City Council - Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee — Burlington, VT
Date: 2025-08-19
Time: 17:30

Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

 Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Held in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor City Hall
OR
via Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96324562039
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039

Or Use Phone number: 305-224-1968
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039




1. Call to Order

2. Motion to Approve Agenda

3. Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes
 Subject 3.1. July 2025
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 3. Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

4. Public Forum

5. REIB Updates
 Subject 5.1. Staffing
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)
Type

Recommended Action

 Subject 5.1. Director Search Process
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.1. REIB Charter Update
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.1. BIPOC Stakeholder Meeting: Policing & Community Safety
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.1. Community Engagement (Katie)
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

Subject 5.2. TCV Updates
Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.2. Back-to-School Backpack Initiative
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.2. Community Updates
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

6. Community Forum
 Subject 6.1. Ingrid Jonas, Senior Advisor on Community Safety
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 6. Community Forum
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Subject 6.1. Situation Table
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 6. Community Forum

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action
  Subject 6.2. BPD Police Chief Process
  Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 6. Community Forum
  Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


  Type

7. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn
  Subject 7.1. Next REIB City Council Committee Meeting
  Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


  Category 7. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

 Subject 7.1. Tuesday, September 16, 2025
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 7. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

8. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 8.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
 information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
 Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities
 who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged
 to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
 advance so that proper arrangements can be made. This meeting will also air
 on Town Meeting TV the Wednesday after the meeting, starting at 8:00 pm and
 repeating at 1:00 am and 7:00 am the following day. The City of Burlington will
 not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
 religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
 sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
 disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.
  Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 8. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Department Council and Board


  Type

Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

 Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Held in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor City Hall
OR
via Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96324562039
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039

Or Use Phone number: 305-224-1968
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039




1. Call to Order

2. Motion to Approve Agenda

3. Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes
 Subject 3.1. July 2025
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 3. Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

4. Public Forum

5. REIB Updates
 Subject 5.1. Staffing
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)



 Page 1 of 11
Type

Recommended Action

 Subject 5.1. Director Search Process
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.1. REIB Charter Update
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.1. BIPOC Stakeholder Meeting: Policing & Community Safety
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.1. Community Engagement (Katie)
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

Subject 5.2. TCV Updates
Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Page 2 of 11
 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.2. Back-to-School Backpack Initiative
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.2. Community Updates
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

6. Community Forum
 Subject 6.1. Ingrid Jonas, Senior Advisor on Community Safety
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 6. Community Forum
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Subject 6.1. Situation Table
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 6. Community Forum

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action




 Page 3 of 11
  Subject 6.2. BPD Police Chief Process
  Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 6. Community Forum
  Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


  Type

7. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn
  Subject 7.1. Next REIB City Council Committee Meeting
  Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


  Category 7. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

 Subject 7.1. Tuesday, September 16, 2025
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 7. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

8. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 8.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
 information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
 Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities
 who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged
 to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
 advance so that proper arrangements can be made. This meeting will also air
 on Town Meeting TV the Wednesday after the meeting, starting at 8:00 pm and
 repeating at 1:00 am and 7:00 am the following day. The City of Burlington will
 not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
 religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
 sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
 disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.
  Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 8. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Department Council and Board


  Type




 Page 4 of 11
 Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging



 Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Held in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor City Hall
OR
via Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/92744162495
Meeting ID: 927 4416 2495

Or Use Phone number: 305-224-1968
Meeting ID: 927 4416 2495




1. Call to Order

2. Adopt the Agenda

3. Adopt Minutes
 Subject 3.1. May 2025
 Meeting July 15, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 5:30
 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 3. Adopt Minutes
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

4. Public Forum

5. REIB Path Forward
 Subject 5.1. Staffing Updates
 Meeting July 15, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 5:30
 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 5. REIB Path Forward
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)



 Page 5 of 11
  Type

  Subject 5.2. REIB Charter Update
  Meeting July 15, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 5:30
 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 5. REIB Path Forward
  Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


  Type

6. Councilor Updates

7. Community Forum

8. Adjournment
  Subject 8.1. Motion to adjourn
  Meeting July 15, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 5:30
 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


