not believe that was ever shared with us. So yes, um unless we actually see something to say, hey, even if it's a draft that says this is what was submitted, um I I
I think there is a big disconnect here as to where um Chris is with policies. >> Ail and sorry Erica, I know you want you want to jump in, but just really quick to kind of add to it. I also attended a
um town council finance committee meeting when it was when they were looking at the positions, you know, that they were going to be decreasing where the town manager had recommended the two crest positions be uh frozen and so on so forth. And I was at that meeting
where the dispatch supervisor were there and said that there were protocols that would be embedded by legal. So I was at that meeting where this dispatch supervisor said that. So again like I said so there's dispatch
supervisor there's chief ting there's Camille right so three different um you know entities here because there's APD chief ting there's a dispatch supervisor within the APD and then there's there's crest director right so and with crest
remember there was a previous director and then there was the current director previous director had also said that there were protocols but they just weren't vetted or put in place then there was that interim team that's supposedly working on protocols again
and has some protocols not put in place. Camille comes in protocols. Protocols again not put in place. I'm sorry. There's there something is just not adding up. Something is not adding up here. And at the bottom line, who
gets impacted is the community because now we don't have these calls being dispatched to Crest. And now we have Crest being sabotaged and their their positions being frozen because they're saying that they're not doing what they're supposed to be doing per their
charge because at the end of the day, they're not able to because they're not getting the necessary calls that they should be getting. So it becomes a circular destructive pattern that we are in right. So where and and at the end end
of the day it has to be on the town government lap that this problem exists right because at three different points we have been told that there were protocols created. All right. So, town manager, Chief Ting, or previous Chief
Livingston, I don't know. There's a problem. And for me, it it rests. Town manager, APD chief, dispatch supervisor, and obviously Crest. But like I said, Crest has told us at different points
that they have submitted protocols. So, you know, I I I I just can't believe at this point that we're still in this situation of who did what when and yet nothing is in place and we're going into
2026. So I I think given that um Camille is our leaison or our host for these meetings prior to our next meeting I'm officially requesting that she share with us and if it has to be in confidence with just this team and that
share with the public. I think we can all agree on that to share with us any protocols either in draft or that was submitted to town staff for review. >> Yep. Great idea. And Erica, I see you've been
>> um I just want to reiterate what Deborah said, which is who is responsible and who should be held accountable. I think the town council and I think we should be putting on um with regard to our discussion what we want, which is what we want is for the town council to tell
the town manager that these protocols need to be put in place no later than the end of this year. Um my understanding is is still with council. Um but council can sit on anything they want if they don't consider it a priority. Um so you know it's almost
like a pingpong ball and it behooves those who don't want it to be put in place to keep it from actually happening. So those who have the power to make it happen is the town council telling the town manager that they want him to be working with council to get
this done before the end of this year ends. Yes, I agree. >> Thank you, Erica. Um, and that does bring up a point. I don't know if everybody received the email from uh the town council president yesterday, but
they the evaluation period is open and due by the end of next week, which doesn't give much time and didn't give us enough notice to get that on the agenda for our meeting today. Um, I certainly plan on submitting something
and I think that that would be a great way to like very operate operationalize one of the goals around racial justice is end of year crest protocols and crest up on dispatch whoever you know that's
that's a priority. Um, but and I was going to say we can talk a little bit more about that as an item not anticipated at the end of the meeting. Um, but you know, if if we want
to put Deborah and my name on something as the co-chairs on our behalf, I'm willing to do that, but I'm also willing to submit my own individual um evaluation. Um, so yeah, and I I really I appreciate
everything that all three of you have said. I think, you know, we need an answer and we need to have the trust in our leadership, whether it's the crust leadership, whether it's the dispatch, whether it's the police chief and and the town manager. So, I think, you know, we've
heard a few different things from a few different people, and I don't know how much more we'll get out of not having any of them in the room to have this conversation. So, um, but I do think definitely by next meeting we should ask what has been
submitted and hope that that will get into the the packet. Are there any other reports from anybody? Yes. Um uh you know one I mean we'll
talk more about it when we talk about the the planning but um know Algra and I met with Lynn again um to kind of discuss the um you know the town council presentation that we'll be making on November 3rd. So it was at that meeting that we were able to get the November
3rd um date. Hala was also our you know our town council leison was also part of that meeting. Um and so you know we'll kind of report more on it but that was you know one of the things that we did you know from from the other meeting to
this one. Um also, um there is an an ICE hotline that Luc um has. Um it's 6173705023. And basically it says what do we do? Um if you see ICE, you verify ICE
sightings. Um um you know, you you call them and then they can support in exercising your rights. um and then you share with them verified information to protect the community. So I think that that is a um great uh information to
have. And Luc is Immigrant Justice Network of Massachusetts. Um and you know, please call that number if if you see ICE uh in our town. And again, what you see what you'll see is
these kind of usually SUV vehicles, all dark uh tinted windows. Can't see into them. Usually there's a, you know, either two or three. Sometimes it's a caravan. Sometimes it's, you know, but it's usually one or two and they kind of circle around, circle around, circle
around. Um, seemingly without anywhere to go, but as we know, they're scanning and monitoring. Um because I've had a few people contact me when when they've been circulating. Um and that's what they reported that they saw. Um I
haven't seen them personally, but I've I've gotten reports. Uh so yeah, anyone else that sees them instead of calling me, call Luc and call this number so that we can make sure that we're sending that information in and documenting when
they are in our town and and hopefully able to to um engage and and and do things so that they're not disappearing our neighbors and our friends and our family. >> And I just want to say they are really responsive. I called a couple months ago
cuz there was a mysterious car in the courthouse parking lot that was, you know, no license plates, tinted windows, and they called me back within an hour to just say, you know, nothing came of it. But um you know they are responsive
and I I was reading somewhere that their average time to be able to dispatch in certain communities. I don't know about Ammerst but like to go out and verify whether it is in fact ICE is like 10 to 20 minutes. So
it's it's volunteerled. I think they have people answering the phone and people that go out and go on scene of what is being reported. So, um, any other updates?
>> Yeah, I just have a question in regards to that. So, with ICE and Ammers specifically, are they just roaming around profiling? >> Um, so from what I heard from people, sometimes they kind of just parked in front of like apartment complexes. Um,
other times they're just like roaming about town. Those were like some of the reports that I got. Um, but you know, I mean, nationally what we've been hearing is that they kind of, you know, like even what you were saying, Ever what the Chief T said around the schools. I don't know if necessarily they're going in the
schools, but at least they're parking outside of schools, waiting, daycare centers, um, you know, you know, anywhere where they think, um, you know, as we know, right, like different shopping centers, shopping places that they think, um, you
know, there might be our neighbors and and friends and family members. They're just parking there, circulating, waiting. um you know they've they've waited around um people's homes uh um in terms of now I'm remembering another
report yeah when they when they felt that they were um you know immigrants to this country um and to wait lay and wait you know so sometimes they there hours sometimes they're there like every day that sort of thing until they snatch the
person Terrible. Yep. I mean, I think it's on all of us to do what we can to keep everybody as safe as possible. Yep. So, I think we can move on to public comment. And then I was I just wanted to ask if it would be possible to
move Ammerst Community Homes up to the first agenda item since we have um now with us in the audience Jessica. Um okay. So we have two public comment periods during our meeting. One is at the beginning and one is at the
end. Any person who would like to make public comment can use the raise hand function. Um, when called on, you can identify yourself and express your views and we will not respond to you or engage in a
dialogue. Those are the rules. There are currently five members of the public sitting in. You don't have to make a comment or you can save it till the end. I'm not seeing any hands up right now.
So, I am going to bring Jessica into the room, I think. Yes. Okay. >> Hello. >> Hi. Good evening, everybody. Hey Jessica, >> how are you? >> Hi.
>> It's good to see some familiar faces on this uh committee. Some through permitting through and other reasons. Um so my name is Jessica Allen. I'm the real estate development director for Valley Community Development. Allegra
asked me to come to your meeting tonight to do a quick presentation on Ammeris Community Homes, which is a first-time home buyer affordable housing development that we are currently building in North Ammerst. Um, and we
are currently in the marketing uh stage. So, this is a great way and a great opportunity. I hope that you'll be able to share this information to people in your network. Um uh spoiler alert, there's three webinars coming up. Um the next one is tomorrow
night and it's um and I I'll explain what it is, but it is it's um uh financial planning for homeowners and also information about the project. So that is the number one thing that somebody can do if they're interested in
purchasing is to attend the webinar and get more information to see if they're eligible. So that would be step one. So, I'll I'll give you those dates at the end, but just wanted to put that out like to me that's the most important information to come out of this tonight. So, um is it okay if I share my screen
to give the presentation? Perfect. Okay. Can everybody see the see the screen? >> Yes. >> Perfect. Okay, great. And feel free to jump in at any time and ask questions. Um, you know, we're we've been working on this project since well, since I've
been at Valley, which has been almost four years. So, um, it was the first project assigned to me and it was in its early inception and here we are now into construction. So, it's pretty it's pretty awesome. I'm pretty psyched and excited about this project. It's really
awesome to see it come to fruition and be in construction stage. though. Um, so to just give some more information for those here that may not know who we are, who A Valley is, um, we're a nonprofit affordable housing um, developer. We're
based in Northampton. We also provide services for small business development and first-time home buyer um, technical assistance. So, we have kind of three pillars as part of our organization. Um, we've been around since 1988 and we've either developed or partnered in the
production of about 400 affordable apartments or homes since that time. Um, right now we b have about 170 units in the pipeline. So, we're cooking and we we got a lot going on. Part of in part of the number of that pipeline is this
project here. Um, so we've been around a long time. We do affordable housing and Amoris has been very gracious to us on a number of projects including this one. So just to give a quick description of
what this is, what this development is. So this is a 9 acre site right at the corner of Pulpit Hill Road and Monagu Road. If you pass up there, you'll see very active construction happening right now. Um we have 30 homes in 15 duplexes.
And the duplexes are one two bedrooms and three bedrooms. Um, and all of the um homes have one point have one and a half baths. The size of the homes range depending on if it's just a ground floor two-bedroom,
then it's around 995 square ft. The threebedroom two-story um homes go all the way up to 12 almost 1300 ft². Um, so these homes are specifically going to be sold to firsttime home buyers at a
restricted income limit. So it's um going to be sold, we have 10 units that are to be sold to households that are 80% AMI and below area median income, AMI um up to 100% area median income.
