Public Meeting Notice  Restorative Justice Advisory Committee Meeting

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Spencer Lord at 11:06am. Chairman Andrew Peck was unavailable.

EOPSS Staff: Anjeza Xhemollari

Others in attendance: 

Jill Fagerberg, Brenda Nolan, Bernard Nolan, Meghan Hanawalt, Maria D’Addieco Mary Quinn, Rosana Parella, Chandra Banks and Jo-Ann Della Giustina 

2. Welcome

Spencer Lord welcomed all Committee members and attendance was taken.

3. Review/Approval of Meeting Minutes from August 11, 2020

Since the meeting was held virtually, roll call was taken to approve the meeting minutes. All present members voted in favor to accept the meeting minutes.

4. Determine Posting of Request for Proposals (RFP)

Committee members had a discussion in regards to posting the RFP and continue with the process forward. All committee members agreed to not delay the process because if we stop now, we will never get the ball rolling. As educational institutions are uncertain during COVID-19 and school departments are scrambling for funding, this would be a great time to promote the RFP and get the word out. Committee members insisted on being aggressive with posting the RFP and not to hold back.

Spencer Lord indicated that he wasn’t sure if the funding was still available and without the money the posting cannot occur. The funding must be secured prior to posting the RFP.

Although the funding might not be available, the committee decided to project the dates of posting the RFP and continue with the process. The committee decided on having the RFP open for 60 days and a bidder’s conference for 30 days. The committee wanted the procurement to start as soon as possible and have the committee review the applications. Becky Michaels is scheduled to present on the Selection Process for RFP submissions at the next meeting.

Scott Taberner made a motion to allow the process above to continue even though the funding might not be available. A roll call was taken and all members voted in favor in continuing with the RFP. 

5. Annual Report Subcommittee Update  

Allison Cartwright is the Chair of the annual report subcommittee. The members of the subcommittee are Kara Hayes and Strong Oak Lefebvre. The Chair provided an update on the annual report. The subcommittee held its first meeting on September 1, 200. The work was assigned between the members. The annual report is projected to be completed by end of October. The full committee will vote on the annual report in the December meeting. EOPSS will file the report by December 31^st.  

6. Public Comment (10 minutes)

Kara Hayes informed the committee that Chandra Banks was present as a member of the public and she was willing to present in a future meeting. She was honored to do that and is looking forward to her presentation. Meghan Hanawalt stated that the committee is showing a slow progression and the committee isn’t engaging in RJ practices. The Chair, thanked Meghan for her comments and reminded the committee that this public comment period was a listening session only. Maria D’Addieco, Jill Fagerberg and Jo-Ann Della Giustina thanked the committee for their work and echoed the proposals of moving forward with posting the RFP and help the universities with some sense of normalcy.

Strong Oak Lefebvre stated that she sent an email to EOPSS hoping to get an item on the agenda but she never heard back. The item would involve holding a RJ circle among the committee members to reflect on racial justice issues and the role of RJ in light of current events. Scott Taberner thought that was an excellent idea and ties with public comment suggestions. Spencer Lord was concerned with member participation and didn’t want to obligate. Scott Taberner indicated that this is the committees’ mission and it’s consistent with the statue. He stated that Strong Oak has been a gigantic proponent of circle process and it should be added to the agenda.

Anjeza Xhemollari indicated that the agenda for October meeting (Jon Wilson presenting) and November meeting (Chandra Banks presenting) is already full and this request will need to be postponed to the December meeting.

Spencer Lord took a committee vote to add circle practices in a future meeting. All present members voted in favor and roll call was taken.    

7. Open Session for Topics not Reasonably Anticipated within 48 Hours of the Meeting

N/A

8. Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 11:50am.

1. Call to Order
2. Welcome
3. Review/Approval of Meeting Minutes from August 11, 2020
4. Determine Posting of Request for Proposals (RFP)
5. Annual Report Subcommittee Update
6. Public Comment (10 minutes)
7. Open Session for Topics Not Reasonably Anticipated within 48 Hours of the Meeting