  Category 8. Adjournment

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

9. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 9.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
 information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
 Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities
 who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged
 to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
 advance so that proper arrangements can be made. This meeting will also air
 on Town Meeting TV the Wednesday after the meeting, starting at 8:00 pm and
 repeating at 1:00 am and 7:00 am the following day. The City of Burlington will
 not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
 religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
 sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
 disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.
  Meeting July 15, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 5:30
 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 9. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Department Council and Board


  Type




 Page 6 of 11
Minutes taken by: Vicky Luciano
REIB City Council Committee
May 20, 2025 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Sharon Bushor Room
Attendees:
Christian Berry, Interim Director REIB (in person)
Katie Greene, Community and Belonging Program Manager REIB (in person)
Vicky Luciano, Administrative and Financial Coordinator REIB (in person)
Councilor Melo Grant (in person)
Councilor Becca Brown McKnight (in person)
Councilor Ranjit "Buddy" Singh (virtual)
Rev. Mark Hughes: mark@vtracialjusticealliance.org (virtual)
Christine Hughes: christine@richardkempcenter.org (virtual)
Lizzy Clements: clements.lizzy@gmail.com (virtual)


Meeting Convened: 5:32 PM
Agenda:
 1. Motion to Approve Agenda
 a. Councilor Grant motioned to approve. Councilor McKnight seconded. Unanimous pass
 2. Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes
 a. Councilor Grant moved to amend the adjournment of the previous meeting and to amend the previous
 meeting’s agenda. Councilor McKnight seconded.
 3. Public Forum
 a. Christine Hughes expressed it was good to hear the Juneteenth celebrations were a success. She
 expressed support for Director Berry and Katie from the REIB. She expressed an appreciation for
 collaboration and wants to collaborate more closely. Refer to the video.
 b. Reverend Mark Hughes congratulated the REIB for the success of Juneteenth and expressed respect for
 Director Berry’s leadership. Highlighted the Richard Kemp Center’s upcoming event. Refer to the video.
 4. REIB Path Forward
 a. Staffing Updates:
 i. Director Berry welcomed the new Admin/Finance Coordinator, Vicky Luciano. Education and
 Public Health Program Manager roles on hold until new Director is in place. Planning to hire
 Education Program Manager by October and the Health Equity program manager in January.
 Councilor Grant informed the application process is closed. Time is being held later in July for
 interviews for the Director position. Councilor Grant reiterated support for Director Berry.
 ii. The Trusted Community Voices has fully transitioned to the REIB. In August the Trusted
 Community Voices will be coming to the REIB City Council Committee Meetings. Trusted
 Community Voices will be meeting with Director Berry once a month.
 iii. The REIB gained the Vermont Language Access policy implementation. The REIB will be bringing
 the conversation about the Vermont Language Access policy implementation to the REIB City
 Council Committee.
 b. REIB Charter Update:
 i. Draft Charter language was moved to the Charter Change Committee


 Page 7 of 11
 ii. Councilor Grant suggested having a strategic plan to engage supporters of the department and
 supporters of having this department be chartered.
 iii. Councilor McKnight shared they are the chair of the Charter Change Committee. The committee
 will prioritize listening to a diverse set of voices throughout the process and invited Director
 Berry to be a part of the process.
 c. Juneteenth
 i. Councilor Grant asked about Juneteenth. Director Berry informed everyone that the REIB
 received a lot of great feedback from the community and gave a shoutout to Katie from the
 REIB. The councilors thanked the REIB and everyone who supported for a great Juneteenth.
 Councilor Grant suggested starting fundraising efforts early for next year’s Juneteenth and asked
 for a list of the Juneteenth sponsors to write thank you notes from the committee. Councilor
 McKnight and Councilor Singh expressed an interest in helping. Director Berry informed
 everyone what was not spent for Juneteenth will rollover for next year’s community celebration
 line.
 5. Councilor Updates
 a. Director Berry and Councilor Grant will connect to talk about schedules for TCV. Councilor Grant wants
 to hear from those who received funds from the Empowerment Fund
 b. Grant wants to invite community-based organizations that represent or do work with marginalized
 communities.
 c. Grant apologized for taking time away from the last meeting
 6. Community Forum
 a. Rev Mark Hughes had questions about the REIB Charter. Refer to the video
 7. Motion to Adjourn
 a. Councilor Grant motions to adjourn at 6:33 Councilor McKnight seconds


