The $500,000 grant is earmarked for a feasibility study and needs assessment, not for the direct construction of a center. There was a consensus that the funds alone are insufficient to establish a sustainable center, stressing the importance of a plan to secure additional resources. A speaker at the meeting noted that the grant is intended to explore sustainable programming avenues rather than serve as a direct contribution to building a physical structure.

Confusion regarding departmental responsibilities also emerged. The Youth Empowerment Center was initially believed to fall under the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department, but it was clarified that both the Recreation and Finance Departments are involved. This led to calls for clearer communication and collaboration among all parties involved, including an invitation to the new Finance Director, Melissa, to attend a future meeting and provide clarity on the center’s establishment.

Moreover, the committee expressed a desire for greater involvement in the feasibility study process. Concerns were raised about the absence of committee members from meetings related to the feasibility study, with one member asserting the need for the Community Safety and Social Justice Committee (CSSC) to be involved in monitoring the implementation of recommendations from the Community Safety Working Group (CSWG).

As discussions continued, the committee underscored the importance of transparency from the town to rebuild community trust. There was a strong call for regular updates on the status of the Youth Empowerment Center and the ongoing assessment of programming. Participants emphasized that clear, consistent communication is vital to ensure that the project aligns with community needs and expectations.

In addition to the Youth Empowerment Center, the meeting also focused on other initiatives, such as the Community Responder Emergency Services Team (Crest) and its evolving role in the community. Crest’s mission involves responding to non-violent incidents and providing support without defaulting to police intervention. The team’s protocols are still under development, with a focus on trauma-informed, anti-racist approaches.

The committee further discussed youth programming and the establishment of a dedicated center for BIPOC youth. A proposed youth entrepreneurship program was also on the agenda. This initiative is part of a broader effort to empower young people and foster a sense of community ownership and engagement within the educational system.

The meeting concluded with discussions about administrative processes, including the posting of agendas and the recording of meeting minutes. The need for a structured timeline for agenda postings was emphasized to allow committee members adequate preparation time. Additionally, the committee expressed a desire for standardized reporting formats and improved data quality from the Community Response to Emergency Services Team (CREST) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.