good evening. Everyone is 05:30pm, on Wednesday. APRIL 16th 2025. Welcome to the. Police say become just committee of the City County Council, the Public Assembly room of the city County building. Do have for those words into this evening and we'll start meeting with the ducks of our council in the first row leader heart. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN Michael Paul Hart District 20 MR. CHAIRMAN Josh Payne District. 21, thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN Pollen, a district. 22, thank you. Counselors and counsel Perkins, thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN Dr Carlos Perkins District 6. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN Brie and Illini District 2 on the North side. Thank you. CHAIRMAN Jessica McCormack District 16 West Side. Thank you, Dan Boots, District 3 Washington Lawrence townships. And top group CHAIRMAN CHAIRWOMAN from thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN Krista Carlino District 11 West side. Thanks, MR. CHAIRMAN, Good evening, everyone. Keep Gray district 9, Indianapolis East
side. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN Frank Miscarry on the Southeast Side District 19, thank you council we Robinson chair, the committee with consent like to move to propose a 107. 0st on the agenda. Thank you. Can also pose a 1, 0, 7, 2025 real points for per vine to the Emergency Services Agency board. MR. Provide will come forward. Please. You have been here once or twice in the past. Yes Thank you for your service to our city and to this board. Just briefly why would be reappointed? I enjoy what I do. And I'm glad to serve. Been serving the city for over 40 years and I enjoy what I do. Anything I can do to make our city better improve our city for and you've done it will, sir, thank you so much. Comments or questions council race. Thank you. Chair MR. Think we can say thank you enough. But I want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you.
Appreciate. Conversely, question counselors. Any one of the AUGUST curse be proposal? 107. Seeing none truth. Emotions to do consent on this. All those in favor signify by saying aye, I those oppose motion carries. Thank you, Thank you. Have a great evening. Up next, a proposal 108 points for the first time. Ashley Barnett to the juvenile detention Center invited board was born. It would come forward. Please. As that we do have your your bio and resume in front of us this the first time you forced to this important board to show those briefly, do we have your bio why you think you'd be a good fit for this board? Sure. I started my career as a family case manager with the Department of Child Services and then I worked for the last 14 years and juvenile justice working on a statewide plan to expand juvenile reform efforts across the state. I'm a huge advocate for kids and I
believe detention should be reserved for the kids that pose the greatest risk for public safety and where there opportunities for diversion. I believe those options should be explored. So I'm just excited for the opportunity to to be a part of the advisory board. Thank you to come highly recommended comments or counselors on this proposal. 108. Council Perkins. Thank you for your willingness to serve. One of the things just so, you know, with this tough committee here, attendance is really important. So when you if you choose comeback next term just this week or if you have a strong attendance record. Thank you. Appreciate you volunteering for this important position. The church emotion. So moved anyone. The owners could speak to Italy. Mostly probably moved to
second. It all is the go by saying Aye, suppose. Motion carries. Thank you so much. We'll see you few weeks at the full Council. And this person present yet? She was stuck in traffic. Up next is airs appointment of approval of 1, 0, 6, 2025. Andrew Merkley as director Office of Public Health and Safety MR. Murphy will come forward. Please. This is comes before market sent us an email yesterday that could put a lot of information. His presentation in his background is also included in our packet, MR. King as a present, a today with the public you have the floor, sir. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN members of the committee for the opportunity to come before you this evening as the nominee for the director the Office Public Health and Safety. Before we
get started, I'd like to think the staff Phs. We're here in support as well as my husband other folks from the city and our partners on the community. Thank you. I'll begin with my background. I received our it my bachelor's master's of public health from and you need Indiana University. And started my career with a short stint in Washington, D.C., working for Senator Joe Donnelly. Follow that up with 7 legislative sessions working for the Senate. Democrats being in a state house. And during that time I had the opportunity to work on policies very similar to those that we work on here phs things like it. Implementation of ethnic studies in our high schools here in Indiana, the reduction of license, reinstatement fees so that people can get back on the road and back back to work as director of Latino affairs,
had the opportunity to. Engage with our Latino community and work on policies like in-state tuition and licenses for undocumented immigrants. About 5 years ago, I had the opportunity to join the Office of Public Health and Safety as the housing specialist. Working with Ronnie Stockman, who has been a mentor to me as I've learned about homelessness and the best ways to soften that. I didn't have the opportunity to be the administrator for the Division of Homelessness and Addiction Prevention. And my most previous role. And now I'm here before you today as a director. As the administrator for that division, just want to highlight few of the most recent projects have been working on and the accomplishments that the division has had. The tenant advocacy project, which you
all probably know is tap is an eviction avoidance, program that is in all 9 small claims courts across the city as well as the Marion County Superior Court. On your screen is some data and the dashboard throughout this presentation, you will see dashboards that we are working to create for agency and various programs that we have. The tenant advocacy project again is helping those folks. Those tenants in the county were facing eviction and the map on the screen indicates where the highest number of evictions are being filed in the county. In the middle of the screen demonstrates the demographic that the top program is serving, which is predominantly African-American. Women. And that is the same demographic that the in the Red Program service when it was an
operation. On the right of the screen is the total number of folks that's both are legally teams and our navigation teams have served since program's inception. I started my time phs during the height of the pandemic and had the opportunity to oversee the implementation of the city's 9 target shelters for homeless neighbors. That experience and what we learned from those operations has. Helped us to understand helped U.S. implement winter contingency operations and the future been and what that will look like. I think it's important to highlight the successes that we had this winter. This is the first time that the city of Indianapolis has engaged in any way in which a contingency outside the pandemic. Wheeler mission for the last 30 years has been the primary. Has helped the burden of winter
contingency and they came to the city early last year indicating that they could no longer take on the entirety of that burden. So the state the city jumped into action. We brought together several stakeholders from the city of a philanthropic ends service providers to come up with. The best way that we could help reduce that burden on Wheeler Mission. First we did. That was to work with the assessment and Intervention Center to open up beds and reduce the requirements for entry that facility. You'll see that over 500 unique men and women were served during this winter at the icy with 21 of those guests moving into recovery services, which is really what we were hope, hopeful for for everyone that entered into that. I sees
services. Additionally, we set up school 68, which is ips bacon IPs school and partnered with them and aspire Indiana health to serve over 61 families with children school during the winter. Over half of those families were able to to move into permanent housing with just under 4 months of Operation. And the rest of those families were either self resolved or were referred to other shelters. So no one went back to homelessness from school. 68. As I stated earlier, the which is this is the most recent renderings of the exterior of that facility will be influenced by what we've learned from winter contingency and the pandemic. We expect that projects to break ground later this summer. And it's one that I've been a part of since the building Since the inception