Minutes taken by: Vicky Luciano




 Page 8 of 11
Community Safety and Well-being (CSWB) - The Situation Table at a Glance

STRUCTURE FACTORS
 The Situation Table operates both with consent, as well as
 Multiple human service providers engaged in Implied Consent. When dealing with acutely elevated levels of risk,
  WHAT regularly scheduled conversations to address CONSENT often those involved are not capable of providing consent at the
 situations of acutely elevated levels of risk across outset. Using the Four Filter Approach, which works within the
 multiple disciplines requiring immediate attention. bounds of privacy legislation, implied consent can be utilized under
 the ‘Duty of Care’ obligation. Consent is then obtained at the earliest
 opportunity, typically during the Filter Four Door Knock.
 A professional from a human services agency (including police),
 recognizes that the issues facing a client go beyond their agency’s
 WHEN scope, and that there are a number of compounding risk factors Sharing of information is permitted at the Situation Table,
 across multiple sectors that indicate something harmful is going Information using the strict discipline known as the Four Filter Approach. This
 to occur soon, possibly within the next Sharing discipline was developed with direct input from privacy
 professionals and officials.


 Individuals and/or families struggling with complex issues, + + +
  FOR spanning multiple disciplines, not effectively connected to services, cost effective community based multi-agency driven risk-based
 WHOM and who are facing immediate and compounding risks of an The Situation Table is a cost effective community-based tool which
 incident or harm. Responsiveness
 can effect immediate change to situations with acutely elevated levels
 of risk, as seen across multiple human services agencies, by rapidly
 To triage situations for individuals and/or families facing the connecting clients to all of the services they need most.
 highest need, by connecting them to multiple services and removing
  WHY or reducing, to a manageable point, acutely elevated levels of
 FOCUS
 risk and implementing a plan to keep them connected.
 The Situation Table shifts the focus upstream, using a Risk-based
 Risk-Driven approach as opposed to more tradition models which are
 Examples of the potential Human Services Partners:
 incident-driven.
 Education Adult/Youth Probation
 Social Services/Child Services Police/RCMP
AGENCIES
 Health Fire By bringing together representatives from across the human
 Multiple services, the Situation Table is able to view situations through a
 Mental Health Building Code
 Lenses multi-lens approach, as opposed to individual agency lenses, to
 Addictions Housing determine if they meet the threshold of Acutely Elevated Risk.

 Agencies are connected immediately. Once acutely elevated risk
 is determined by the table, the situation progresses through the filters. The SituationTable is about offering support, not enforcement. It
 TIMING At filter four, only those agencies determined necessary by the table, Supports is about bringing the right agencies together to meet the needs of
 meet separately to develop a plan for the ‘door knock’ intervention the individual/family where they are.
 with the client, which typically occurs within
 © Global Network for Community Safety
 Page 9 -of2021
 11
Page 10 of 11
Page 11 of 11

Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

 Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Held in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor City Hall
OR
via Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96324562039
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039

Or Use Phone number: 305-224-1968
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039




1. Call to Order

2. Motion to Approve Agenda

3. Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes
 Subject 3.1. July 2025
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 3. Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

4. Public Forum

5. REIB Updates
 Subject 5.1. Staffing
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)
Type

Recommended Action

 Subject 5.1. Director Search Process
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.1. REIB Charter Update
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.1. BIPOC Stakeholder Meeting: Policing & Community Safety
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.1. Community Engagement (Katie)
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

Subject 5.2. TCV Updates
Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.2. Back-to-School Backpack Initiative
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

 Subject 5.2. Community Updates
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 5. REIB Updates

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

6. Community Forum
 Subject 6.1. Ingrid Jonas, Senior Advisor on Community Safety
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 6. Community Forum
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Subject 6.1. Situation Table
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 6. Community Forum

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action
  Subject 6.2. BPD Police Chief Process
  Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 6. Community Forum
  Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


  Type

7. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn
  Subject 7.1. Next REIB City Council Committee Meeting
  Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


  Category 7. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

 Subject 7.1. Tuesday, September 16, 2025
 Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19,
 2025, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 7. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

8. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 8.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
 information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
 Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities
 who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged
 to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
 advance so that proper arrangements can be made. This meeting will also air
 on Town Meeting TV the Wednesday after the meeting, starting at 8:00 pm and
 repeating at 1:00 am and 7:00 am the following day. The City of Burlington will
 not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
 religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
 sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
 disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.
  Meeting August 19, 2025 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 19, 2025,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 8. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Department Council and Board


  Type
Minutes taken by: Vicky Luciano

REIB City Council Committee

August 19, 2025 5:30-7:00 pm

Sharon Bushor Room

Attendees:

Christian Berry, Interim Director REIB (in person)

Katie Greene, Community and Belonging Program Manager REIB (in person)

Vicky Luciano, Administrative and Financial Coordinator REIB (in person)

Richard Elliott (In Person)

Kelsa Summer Roidt (In Person)

Councilor Melo Grant: megrant@burlingtonvt.gov (Virtual)

Councilor Ranjit “Buddy” Singh: bsingh@burlingtonvt.gov (Virtual)

Mona Tolba: mtolba7@gmail.com (Virtual)

Hemant Ghising: hemanttamang2009@gmail.com (Virtual)

Jeff Smith: jsmithncfcu1@gmail.com (Virtual)

Lizzy Clements: clements.lizzy@gmail.com (Virtual)

Michelle Bookless: michelle.bookless@gmail.com (Virtual)

Tiffanie Katsuva: katsuvatiffanie@gmail.com (Virtual)

Loan Nguyen: lnguyen@burlingtonvt.gov (Virtual)

Alicia Van Dyk: avandyk@burlingtonvt.org (Virtual)




Meeting Started: 5:33 PM

Agenda:

