Anyone may submit written public comment by delivering it at the public meeting or by emailing it to Javon.Lewis-Brown@cityofchicago.org

It is 6:17 p.m. and the meeting has begun. Council member Robert McKay is absent.

Council member Mckay is now present, it is 6:19 p.m.

There is a minimum of three vacancies on the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability. Applications for these positions may open in December.

On the agenda for today, District Councilor Thomas McMahon will be reviewing the 5th Police District Council’s strategic plan. This plan outlines the district's core crime reduction priorities and community engagement goals over the course of a year.

Thomas McMahon is a retired police captain who was endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police during his campaign for Police District Council.

District Strategic Plans (DSPs), are developed in close collaboration with community members, who share their input and feedback during two different community conversations.

McMahon is arguing that two community meetings is not enough for impactful feedback.

An audience member just asked, "How do we increase the number of beats?"

McMahon is answering the question, agreeing that the police don't have enough manpower. Moore and McKay look dismayed. Moore is arguing that we shouldn't be putting resources into the police, they should go into the community.

Council member Moore just said, "No one is talking about what's really going on," arguing that more police will not solve the root of the district's problems.

McKay cut Moore off, saying that McMahon is "turning blue" and offering that he continue his presentation on the Strategic Plan.

There are three community members in the audience. McMahon is expressing frustration with the lack of community participation.

The tension in the room is palpable, with Moore and McKay taking a strong stance against the single community member and McMahon's stance that there should be a stronger police presence in the community.

In fact, McKay and McMahon have a tense history. During the 5th Police District Council election, McKay was forced to run as a write-in candidate after McMahon personally hired an attorney to challenge his eligibility, citing a failure to submit proper financial receipts.

Want to get in touch with the 5th Police District Council? Robert A. McKay, Chair: Robert.McKay2@cityofchicago.org Thomas L. McMahon, Nominating Committee: Thomas.McMahon2@cityofchicago.org Ponchita Moore, Community Engagement: Ponchita.Moore@cityofchicago.org

Meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m. This concludes the 5th Police District Council’s monthly meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for July 28, 2024. For more meeting coverage, check out . documenters.org