of that facility. So talk a little bit about what I've done, but I want to make sure I highlight the accomplishments of the okay. Just team. First. We'll start with our division of Community Nutrition and Food policy. Again, this is one of our new dashboards. It's highlighting the lift grocery access program. Again, there's a heat map here which discusses or which shows where the majority of those rides are going. It also. Demonstrates the time of day and months where a majority of those rights are taking place. As we move into the future for okay chess. It's going to be critical for us to identify which programs in this particular division are most effective and how we maintain sustainability for those programs. The next edition is our is our News
Division, the Behavioral Health Division, which oversees the assessment and Intervention Center as well as the clinician lead community response. Teams. The assessment and Intervention Center in 2024. Sir, I won't go into all of these details, but it provided services to about 50% of 50% of those served were white. And 46% of those served were African-American or black. What's important here to me as I look things, look at things through lens of housing insecurities, that 90% of those served at the High sea housing insecure. The clinician lead community response team, which is active in the north downtown and east impd districts. Received 1224
calls in 2024. And they were able to respond to 738 of those calls within their service area. So what's next for these programs? The the assessment Intervention Center we want to we want to continue to run refined the programming there and make sure that we're getting it right. So that more people access those services. We're also exploring the design of the shell space that exists there and what that future use will look like. The clinician Lake Community Response Team again, program refined and making sure that we are doing a great job where we're already engaged. And as as well as what this expansion look like, should funding be available and it's likely that we would move into the Southeast district next. We're also considering whether or not it's it's appropriate to obtain state accreditation so that we can receive calls from
9 in it. A re-entry division is doing a great job in the reentry lobby over the criminal justice camp campus. And this is again, another dashboard. I think what's important takeaway from this is, again, the housing insecurity that those re-entering from jail are facing. And so as as we look to the future for re-entry it would be it. It will be really important to make sure that there is a direct pipeline to housing for folks as they re-enter and so will be will be working diligently to make sure that we can identify programming that ensures housing is available. Violence in our community. Violence reduction team continues a great job. You can see the trend there on the on the chart of the number of criminal homicides continues
to go down since 2021, we've seen a 31% decrease. I'd also like to highlight our fellowship program. 31 follows completed the program last year and graduated bringing us total 49 graduates since the program's inception also last year, the Ndp's launched the Ndp's Hospital Violence Intervention Program. First of its kind. This in Irvine, this program is a partnership with iu Health Methodist Hospital to provide immediate intervention to gun violence. Victims at the hospital. Our community violence reduction team will continue to intervene and reduce the number of criminal homicides in the city. As well as focusing on youth prevention efforts as we move into the
future. Little plug here. We The summer in the city program will be operational here soon and registration will open providing activities to use during the summer. The Office of Public Health and Safety has experience tremendous growth over the last 5 years. And I've been there to witness it. We. We grew incredibly fast due in part to covid related. Funding. And it was necessary for us to grow to meet the demands of the community's needs, especially during the pandemic so that we can reduce violence in our community. But now that that federal pandemic funding is gone. It's it's critical phs identifies the programs that are most effective. We appreciate that. The City County Council has recognize or significant growth and impacting our community by Phs
is budget, which is allowed us to continue operational ising owe Ph as his work outside of the pandemic. And so to to meet our goals of says stability and sustainability. We're going to work on streamlining our processes both internally and externally. Working again on data collection and making sure that we're demonstrating the effectiveness of our programs, aligning our programs across divisions. Identify inefficiencies in our programming. And all of that will be to sustainability. I have. We'll take your questions. Thank you so much. We appreciate you comment or question counselors. Council Perkins. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN, thank you, Andrew, for your presentation. I also want to say thank you for
taking the time to meet with me in my district to talk through your vision for with this particular position. The office and to reflect a little bit about your work. I have 2 questions. If that's okay. CHAIRMAN, my first question is around your overall performance. How would you rate overall performance as the administrator of the Division of Homeless Policy in eviction Prevention? Does this scale of one to 10 could be okay. You know, I feel strongly that that my performance has Lisa Nader are things that we want. We haven't been able to accomplish whether that's been funding related or challenges with the, you know, various. Partners. But I think ultimately. We've been able to implement eviction prevention efforts that didn't exist prior to my time with the city
and grow that county wide. And we've been able to begin addressing unsheltered homelessness and will continue to do that. As we bring new programs online. Thank you for I will say as we should in my office that the sheer on homelessness in the in our city in county is the root causes for it in until we decide that we are courageous enough to allocate funding to address some of the root causes will continue to see some of the issues that we're seeing. So thank you for being reflective in your own leadership and the time that you spend in the office. My second question is around, staff morale and office culture that has been the area of concern for this committee. What specific actions will you
take to improve? Internal communication, build trust and foster positive work environment for within the office. Yes, it's it's important to recognize that's okay. Just has incredible employees they have incredible hearts and we're doing really tough work. It's important for me is the director to support. Our employees and the hard work that they're doing. Make sure that they know they have my support. It's also important that we hold the team accountable and we can do that. By ensuring again that we are that we have streamlined processes in place and that we are collecting data ensuring that there's a really adequate communication
from the top down. In council district comments. Council moves. Thank you, MISTER CHAIRMAN. Thank you, MR. For your presentation tonight. Also meeting with me as well quite impressed with insights and Cummins you shared with me. Couple quick questions the first one with the lift program. Do we enjoy any type of corporate discounts with any of these carrier services. Since we're our programs giving him $300,000 a year. I would expect him to give us a discount. Counselor. I'm not an expert on the lift program so I can get back on that. But I'm I'm fairly confident that we do have a reduced rate for those rides, which helps offset the cost for 4 days. Yeah. Encourage you to keep that and maybe go for a greater discount next time around. As I've shared with
you in the past, I think everyone in this room probably knows we're very concerned about the eviction rate in this county in the deplorable which we allow eviction, which is counselor Perkins alluded to adds to the systemic issues that we face. And we're crazy treadmill. We're leading to the problems that we're always scrambling trying to solve. And it makes little sense to me. So just share a little bit, if you would sort of the dedication of the public, what your plans are and the progress of that app program in its current state and where its future state. Sure. Thank you, counselor. Eviction is the front door to homelessness and we have some of the highest eviction rates in the
country in Marion County. So it is important that we are intervening and preventing evictions before they occur. So far. We've we've really been an intervention mode as it relates to eviction. We've we've been able to grow the program, the tap program from 2 townships now to the entire county and the Marin County Superior Court stop some of the court shopping that was occurring. As we move into the future. We went out. We want to partner with one of the other eviction diversion programs. That's that's Lawrence Township. And and have won efficient program so that we can be efficient with taxpayer dollars, but also so that we can provide a more robust program. Prevention is the next step we need to We need to be making this program. We need to make it
