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York Road Partnership General Meeting MinutesNovember 4, 2015President Chris Forrest welcomed all in attendance and everyone introduced himself or herself. More than 80 people attended the meeting -- many coming for the first time.CARES Career Connection: D’Anne Avotins, Program Coordinator, described the services provided by this free program. In 2014, CCC helped 150 individuals find employment. Through October of 2015, 170 clients have been served. D’Anne and her cadre of volunteers help people improve their resumes, complete job applications, and prepare for interviews. The program also has a computer-training lab. More volunteers are needed. For more information, email D’Anne at: davotins@.Police & Public Safety: Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis addressed the meeting. Lt. Col. William Marcus, Capt. Richard Gibson, and Officer Doug Gibson were also present and participated in the presentation. The audience was particularly interested to hear of the steps taken in the department since the April riots and in preparation for the possibility of unrest following the upcoming trials of the Police Officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray:The Commissioner has met with the group of young adults who protested his appointment at City Hall. He is working to establish a relationship with them and other groups of protestors in advance of the trials. He is committed to facilitating peaceful protests.However, the Department will respond as necessary if rioting occurs. It cannot allow injuries to citizens or Officers, looting, or damage to property.A group of ex-felons have been trained as peacemakers in their communities.Officers have received extensive training in dealing with both protests and unrest. The emphasis of the training is on de-escalation if individuals or groups turn hostile. The Department has purchased riot gear for Officers, but will not use it unless a riot actually occurs. The Department continues to consult with other police agencies and other professionals to prepare for the possibility of future unrest. The Commissioner commented on the surge of violent crime since the April riots. He stated that this is not just a problem for police but rather points to failures in housing, education, health, economic development, and other government services. The Commissioner also stated his commitment to diversity in the Department as evidenced by recent promotions, the revamping of the Police Explorers program, and other efforts to recruit more officers from the City. He is committed to developing a curriculum on foot patrol techniques designed to improve the relationships between Officers and the communities they serve. The “Officer Friendly” program is also being reinstituted as well as the possibility of reestablishing the Police Athletic League program. The Commissioner agreed to visit the areas near York and Woodbourne where drug activity is rampant – he will observe the situation and consult with the community, drug units, and the DEA about problems in that area.Public Safety Committee Update: Marie McSweeney Anderson presented the Commissioner with a list of tasks developed by the Committee. The task list cites activities of the YRP working in conjunction with the Police Department. To review a copy of the list and the accompanying letters, go to: Live Baltimore Neighborhoods: Kim Wiggins from Live Baltimore described their “Way to Stay” program. She reported that five neighborhoods in north central Baltimore have been chosen as Five Star Neighborhoods – Chinquapin Park, Evesham Park, Lake Evesham, Lake Walker, and Mid-Govans. Go to for more information. Announcements:Habitat for Humanity will have a Homeowner Orientation on November 7.The Govans Library will have a “meet the authors” of All American Boys night on November 12.Chris congratulated Woodbourne McCabe on its recent Harvest Festival. He also recognized those involved in the DeWees Orchard planting of six fruit trees.Respectfully submitted,Barbara Dent, Recording Secretary/Treasurer ................
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