And the range of that is um currently under the HUD income guidelines um we're looking at around $95,000 a year for a family of four for the 80%. Up to around $119,000 a year for a family of four for the 100.
So they've got to be that or below in order to be elig income eligible for these to be purchased to the home. So they have to be first-time home buyers and they have to be income eligible. um the homes are going to be deed restricted for 30 years. So um under
that 30-year deed restriction, there is a limit to if somebody was to sell the amount of profit that they might be able to make on the home. The idea though is that folks are buying these and staying in them, the length of their mortgage, which is 30 years. So the deed restriction and the mortgage kind of
coming to an end at the same time. Um and at that time you can sell it for market rates. So the real goal of this program is to provide equity to folks to rather than having a deed restriction that would restrict them for 99 years, which is typically what we see when
people are are buying affordable or purchasing affordable homes. Um this is 30 years. So there's the ability to have assets and to gain um home ownership and equity for yourself um at the end of this. So it's helping people get in and then giving them some generational
wealth afterwards. All of these buildings and homes are highly energyefficient, super insulated, all electric utilities. It's designed in such a way that we are using the sun to help heat and cool depending on the
season. So, we have very large windows that are facing south and awnings, and I'll show you some pictures that prevent the sun from from coming in in the hot heat of the summer, but will um will cool it in the winter or warm it in the
winter, cool it in the summer, sorry. Um we are also solar, we are looking to make these solar ready, so they're being um wired for that. Um, our hope is that we will have some funding at the end of the project where we'll be able to put solar panels on these homes. That really
is my goal. I I don't feel great about building an all-electric building and not having solar panels to kind of offset those electric costs. So, that's really where we're trying to head at the end of this is to get solar panels on the buildings. Um, all of the homes have
interior and exterior storage and we have one home that will be fully ADA accessible. And we have five homes that will be adaptable, which means that the kitchen counters will be installed at sort of a standard height, but can be
removed and lowered if somebody is in a wheelchair. So, we have five units that have that adaptability, and they're ground flooror units. No second story. Very quickly, this is what the layout is. We've got the homes kind of clustered at the top of the site where
um the majority of activity from previous owners have occurred in preserving the the front area um as open space and being used for storm water um infrastructure. Um we have shared pedestrian pathways
and we have two shared parking lots. Um, so the idea was to design this in a way to kind of encourage community um to to uh set things up in a way where you'll have social interaction within the homeowners and they will create their own community within this area. That's
really been kind of the intent of the design. As I noted before, it's all passive solar orientation. So this Can you see my cursor if I do that? Not really. Okay, never mind. Yes. see a
thumbs up. The bottom of the bottom of the screen is south. So, there'll be windows on the southern side of all of the buildings. So, we've we have four different building types and we're orienting them all so that they can take advantage of the sun for heating in the
winter and the awnings for cooling in the um summer. And the quick matrix of just sort of the breakdown is we've got um six two-bedroom, one-story homes. Two of those are 80% AMI, four for 100. We
have 12 twobedroom, one and a half story. Um, and there's 12 of those, four and eight, respectively. And then 12 three-bedroom homes. So, that's kind of the breakdown of what's available and what we'll be selling.
As I noted, there's four different building designs, and the idea was that each side of the duplex has its own architectural um intent and integrity. So, it's trying not to make it look very cookie cutter, making it very cottagey looking and and
kind of blending in. So, there's um diversity in the architecture and and making a really nice environment up there. So, where we're at right now, we're we're about a third of the way through construction. We are just booming up there. Um all of the homes are looking
to be completed by the spring of next year and all of the site work completed by the summer of next year. So, we're looking to probably open the lottery and open the affirmative fair housing marketing period where we'll do like big blasts of marketing throughout the
valley um in the beginning of 2026. So, early 2026, probably January, February, somewhere in there. So, we're getting close to people wanting to be ready to get into the lottery. Um, and I'll explain a little bit of what we've been
doing to try to create that um over the past year. and um and uh yeah, it's it's it's worked to some extent for sure. So, the way that the construction is because we have 15 buildings, they're you know, they're being built in kind of a
staggered form. So, it's actually pretty cool. If you know of any like kids who are into building technology or architecture or anything like that, I mean, it's you can really honestly see the construction process from like foundations being poured. We have
foundations being poured and we have drywall being hung all at the same time. So, it's like really the full spectrum of construction up there. It's pretty cool. So, if you know anybody that wants to have a tour of it, happy to get people on site. Um, so the the homes will be available sort of in this
they'll be completed in this staggered way and we're working with the sales team to figure out how to do the sales in the staggered manner as well. So, we're we're talking that out right now and trying to figure that out. So, as I noted, we have these big south facing windows. We have these gorgeous
bay windows that are bringing in tons of light. Um, every home will have a porch. So, these porches will be divided by like a mini fence. And in the back, we have patios that are going to be poured and that will also be divided between a fence. So, there'll be some separation
of space between the two units within the duplex. Um, we've preserved the meadow in the front. So, this is kind of two views. one looking out from a window from one of the units looking out into the meadow and the other one is looking across the meadow up at to the homes. So, kind of
the two different perspectives there. And then see if I can I've never done this before. I put a video in a PowerPoint presentation. I'm going to see if it works, but this was on site today doing construction. Let's see if I can get it to work. So, this kind of gives you a nice
panoramic view of what's what's happening up there. And then there's the field in Pulpit Hill Road right there. Whoops. So, in terms of marketing and sales, so what we've been doing is we've been focusing very intentionally on
doing early marketing to the BIPO population in Ammerst um with the idea of helping people get their financial ducks in a row early so that they can be eligible to enter the lottery. So, in order to be eligible to enter the
lottery, you have to be preapproved for a standard mortgage. So, that takes time. You know, you got to work on your bringing your debt down. You got to work on your savings. And so, we have partnered with two um two um companies
out of Boston, both owned by Bipok Women. Um Our Village Initiative, they are financial planners for home ownership. And so she's hosting these webinars and she does like the first half of like why owning is better for than renting financially and kind of
walks through the finances of owning a home. Talks about the steps that you would need to take to get yourself mortgage ready. And then the second half of the webinar is about our project specifically like here's what's coming up like getting people excited like here's here's what you need to do here's
the endgame but you got a lot of work to do ahead of that. So, we've spent almost over a year, we started in September of last year, slowly starting to roll this out. Um, we have a woman who's lived in Amoris for 16 years and very connected in the BIPO community. And so, she's
been all over the place. I I can't keep her down. She is attending events, she's going to private events, she's texting her friends, she's texting every network, she's connecting the schools. So, she's been really working hard to get the messaging out to the BIPO community in um in Ammerst and she's
been going up and down the valley, too. She's been hitting Springfield and Holio and Chabe, but she is an Amish resident. Her kids have gone through the schools. She's connected. So, we've been really leaning on her to get the word out in the community. Um with that, we have over 350 people
that have at least filled out the interest form. um our village initiative um the owner Denanishia McDonald and her staff they have talked to every single one of those people to to vet them to see you know are you eligible how close
are you what's your credit score how much do you have in savings what's your debt and for people that are super interested in staying connected with her she does one-on- ons and handholding to be like and check-ins and be like all right where you at you know like have you given up that coffee yet have you
you that Starbucks coffee are you stop going out to restaurants like how much do you have in your savings? So she does some very intentional followup. So with her work we've got about a com about 44 people that are either mortgage ready like could buy tomorrow or hopefully
we'll be ready once the lottery starts. So this has really been the push for the sales team is to get these numbers. We want to try to get at least a hundred people because we know things happen in life. Somebody might lose a job. They might be selected in the lottery, but then they can't buy a house or they
found something else that they like or, you know, they have to move or whatever it is. So, we want to make sure that we have a robust list. We t where right now we seem to have a lot of 80% AMI households that are ready to go where we
need a little bit additional re uh um outreach, which I'm hoping through your networks you can share as well, is that for that higher income household. So, we've been trying to do marketing to as many different places as we possibly can to kind of get into that um that
demographic. Often people think at that, you know, if they're making $119,000 a year for a family of four, they may not think that they're they're qualified or eligible for affordable housing. They don't think of themselves in that space. So, it's really being like, here's an
opportunity um you know, please, you know, take advantage of it. So, um, that's what we're looking to do. And as I noted, we're trying to get the lottery ramped up for early 2026. So, here's the three dates for the webinars. So, we have one tomorrow.