make the public more aware of the program and we need to be able to get in front of folks who might be at risk of eviction before that eviction is ever final. How do you anticipate implementing that? Didn't find those at risk. Yeah. So so we have partnerships with the township's. But one way that we've getting in front of some of those evictions is by partnering with the school systems. Lot of the school systems have the counselors that work with families and then they know which families are at risk. And so having a direct pipeline from the counselors at the school who can identify those families and get them to the mayor's action center. So we can begin the process, assisting Is one way that we can address that want Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN,
thank you, sir. Thank you, MISTER CHAIRMAN, thank you for being here this evening. MR. Maclay, congratulations being nominated. Mayor Hong said is the appointment for ph director appreciate ballpoint state. You gave us this evening as it relates to the of the department. One thing that I would really encourage you and I'm glad data collection management is something you've identified. Well, I can that the criminal homicides have declined by 31%. From 2021 to 2024, I can agree that it's conclusively because ph as I can. So there's direct correlation between the reduction in the work that your office is doing. And I think that we need to better understand how we can tie these things together. And if we can, then I will be your biggest
supporter. But until we can, I will be constantly asking for the data to back up the claim Phs is directly responsible in some way, shape and form for these type of numbers. Would be number one. Number 2, I was curious. Are you aware of some of the issues and concerns we've heard? From those grant recipients over few years as it relates to dollars for violence, eruption do you understand the issues that they've hand with the way that program's been rolled out with the way the dollars have been dispersed in tracked. So council. Are you referring to the elevation grants? Yes. The elevation grants. That's something that I had not previously been a part of. And so the last few weeks have been doing my best to get caught up on that I can't speak exactly to the challenges that the grantees a face, but I was with him last
night, one of their monthly meetings and it was a great opportunity to connect with them and hear hear about the important work. Either the current grantees are working on previous grantees. Similarly to what I discussed around data collection and accountability. We have been constant conversation of last few weeks with the Indianapolis Foundation and discussing how we can as we move into the next round, how we can be more efficient in getting those grants rolled out and make sure that we are standardizing the data that we're collecting and reporting out. And so as we move into the future, we will holding them accountable to those
reports. Appreciate that. I look forward to an update. You know, every every bump in the road on this growth on this grant process is a bump in the road somewhere in our community that has a ripple effect throughout our community. And so it's so important to make sure that when we hear from grant recipients that the process has issues that we identify our, that our issues are the issues on the recipient's part and how can we work with to make sure it's a smooth efficient process because those grant dollars are highly sought after the funds are limited and the work is extremely important look for update as we get into the
budget season beyond. I think my Question for you and think I've asked this of some folks pages in the past. When we talk about all of the different programs, particularly those that were funded and have been funded through the American rescue plan and that covid era with a lot of money in ph as budget. I never felt like there was ever a strong review process of those programs. And there was never really a strong conclusive determination whether those programs are effective, whether they should continue and be funded, whether they were effective in those dollars return back to the general fund where they should return in some way, shape and form back to to the office to support something really encourage you to get
under the hood. That's been a common description of what we're looking for, I think phs. And we talk about the fish and sea. And I think that one of the ways we can be efficient is whether or not we have government efficiency and spending. So I am always waiting to see the first director come before this council and say we understand we're going to return money back to the general fund, confident that every person in this building could do so. I just encourage you to find those opportunities in really put us on a strong path forward. Thank you. Thank you. Council in a little heart. Thank you, MR. Is going piggyback on that because I had some similar written down and it's something that we talked about. Prior to the meeting we have the one I I do want to thank publicly for I mean, of all the people that we've had front of us in this
type of situation. I think you said the largest packet of information. Anyone ever since great for that? Great for your time coming in times. You've reached out. There's no shortage of that size want to publicly acknowledge that. But also one of the things that we had that conversation which alludes to it counseling is talking about, which it's there's an ordinance that requires not phs right, but any city department that received funds during the Cares Act. They should have been reporting too. The respective committee during that time everything that counts when it was just talking about how the dollars spent where they spent is the program working. Is it not working that way? We could have a better understanding moving forward with budgets. When we're looking at what
you're requesting or we're talking about why you're requesting certain dollars that it makes sense. And so my first question to you is can you commit if appointed to retro actively looking at some of those past? Just some of them. But all of those past distributions and finding the efficacy of those programs. Also I commit to looking back at those programs because we really begun that process. Several of the time programs that that I demonstrate the dashboards during their presentation. Those are those are funded programs are were arpa funded. So as we look back at the data and we'll start to analyze it and get create. Those dashboards will be able tell you more about effectiveness. All right. And up now, the question here is you've been in the role some time now. I don't know exactly
how long it's been, but enough time to recognize things. I'm sure you like things you don't like at least to come up with some changes that you want to make. As as the leader, can you just describe what some of those changes are that you would like to make a point? I think it's important that to your point around. Around efficiencies and reporting back that we hold that the team hold each other accountable to the standards and really creating standards for the first time in our agency for for everyone to follow. And Joe, bring our legal counsel. And I have a lot of discussions how we can and standardize lot of our procedures. We've created
standardize data metrics that will be in all contracts related to demographics. We are working with the Office of Finance and Management making sure that we're we have a procurement process Phs can can follow. And so again, just standardizing and holding people accountable are some of the changes that I'd like to in the agency. All right. Thank Thank you. Leader. Councilor being. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN and again, like my colleagues when it comes to transparency and communication over the past several weeks. With all the information that 2 things I wanted to touch on. And one of those is what comes neighborhood up, which is the 31% decline. And criminal homicide stream 2021 2024
nationally, the criminal homicides declined between 2021 2024 by 30%. Right there. You know, on par average with the rest of the nation. So I do think need to do some digging and that and see Where we can maybe differentiate ourselves from surrounding cities because of another city that didn't do everything that okay tested. We get there. Homicide rate. Went down the same rate as ours. I think that's some of that. We have to do some due diligence on. And then lastly is not not really a question feel free to respond is when we met, we talked a lot about the homeless encampments around the city and especially on the near South Side, you know, think of the one right there on Fountain Square off of
Virginia Avenue where? People have been literally building decks, you know, outside outside encampments and you said from this quote, please, correct that. You said to give it to the end of the year. 2, get the homeless encampments cleaned up. Prepared to do I think you deserve that. But that will be something that at least some closely watching. Over the next year because I do really think. It's a blight on our city. I went up to Chicago multiple times the past few months. I haven't seen a single homeless person. But yet you can't go anywhere. And the city of Indianapolis and not see homeless encampments all over the place. So you know that that's something on be closely watching him. Look forward to working you. Counselor. Council bunch of different
