During the June 8th City Commission Meeting the commission directed staff to bring back an agenda item about creating an advisory board. The board would work on race related issues within the community.  

After careful consideration and evaluation of options, I think that a citizen led board is the best way to go. Many do not have trust in the government to begin with so if it is a city board (held at city hall for recording and public meeting purpose) we might not get the participation and candor that we want.

A board with a member from:

Commission

NAACP

ACES

Concerned Citizens of East Stuart

Hispanic organization 

Ministerial alliance

A couple other at large citizens

This should be a serious working group and not a public forum for rants, but do have public engagement/listening sessions at some advertised meetings. In addition to evaluating city/citizen race relations the board could serve as a go to group for input on items that would affect the East Stuart Community.

City staff support and meeting locations would be provided by the city. For instance if the city's hiring process/procedures were the topic the human resources department would attend to address questions and policy. One of the first meetings held should address police use of force policy/procedure.

It would be the responsibility of the commissioner on the community board to advocate for the outcomes of the board.