These are all free. You just need to go online and register and then they're in. Um, we have another one on November 6th and a final one on December 4th. So, this really is about owning for less than rent, talking about financial
planning, the qualification guidelines, um the timeline, how you can succeed, and then also trying to identify as many down payment assistance programs as possible. I've been trying to shake reparations money loose for this, and I
haven't had a whole lot of success. Um, and my understanding is that process is a little stuck in the moment. Um, but I've sent a couple of emails to the town manager. I've reached out to city counselors when I've seen them at event
or town counselors when I've seen them at events. Um, I personally think it's pretty sad that that we wouldn't be able to have reparations money be available for down payment assistance for this um because here we are, homeowner
opportunity. Um but you know it is what it is and there are other are there are other resources out there in the state that that our sales team are is already tapped into. Um so that's most of the bulk of my information for tonight. I'm happy to answer any questions that you
might have and I can stop sharing. >> I have some questions. >> Sure please. Um, so thank you so much, Jessica. That was awesome. I'm so excited. I had I had heard about this
um, you know, from the the the woman who was my friend, Stasia. >> Stasa, she's awesome. Stasa's the best. >> Yes, >> she's very enthusiastic. I can't keep her down. >> Yeah, I love her. And um, and so she told me about it a few months ago and
um, yeah, she's doing an awesome job. And of course, I've been, you know, sharing information. Um, so I do have a few questions. Um, as you were doing the presentation, which again was very thorough. Thank you so much. >> Um, so when you when you talked about
the deed restriction, and I don't really know much about it. um and the fact that it's 30 years before you know you can kind of sell it and things like that because a lot of times when you buy a home it is with that whole thing of okay well you know let's say if things change
or whatever and I want to sell it in 10 years or 15 years >> why is it why is there for um >> kind of like first-time home buyers doing this program why is there a deed restriction >> so it's part of the public funding that
we got from the state um It's uh we're utilizing the Commonwealth Builders funds from Mass Housing and the mission of that program is to address racial um wealth gap through home ownership. So,
um and I would say that anytime you're receiving public funds for affordable housing, there's always a deed restriction that's tied to it. They want to make sure that it's that it stays restricted. Generally when we do rental it's 99 years in perpetuity basically is
often um before Commonwealth Builders most programs also required 99 years for home ownership. Commonwealth Builders has actually recognized and Mass Housing has recognized that there's a need to allow people to gain equity from their home and let's not restrict them the
whole 99 years. Now, that being said, I think there are some some programs and sometimes it's worth keeping something restricted for 99 years cuz then it allows the next person to be able to come in who may also need might also be a first-time home buyer who also can't afford maybe a market rate house. So,
you know, I think there's pros and cons, but in this context, the whole point is to help people gain equity in their home so that they have generational wealth. So, because this project was permitted under 40B in Ammerst, um it's a little
bit different in terms of how the deed restrictions are working between the 80% AMI units and the 100% AMI units. So, for the 80% AMI units, it's a like full-on deed restriction for 30 years. And and that is what's required by the
state. So what happens is like if if somebody lives there for 10 years, they do improvements on their house, they do this, they do that, the monitoring agent, they will work with them to determine the value of the house with
the improvements, but then also figure out depreciation. So there's a a complicated calculation that the monitoring agent, which in this case is Chapa, um they're a state agency. They work with the homeowner to determine what the value of the home is so that
that they can sell it at that value. Now, for the 100% AMI units, because they are strictly just Commonwealth builder homes, there's actually two deed restrictions. Each are 15 years. The first one has that same um calculation
tied to the to the value of the home. After year 16, the homeowner can sell the house for whatever the market allows. The difference is that the profit that is gained from that from their from their original sales price to
what they're selling it at is split half and half between the town of Ammerst and the homeowner because the town of Ammerst has has put in $1.4 $4 million towards the construction costs here. >> So, so they receive money back if some
if somebody decides to sell. Um, so that's kind of how it works. It's it's going to be different between the two um tranches of homes between the 80% and the 100% which is unfortunate, but because it had to be permitted under 40B in order to make it work, that is what
this ends up being. And and does that did I explain that? >> Yeah. Okay. >> Well, thank you. I have a few. >> Can I just ask a quick followup to that? >> Um, >> is so if that money goes back to the town, is that then back into like the affordable housing bucket or does it get
to go in whatever bucket? >> That's not my choice. That's the choice of whoever a town wants to decide what to do. Yeah. >> Okay. >> That's Yeah, >> that's I also have a followup for you, Deborah. So, um, Jessica, if I'm remembering
correctly, even though there is a deed restriction, I I thought I understood that within the same household, the deed could be passed within that restriction. >> Correct. To a to an immediate family member. You are correct. Yep. You are absolutely correct. And I I'm sorry that
I failed to mention that. So, yes. So, if you were passing it on to an immediate family member, then um yeah, then it's just passed on. the deed is just passed on and the sale works the way that it would as if they were initial home buyer.
Thank you for bringing that up. I appreciate it. >> So, um I think that's a good point, Algra, that you brought up in terms of whether that money will go back to, you know, still, you know, help in terms of like these types of issues if it goes back to town of Ammer. So, that's
something that we should follow up on as as well. What you have Yes. >> And just one thing before I forget it too, the other decision that the town of Ammerst has when somebody sells is whether to reset the restriction. So the town has the right of first
refusal to basically buy the house from the home buyer and then resell it. And in that process, they can reset that 30 years. >> Okay? So there's got to be advocacy on somebody's part to make sure that
whatever the town wants kind of happens. But that was that was some change in the guidelines. Um because there was a lot of push back from towns because they want to keep the affordability. They want to keep these units affordable and be able to be at a sales price that a first-time home buyer can get. So just
wanted to note that for you all so that you know if and when a sale comes up there's two dec there's two things for the town of Ammeris. One is do they reset the do they reset the restriction back to zero so that it lasts for another 30 years or um you know where if
they're selling it and they're getting half the profit if it's in year 16 to 30 where's that money going? It was never really determined as part of our zoning permit. So that's I think decisions that would fall onto the community to decide and I don't know if they've made those
decisions yet. I have no idea. >> Thank you. You're welcome. >> The other the the other question I had is um you know in terms of getting them ready for the the preapproval the mortgage preapproval. I know that there
is this this thing in terms of mortgage companies but I I I don't know you did say that you had some people from Boston or whatever who are like BIPO owned mortgage companies because there is this thing where you know they'll give you the pre-approval for like 60 days you
know what I'm saying 90 days or what have you so I'm assuming you know you know folks will know okay when does the lottery reopen so that that preapproval you know will still be >> right. Yep. That will be valid. Yeah.
So, our team members are they're not mortgage brokers by any means. They're uh our village initiative. She really just does financial counseling for home buyers. That's like that's her bread and butter. >> DVM Housing, they are developers themselves and they are running our
lottery and sales process. So, both entities know exactly what banks have the best deals. you know, is it are we going to go with Mass Housing because they have down payment assistance. Like they know all of the all of the different products that are out there.
Um, and under fair housing rules, we are not allowed to direct anybody to anything. So, we have to give them at least three different options of mortgage products. One of the things on our to-do list is start really having some conversations with local banks being like, can you up your game? like,
you know, two $2,000 is great for down payment assistance, but I'd like to see more like 25 or 30. You know, that makes a bigger difference. Um, that's kind of on our to-do list is to do some of that outreach. So, yeah, I just want to clarify, they're not mortgage brokers by any means, but that is a very good point
that yes, mortgages are only valid for a certain period of time, and they are advising the buyers on all of this. They are they are the people who know home sales way better than I do. I know how to do buildings and and build stuff, but in terms of like the home sales, that's
not my jam. So, so I'm really heavily relying on DVM Housing and OVI to really make sure that we're giving everybody the much information as they possibly can so they can make the right choice for their financial um situation.
>> Great. Um and then yeah, if you could like I don't know share with Algra um just again the webinar information because I'd like to share it with people. >> Um also the the the financial folks that are just kind of helping them kind of get their finances
>> ready like the the names of those folks. Um that would be you know important for us to have >> um and then you know I can get it out to my network. Yep. Um, >> I've got two flyers that I'll send to Algra and then Algra can disperse them to the to the group and you guys please
share widely, >> share, share, share. >> And then and then the other point that you brought up which was really great was around the reparations um because that is a great idea. um you know, if we have that reparations uh budget and
funding, uh why not be able to use it um for for some of these folks that qualify to be able to to use it towards a down payment and things like that. So, that's a great idea. And obviously, you know, we'd be one to kind of to support, you know, I'd be want to support that, you know.
>> Yeah. Do you have any sense of where that's at right now? The last information I got was that it was kind of going to a committee and they were going to make some decisions and priorities about what they would spend the money on. Is that what you're hearing and understand as well? >> So I Yeah, go ahead.
>> Oh, I was going to say my understanding is that they approved the charge of the new committee and they have not seated committee members yet. >> Okay, >> that's my understanding too. >> Okay. Okay, that's helpful. I keep
squawking about it but doesn't seem to do anything. So, >> but that's good though that you you share that because obviously then you know us at CSSC we can support that and >> yeah that would be awesome. >> Keep kind of reaffirming it to kind of
put it on the town's focus. >> Yep. >> Great. Thank you. >> Other questions? >> I did have a question. Um, I know there's been talk about whether or not a
local preference is part of the lottery and what that is going to look like. Um, >> it is. Yes. Under the zoning, that's um it it did end up as part of the conditions of the zoning permit. So, seven of the 10 80% homes will be local
preference. Yeah. Um, I will say from the number of people that are either mortgage ready or mortgage eligible, a huge amount of the folks are from the Amorest area. So, um, you know, even without that local preference, I feel
like it, you know, the the the folks that I that I've talked to, I went to the Dona, um, barbecue, which was, I don't know, a couple weeks ago, had a couple conversations with, um, a couple of families, and, uh, you know, a lot of
them are associate professors who have young kids who want to stay in Ammerst, um, but can't can't find a house that they can afford. Um, so you know, I I I think there's definitely the population is there. We
just need to make them aware that the opportunity exists and give them as much time as humanly possible to get their financial ducks in a row so that they're ready to be eligible for the lottery. I mean, they can still once the lottery happens, there's still several months before they're going to buy. So, they
really just need to be mortgage ready. Um, and so, you know, that's where my advising team, this is where OVI really is awesome is that they're looking at the numbers and they're as long as people are willing to share the information and be um active and engaged
in the process. Um, you know, she will help cue them up and tell them what they need to do. They just have to do the work to get there. So, >> yeah. >> And then one other question. >> Yeah. is so if I'm 80 if I'm in the like
80% and under is there like a floor for my income? >> There's not a floor for your income because it's going to be very individualized. So, you know, we'll set the sales prices and the sale prices take into effect the sale prices are set by mass housing. You know, we don't set
them. It's based on um a lot of different factors. what the what the interest rates are currently, um what the final condo fees are going to end up being, which I'm working out right now. Um and then it's going to depend on the individual, like if they've got $50,000
in savings and they're even a low, you know, maybe they're 50% AMI or 60% AMI, but if they've done the work, they're still going to be able to buy. So, it, you know, there really isn't a floor. It really is going to depend on the
individual and how much money they are able to get to offset the cost to bring their mortgage payments down. Really, what we need to have from them is a mortgage payment that is no more than one-third of their monthly income. It can't be higher than that. So, that's
like that's the that's the ceiling. Like, you can't you can't be paying more out of your pocket than 30%. So, the numbers flex in order for them to make sure that they're not going over that. Does that make sense? >> Yeah. Yeah.
>> So, Jessica, one of the concerns I had when I sat on the ZBA and I I appreciate the requirements that people need to qualify for a traditional mortgage and that was part of my concern is that, you know, typically
when you're doing mortgage applications, I mean, you hit a credit score, you get approved. you hit a different credit score, you don't get approved. And that was part of my concern >> is, and one of the things I asked about was, are there any alternative pathways
or mortgage brokers that will look at more than just a credit score to help people get into these homes? Has that been looked at? >> Yeah, there's um um there's certain banks that have different types of requirements that are specifically
targeting the the equity gap in home ownership. Um, they're usually banks that are under the Federal Home Loan Bank of Austin. So, if they're under that umbrella, there's definitely products that look at more than just credit score. But again, it's like I got
to turn to my sales team because they know better than I do like where what those resources are and what they are. They know how the game is played and they know how to assist somebody by looking at all of their numbers. like if they're right now my understanding is
you need a 640 for a credit score in order to get a mortgage. If you're 638 is there, you know, what is what is the wiggle room? I don't know. So again, this is where I'm I'm leaning very heavily on my sales team to advise
individuals who are interested on what makes the most sense for them in queuing them up. >> And the Thank you. And the other question was and I don't know if you can answer this one but
with with given given that these are low income are the interest rates going to be uniformed meaning market interest rates or or does it depend hey you have a 740 you may have a 2% interest rate and I know it's nothing 2% right now you may have a 2% interest rate but you have
a 640 you may have a 10% interest rate is it going to be uniform for all these units? So I have to set the sale prices based on the Fanny Freddy interest rates. So that's that's for me that's what I have to set the home prices at. I have to use
that as my my marker. Again, I think it's going to depend on the mortgage program. The product is it mass I mean Mass Housing has first-time home buyer mortgages which are very very good um for first-time home buyers. And I'm
starting to get out of my lane a little bit. So, I'm happy to direct and give you the information for our salesperson if you have more specific questions about this cuz I think she'd be able to answer them way quicker than I can.
