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HomeMy WebLinkAbout031099 rm min CITIZEN'S ADVISORY BOARD Minutes Wednesday, March 10, 1999 7:00 P.M. City Commission Conference Room MEMBERS PRESENT: Dean Ray, Tom Carpenter, Oscar Redden, Phyllis Richardson, David Johnson, Atty Manuel Acevedo, Acting Police Chief Thomas Bronson, and Gracy Posley This meeting was called to order by Chairperson Mr. Ray. Mr. Ray requested approval of CAB minutes for February 10, 1999 if there were no changes or corrections. Motioned by Mr. Carpenter, seconded by Mr. Johnson, motion adopted for the minutes to be approved. Members voted (4 -2) to have Oscar Redden fill the Vice - Chairperson vacancy. David Johnson was nominated by Mr. Carpenter, Oscar Redden was nominated by Mr. Ray. Acting Police Chief Bronson welcomed members feedback re the direction of CAB. Members were perceptive to CAB's revision of its purpose, scope, and responsibilities such as - citizens and law enforcement working together to improve and enhance the operation and services of the Police Department and the community, using the partnership of the citizens to build and maintain safe and pleasing neighborhoods, CAB's involvement in citizens complaints and solutions, assisting the Police Department in efforts to maintain courteous public relations and building public trust with the citizens, speaking /visiting with other City boards re crime and community related issues, and CAB being apprized of police department's crime statistics and departmental policies being revised or established. Board members were indecisive re who and how members would be appointed. Acting Police Chief Bronson will relay members comments to the City Manager /City Commission. Acting Police Chief Bronson informed and commented re various activities involving the Police Department and the community. The Charter Referendum was passed, which will place the Police and Fire Chief under the City Manager's management. Advised members "Commissioner `Mac' is back." (A.A. McClanahan) The groundbreaking of the 13 St. Community Service Center had a favorable turnout. The modular building schedule of tasks is currently on schedule. Acting Police Chief Bronson will give a presentation at the City Commission Workshop, March 22 3:30 PM that will involve reorganization of the Police Department and implementing community oriented policing. Acting Police Chief Bronson explained the strategy and purpose of the reorganizing plan. Due to mid - managers being needed to supervise new districting /community � I CAB Minutes March 10, 1999 Page2of2 service areas, Acting Police Chief Bronson is requesting sergeant's positions be increased from 8 to 11. This increase will eliminate one commander's position and two police corporals positions. Commented the new CSA's will be good for the community. As a standard police officers will be assigned to CSA's for two years. Giving the officers and citizens the opportunity to get to know one another and for citizens to be able to trust the officers and the Police Department. Officers not conditioning to the CSA's will be counseled and or repositioned where the officer will better serve the police department and citizens. If CSA's are achieved Quick Uniform Attack on Drugs Unit will no longer be required. Acting Police Chief Bronson announced the Police Chief's position has been advertised and will be open until filled. The process is lengthy, the screening committee has been appointed, the final decision will be made by the City Manager. New policies Civilian Volunteer Program and Chaplain Corps, and revised Use of Force policy (discussed during Defensive Tactics training) will be distributed to members once approved. All police department general orders and policies must be adhered to. Florida Criminal Law handbooks will be issued to CAB members for quick references. Mrs. Richardson stated she had seen an improvement from her request of February 1999 of police officers being present with school crossing guards. It was mentioned traffic is congestive at Wicklowe Elementary during school opening and closing hours. Acting Police Chief Bronson commented on being proud of police officers during the stressful situation of the Rosecliff Apartments homicides on March 5. The Police Department and Sheriff's Office worked well together during this crisis. The County Net radio feature rolls over to all law enforcement during emergencies. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.