question. Yes, if I MAY, sir. You went up back to Councilor hearts come in. And I think if I recall, it's been some time you and I are co-sponsors of that proposal that said when we're getting 420 million dollars, we want to know where the heck that money goes. We've been a little disappointed in that reporting process because it has not been timely. We understand were still awaiting some reports. About crime prevention, the iu Report and the Foundation just encourage you that going forward. We're going to be watching those metrics much more closely. In that during the grant process to make sure. Early on that. The recipients know exactly what they are obligated to do because we're not in a position anymore, particularly
with the budget. As we like to say. We're drunk on arpa money. Now we're in the middle of a hangover and he's going to get worse. So we're going to be tightening belts and we're gonna have to look at every dollar through these grants. And we're gonna only those who can justify their existence are going to be kept alive. The others sorry to say. Counselor counselor CHAIRMAN Agrees. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN. Thanks for your presentation today as you appreciate the opportunity be with you recently. As I mentioned, I would like to see more collaboration with the grassroots organizations more intentional. Unofficial collaboration where we MAY have some of ours, not just for the top and the well-known grass roots organizations with some of those organizations that are deeply embedded in our communities across
Indianapolis, particularly and council district 9 where we have organizations are churches are just individuals that have a caring heart that are out helping our in our our men and women and families that are suffering from hunger. Those that are facing we've I've participated personally against the recommendation of well, these impd leadership violence. Interruptions myself because I get a phone call from some of those that are in the in the community in the battle I'd like for you to bring the men in an organized manner and talk about how they can partner Ps more officially, whether it's funding. That's that's one great thing. But maybe shes press process and procedure how they can really be intentional in being a part of. Impacting the things that are here to help, whether its
re-entry, whether advocacy. I'm constantly contacted to go in my own pocket for these things. So I really would love for us to have a process in place, a phone call that they can make and the person that they can regional phs weather is one of banners that you guys that you cover your you will officially be over these banners. And I want I want to make sure that you have reached out to not just a well-known organizations, but those that are deep in our communities that are doing the work. And that starts with just more community engagement. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN think ouster. Anyone else in New York concert Thank you so much, MR. CHAIRMAN and thank you, director. It met with you. Appreciate your time have worked with you in the past on programs like the
Pathway to employment program. I've personally seen first hand your work and even not just housing but employing those most vulnerable and impacted neighbors that we have here in our community. And I've seen firsthand how you do lean upon data and glean some of those things. I know that you will deliver on those things as you have done in the past and just want to really thank you for stepping into this role and look forward to working with you on on all of those things. I think it's important to look at those part programs that are not only critical to the city, but really near and dear to the members of of this body, some some members of which have worked really hard with you and in partnership
with okay, just on the top program, clc our and others. Those are absolutely crucial. And as we look forward to that budgetary peas, please let us know the things that we need to do as the fiscal body to help advocate for those programs that we don't want to see fall detriment to the so-called hangover as vice chair boosts preferred. So look forward to working with you man, MR. CHAIRMAN, look forward to supporting this appointment tonight. Thank you. Thank you. Chair woman probably know question those in the audience propose a start have a list of folks signed up for. We there to list. Is there okay? Read that Murray before we open the floor to public comments. We like my committee members and
the public of a few ground rules so everyone can have a fair chance to speak and be heard. It is important that we each observe the following rules. First, each speaker will be limited to 2 minutes. Second, any public comments must reasonably relate to the agenda item under consideration. 3rd speakers who stray from the item under consideration or become unduly repetitious MAY be asked to move on to their next point concluded their comments finally attendees who cause disruptions that prevent the committee from proceeding through tonight's agenda in a reasonably efficient manner will be removed. Please remember that some types of there, any speech or incitement of violence are not protected by the First Amendment at all. We will deal
with those issues that they come up, but we don't think they will. And now MR. CHAIRMAN a committee member asked for consent to adopt these rules. We can proceed to public comment. Have a list of names are. MR. I mean, we have on the list who signed up to speak. Homeless. It is called first 3 force believes and learn and they just come forward and have a seat in the state. The podium, please, kt Weight t k Slack and Brenda Cowan. Situate record. Please. Good evening. My name is Kaitlyn, Katie, White. So Kaye and put kt, thank you council and committees to being here. My name is Katie and I serve as executive director of allies for Humanity, a grassroots organization that has worked directly with unhoused neighbors and housing unstable families throughout Indianapolis for the past
several years today. We come before you not just to speak in opposition of the MISTER Merkley as a director, but to also offer flexion on a broader crisis of leadership. Accountability and care within the system that are meant to serve our most vulnerable residents. Allies for humanity is here to share a portion of our story and more importantly, to support the beautiful families. If you call them that are willing to be here to come to speak tonight. We wish that they did have to be here. To publicly speak. But we believe deeply and transparent leadership. And sometimes that means as leaders we have opportunities to learn through uncomfortable experiences. We ask that you receive them with grace, compassion and a willingness to listen as a share. Some of
their most personal traumas. And troops. These young people and all of those who will speak. Shame from the heart, their voices matter just like all of ours. MAY their courage be honored? I mean, their testimony move all of us closer to a system that serves everyone with dignity and care. This is not merely about one man or title because of department. The under current leadership has strayed from his obligation to uphold the health and safety of all people in our city, especially Iran, House community. Who are most vulnerable to the consequences. A misaligned leadership and systematic and action. MR. Berkeley's position as administrator over the last 4 years. The city has documented 588 deaths of unhoused neighbors over the
past 4 years. In all of your e-mails, you have my full testimony with supported documentation. Thank you for your time. Thank you so much for coming out this evening. Good evening. Thank you for your I feel like just maybe ripping this. That's what I wrote to get through the testimony. But to St-Germain, I'm going read what I can and then speak from the heart. Because what we're facing isn't about one role, one person. But that's what making about today. And I appreciate commitment to holding. People accountable because that's what we're here doing tonight. And that's what's going to have to do it for going to change and do it differently. I hear comments here on the front row that are disgusting and and maybe gavel me for
that. But I'm not going to do anything expect. Speak my truth. We don't make people invisible. We help them. So I'm glad that some people on this council, this committee it got for this position because you would not do a good job. And that's what we're here to help. And to understand, because it seems like it's a done deal and us here sticking out our next. To hold people accountable. It's not just and what's all of us. Now. How are we gonna work with Andrew? Because we're the ones on the ground. With families that are being hurt and damage unharmed. But we need to work with Andrew. And many regards we have. But that was the frustration we met in his office for a year monthly.
