Council committee recommends four nominees to Civilian Review Board; forwards names to Sept. 22 for final appointment

The Richmond City Council’s informal session voted to forward four recommended nominees to the Civilian Review Board (CRB) to the Sept. 22 formal meeting for final appointment and administrative processing.

Council chief of staff RJ Warren presented four nominees provided by Joseph Lowry: Evan Fineman (three-year term, First District), Yanni Hawkins (three-year term, First District), Angela Fontaine (two-year term, Fourth District) and Rafaela Veil (one-year term, Seventh District). Warren said administrative procedures to complete documentation would be initiated after the committee’s recommendation and that Resolution 2025-R20 establishing board policies and procedures would be adopted on the consent agenda.

Vice President Jurden moved to forward the nominations with recommendation to full council; a second was called and the motion passed. The roll call in the informal session recorded the following votes: Mr. Bridal — Aye; Miss Gibson — Yes; Miss Jones — Aye; Ms. Robertson — Aye; Ms. Trammell — Aye; Ms. Auerbach — Aye; Vice President Jurden — Aye; President Newby — Aye. The clerk announced that the recommendation had been approved.

Why it matters: The CRB is a new oversight body that will require board policies and appointed members before it can begin work. The committee vote forwards nominees so the full council can take final action at the Sept. 22 meeting once required documentation and the board’s governing resolution are in place.

What comes next: Administrative staff will prepare a formal board packet and the nominations will appear on the Sept. 22 formal agenda for final approval and official appointment. Council materials referenced the need for the resolutions and policies to be adopted before final appointments.