>> And I I just wanted to thank you. I also just wanted to add um for anyone who's listening and paying attention um the local preference we did that in an effort to make sure that people in
Amherst got first dibs so to speak. Um so that was important when this was being approved. Um we recognized that hey if this is lowinccome meant to target bipok people in the community we wanted people in the community to have um an opportunity. So that was the
intent behind the local preference. >> No, that's great because we know that a lot of um folks especially um BIPO folks and others who are low income are getting priced out in Ammerst. So that is that's awesome.
Um um Jessica, just real quick, um the lottery, how how will you all make those um selections? I know it's a lottery, but if you kind of can explain how that is going to what what that >> Yeah. Yeah. So, we have we have an it's called an affirmative fair housing
marketing plan that is currently um in a draft form being reviewed by myself and the sales team that will go to Chapa who is the monitoring agent and then they have to review and approve our plan. So in and I think I'm actually required
under the zoning permit to send a copy of the final plan to the town of Ammerst. So I will make sure that I not only send it to the planning department, but I will send it to Algra to disperse amongst all of you as well, so you can see how it plays out. And that really
lays out how the preferences work. Um, I haven't done a home ownership deal before. I've only done rental, but typically the the handicap units are at the highest preference because we want to make sure that somebody who actually needs that unit gets in there. Um, with
mass housing, they're also concerned with the number of people. Um, they don't want to underhouse. They'd rather overhouse. So, their preference is for for the two bedrooms to have a family of three or more and for a three-bedroom to
have a family of four or more. I'm not sure given what we're seeing where, you know, we have a lot of twoerson households that are interested, two and three person households. So, I'm not sure how that's going to play out. Um, if we get to a point where we don't have enough people in the lottery through the
lottery process that are eligible, um, say we don't have 30 people to buy, then it becomes a first come, first serve situation. So, then it gets opened up to absolutely everybody whether local preference has been met or not. So the local preference really only applies during the lottery process and then
after that once the lottery is done and if we don't have enough buyers to buy the homes through the lottery process then it becomes first come first serve. You still have to be a first-time home buyer and you still have to be income eligible but the but the lottery is is a
is a one-time thing. >> All right. Thank you so much. Thank you for this great um presentation and also answering all our questions. >> Sure. I'm happy to send the presentation to you all too so you can have it. >> Yeah. >> Um Jessica, I'm sorry. Just for a
clarification, the size of the household is that preference or a requirement. The number >> it's when Mass Housing explains it to us in the beginning of this process, it's a it's a preference. It's a higher preference than local preference. So, of
the ranking, it's like handicap, um, household size, then local preference. Um, I don't know if that has changed in the two years since we've gone through the permitting process. They may have changed their guidelines, but this is what Chapel will be looking at when we submit our affirmative fair housing
marketing plan on how that lottery is going to work and how the preferences are set out. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Are there any other questions? Well, thank you again, Jessica, for joining us. It was really nice to hear about the progress on the prop um the
the project and kind of some of the more nitty-gritty details about what's going to >> Sure. >> And thank you for your interest. I really appreciate that um that you reached out to to hear about it. So, thank you. Please get the word out. I'm
going to send out to you Algro right now the presentation and the two flyers and please disperse to the rest of the group so that they can let folks in their networks know. >> Excellent. Thank you. >> Awesome. Thank you. Have a great night. >> Thank you, Jessica. >> Yep. Bye. Bye.
>> All right. I think while we're still um in in in this um home ownership um space, I I I think because I I I was very concerned and I voiced
this during the ZBA process of um you know, we we went with local preference, but I also raised the concern that you know, and and you heard from um Jessica
about some people potentially having $50,000 in the bank. And the reality is for low income, that's not a reality. So, it's and that's that was a heart of my question then and now is have they
identified alternative pathways than the traditional um mortgage banks to to get a mortgage. So um if we can when she sends her the information if we can invite um I think a good person or
persons would be the credit counseling people who can talk about how to get approved for mortgage. I think that will be um very beneficial because yes, I I don't anticipate that
any of the target audience for this is going to have 10,000 much less $50,000 as a down payment. And yes, when we were going through the ZBA process, the idea of reparations was raised as potential down
payment. But I also voiced that that should not be an option. Not because it's not a good idea, it's because everything moves slow. Yeah. And the and the idea that come 2026, money from reparations will be
dispersed. I just didn't believe it and I still don't. Yeah. So, I I don't want, you know, that to be um PE I I I want the intent of having BIPO people get these houses to get these houses. And I
think um if we can find alternative pathways to say hey here is some information out there that hey Wells Fargo may not approve you for a mortgage but here is another company that may approve you. Um and so if we can get
somebody from credit counseling from one of these um credit counseling people that they're working with to come I think that'll be very beneficial for our target audience. Yeah, it's a good point, Emerald, and I think it it should be an end both. I mean, it is a very good point because
obviously we don't want folks to kind of be dependent on that and then obviously it doesn't come through, but yet and still we can still pressure the town to kind of speed up its process and get things, you know, moving along because this would be a great opportunity.
>> I agree. I mean, I I agree with the sentiment that reparations would be great as a source if it was up and running, and I have doubts that it will be, unfortunately. Um,
>> and I wouldn't want somebody to be >> assuming that that's going to come down >> and then it not be there. Um, I know the Affordable Housing Trust did just get a large chunk of money um over a million dollars from
um the construction of the new building downtown. So, there's there's some planning going on around how to spend some of that money and home ownership is one of the things they're trying to prioritize. So, I don't know if a down payment program
might come out of that. Um, I can certainly bring it up at the next meeting. Um, now that I mean it's it's so different seeing like, you know, hearing the concept of this, which I feel like Emerald was talking about when he first joined our meeting and now like seeing there are actually homes being
built and they're, you know, they look like homes. They don't just look like holes in the ground. There's walls and everything. So, that's really cool. Um, but I do think being proactive about figuring out where additional funding can come from for the families to
actually make this a reality for them is really important. >> And I think there there are going to be traditional first time to her point first- time buyers program. I mean, unless the government decides to gut HUD. Um, but there is usually always
first-time home buyers assistance programs out there. >> And so I I hope these credit counseling people are have information that can say, you know, here are resources for first-time home buyers that will do
that. But I I again, I I I still am concerned even with our local preference. Um, it's that, you know, I I don't want people to be dissuaded by, hey, I I I owe $60,000 student loan debt. I won't qualify. No, that's not
true. Um, you should still apply. Um, and, you know, it's banks will look at that, but I I don't think student loans is going to be as big of a deal when it comes to getting a mortgage as people think it is, because it's not. Yeah.
>> So, Yeah, >> getting some feedback. >> Was that me? I think I just sent the email. So, I think that might have been my computer making sounds. Um, >> sorry about that. Um, should I just read
the updates from the packet? >> I think the feedback might be Erica. She is my sister. >> Oh, I agree. Uh, my mute just went off. Yeah, I was Thanks. I was looking because um my uh the state used to have
a program called My Homes, and they actually listed towns where they would give up to 25,000 for closing costs. Uh that's not free money. It would have to be paid back, but very low. Um, so yeah, I was looking to see if that still
existed. Sorry about that. >> All right. So, I will um I'm just going to read off the DEI report. Um, I don't have the answers to any questions. Um,
let's see. DEI update to CSSJC. The department has started back up staff trainings last month. The first topic covered was inclusive language. The department has changed the framework for these workshops to cover five topics
throughout the fiscal year with a 101 training and 2.0 more in-depth training to meet the needs of all town staff. Uh the department is pleased to welcome two UMass work study students who will help out with outreach DEI programming
and other administrative tasks for the department. Uh the department held a facilitator training for beloved community series on October 9th. We hope to host another training session in 2026. Um I already said about the youth
empowerment college preparedness program. Uh this goes beyond simply providing information. It's about giving students the tools, confidence, and guidance they need to make informed decisions about their future. Pizza and snacks will be provided. Join us for an
afternoon of learning, conversation, and connection. And there's a place to register. Um the department and then the update >> you can share your screen like this. We could >> Oh yeah, I can do that. Let's see.
Um, sorry. I don't think I've ever done this on this new computer. And I mean, if you can, then that's fine. >> Hold on. Let me see if I remember my password. Let me try again. Ah, yes. Now I see it.
Okay. Did that work? Yes. >> Um, where was I? The Oh, yeah. uh civic, civility, and citizenship on October 30th. Join us Thursday,
October 30th at the town hall in the town room from 5:45 to8. The department is proud to announce that we've secured a $5,000 grant from Mass Cultural Council to support the Ammerst Global Village Festival 2026. This generous award will help ensure the
festival's continued success while expanding accessibility. The department is pleased to share our strategic plan, a roadmap that will guide and strengthen our work moving forward. This plan was developed that was thoughtfully developed in partnership with a professional coach
through a grant secured by the department. Importantly, the plan is not static. It is a living document that will continue to evolve as the needs, priorities, and aspirations of our community change over time. Um, there's a link to the report. Then there's a
link to the October newsletter. The department is assisting the human rights commission's co-sponsorship of bystander training led by representatives from Pioneer Valley Workers Council Workers Center ACLU of Massachusetts and Lucay
held at the univer I'm going too fast. the Unitarian Universalist Society in Ammerst on October 29th at 6 p.m. And then there are materials requested at the CSSJC
September meeting on the liberatory visioning project. Oh yeah, here's the college preparedness workshop flyer and the Lucay training flyer
and the becoming beloved community flyer. And this is all in our packet online. And then there's the Crest newsletter. Um, is that the report from Crest? Is is it
just a newsletter or do they >> I think it's just the newsletter. So, let's see. Um, let's see. 47% of calls were for assisting neighbors, two for business, three for transport,
four for well-being checks, four for follow-up, nine for outreach. Um, then there were 662 interactions, which was 35% increase from last month. two collaborations with social service
agencies, two with local businesses, 575 resources distributed, and 24 neighbors walking in. Um, here is a call. >> Do you want me to read it? Give you a
>> press call corner. The crest department has been working closely with a neighbor who was facing eviction from their apartment and potential houselessness. The neighbor was hospitalized back in 2024 and their apartment became condemned through the process. Responders met with the neighbor upon
their discharge and connected them to several resources including Highland Valley Elder Services, the Tennessee Preservation Program, and Ammeris Community Connections. Through these partnerships and direct assistance provided by Crest, the neighbor has now had the condemnation lifted and is
actively searching for new housing options that will satisfy their needs. Then the crest team was called recently to a local social service agency. The staff who called were worried about a resident from a nearby residence who kept wandering onto their property. The crest responders were able to walk
through the area and spoke with staff before checking on the neighbor's well-being. The team was able to confirm the neighbor was okay and not experiencing any crisis. All right. And then we have all the Crest in the community.