He graciously welcomed us in. We brought other organizations and with us, but they trickled away white because we've all been there before. It's talk talk, talk in many regards because we're not funded. If this is a priority and in our world today, we put priority based on money. That's how we prioritize sings. There's a bill in in the in the session right now. Thank you for your time. Thanks for coming down this evening, sir. Next, couple stars, please. And Jessica Search Kerry clue and Melanie Glove. We have Brenda. Brenda Cowan first. I'm sorry. Thank Let's go home. State. Your name for the record, please. Brenda. Colleen. This system that has failed to scale its response with the growing need. And when we examine the root causes, we must ask, where is the disconnect in leadership
between the city and the state in releasing critical funds to support the Housing hub initiative, MR. Merkley has been directly involved in efforts to launch the hub. Yet the delay in resource deployment. And communication has left both providers and those in need in a prolonged state of limbo. And let us be clear. Limbo is in this context. Does not mean paws are waiting. It means individuals experiencing extended trauma. Compounding mental health deterioration. Nervous system, deregulation and in many cases inhumane conditions where people are living in structures and environments not fit for habitation. Scientific research has consistently shown that when the nervous system is trapped in a prolonged state of fight or
flight, it leads to a cascading effect of physical and mental health decline. This includes higher rates of chronic illness. Substance use cognitive impairment and even premature death. Each day of delay each moment spent in survival mode translates to greater suffering in long-term harm. For those who are already st's surviving the hardest realities of our city. Only those Phs will MAY know that full truth behind the holdup. But the leadership of that office, including MISTER Merkley, should be held accountable. Transparency has been sorely lacking. Not only with the public, but with the very partners doing the day-to-day work, supporting our unhoused neighbors when leadership fails to provide
clear timelines, open channels of collaboration and visible progress damages, trust and enforce reinforces instability. That is not the leader ship. Our city needs. Thank you for your comments male. Thanks for coming down. Good evening, everyone. My name is just correct. And I'm part of allies for humanity. And I'm here representing for equality for our unhoused neighbors. I work with them directly on a day-to-day basis and a lot of the needs are not being met. In the community in there. You know, to back to what know is saying about we've hear a lot about the structures the things that are being done for those structures for people to live have and will last. And there's just simply not enough like shelters are funding for things that are needed for the people that's unhoused and a
lot of them that suffer from different. Even so mental illness, they go unnoticed because people. Don't, you know, take the time to really get to know that like how we do for community. We sat down and we talk with them. We socialize and try to get the root of the problem. And where one of those small, you know, just a couple of U.S. Grassroots trying to make a difference to bridge the gaps between our city leaders. And the day-to-day causes that were there trying to help the unhoused. And there's a lot people that isn't house, unfortunately because of their mental illness. And because they're funding or enough organizations out there to help for the cause. So I just want to say you know, I'm here to try to represent to help them. Because a lot of them go unnoticed and unheard. Thank you for your Thank you for coming. Thank for coming down year. In your testimony with
us. Stars. Next carry Kerry clue. Hi, my name is Kerry China became emotional pay. The pain experiencing. Homeless for the past 6 months. Due contest termination of a job. Things slowly evolved cost me and my family too. Experience the homelessness. And spending time. At this be a building. From DECEMBER 16th to MARCH 31st. First time we walked in welcoming comfortable. Being exposed to. Year. The burst pipes. The flat in bathrooms. Or it literally scratch camp my toe. Open your little sewage, water running the kitchen the detestable food. Showering below 0 weather
outside. We had water. Few weeks after being there. My grandson. With hospital Because will never be 100% of can. And they're still testing him. He still has lacerations. His from whatever he was exposed to. I just pray that things will be better for. Displaced fan base in the future. Thank you for hearing But thanks for coming down for you to sway this evening. MR. Starr was additional names Melanie Glow Isabella Glove and just one glove. Thank you, sir. My name is now Nicholas and I was part of the Winter Contingency program at the shelter. I'm here to oppose of MR. And you getting the director position because while in this program from a side like was mentioned from
having freezing cold showers, lack of heat at times and my children being sexually assaulted in their cubicle. And step not doing anything about it or calling anybody or acknowledging it pretty months. Pretty much had informed 3 different staff members and still nothing was done. My son would always be crying because he would get in trouble if you went into the play area. If I wasn't there mind you, I worked nights at Fedex and I had to end up leaving my job because they said for the safety of my kids and all the ruckus that was happening in this program I was no longer able to work. I was told that we didn't have enough funding to get my kids to and from school by a man named Eric and he said that Andrew said that the funding was limited and it was only for certain situations. They
did not want to help me get to work a couple times that they did the one time and they're hoping that they didn't have to again because they said it was $50 to get there and $50 to get back in. It was very pricey. I was just trying to get ahead and then it took me back like 5 steps all over again. Luckily, I was one of the people that did get There's a lot of trauma to get that point. I just hope that they are better prepared if you continue this program because it helped me massively. But at the same time, it traumatized my children and myself. Thank you for your comments coming down this evening. Stoppers. We have other 2 mornings, Isabella, Glues and jostling booth. Last 2. Those of us
take you. He's going Johnson Council. My name is Isabella clues. I was in the program at this hotel. It's my mom and siblings. I'm here cause the injury. Merkley. Sorry. Has stricter because it felt like has until we could. Staff would be always Madeleine. We send the Hall for Wi-Fi. Everyone always had a problem. I got caught a lot of inappropriate means even by don't one night. There was also a 22 year-old woman that variant on me and it started to switch to and say she was on my bit. But she was even to be in our area. She was hovered over me and I got up and went backwards and a message that and told her to get off please because she was pregnant as got down on the ground and hurt my knee. The shelter wasn't how I imagined it to be. I doubt always feel
safe and a lot of fight. Uncomfortable. Scary times. I hope in the future they can make the program more comfortable for families. Thank you for your time. Thank you for coming down for your testimony. My name is on Justin Gleeson on residents of the Indianapolis. I'm new to pose of the appointment Andrew as the director of the Office of the Public Health and Safety. And I want to show you this matters to to not just be many others. When I was in the shelters to to Putin, this stuff would always be I know this because we want I was sexually assaulted in my own room are key because it call it. I told my about it who told to shelter staff and they proceeded to do nothing about the situation. I couldn't not could go to school because and you're not give it like we didn't have the funding or whatever. And the parents and kids were always fighting. And as a child, I felt like I
shouldn't be seen this. The staff were like sitting outside the playroom, letting the kids get into fights. A bunch kids were ganging up on my brother calling in fact, in a bunch other slurs. And I got into a fight with 2 other girls for my brother because they were about to jump in with a bunch of other kids. The they were outside not doing anything in the situation was never solved. The kids want get their dad and the dad was like, where's the man of the house? So where is the man in charge? And my mom said that father was dead and he continues say that he was not talking to some snowflakes allure and I can't say the staff really try to do anything. I wasn't allowed to go in the playroom and any time I did, I would just yoga
are called slurs by a bunch of kids in. I felt like I was a problem there and I didn't feel safe. I felt and like I could never shower because every time I want to the water was always below 0. And it was snowing in. On the one time I actually had to shower. I got really sick and stuff. So. This is why I don't think wish you guys should continue on to program. Peacocks. Thank you for your testimony for coming to see go. The more it. Brendan Kennedy. Good Evening Council is first on the state that I was not planning on speaking and I to do but hearing these families, these families that I've worked directly with at least the first initial like 50 families through the nonprofit organization, Home of Hope. I felt that it was best that I
