Happy New Year! Here’s a few notices to start off 2022.
First, ACC is currently taking applications for the Human Relations Commission and Public Safety Civilian Oversight Boards.
The Human Relations Commission (HRC) HRC will include 15 members who represent a diverse array of ACC residents across bands of identities, including race, color, creed, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, ethnicity, ability, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic status, ancestry, veteran/military status, familial status, marital status, lived experience, and their intersections. HRC members will receive a stipend of $25 for each regular meeting that they attend and are eligible for reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
The Public Safety Civilian Oversight Board (PSCOB) will receive complaints about alleged police misconduct and review ACCPD internal investigations. They’ll also make recommendations about police policy to the mayor and commission. I strongly encourage residents with direct experience of the criminal legal system to apply, as their lived understanding of the impacts of policing and incarceration have historically been left out of policy discussion. Members will also receive a $25 per meeting stipend for their service.
Interested? Go to www.accgov.com/boards to learn more and apply. Deadline for receipt of applications is Wednesday, January 19.
Second, MLK Day is just around the corner, and I encourage residents to seize the opportunity to give back to our community. As well I invite folks to join me in helping our neighbor Lora Smothers, founder of Joy Village School, move into their NEW school building in East Athens! You can sign up to help here.
Joy
(Joy Village founder and District 2 resident Lora Smothers outside of Joy Village School.)
Third, in response to the surge in cases, the COVID-19 testing site at Mitchell Bridge Road fire station has been moved to Holland Park to accommodate increased testing demand. Holland Park is located at 250 Vincent Drive, just off of Newton Bridge Road. Hours are 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. p.m. on Mondays, 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 8 a.m.–12 p.m. on Saturdays.
I have also asked the Mayor & Commission to consider procuring and distributing N95 masks and at-home rapid tests to empower our constituents to protect their health and the health of our community.
On that note, I regret to inform you all that Paul, Aes and I have ourselves tested positive for Covid this week. I am thankful for the opportunity to work from home while isolating, though my capacity is somewhat limited as I am currently experiencing some pretty brutal fatigue and dizziness. Just writing to let you know in case I'm not immediately responsive to phone calls or other communications.
Please stay safe and healthy, friends!