Guess it's saying Crest was featured twice in WWLP22 News. I guess they were the PO PMIA recognition day. Um, yeah, we can just keep going through
that and then just a a stop bullying information and we we didn't mention but Algra and I we did go to Crest Day. They had that too. um I forget when it was if it was later in September or early October, I
forget, but that was also really well attended by the community and um you know, Crest kind of gave a small presentation about what they've been doing. And then Allegra and I also talked on behalf of like CSSJC and the support that we have for Crest and how
we want them to be successful. Um and they have food and other community resources there. So was was pretty well attended. Okay. So then the next thing I'm going to stop sharing. Um
All right. So should So I do see I think Ash Hartwell and Lydia Spiegel are both um league members. I don't know if we want to go on to the league of Oh, do we want to go to the league report or
the planning for November 3rd. >> So, Algra, I think, you know, time is ticking. It's 8 o'clock. >> Um, I think we we need to focus on the um our presentation because we have presentation that needs to be priority number one right now. Um, and then I
think we can talk about the League of Women Voters Report in connection with our presentation because obviously we're going to be using uh parts of it. So I think that that would be the most efficient thing because I really want us to get to the presentation so that we can discuss it since it's coming up in like you know a week and whatever. So um
yeah can we just kind of seg into that because obviously as we talk about the presentation we'll touch base on resident oversight board and youth empowerment center. Everything is will get rolled into it, you know. >> Yeah. >> And I think it would be maybe helpful to invite the league to come to our next
meeting and have a more in-depth conversation around their findings. >> Exactly. Exactly. >> Because it's it would I really appreciated the work that was done. I think it was really thorough and really, you know, didn't hold back in terms of progress that has and hasn't been made.
So, I appreciated that and I do think it will be relevant to the presentation. Um that said, >> well I think uh Erica has her hand up. >> Erica, >> thank you. Um so I did actually go to
the presentation that um the league uh did uh I think it was last Thursday uh and each league member who is uh part of the racial justice committee presented different parts of it. It is extremely thorough. I think they actually did an
excellent analysis that should be the basis of what we demand from the town council. Um and I think a lot of the information with regards to progress or lack thereof is actually right in um the
report. Um they you know part of what I was um trying to do for the slides was you know go back to the leap, go back to seventh generation, go back to um the Tory Institute research forums that were done you know the the conversations that
were done over this uh summer with Crest to look at quotes all of that information is actually in this report uh including really good quotes. Um so I I think you know as you said Deborah uh we will touch upon it as we're talking about preparing but to some extent we
don't have to really rehash. I hope every single town council member reads their report because it does really absolutely do a very in-depth analysis of lack of progress with regard to see the community safety working groups
recommendation um and what needs what what are the next steps that need to be done and we need to demand that those steps be put into place. So, um, as we're talking about our presentation, um, I think it really is important to think, you know, and to use some of the data that was presented,
uh, in that report. >> And Erica, you were still working on the slides, correct? >> Um, I looked at the slides. I think, you know, what I really think we need to do is let's focus on what we want from the town council. And I don't think we have
to defend or present data because it's in this report. Um I think the town council needs to read that report and they'll see the data right there that would affirm what it is that we're going to ask for, which is what we need to ask for for every single one of those
recommendations is to task the town manager to get it done and give them timelines for getting it done. Um I mean I think we need to be very very direct that the town council has the responsibility as an administrative and governance body. It's been how many
years? Four years uh since the community uh safety working group put together its recommendations. Um at the meeting Lynn was there. Hala was there. So thank you Holla. She's also here. Um and then Alicia was there. So three town council
members came. Um, I wish all talent councilors either, you know, had come or are prepared to have read this report before we present because I think it's very clear that there is a lack of movement and a lack of commitment to get
these recommendations in place. Um, and I don't know if any of you have read um, you know, the analysis from uh, the TUR Institute research institute, but I think the word that they constantly underlined was performative. And that performative work in this town really
creates a lot of frustration and anger among people when there are resolutions and there are actions that are that are put into place and then there's no commitment in terms of really making it happen with regard to resources uh or you know specific actions. So I think
you know we should focus our slides on very specific recommendations that we want to see happen. Well, wait. So, Erica, so I think we got to pull back though because I think we got to talk about like our conversations with Lynn, right? And what we discussed
um and Algra maybe, you know, um well, in a little bit after we discussed in post the presentation that Algra began the the you know, she she put together the draft and then I added some some um information to it. Um, and then Erica,
yes, we can modify and and Lette and Eril, we need you all also to kind of because, you know, and we we still have a little bit of time, but I know though we need to get her the uh what our presentation is going to be. And this is the other thing, we can we can attach
reports. So, I don't think we should just attach this report. But we should attach any and all reports that we want because remember Erica the other part too what we're trying to do here is not just do the ask of the town council because remember I've been to the town council many times we've done a lot of
asks we've said yes be do it by this date they don't do it that's the other part so part of why we're doing this too just so you all know it's a document and inform the public of what is going on just because we tell them to do it doesn't mean they're going to do it. You see what I'm saying? So what we want to
do is create the document that states boom boom baboom baboom right and then yes put the ask because we want to do the ask uh in it but we have to have the track record because we're one taking
the opportunity to inform the public inform everyone that's there and have this documented yet again you see what I'm saying so we're building the track record so that's why We we we kind of put the presentation in the way that we
put the presentation. All right. So, the presentation is going to be about 15 minutes that we have that we're we're thinking 15 minutes that Lego and I will present and then at anywhere from a half an hour to 45 minutes questions and answers. All right. And during the
questions and answers, all of us will be open to uh responding to to to questions and or bring in any other information that you want to bring in. Okay? So, if Algra and I miss something or we don't
really hone in or affirm something that you we we you want affirmed, then you bring it in. Okay? During that that portion of the half hour to 45 minutes. So that's how and so what we want to do is I have our presentation that sent out and Algra what was when is it that they
needed to get this presentation by >> um October 27th. >> Okay. So October 27th and then put in all the reports because we're we're creating the documentation. Okay. So we're going to put the this um League of Women racial equity report. We're going
to put the Tory report. We're going to put the visioning report cuz that's another report that also has restated. I think the other reports the leap and and all of that. Yes. But remember they've already been um we want to mention it but all of that report was already in
CSWG part A part B all of those different reports Evans Gen and they've been disqualifying those. They've been saying that those are out of date. They've been saying all so what we want to do, we want to mention those, no doubt, but they've disqualified that. I've been in in a variety of different
settings where they basically say, oh, and you know, and they try to to to, you know, really, you know, kind of throw it under the bus and say it's not current and so on so forth, right? Because since it's from like 2020. >> So, we want to mention those, but we want to mention the more recent ones.
Those are the ones we want included because they already have the part A, part B that was already given to them. And the other part uh why we why we set up the presentation that way is because Lynn with remember we met with Lynn twice before this meeting. She brought
up the seven points that they had adopted back in 2022 after the July 5th incident. That is critical. They adopted that in 2022. We're in 2025. This is the town council who adopted it. They didn't they haven't done most of
those. >> So that is critical for us to bring up. >> So not just the recommendations which we do we do need to to re-emphasize CSWG recommendations but we need to to really focus on those seven uh things that that
the town council adopted and told the town manager to do which have not been done. Okay. And um and then as you stated, Erica, talk about many other things that we want and also bring in other issues such
as ICE, such as, you know, uh um you know, like some of the other u funding. Maybe we want to bring in like what we just learned, reparations committee, give some support to other committees that are that are out there that that that the town is again taking their
their own own sweet time to put in place. So, we want to highlight some of these things because we're also not just a committee for just the CI CWG recommendations. We're also a community that has the the eyes and the ears of the community, right? in terms of what
they care about and what they've been coming to us and talking to us about. So, even this affordable housing, you know, connection and stuff like that, so we can bring up So, we want to bring up some really current events, too. You see what I'm saying? Um, and then tie it
back to town council. You have the seven seven um um aspects from CSWG. Most of them you did not do. So we are asking that you do as you said Erica you know by blah blah blah you know in by
December you know 2025 we expect for this and this and this again to document I don't expect it to be done tell you the truth but to document yes that we have yet again asked them to do things you know um and then then put the pressure on you see what I'm saying for
and the community needs the pressure for it to happen um the other important part that we need to bring in is the resident oversight board the on November 3rd the from what I've heard is um you know there might be well yeah that's that's
what I I had heard from well we had heard from Lynn that she was going to work with the town manager to present those hopefully on November 3rd like in terms of the resident oversight board the two um you know processes and things like that. So that's something we want
to bring in right that the resident oversight board those policies have not been adopted you know and again highlight that we want the investigative um one as opposed to the review one you know so again you know this there's really kind of very specific things and
I'm glad again that the um that the league you know focus on this and and provided a lot of information but I want us though to have our okay this is what we think is important and I think we need to highlight what the what the uh
town council had adopted and had have had not pressed the town manager to follow up on since 2022. So um can we can we put up the presentation Algra and then Erica I think it will be great if you get like
certain pieces from these reports to kind of highlight some of these things that we want to um that we want to say in our presentation. And then as you stated Erica, you can
also add like you know maybe our final slide can be this. Okay, we expect you know that you know points ABC D be accomplished by December you know 2025 end of you know December December 2025
or whatever to kind of give a deadline. Um, so that was kind of the breakdown that I feel like we' talked about. So the original recommendations, the seven things adopted by town council, status of all and areas for further
consideration. Um yeah and one of the reasons why we wanted to bring in the charge is because when we discuss um you know the CSWG recommendations and I'm I'm not sure if the what they
adopted kind of brings in CSSJC but when we talk about the recommendations the fact that CSSJC is not being utilized which was brought up in the the League of Women uh report not being utilized ized as an advisory group and also Lynn when we met with Lynn she
did say for us to bring in the fact that we have no budget you see what I'm saying that's very important so we want to put those things on the town council's scope we have no budget you know how are we begging and pleading for food or for to pay a stipen for
facilitators or if you want to do a town forum how how can't we just do a town form to pay for translation and and so on so forth you see what I'm and is just like we need to put that on on on on the scope when we do the presentation. So that's why I wanted you know we wanted
to highlight our charge because we are being extremely underutilized and then you know the other this one too in terms of CSWG just kind of set you know setting the table you know we got to set the table in terms of what it was
that um the commitment um was and it's not a bad thing to hammer it in for anyone and everyone that's on that night and to also keep it in terms of a track record. >> Should I put the CSWG slide first? Would
that make more sense >> since they came first and then >> No, it's just that remember we are CSSJC though. It's our group that's presenting. That's why I think we we did it that way. >> And then remember then from this one we're going to go into the recommendations. So it's a good set.
