The most pressing topic of the meeting centered on the CREST program, an initiative designed to serve as an alternative to traditional policing for non-criminal and nonviolent incidents. Committee members expressed concerns about the efficacy and operational clarity of the program. One member highlighted the need for more specificity in the data being reported, particularly regarding the types of calls CREST responders are attending. The discussion revealed that 219 calls were received in August alone, yet there was confusion about how many of these were properly categorized and dispatched. Members voiced frustrations over the delays in finalizing standard operating procedures (SOPs) with dispatch, which has hindered CREST’s ability to function effectively.

The conversation underscored a broader tension between the committee’s aspirations for CREST and the practical challenges of its implementation. The integration of CREST as an alternative to policing was a key focus, with members stressing the importance of establishing operational protocols to ensure timely and appropriate responses. One member noted, “some of this information that you shared right now you shared already you know last month and the month beforehand,” reflecting ongoing frustrations with the slow progress.

The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by CREST in obtaining actionable data from dispatch due to legal restrictions such as HIPAA and CORI. Members emphasized the need for clarity on which types of calls CREST can respond to, particularly in cases involving known individuals with mental health histories. There was a call for concrete timelines for when the dispatching of calls to CREST would commence, as the current delays were seen as stalling progress rather than advancing it.

Another topic was the status of the Youth Empowerment Center, with several committee members expressing frustration over the slow progress in signing a contract related to the center. Despite recommendations made over three years ago, there was no clear timeline or deadline for the project. One member articulated the situation as feeling stagnant, noting, “this was already supposed to have happened,” and questioned the town manager’s accountability in providing a timetable.

The role of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) department in relation to the Youth Empowerment Center was also discussed. It was clarified that the DEI department had not been tasked with oversight of the center for over a year, leading to confusion among committee members about the delineation of responsibilities. One member highlighted the inconsistencies in the information provided, stating, “it was very confusing information,” and questioned why the DEI department was involved in programming without overseeing the center itself.

Concerns were raised about the lack of transparency from the town manager’s office, particularly regarding the funding and specifics of the working group involved in developing the center. One member criticized the lack of clarity in the town manager’s communications, describing it as “a lot of non-transparency,” and emphasized the importance of receiving clear and transparent information.

The committee’s dialogue also revolved around strategic planning and the need for measurable goals. There was concern regarding the tendency for items on the standing agenda to be continually postponed without tangible results. Members proposed identifying specific goals that could yield measurable outcomes, which could be reported to the community at the end of the year. One suggestion was the exploration of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which had been referenced in past meetings but not pursued.

The idea of initiating a speaker series was proposed, with a focus on inviting influential figures who could address community impact and decision-making processes. The committee members were encouraged to bring forth concerns and challenges from their respective communities, thereby allowing the committee to investigate and present findings to the public. The notion was that even if the committee couldn’t offer complete satisfaction on every issue, they could at least demonstrate diligence in examining these matters and providing the community with informed recommendations.

The recruitment for committee membership, particularly following the departure of a previous member, was discussed. There was a suggestion that the town could facilitate outreach efforts, particularly to engage youth, by including recruitment information in newsletters circulated to families within the school district. The importance of engaging young voices was reiterated, with a recognition that those voices could bring fresh ideas and perspectives.

Public comments highlighted ongoing concerns regarding transparency and accountability in local governance, with one community member proposing that the committee consider hosting a speaker series on a separate night to avoid taking time away from monthly meetings.