During a recent meeting of Community Board 11, significant concerns were raised regarding the accuracy of meeting minutes and the ongoing issue of quorum in committee meetings. A member highlighted discrepancies in the recorded election results, stating that the minutes inaccurately reflected the votes for various positions, including chair and vice chair. The member urged for corrections to be made before the minutes were approved, emphasizing the importance of accurate documentation for transparency and accountability.
Another board member, Miguel Dyer, expressed frustration over the frequent lack of quorum, which he believes discourages participation and decision-making within committees. He stressed that board members should actively engage in their roles, noting that consistent attendance is crucial for effective governance. Dyer also addressed the need for factual information during meetings, cautioning against the influence of personal opinions from staff members.
The meeting also touched on public health issues, with Dyer mentioning the availability of Narcan and test strips for fentanyl, highlighting the importance of harm reduction strategies in the community.
Grace Marrero raised an ethics complaint against two board members, alleging unprofessional conduct related to her hip hop festival and previous food festival. However, the chair advised her to take the matter to the ethics committee for proper handling.
In a notable announcement, the chair informed the board of the resignation of the Education Committee Chair, Mary, who has moved out of the city. The chair also shared insights from a recent borough board meeting, particularly regarding the liquor license approval process, and committed to sharing relevant information with the board to enhance understanding and decision-making.
The chair concluded by addressing the need for improved attendance and participation among board members, suggesting the potential consolidation of committees to better utilize resources and ensure effective governance. The meeting underscored the board's commitment to serving the community and the necessity for members to fulfill their responsibilities diligently.