>> You see what I'm saying? >> Yeah. Yeah. So, we'll just go into um yeah, part A, part B. And I think, you know, part A, part B is just again to do the track record and put it in. It's not as if we're going to go into any details, but
it's just to make sure that we are hitting these things so that they understand. Look at part B. Most of part B has not even been looked upon. And in part part A, youth empowerment, nothing has happened there. Um um besides some programming um and you know the center
there's no no location the budget the money where's the money at you know that they that had been earmarked for it multicultural center nothing has happened there so we want to kind of hit those in terms of CSWG and and and where
things are at. And then we brought up the the you know November 14th, 2022, they adopted these seven um um aspects after the July 5th incident. Um okay,
community f community visioning with a focus on public safety and social justice. So that I mean that's what the DEI department has been engaging in with Dr. Love. >> Yep. So that one we can we can give to them. >> Okay.
>> Through the DEI. But we'll we'll what we'll say though is we'll say this could be even more. It could have even gone further if DEI had had appropriate staffing, full funding, and all of those things. You see what I'm saying? They have a they two two people department.
So, I'm just What happens if I do this? Sorry. Um, I'm not used to the Mac version of PowerPoint and I don't know because like you know how you can do comments. >> Yeah.
I'm not finding that button here. Um because I Okay, I'm just gonna write it down. Okay. Priority number one. >> There's a comment button right above the slide. >> Yeah. >> And then what happens with the post it?
Does that like not stay there? I >> I think it hides. >> It hides. Okay. >> Yeah. So, but I'm sure you get a chance to review it before the final version do that. So, resident oversight board,
I mean, they certainly hired consultants. Um, but they have I mean, >> they perhaps will concurrently be proposing the town to the town council
the plan. gone. >> And I think you know again um you know what was raised in the uh League of Women's Voters report were two things. One was um the CSWG's proposal was investigative
powers. So >> not sure why there are two proposals when the CSWG was very clear. The other was is that uh it was stated that when the ROB group met, they actually didn't look at the CSWG's
um description of who should be on the board and it was very clear um and that's been somewhat watered down with the term diverse board versus what the CSWG actually proposed which is very specific number of um African-American
BIPOG members being part of the board. So what is even now being proposed is somewhat watered down from the original CSWG recommendations. >> Yeah, great point. >> Um that hasn't happened. >> It hasn't happened at all.
>> And again, just to just to give everybody the same information, um and you know, if I misspe, I'm sure Ash will correct me. Um, but one of the things supposedly was stated that they saw was the town c the town manager had stated once the chief was hired that the chief
was going to start reviewing all of the protocols and that has not happened. The chief has been on board now for a while. So again, that has not happened. And that's where maybe what we could do, right? Because obviously we were just stating it. Maybe what we could do so
that it could be on the slides and on record, Erica, is to kind of add some bullets under those in terms of why, you know, where things are at, right? And where, you know, yeah, where things are at, the status of it, so that then
myself and Alggo can bring it in. But we want to put it there, too. We want it in writing so that it's part of the record, not just verbally, but in writing. You see what I'm saying? So these points need to be bullets so we can present it and it can be part of the record.
>> So I'm just thinking like organizationally maybe I break down the slides. So one slide says the priorities set and then the next slide is the status specific to that priority. So it's boom boom not like here are all the
priorities and here was where we are. Does did that make sense? >> Well I mean I think I don't know if we need to have it like two separate slides. I'd like I'd like it on both on the same slide. You know what I'm saying? Kind of like so that we kind of see their priority
>> and then see what they haven't done. >> You see what I'm saying? >> I would like it if we could kind of have it there, you know? So, it's in in your face. >> Both. >> I'm just a little like overwhelmed by how many words are already on it. But I
think >> I mean but I think that we can minimize we can kind of right because I think that is like we just >> we could probably like >> present it in a different way. >> If not then yeah if not then let's do it
slide by slide. If you think it can't be like that you know >> I'll play around with it. >> Yeah. Yeah. So the protocols for crest what we just discussed today. >> Sorry. >> I'm just like, you know, we're in uh
2025. There's still no protocols for crest. Right. And so everyone keeps on shifting the ball and saying, "Oh, no. The ball is in Crest's court. No, the ball is in the dispatch court. No, the ball is in the APD court. No, the ball is the town manager court. No, the ball
is legal court." You see what I'm saying? and then nothing is happening, right? That's really the bottom line. So, we need to to really highlight that um that crest was put in place um in
2022 and here we are about to be in 2026 and still no protocols for dispatch. So yeah, this one again um we have some programming that is occurring but no center, no um even talk of a center, no
locations being discussed. Um we've and then I think we need to highlight all these different reports that have mentioned that it's important to be a center you know and what the the CSWG recommended right which was bipogled
youth empowerment center um and uh the fact that there was $500,000 emarked and we don't know where that money has gone. We heard that part of it was used for some type of assessment, which we've never gotten any type of outcome from.
Um, and that also there's no one that goes to our meetings that reports on youth empowerment center and where things are at that we're always getting the runaround SCSSJC um group that no one can speak we can't
speak on behalf of it. Crest can't speak on behalf of it from what we know. No one can speak on behalf of it that we've been able to talk. So, the town manager needs to let us know who is it that's going to be attending our meetings on a monthly basis to report on where things
are at with youth programming. Well, youth empowerment center. I don't want just youth programming because they're using some of these youth programs which some of them I still need like more information on. I know that a lot of people are touting that their success and so on so forth, but I I need to have
more parameters, but I'm not just satisfied with this these programs, these youth program that's happening, but yet there's no youth empowerment center that's bipacled. >> So, I'm just trying to think about like how can it be an actionable item that we say? So something like direct staff
liaison between CSSJC and person in charge of youth empowerment >> assign a a a staff liaison who actually has the the I don't know the the power the wherewithal to speak on behalf to
give us status updates on the youth empower on the establishment of the youth empowerment center. um you know where is the status of of where is the status of establishing the youth empowerment center uh and and or or I and I don't know how
we want to present it like if we want to say that now in terms of okay we want this by you know December 2025 or whatever you know we can say it in in these slides maybe we take the opportunity to do it that and then do a summary at the end I don't know I mean I think we're still trying to figure this
out but >> um and then The other thing is the the finance, right? Where is that money? Where is that $500,000? And if there was an assessment done, why haven't we received an outcome of that assessment?
>> Mhm. So providing training. I mean I think DI did some training but again I I'm not too clear on what that all like entails. So I think we need to kind of get a
breakdown of what the training is. Um and you know the training to the public what what does that mean in terms of training to the public? You know is that the visioning conversations? But that's a vision conversation. That's not a training and I'm I'm thinking so they had the
know your rights workshop with youth. So and but that was like a specific thing. So I think if there are things like that that needs to be reiterated. >> Yeah. But again, they're having they're
having like one-time popup training that doesn't that doesn't mean training, right? Training is immersive. It's it's consistent. It's ongoing and it has a strategy, right? The visioning one, we can give it to them because, right, that
that's continual. that has a strategy. That's something that they have a facilitator. She's, you know, she's doing she's done train the trainers. Okay. So, for these other ones, there's no set standard. Just because they did a know your rights presentation, that
doesn't qualify as training to me. >> No, no, no. I was just thinking like what has happened and that's the only thing I can think of and then maybe like co-sponsorship of this upcoming ice training. But I'm, you know, I think it has to be continual. It has to build
on each other or at least like be offered more than once. Um, and I'm thinking again for presenting this and to be um um, you know, to really eradicate structural racism within town government.
>> That and that's how we have to, you know, we have to say it. What's their strategy for training that will, you know, actually eradicate and focus on eradicating structural racism within town government?
I was just going to let you know that Hala uh has her hand up. >> Yes. Um let me see. How can I do that with my screen share? I'm going to stop sharing. Wait, can I do this? Okay. I'm sorry.
Um okay. Uh, thank you Algra and CSSJC. I just wanted to add to this that it's optional and as long as they leave it as optional, the people probably that need it most won't take it attend it. So, I don't know if there's a way to have it
not be optional. >> Having be mandatory. >> Yeah. Thanks. >> Thank you, Ha. You're welcome. Thank you. >> So it could be a goal to direct town manager to make
DEI training mandatory for all staff. Each passing month's mother investigate date of this vote that did not happen. And I think we what
we want to bring in is that we are asking that these that the CSWG um uh you know recommendations be followed upon by this date and we don't want what
happened to these seven to happen to what we just you know described in this presentation. It's just like I mean this highlights it. This was in 2022. We're in 2025 and most of those were not adopted
or like maybe, you know, maybe one small piece of some of it was adopted, but not for the most part. >> Mhm. And I think I think we need to clarify
and perhaps challenge what is seen as meeting this because my guess would be oh well the town manager includes an update in his report monthly but that's I don't think adequate and I
don't think that's a comm communications plan to >> raise awareness in the community >> efforts I mean >> I read the town manager's report but I don't know how many people >> do you think the parents
>> know about it or know how to find it on the website that aren't looking for it regularly or attending town council meetings >> regularly. He was unfaithful and stayed at work from home without his travel
more and more. >> Um, going back to our own mission and our charge, um, I think we should also be very clear that we minimally want to meet with town council twice a year. uh right before the budget is one of the
times or either that or something such as if we or any committee asks for a time to meet the town council. If they can't put us on the uh agenda for the next month, they have to give us a reason why and then put us it seems that
you know we we're charged with providing advice to the town council. We're also charged with, you know, having um supposed to have input on the budget. um we neither could get onto the town council meeting until now and we've asked the town manager to come to our
meetings multiple times where he could actually talk about a communication plan provide awareness um this is the place where he could actually give us updates and the people who are interested are often coming to our meetings so I think this got to be some pretty clear message
about our expectations of the town council having us you know when we asked for a meeting to be able to go and then when we asked the town managed to come to one of our meetings that he either attend or he gives us a written reason why he can't and then a date that he can.
