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added the MOU complies with existing laws. He noted the mental health clinician will not be hired until <br /> the next school year. <br /> Councilmember Arkin made a substitute motion to accept the MOU with an amendment calling for a <br /> mental health clinician to be contacted before the SRO if possible if there is a mental health crisis and <br /> also an amendment specifying FERPA and HIPAA compliance. <br /> In response to Mayor Brown, Councilmember Arkin stated this could also be a friendly amendment to <br /> the motion. <br /> In response to Councilmember Narum, Councilmember Arkin clarified her proposed amendment calls <br /> for a mental health clinician to be contacted, if available, before an SRO in a time of mental health <br /> crisis. Councilmember Testa stated she would support the amendment. <br /> In response to Councilmember Balch, Councilmember Arkin clarified a mental health professional <br /> should evaluate the student before law enforcement if it is possible. <br /> Councilmember Balch stated he could not support the amendment because of varying legal definitions <br /> of"if possible" in a time of crisis which could hold the City liable. <br /> In response to Councilmember Narum, Chief Swing stated the challenge with inserting a licensed <br /> clinician is the uncertainty of the program at this time. He stated he cannot confirm the alternate <br /> response program will be operational by the start of the school year. He stated inserting "a member of <br /> the City's alternate response program" could work and get to where Councilmember Arkin is going. <br /> Councilmember Narum stated she is struggling because they just approved the program and anticipate <br /> having trouble hiring the positions. She supports adding this in when the program is operational. She <br /> noted it will be a simple modification they all seem to agree on once the program is running. <br /> Councilmember Arkin stated some kids will be in crisis between now and when the program is running. <br /> She requested some language akin to what Chief Swing suggested. <br /> Councilmember Narum stated a program that does not exist yet cannot be included. <br /> Councilmember Arkin retracted her friendly amendment. <br /> Councilmember Testa believes saying "whenever possible" states it is not possible right now but <br /> defines a laudable and important goal. <br /> Mayor Brown stated she struggles with what happens if the mental health professional is at one school <br /> and needed urgently in another school completely across the City. She also expressed concerns about <br /> how to define "if possible." She stated she sees the intent of the amendment but supports the living <br /> document concept. <br /> Councilmember Arkin stated "if possible" appears several times in the MOU and gives the City <br /> flexibility. <br /> In response to Councilmember Narum, Councilmember Arkin stated her other friendly amendment was <br /> specifying FERPA and HIPAA compliance. <br /> Councilmember Narum stated they have been following those laws but if it makes people happy she <br /> will accept it. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 13 of 19 November 16, 2021 <br />