stand with these families speak on behalf of a lot of the things that they went through and they encountered while they were in the water content to program. Myself. And my organization is in fear of retaliation for speaking out. And there are a lot of other organizations that are not here present today. They do with housing in our community. I highly encourage you all to reach out to some of those organizations to private conversations to see if you can find some troops to some of the things that have been happening and how they have also him privately oppose into Markley for this position. I want to try to read through some things that I just dropped down as I was listening to the families and hope that I get to all of it. We're having a conversation about leadership. A great leader acknowledges not only their accomplishments, but there are obstacles. In
addition to accountability. None of the winter contingency delays. No obstacles were present. It and this presentation short took some time to put together. When a contingency was supposed to start NOVEMBER first. And it was supposed to end on the 31st of MARCH. Winter Contingency did not start to go into effect until approximately DECEMBER 2nd. I'm not taking into account that there were some other planning things. But when we started dealing with families, it started around DECEMBER 2nd, I think there should be some questions as it relates to the delay. When we're speaking about will admission that MR. Markley also related to women mission given notice back in MAY of 24 that they were going to need to scale down on what it is that they were able to provide what happened during a time of MAY of 24 when they said that going up until. NOVEMBER first, when winter contingency
was supposed to start speaks to what Mr Quinn's plan was. I didn't see that listed in his presentation, actually, in fact, and didn't see any obstacles listed inside of his presentation. Is it possible to be granted more time by the council? You can your name for the record. My name is Brandon Kennedy. 30 more seconds. We speak about homelessness and MR. Mccullough said none of these people, none of these families when back to homelessness, their families that are here right now that spoke that are staying in hotels, they're not permanently We also are operating with this program with the budget of approximately 1.2 million dollars of that 1.2 million dollars when we started placing families and to the hotels that also will not mention MR. Margolies
presentation when we place those families, the cost approximately. 22 to $24,000 a week to have around 40 families in the hotels any given point in time. It would have cost if winter contingency started on time. It will cost approximately $575,000 from NOVEMBER. First to MARCH 31st. And when we got to the beginning of MARCH or there are still questions about what to do with 3, 9, $600,000. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your time. And thanks for coming down this evening. In one of the owners can speak to this proposal, we have additional people. Barbara Williams, Pastor Fletcher and the air spill. Bar Williams. Pastor Fletcher. It was the last one. Aaron Spiegel, Erin Spiegel. Those were the last 3. Yes, thank you. He made for the record. Please, Good evening. My name is Bart Williams. I worked with the homeless community for the last 10
years here in Indianapolis. I worked with Andrew and several of people in the audience here at the covid at the covid Hotel at the Crowne Plaza we'd love. We called it the covid Hotel because it was in the middle of covid I have a great deal of respect for everybody that was at the shelter that worked at the shelter. They did the best they could with what they had. And fortunately, the city of Indianapolis and some of the folks that are involved in this need to look at this is a weather contingency program, not a winter contingency program. We have people that do not want their kids to sleep in the back seat of the car and have them forget them when they walk into work, why should we expect those same families to sleep in their cars when it's 102 degrees outside and in the cars, the weather contingency program
needs to be planned way farther wave in the in the future than it was this year. We were scrambling. We we never should have allowed people. 2 shower outside when it was 0 degrees. I would ask any of you to do that. Just one time and you would not have done that it any any time with any program. The showers are literally outside 0 degrees. And we were asking people to come from the shelter with their kids and shower in those conditions and then go back inside. It's no wonder the kids got cold. It's no wonder that there were sicknesses. Again, I I am here not on behalf of anyone at the shelter. They did the best they could. But the city has to start doing better to deal
with the problem of homelessness. The problem of families doing in the homelessness situations and thank you for your time. I appreciate. Thank you for coming on evening. Good afternoon or good evening. My name is Pastor Regional be Fletcher Pastor. The More Baptist Church and my churches in the community which the school 68 is we I was referred to MR. Clinton Andrew Spiegel and he never reached out to me to be able to speak to. So I went to the shelter to offer our services, our churches. Has actually adopted that entire community to be able to address homelessness, mental health and the dignity of life for everyone in that community. We came and we talk MR. Andrew, Share with him.
What we offer. He never responded to me after our initial meeting and then one of the challenges I speak to you, COUNCILMAN Evidence, one of the things that I would suggests is that they actually listen or even solicit the council of those that are actually doing the grassroots work in the community to make a difference. We have no budget, but address homelessness. We have several community workers in our community. We have a mental health scope that up address those issues. There are several grassroots efforts that needs to be addressed as well as the idea of home it does not start with homes
this, but it actually leads to homelessness. One of the challenges again is leadership and the key to leadership. He's learning to listen. Thanks for coming down, sir. Thank you for your comments. Council members committee members. Thank you for your time. Rare and Spiegel Greater Indianapolis, Multifaith alliance. I'd like to read into the record email that I sent you. We are writing because we have serious concerns about the recent appointment of Andrew Merkley is the phs director in a moment where state and federal dollars are for housing are at risk of severe cuts. Indianapolis needs and deserves dynamic and courageous leadership in the
housing space from the city of Indianapolis. The director must demonstrate leadership in fighting and protecting Marion County residents who are vulnerable. And our years of doing housing advocacy together in Indianapolis. We have not seen this dynamic leadership from MR. Markley in fact, in light of the recent failures of the city pa just to act with anything akin to compassion and humanity. The abject failure of the family were contingency of firms or belief, MR. Merkley is not ready for this role. We're grateful for the council's willingness to discern and wrestle through the appointment process instead of rubber stamping individuals who have demonstrated loyalty to the administration versus results. We're frustrated that the process of choosing a new director did not include stakeholders and partners in the city who play a critical role and sustaining the fabric
of housing security in Indianapolis. We intended to share our feedback privately with the administration, but no engagement or effort was made to reach out. We now feel the urgency to reach out to this committee. We hope to see more transparent processes and offer our willingness to be part of that. We are clear Phs is more than just a housing entity. But the gaps and missing opportunities we've observed from the housing division over the last few years, raise alarms for the entire entity. We hope you take these concerns seriously. Slow the appointment process down and engaged the community broadly to solicit what we know, his resounding feedback that this confirmation needs reconsideration. Thank you. Thank you for your for coming
on evening. Final comments or questions councilors council scary. Thank you, MR. Chair. My district is in the day. It was more homeless in any district. There is Garfield, the town square area. This wind up on Leonard Street. You know, we have a little shelter in my district. It's on. Hanna is called Hannah comments. Its full 65 people. He was fall within 30 days. We need 10, her 15 more units like that or facilities. Right now we're going to build the this not going up. But until the state and federal government comes up with some more money, we're not gonna be able to do it. Their plan in the state houses to make make it a crime and making criminals and arrest
