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Residents urge Domestic Violence Task Force after Arcadia double homicide; council hears Bike Fest data offer
Summary
After an announced double homicide, community members urged formation of a Domestic Violence Task Force and city staff and Arcadia Main Street reported nearly 7,000 attendees at a recent Bike Fest and a Placer.ai data offer; Council directed staff to proceed with a previously requested $20,000 allocation to assist Arcadia Main Street buildout of the old police department.
Assistant City Marshal Gary Evans briefed the City Council on a recent double homicide described as a domestic matter and praised the work of Victim Advocate Vertrina Burns; he emphasized the value of victim-advocate positions for victims’ support. His summary of the incident preceded public comments asking for a coordinated community response.
Ashley Brown, Community Outreach Coordinator for the School District of DeSoto County, said she was concerned by the recent domestic-violence deaths and asked that the council consider creating a Domestic Violence Task Force to evaluate response and recommend improvements. Brown said she would also request the County Commission consider a similar task force.
Arcadia Main Street Executive Director Pam Ames reported that nearly 7,000 people attended the recent Bike Fest and distributed a Placer.ai report. Mayor Judy Wertz Strickland said Placer.ai had offered data the City, County and Arcadia Main Street can use; Placer.ai had originally quoted the County $25,000 but agreed to supply data to the City and AMS and to provide roughly $4,000 in grant funds if the parties can split the remaining costs. Deputy Mayor Luis Velasco asked that the city’s contingency fund balance be reported at the next meeting to inform potential cost-sharing decisions.
City Administrator Beth Carsten reported administrative updates including that the first draft of a Consent Order would be submitted to FDEP later the week, and she said a Planning & Zoning Board member had resigned; Deputy Mayor Velasco recommended Arturo Sandate as a replacement and staff will offer the position and report back to Council whether he accepts.
Councilmembers offered condolences to the families of the homicide victims and asked staff to provide follow-up information on community safety and proposed task-force options. The meeting adjourned at about 7:22 p.m.