>> Yeah. And I think we want to highlight to add to what Erica said, the fact that we've been in existence since uh 2022, right? And that that we've asked the town manager numerous times to attend our meetings and he has never attended any of our meetings.
We want to highlight that. >> I mean, would you say a reasonable time frame would be by February of next year just to give I mean, I think our agenda might be a little bit growing for next month. Um,
>> the only thing the only problem with that is that we give them more time then it just lapses. You know what I'm saying? I mean I think if we give them to February we have to say okay we'll be checking in with you >> you know oh we we'll be checking in you know please appoint a liaison a town
council leazison whether it be hala or whomever for us to check in with >> you know monthly until February you see what I'm saying because my thing is is that if we just stretch it out to February it goes back into sleep mode like what happened with seven um you
know aspects of the CSWG recommendations that they adopted which never which it never followed up on. Was supposed to be 4 months and and never was followed up on. Should we just say attend December CSSJC meeting then? that who attends the December one?
>> The town manager. >> Yeah, that would be a good one. >> I'm just looking for the date. That would be the 10th. Was this part of I think this was still part of
number seven. >> Well, this was just like what they were supposed to be doing. That's it. >> It was seven priorities, but then it's never happened. Um,
one other thing that I heard at the not this town council meeting, but two weeks ago was that the human rights committee has been waiting for like over a year for their bylaws to be approved by town council.
um that they've gone through this whole process of rewriting their bylaws to change what was within their scope and that they've been just not approved. >> Yeah, we should we should we should highlight that.
And then the translation services is just that we've heard from the community that although they have um you know quoteunquote translation services, it's not really um you know advertised. Um you know the community is not taking
advantage of it. Um and you have to build a new culture in regards to now we have translation services and this is how you use the different translators and things like that. So they need to have again a strategy for how to roll out translation services and not just
putting on a piece of paper we have translation services and then that's that. You see what I'm saying? What's the strategy for making sure that the translation services are actually being utilized by town government and by the community in our town
because a lot of community members are like, "Oh, they actually could, you know, have translation in in in the language that I speak. I didn't know that." and how can it be used like even for like our meetings and things like that, you know, is there a way to kind
of use translation services for those that don't speak um um that English is not their first language for them to be able to attend our CSSJC meetings, >> right? >> You know, I mean, there's no um strategy for how to use that because really there should be someone in town government
that would contact us and say, "Hey, do you want to have translation services?" Yes, of course we want to have translation services. you know, um, but how do you do it on Zoom? You know, what's the tech? What's this? So, there has to be kind of like that conversation
with different community boards and for community events because I don't even see it at community events, you know, that that happen like town council meetings. Do they have translators there?
So we're basically excluding a a huge population. Again, I'm not saying we need to have every language, but at least the the the you know, there needs to be an inventory made about the languages, the most, you know, the top languages that are spoken in our town so that we can at least offer those
languages. But again, you know, why am I doing this? Why isn't the town doing it to blow this up? It's not being used. >> Go ahead. >> Sorry, Deborah. >> No, >> I absolutely agree a thousand% with what
it is that you're saying. Um, it definitely limits people. Um, my question is, I speak Spanish. Am I able to let's say like there was one time when Emerald
read some rights. Am I able to translate that into Spanish and translate it? For example, if I ever if Emerald was to
do that, would I be able to then translate it into Spanish? So you're saying like if if we had translation services or translation capabilities at our meetings? >> No. So ideally yes, that should be the
goal. But >> but if you yourself could do it. >> Exactly. Um yes. Even though I see a lot of issues with that because you know it's we have different dialects in Spanish. But yeah, is that something
that I would be able to do? >> I mean, I don't see why. >> Me neither. >> I would support it. Um >> I know the only reason why I I ask is because um at work >> with the you know we have our translators.
>> Yeah. at the court and we as in the staffing even though we know the language we are not allowed to do the translations because legality reasons and whatnot. >> Um and also not being able to translate the proper legal terms.
>> That's why I I was asking. >> Yeah. So, I mean, I think that I would absolutely have no problem with taking the time to repeat some of the things that have been
said about rights and stuff in Spanish. I think that's really important. And I know like the red cards that have the are, you know, what your rights are are translated into many things. So, I don't know if it would be helpful to
think about for a future meeting if if there's some sort of information that's really necessary to get out to the public in multi- languages, if that's something we can consider. So I think I
>> so I think I understand your question was that um and I I think the biggest concern is the one that you raised is that um not all Spanish is the same and you translating I I I think that what
you would you would be doing as a courtesy not and not representing like an official translator and I think if you start the translation with that caveat um to say, "Hey, I am not the official translator for the town of Amherst." I I think that'll be probably
their biggest concern is that there's some coverage to say, you know, the translation wasn't official um officially the town translator. I don't think there'd be an issue to that. But again, just doing it as a courtesy for our um Spanish speaking audience, I
don't think there's an issue with that. As long as you preface it by saying, "I'm not the official translator for the telephone. Yeah. Yeah. And I think that that that's a good note um eil to to add because me at the end of the day, you know, along
with what Algra was saying um and we're going to be highlighting in our meeting is like since the town hasn't, you know, had some type of strategy in terms of rolling out translation services for their town activities and and and events and meetings and things like that, then
we need to do it. You know what I'm saying? to to help our community and help our population because at the end of the day there's so many different places that I see where everyone's just waiting around for the the government to do things and obviously they don't you
know and so what are we supposed to do just still keep waiting around you know I mean like you said we need to safeguard ourselves to make sure right so putting that caveat is great but we should still do it because we know that our community would benefit from it
Right, >> Erica. >> So, some practical questions. Um, the 27th is Monday. Um, I have Google Doc, which turns everything into a Google doc. So, um, I don't know how we're
going to do this. Um, I don't know if you want me to just like snapshot and then put comments on the side or, you know, um, in terms of adding to the slides, but we're we're really at a crunch right now. >> Um, since it's Monday,
>> do you want to send me the a Google doc with just the comments and I can add them into the slide? So, if you just want to put like I don't know, slide one, slide two. Yeah, I think it's probably the best.
>> Yep. >> Um, and then I guess figuring out if it makes more sense to put >> all together or in two separate slides in terms of the stated goal and the
progress. >> Yeah. And whichever makes sense, you know. Obviously, yeah, it would be nice if they could be both there, but if it can't because it'll look messy, then we don't want that. Then just put it on two separate slides. >> Um,
and then so let's say once we do have kind of a a a draft, I do want to look at it again, you know, after you and Erica kind of um kind of do what you all are going to do in terms of some of these changes. Um, so do are you going
to share it? you know, I think we just should share it with the CSSJC members, but we just need to say, okay, please let us know if you have any feedback by this date because since the 27th is when we got to turn it into um the town
council um so so that then we can have a final um you know for the town council on the 27th. Yeah, Allegra, I can get you uh what I'm doing uh by the morning of the 24th
uh which is Friday. So then we can figure out what next. Um and I think we can only reply to Algra and you Deborah. We can't >> No, I know. It's like Yeah, that's what I'm saying. We'll share it with everyone. We'll say do not reply all type of thing and then you all can just
reply to myself and Algra. >> Okay. All right. Sounds good. >> All right. Um, and then the other thing too though that will be important is for us to um, state again which reports we're attaching, you know, and I don't think we need to add like the LEAP and
all of that because like I said, that was already in part A, part B, a C, WG, and town council members already have that. >> So, we want to add the more recent ones, the TUR, the, uh, visioning, uh, the League of Women. Um, and then was there
>> there was Rabbi Deb's first Rob. >> Rabbi Debs. That's the one that I was Yep. Rabbi Deb's first Rob. We got to we got to add that, too. >> So, I think those are the ones. >> Yep. Because those all are saying the same thing over and over again.
>> Absolutely. And I think I mean I don't think we have to attach them but I think we still reference like all the CSWG7 gen like and say we were told that this is all stable here's all the information that's come out since that's still saying the
same things because >> exactly exactly reaffirming that that information and I think that's the thing we send them back to the CSWG reports you know because that's already on the website everything else so we don't have to kind of attach
Because again then you know if we because we want them to we we want them to see what these newer reports are saying because it just reemphasizes what CSV had done before >> and the um reparations report.
>> Oh yeah. Yes. Yes. >> That's true. That was one of the first ones that came out after right after the CS. Okay. Um, and so
>> do we want to be in the town room or do we want to do this on the internet? Um Deborah and I were talking about maybe at least her and I being in the same space just for ease of presentation. Um
but >> I will be there. >> I think well so my thing is we should probably either be all there in person or all on Zoom. This kind of like inerson zoom half of us zoom I think that becomes discombobulated. So, I think we we should decide as a group
whether we're going to be on Zoom or in person because then it becomes a little bit all over the place because then you you'll forget the person because if the person's there or the person's on Zoom, you know what I'm saying? And remember, we're all going to be the ones to kind of respond to questions as a group and
things like that, you know. >> So, what were you saying, Erica? Did you want to be there in person? >> Uh, I put it on my calendar to make sure I was available to be there in person. Okay. Um, lette every
>> I think in person. >> I think if everyone's going to be in person, >> that works. Yeah. >> All right. Then we'll all be in person. >> So, just so I understand, um, you, Deb, and Algra will be doing majority of the presentation, but we will all be there chipping in and answering questions.