them. That's not the answer. I just pray to GOD something happens with the state and federal. It doesn't look good, but I will support Appointment because I met with Andrew. His heart is really there. He's going to do the best he possibly can. Thank you. Thank you. Council council meeting. Thank you, MR. Director, just curious what your feedback is after hearing the testimony, Johnson Bay, we're going to circle back to that. We will have council have Responds too much. 19 comments respond to what aspect of we will do that connected. The question specifically, we want to ask him respond to 10 to 12 different comments experiences. So we'll be more specific sector. What their response to the conditions at
the homeless shelter. The almost everyone here spoke about. Murky. Yes, counselor. So. The school is. 70 years old. It's been vacant for. Since 2018, but we had we did use it previously in 2021, as for the same purpose. It is not lost on me. That is an old school. And it had challenges had challenges in 2021. Still has challenges. It was the only option for us to provide shelter space. For families. This winter. Provided the most robust. Case. Management services. That we've ever under contingency through aspire Indiana Health. That includes behavioral health care. Medical care. We provided rides to school. We provided rides to work. We fix people's cars. We have done a
lot during this winter. And I think the fact that 50% of families that were in that shelter are permanently housed is a win. Council Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN. And then the testimony from the young girl. Sounds like experience, aunt or trauma. What's your response to that? Because it sounds like it wasn't investigated. I was never made aware of that. But we are waiting on the rip the report from winter contingency from spire, which if that occurred, they will be bill, provide us with all any incidents from incident reports the during the time operating I still plan to support you. What specific ask is the upon a CHAIRMAN Of this meeting? You meet with them. Started
investigating it right? Because bank Council Hartley dark. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN, I just want draw few things that anyone particular comment just things that we discussed this evening, things from council Grains Council myself, even members of the audience. And some of picking up here. And I think it's one thing we haven't discussed quite yet. And, you in a lot of organizations that are here supporting not here today with the support. Homelessness in Indianapolis are members of the continuum of care. The reason I want to pull them into this conversation. Give your feedback on this is because heard it. One from the accountability side, right where we've talked about cancer. Bush brought up, but also from a folks who are in the community that are grassroots doing the work, but
not even a part of this organization can even cared for part of grant process. And it was a pastor that mentioned that a great mentioned that. And so what I'm curious to know is we've heard some pretty dramatic stories about things that are happening where we as a counselor sending dollars and we're curious to know is how much influence does the continuum of care have on the selection process of where we're sending dollars and are members of that continuum of care receiving the same dollars that are providing these types of situations that we're going with evening. So the city does not oversee the continuum of care. There's 3rd party the council and makes up the continued. The Blueprint
council, which seems speak a little bit lot into the Michael. Yeah, and so. The majority of our funding 4 to homelessness comes from the federal government through hud and that funding is then. Partnership that France through the department Metropolitan Development and then the continuum of care helps to decide how that that where that funding yes, I do think that there has been at times a breakdown between the the members of the continuum of care and some of the providers, you know that we that you that you can name off that, you stop your head and the grass roots organizations. I think that I has been a challenge, especially for faith-based organizations. To the point I want to make MR. CHAIRMAN, is that, you know, I I can't put all responsibility on Mr, murky because it sounds like these dollars that we see
from home. Are going there. And to my understanding with the continued of care, it's a requirement on us to have one in the city by the federal government to receive those dollars to begin with. So I think this is a broader conversation on what we're seeing just in the public in general. That and what they're experiences are, it's not all of her sons are just on the city, but it's also there's other. Stakeholders that we need to considering this conversation as a But I just want to make sure brought that with happens. Conversation. Thank you. Leader heart. Great. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN, I want to say thank you to each and every one of you who testified tonight you help paint more clear picture of what's happening to our community. And it helps us Kerry, those voices, your voices. And 2 meetings and
have the demands of what you're you've experienced. The top of our minds. So Pastor Fletcher, thank you. Open your church to those young people. Thank you so much for your courage and thank you for sharing your story. And I'm sorry that you had to experienced those things. That doesn't sound like. The work of a first class city. I demand that we have a better response. To whether contingency program. Thank you for that new term. Because it's been said it's not just about winter. It's about inclement weather. I demand that we have a better response. Thank you very much, MR. CHAIRMAN, thank you. Counseling. Thank you, MR.
CHAIRMAN. Director Merkley. Given all that's been discussed tonight about the conditions at the shelter. Can you provide going back to whoever asked a question about grading yourself? Can you provide us with that? Whatever you can at this point, I know winter contingency just ended like a brief assessment of you don't need to go into what what went wrong. But I want to know like what you're going to do this year, like if there's anything that sticks out. I again, I understand it's super early. You haven't received your reports, but what are their any major points that you can already tell that you want to fix or that, you know that you can fix for this winter. Yes, thank you for that question. Counselor. We are already planning for a weather contingency. We're planning for next winter. We've been planning since we started when a contingency this year we brought together
members of the continuum of care. We plan to expand who we are inviting to those conversations so that we can continue the planning process. I think if if the funding was there, I think the doing something similar to what we did. The school 68 could be a great option if it was if it was updated and had all the the appropriate facilities to have on hand at any time to be able to respond to these weather events. Council Thank you. Council. Thank you, MISTER CHAIRMAN. I just want to add my voice to this and little bit of what CHAIRMAN Gracious shared. I think my call think we can all agree that is a city visit issue around homelessness. That
needs to be address. I think but I would like to ask. The administration along with this council is to convene a symposium around homelessness and how we address it as a city going forward. I think we have engage in conversations over the last few months around some of the root causes of homelessness. And we recognize. That one of the solution is more affordable housing. It's not more shelters, more affordable housing. I think we need a comprehensive plan as a city to address this issue. That if we don't, we'll continue to grow. And the center, our neighbors that need the most support. That's what I want to thank you because comes McCormick. Thank you, MR. I want to kind tag along with a council person says, I think looking at systemic issues and
recalls is important right? I think everybody in this room would love to have a community where we don't me. Homeless shelters, right where we don't need. We have. We don't have folks living in encampments, intense. And so I think that's kind of the goal where we need to go. Funding is a huge issue. When we look at leadership roles, I think my my charge to you is. We're human and we make mistakes being accountable for those and recognizing what they being able to move forward. As an was like making the process better, right? What can we do to improve it? And so I think thinking in that working with our stakeholders as counselors like my background in engineering. So I don't this isn't my area. This isn't my niche, right? So we need to talk to the people that are on
the ground as well as our stakeholders. I think it sounds like we can do a better job with that. But again, we can always do a better job. Everything nothing's ever going to be perfect. But we can always strive for that. And so I encourage the administration and you to talk with our community members and make sure as we're doing this and that I would ask the CHAIRMAN MAY be in a couple months. We could have an update on where the plan is and where things stand. So the community as well as as can be informed on what's coming where we can put in some information. And inside to maybe helping things as well. Thank you. Council Grace Conservation Common question. Just wanted to say thanks to