 1. Motion to Approve Agenda
 a. Councilor Grant approved the agenda with the amendment that Councilor Singh and Grant would
 provide info on the Situation Table and the Chief hiring process since Ingrid Jonas could not attend and
 Councilor Singh seconded. Unanimous pass.
 2. Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes
 a. Councilor Grant approved the meeting minutes and Councilor Singh seconded. Unanimous pass.
 3. Public Forum
 a. No one spoke during Public Forum.
 4. REIB Updates
 a. Staffing:
 i. Director Search Process
 1. Director Berry informed everyone second round interviews have begun. They hope to
 have someone in place by the beginning of September.
 2. Councilor Grant asked how this is affecting the hiring of the other vacant roles in the
 department. Director Berry said the other 2 roles won’t be moving forward at this time.
 The Director will be hired first, then the Education Program Manager, and last the
 Health Equity Program Manager.
 3. Councilor Grant stated publicly her support for Director Berry as the Director of the
 department.
 ii. REIB Charter Update
 1. Councilor Grant informed everyone City Council has a vote to push the REIB Charter
 forward to the Charter Change Committee. Initial Documentation has been provided
 where it will be reviewed and possibly expanded upon.
 2. Director Berry informed everyone the Charter Change Committee meeting would be on
 September 15th at 1pm. Councilor McKnight is still working out the details of exact
 timing and location but will share it more broadly so people can attend and provide
 input. At the next REIB City Council Committee meeting, space can be held for a
 community forum discussion for those who can’t attend the Charter Change Committee
 meeting.
iii. BIPOC Stakeholder Meeting: Policing & Community Safety
 1. Director Berry informed everyone of what the purpose of the BIPOC Stakeholder
 meeting was and summarized what Interim Chief Burke and Ingrid Jonas, the special
 advisor on community safety, shared in the meeting. Director Berry shared hopes that
 the meetings will continue. Refer to the video.
 2. Councilor Grant shared thoughts on past incidents that hurt BPD’s relationships in parts
 of the community and their process. She expressed her hope for specific updates and
 specific examples of what can be done to improve community engagement. She shared
 that she is giving them grace as they stabilize with the search of a new chief.
 3. Councilor Singh encouraged people to watch the BIPOC Stakeholders meeting as it had
 good information on how use of force reports is handled. He encouraged people to
 engage with the officers in their community so officers feel they are included in the
 community.
 4. Councilor Grant talked about her disapproval of how the past incidents were handled.
 Refer to video.
 5. Richard Elliott asked for more details about the past incidents. Councilor Grant provided
 info on one of the incidents and her email address to offer more info. Refer to the video.
 Elliot also asked if there was a way to access documentation on BPD improvements,
 best practices, and how to handle situations like de-escalation. Councilor Grant directed
 him to the city website and gave some background. Director Berry informed everyone
 that Interim Chief Burke expressed interest in coming to the meeting to answer and
 address questions. Refer to the video.
 6. Mona Tolba expressed gratitude to Councilor Grant for speaking about BPD’s incidents.
 Tolba shared an incident her son had with the police and expressed disapproval with the
 way things were addressed and how they are addressing things now. Councilor Grant
 offered to meet with Tolba to discuss further and said their needs to be more police
 equity training. Refer to the video.
 7. Elliott said their needs to be something done at the community level as well on how to
 interact with police. Councilor Grant expressed that she believed it wouldn’t work and
 there needs to be both training and education on the community level. Refer to the
 video.
 iv. Community Engagement (Katie)
 a. Katie informed every one of the conversation series she and the REIB are
 working on. They have the IDEAL grant to do a conversation series focusing on
 the priorities of the mayor’s office (housing, climate change, and environmental
 justice). The series will be open and accessible. It will be a space where
 constituents and partners can share their perspectives, build trust, and learn
 from people who can help inform the work. The REIB is looking to do the
 conversations in September and October.
 i. Some surveys have gone out to community partners and community
 constituents to ask for feedback on what people want to talk about as it
 relates to those topics and she hopes to get feedback by the end of the
 week.
 b. Councilor Grant asked how much the grant was, Katie and Director Berry
 answered. Refer to video
 b. TCV Updates
 i. Back to School Backpack Initiative
 1. Director Berry provided some background on what she has been doing with the Trusted
 Community Voices and informed everyone that the Back-to-School Backpack initiative
 was started by Tiffanie Katsuva. Director Berry invited the TCVs to comment. Tiffanie
 Katsuva introduced herself and told everyone what communities she works with.
 2. Director Berry updated everyone on how the Back-to-School-Initiative went at AALV and
 informed everyone more backpacks and supplies will be ordered for the TCVs to
 distribute to their communities. Katie added what she thought about the event and told
 everyone what other things were included in the back-to-school event at AALV. Refer to
 the video.
 3. Councilor Grant asked if Dave Harnett had a chance to come to the event. Director Berry
 answered no. Councilor Grant gave some background info on Dave Harnett and thanked
 the REIB for the good work. Refer to the video.
 ii. Community Updates
 1. Richard Elliott told everyone about the upcoming Pride Festival on September 5th at
 12pm. Richard gave details about the parade and expressed interest in engaging with
 the city and other community partners for the festival. Elliott informed everyone he
 connected Director Berry with the executive director of the Pride Center. Elliott talked
 about working with the REIB on the Pride Center’s Thrive Ball event. Councilor Grant
 asked for the info to be shared and expressed her community’s possible interest in the
 Pride Center’s events and interest in supporting their efforts. Refer to the video.
 2. Councilor Grant reminded everyone of upcoming community events. On Saturday,
 August 23rd is First African Landing Day from 12pm-5pm at the Richard Kemp Center and
 Roosevelt Park. The following Saturday on August 30th will be A Dog Day. There will be
 events at the skate park. Refer to the video.
5. Community Forum
 a. Ingrid Jonas, Senior Advisor on Community Safety
 i. Situation Table
 1. Councilor Grant informed everyone of what the Situation Table is, updated everyone on
 its progress, and gave some background information. Elliott responded by sharing a
 story of a community member he works with and expressed gratitude that organizations
 and agencies are going to start interacting and talking with each other so people, like
 the community member, don’t fall through the cracks. Director Berry added that she
 could share info with Elliott about the Situation Table with Elliott. Refer to the video.
 b. BPD Police Chief Process
 i. Councilor Grant informed everyone that Interim Chief Burke will be staying on for 2 years to
 stabilize the department. In addition, a new deputy chief has been hired, and the city is hiring an
 agency to participate in the search for the new police chief. There will be robust feedback from
 the community on what they would like to see in a new police chief. Refer to the video.
 6. Wrap Up & Motion to Adjourn
 a. Next REIB City Council Committee Meeting
 i. Tuesday, September 16, 2025
 1. Councilor Grant brought the meeting to an end at 6:49.

Meeting Ended at: 6:49 PM