>> Yes. So how it'll go uh let is that um Algra and I so Algra and I are going to meet obviously and kind of separate the the slides and both of us we're the ones that are going to present. So we're going to present we're going to do the presentation also the slide that we're working on we're going to present that we're going to do the presentation on
those slides but then since we are this is a CSSJC you know presentation then as a group you know whoever so we want to engage in question and answer so there's going to be 30 to 45 minutes for questions and answers so when um the
town counselors pose questions whoever wants to answer can answer it doesn't have to be just myself or Algra. You see what I'm saying? I mean, we'll be prepared to obviously answer questions, but I think it'll be better if we all are prepared to answer so that
they hear from a variety of voices, not just myself and Algra at that stage, you know? >> Right. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Have other um committees presented before the town council. >> Yeah. So, CSWG we presented like um at
least twice because when we presented part A and then we presented part B. So it was again we we followed the same model where it was the um the co-chairs who presented the um the presentation and then you know and then we all kind
of were opened up for questions and can respond to questions. So that's why I'm kind of following the same model that CSWG has done. And the important thing, well now since we're all going to be in person person, it doesn't even matter because we were on Zoom because it was during the
pandemic and all of that. And there was a a kathuffle in terms of us being like, you know, not part in the audience. They hadn't brought us into the meeting. It was it was a mess. So obviously we had talked to Lynn about that. If we were going to be on Zoom, we were going to be part of the meeting, you know, the
entire time in the in the audience. This is all about money. >> I think being there really gives a presence and I think that's important to be there. >> Sounds good. I we just wanted to make sure that you know to kind of get a sense from you all what you all wanted
and I think we we're open to whichever one. >> So good. We'll all be there and Okay. So what Lynn had told us is that we should be on by seven. So I think we should all be there at least by 6:45.
Okay, we arrived by 6:45. And then I did say to her, I was like, "Oh, do you think we'll start at 6:45?" And then she was like, "No, no, no." Because they have a bunch of stuff that that they're going to be discussing. So, she doesn't think we'll be on before 7. So, 7 will probably be the earliest
we'll be on, but as you all know, town council might be even later than that. Um, >> and then, oh, the other thing too and and Algra, we should probably check with Lynn and Holla about that was that she did say that she was going to have the town manager responds to those seven um
um you know things that they resolution or whatever that they adopted around the CSWG um recommendations. But I haven't heard anything because I had told I had asked Lynn, I said, "Let if if the town manager is going to respond to that, it would be good for us to get that before
the meeting because then we're going to be blindsided." You know what I'm saying? But I haven't heard anything. And then, like I said, Lynn was going to have him um present on the uh the Rob recommendations
>> on the third. >> Yes. So, so the other important part that will that's going to be critical is for us to um you know get on our social media and get to our networks. We need as many people as possible to attend this meeting as well as um you know make
a public comment if they can you know so in order to do that though I think we do need to because the public comment is in the beginning of the meeting right Algra >> usually. Yeah. >> Yeah. We probably need to also let our networks know that if they do want to make a public comment that they should
be there earlier >> because I think a public comment would just be hey we're in support of the CSWG recommendation in support of CSC they don't have to do anything you know a lot of the public that not comfortable speaking they don't have to go into any details even though some will probably
go into specific recommendations >> and I was planning to make just like a little sharable graphic that we could use. >> Yeah. To share on our social media with our networks because this is going to be important, folks, because you saw how long it took for us to even get on their
agenda. >> So, it was a battle. >> Um, >> all right. Let's >> We're getting to nine o'clock. Algra, >> we are. I know. And so we touched very briefly on the league
report and I will ask who can come or if if a bunch of league >> people can come for our next meeting to really kind of sit down and get into it a little more. Um >> yeah we can outreach the mata right because mas yeah we can outreach the
mata and invite them to our next meeting. Yeah, I mean Rob and youth empowerment, we don't have any updates because >> well we will I guess see an update on November 3rd about Rob which will be the
I guess that's another thing that we could push to the networks is just saying remember that CSWG wanted investigatory powers. >> Um >> and then I have retreat planning on here. Um I
know I had sent out a doodle and I don't think that there was any date that had come out as a preference over any other date. Um and also it's no it's almost November. Um so I don't know if we want to
table that discussion for next time. Also next time maybe we'll have information as to >> Yeah. I think what we should do is like like you said, maybe put it on for next time, but next time folks, just come
with when um do you all want to meet next? You know, I know we're going into the holidays, so I wouldn't think December, you know what I'm saying? November, December, I think, is is out, but you know, maybe January, February, um you know, we might want to meet then.
So, just think about some dates so that then we can um you know focus some time on on getting a date and whatever other um planning. I know Erica you've always kind of taken point on that and if you're willing to still continue to be point on it then whatever we discuss the
next time then we can put into fruition for our next retreat. >> Yeah, I I would recommend January. Um, I think it would be good to see who gets elected to town council and then have us have a strategy of literally um getting to each town council member about what
we're presenting now, what we're expecting um, you know, in the next two years, next year. >> That's a that's a actually really good way to frame our next retreat. I really like that. >> Yep. Great.
And for the next meeting, obviously we'll put on there processing the town meeting. Um I think that's already going to be an agenda item. Um and then also I think who was it ever? Was it you that said that you wanted to invite someone
else from the housing folks for our next meeting? >> Yes. I I think I asked if we have any information or can get the information from um Valley CDC about the credit counselors. >> Okay. Yeah. So then if they're willing
to and then again, you know, if you could follow up with the with the with the chief with the our open invitation, >> I I will send another invite for next month's meeting. >> Okay, great. Thanks. Um women voters.
All right. And when is that meeting? That meeting is are we doing November 12th? That's in like three weeks. >> This was a fiveweek Wednesday >> month. Yeah, that would be fine. >> Is okay.
>> Yeah, because I think it'll be good for us to meet um just because we'll be fresh from the um the town council meeting, then we can process sooner rather than later, you know. >> And we will know the results of the election by then. So, >> Exactly. Exactly.
>> Thank God. Um all right, so we have public comment. Um, oh wait, I'm gonna move this up before public comment just because items not anticipated. There was the town manager goals report email that went out
and it's due next week. >> Okay. >> Would people prefer to have Deborah and I write something on the behalf of the committee or do their own thing? >> So I think that's what we did the last
time. We sent in something collectively I believe. >> Um, let's see. >> Again, >> when is it due? >> It's Let me pull that up. Um,
and speaking of that, Erica and Algra, as you all are putting the the kind of, you know, next updated draft for for the for our town council presentation, just to remember to with CSSJC also include the fact that we need to be involved in
the budget, you know, like with the budget season and things like that, like what you were saying, Erica, to meet with them before the budget season, things like that. We need to enter that in there so that it's part of our track record too that we have asked for this.
All right, hold on. Okay, so it is due >> Thursday, October 30th, which is really soon. Yeah, it seems like everything is due next week. >> Yeah. >> Why did they give such a small tiny
value to tell manager? I mean, it doesn't >> It's absurd. Um, but what I keep on clicking on the wrong thing. I'm just wondering if so there are under racial under social
justice and community safety at like list I'm going to share hold on um so there's one 2 3 4 Five 6 7
8 9 10 things. But I think one two three four at least are not really the most relevant to what we're looking at. And then one's about one was conducting an assessment of
crest due back to the council on the 30th. I don't know if that happened, but one's about policies, one's about other town policies, youth empowerment.
I mean, you guys can read, but racial racial equity training to the town council. Um, and then the resident oversight board. So I don't know would it make sense for each of us to try and pick one to just
focus on and then we can send you know you can send it to me collect and collectively we can do that or do you want us to just I mean I think it I think it all overlaps enough that it wouldn't be that much to >> I mean I think don't we have something
that we had sent in last year >> probably that because I'm sure >> you know was paid attention to by Right. So yeah, I mean I'm fine pulling that up and trying to put thing what's happened since.
>> Yeah, we just need to update what we sent. You know, there's many areas of update of what we sent last time because it's not I mean it's too much given we're in the middle of of putting together things to present for the town council meeting. Now we have this, you know. >> Yeah.
>> I mean it's like with me I I know I just I'm not going to have time, you know what I'm saying, to come and So shall we move along? >> You know, >> should we see about public comment? Are we ready for that?
>> All right. Um, if you want to make a comment, you can use the raise hand feature. There are six members of the public. Holla is on both panelists and participants at this point. Somehow she's magical.
Okay. All right. Everything is moving around. Okay. Um All right. I'm gonna bring Miss Pat into the room. >> Good evening. Um I just want to thank the uh committee for all your time. Uh
and um it feels um encouraging to have unity with CSSJC. You know, you guys work really closely. Um I also want to really thank um the
league again um regarding the work they did the racial justice they did excellent job as a former member of um C uh CSWG. I just want to share very quickly my
experience and also thank you for Erica. Erica really represented CSSJC very very well. You spoke really nicely. So as I was listening to the excellent presentation
um I felt the spirit of uh Dr. Demetria Shabbaz. I was very emotional and um she kept calming me down and I didn't want to speak that night but
I felt like I needed to let it out and um my comment was more of frustration because as resident we let it you know be like that for the past four years
that um CS SWG make recommendation we're not having any improvement and um so my public comment was just frustration that I personally feel every single day like you know we're doing all the advocacy
but it doesn't seem to be working. So and that's why voting is very very crucial because election have uh consequences. So I'm using this opportunity to really encourage
MS voters. Please, if you want change and progress in this town, this is an opportunity because we have bold leaders who are really ready to do the right thing. I've
lived in this town for 40 plus years and it just seems like the same status quo. It needs to change. It's getting very exhausting. But again, thank you all. That's all I want to say because I know it's after 9:00 and I want to be respectful of your
time. I'm very appreciative for everything that you guys do and I encourage people to try and listen to the Gleek presentation. Fabulous job. They did very well. This is what I've been, you know, CSWG, you
know, are planning to do, but they just like Yeah, they did very well. I'm very very grateful. Good night. >> Thank you, Miss Be. >> Yeah. Um, I'm going to bring Ronnie into the
room. Hi, this is Ronnie. I'm of course in my pajamas since I'm an early to bed person. So I won't show my face at this moment, but um I'm very impressed by the struggles you've all managed through.
Um, I did want to say that I think it's really important to remind the town council in a very explicit way that they concurred with the CSWG recommendations so that there's no question about are we
going to follow these recommendations or not. The town council already decided that they would be followed. So I don't know why there should even be a discussion of should there be an RO or not. They already said it's okay, go do
it. So I think it's important to remind them that you know we've we've already advanced. So why not go from there and all the data as you pointed out since then has concurred with the CSWG's
findings. So that's the only comment I would make. Uh the human rights commission is coming up at the meeting after you. Um so I couldn't hear all your presentations cuz I was at something else, but
great work and good luck. Thank you. >> Thanks, Ronnie. >> Thank you. >> I'm not seeing any other hands. Give it a few. All right. Well, then I guess we will all see each other on
November 3rd and then again on the the 12th. Let's see. >> So, thank you everybody. >> Go out and vote. Go out and vote everybody. Thank you so very much.
>> All right. And we are adjourned at 911. I have to say the important part. >> Bye everyone. See you on the third. Bye.