Brandon for his presentation, a homophobe our council PRESIDENT, myself, had an opportunity to visit the work that they're doing out on the Westside far West side of Indianapolis near the airport. So thank you, Brenda, for your presentation. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN, thank you. Council Final comment. Thank you. One I want to just make sure everyone realizes we've heard you this evening. And empathize and sympathize with each one of you. You should not have been exposed or had to go through that. I do not blame Andrew Merkley for that. I blame our system blame or state that has clearly underfunded mental health and his yank the rug from beneath our local communities. And as it's been mentioned several times the answer to most of this is funding. We do not
have the funding. So I I'm not going to hold a single individual responsible for a broken system. We are taking your comments to fix the system. That's why it is so important that you do come out. I'm gonna support MR. Merkley tonight. And that's not voting against you. Boating with you. Because we're gonna phs accountable and they're going to come back and report to us. We're going to make sure they're doing what you want to be done. So thank you for coming to see council council being. Thank you, MR. Just want to I know I've heard the funding funding funding over and over again. I've heard, you know, the state's cutting funding the federal government, cutting funding the city of Indianapolis has the ability to raise revenue. Don't if
you're losing out on funding. I don't know if that's necessarily fair. To continue to blame the state or the federal government. When you yourself have not max out the tax and capacity of the city. I'm not advocating from doing that necessarily. But it's a tool in your tool belt. That you haven't used. Because abate mrp This comment and I will echo accounts of a earlier about me. But these folks are tonight. Please take him up on that offer. And if not tonight, next few days, at least show them. Support the need to hear them. So encourage do that this evening and maybe time up the next few days to be with these folks. It sure your thoughts consider them as well and give them a comfort in your position if you are selected tonight. So with that being said, we'll do a roll call. Will do motion. A move and they most probably
moved and seconded. MISTER, starting to Please. Council Perkins Perkins. Yes. COUNCILMAN Cory McCormick. Yes. COUNCILMAN Scare. Miscarry. I. Heart. Hart. I. Various grades. I. Counseling. The lady. Carlene o I. Cancer boots. Council Councilor Renee, I. Cancer drugs drive right into eye. Motion carries final comments, MR. Merkley. As think all of you. I hear you and I here guests who testified. We will be sure to engage and the grassroots organizations. Who maybe feel left out of the conversation around homelessness to ensure that everyone's. But thank you so much. Was medically final propose this even pull
proposal? 98 2025 points Peterson do orders is producing would come forward. Please. See your fellow board member that MR. Hicks. Making his rounds social that. Think we thank you, which you by Townsend, mistakes and Peterson. Do have your resume with us in our bio. So share with us is a very important board. CHAIRWOMAN Colleen o'Connor live the efforts to get this board established a few years ago. So she has a keen eye on this next appointment. And I just show this briefly, but we do have your resume. It's very extensive. You a great candidate for this position. So those briefly, like to be on this board. First and foremost. Good evening. And I apologize for my late I have a tendency to forget that
downtown and these becoming a little Manhattan. So folks, forgive me. But anyway, just wanted first of thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN and also the body for invited me tonight. I apologize for not making it last month. As you all probably know, I death of my family and I had to go out and help my brother San Antonio, Texas, as far as as far as I'm concerned, importance of being on this on committee. Probably started back for me some years back and I'm kind of going back to kind of year paint a picture of how interesting I stand here to be a part of this particular body or considered to be a part of This particular body. But back
college, I a college. I was except it to be recruit for the law. Police department. Back then back in 70's women and women of color in particular recruited heavily forested nation. And because I was a college graduate in the field of Correction Administration from a justice. I kind of. Automatically accept it. And so to be now considered for. To be a voice of the community. In this particular position is very, very interesting to me. I think as far as I'm concerned. It's so so important to make sure that we have a voice of
reason. Voice of collaboration, a voice that's willing to work along the police department to make sure that the community is considered and things are done on behalf of the community members to criminal justice. As far as I'm concerned. This. We'll be like one of the most important. Committees I've ever been a part of. And it's because of my background in criminal justice. As some of you all MAY is a deputy constable in Warren Township. My own security company. I work with a lot of police officers. A lot of deputies, some of them work for me. Some of them don't. But I've been out in the community working with them for a number of years. And so for me to be a part of this body, I think
that just bring things. Front and forward for me honored to be considered to be a part of this body. Thank you for your service to our city and various townships and throughout the city. You're is impeccable. Think you're a good this position, comments or questions from council Perkins. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN. I'm honored to have Pearson is one of my constituent she not only has she's demonstrated with her resume and our background, but she's also committed community leader. Thank you for your service to not only Pike Township. But to the entire Indianapolis Marin County. She is dependable. Committed community member. I'm honored as the council to support you
to be a part of this sport. Appreciate that. Thank you. Can also argue honored to have Mr. Counselor his priest. Absolutely gone ask you know, it goes both up to probably Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN and and I appreciate those comments. When when sort of developed this reformation of the general orders board. You know, the banner and the call was really to put the public back in public safety. And when I saw MISS Peterson's name as the appointment for this position, I was absolutely over the moon and thrilled. As as counselor Perkins said, as as CHAIRMAN Robinson said, an absolute upstanding member of the
community. But I what I don't think they said is how sharp. Claude it is, how PRESIDENT? She is and how engaged she is and has a depth breath to her work that I think, you know, is is tough to beat. And so thank you for your willingness to serve and volunteer your time on this board. Thank you for your extended years of service. Please let us know how can support you on this. It is a very important board in my humble opinion. And I think that you are perfect for this role and appreciate your willingness to serve once again. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN, thank you. Chair will make councilor Renee. Thank you. MISTER CHAIRMAN is you know, I was not supporter of the way that the general orders borders reconfigure, but I just wanted to Pieters and I think she's a great fit for what I can tell and I wish
all the best in this important Endeavor. Appreciate it comes. Thank you. Council in constantly. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN Call that you are a lifelong public servant. And I just want to thank you again for stepping up to the call. This is a big commitment. And I I'm just grateful that you are here to serve our community, bringing your extensive experience in public service and private to our cities. So thank you. Think it will anyone you want is crispy proposal. Number 98. Seeing none. The chair Perkins. So most part, moved and seconded with All those opposed by saying Aye, suppose motion carries. Thank you so much. CHAIRMAN Map also be added as a co-sponsor. Absolutely. Let's take something off the record off the record. We're on the record. You know, is this as the voters over on that, too? And so to be on the
record off the record, but your you know, it is interesting I was today. When those individuals I pride myself on being on time, if not sooner. So to be on the highway for an extra 10 minutes was a little frustrated. I'm grateful that I was here tonight to hear individuals who testified tonight although we are in Pike, we still on the board and Pike. Some of those so consensus and issues a blending into pike and therefore, we need to consider be on center township that we're we're faced with the same issues out in the other townships. And so we need to get ahead of this. I'm grateful that I was here to
hear this tonight. Thank Thank go up. I said it. Thank Not on