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HomeMy WebLinkAbout120998 rm min y t CITIZEN'S ADVISORY BOARD Minutes Wednesday, December 9, 1998 7:00 P.M. City Commission Conference Room PRESENT: Thomas Bronson - Acting Police Chief, Dean Ray, George Anderson, Jr., Tom Carpenter, Atty. Manuel Acevedo, Phyllis Richardson and Gracy Posley This meeting was called to order by Chairperson Mr. Ray. Mr. Ray welcomed new CAB member Phyllis Richardson. Mrs. Richardson and CAB members introduced themselves. Due to there not being a quorum, CAB November 11, 1998 minutes were tabled. Acting Police Chief Bronson alerted CAB he will be taking a pro- active stance as the CAB liaison. APolice Chief Bronson will apprize CAB of monthly projects and will seek input and guidance from CAB on projects as well. CAB is encouraged to visit /tour the police and to ride with police officers. A Sanford Police Department Newsletter was distributed to CAB members. A police department newsletter will be distributed to CAB monthly to give members an idea of things taking place at the police department. APolice Chief Bronson discussed City of Sanford's Major Projects Tracking that involved the police department. Such as a "take home vehicle" program as an incentive for police officers residing in the City Limits. This program was suggested by Commissioner Lessard for APolice Chief Bronson to initiate. The General Order for the "take home vehicle" program is in the process of being approved by the City Commission. Mrs. Richardson believe the "take home vehicle" program is an incentive for resident officers, but had a concern of officer safety re "take home" vehicles being visible. APolice Chief Bronson explained usually it is a benefit to the neighborhood in having a police vehicle present at an officer's residence. The City Commission is considering an ordinance for "excessive public safety calls ". Ways and means, cost per excessive call are being addressed. Excessive calls will include businesses, residents, hotels, etc. APolice Chief Bronson commented on the Public Administration Service report of November 1998 (management review of the police department). The police department's overall rating was graded B/C for having made some advancements. The department received an F in the area of performance measures. Collective efforts are being put forth in correcting performance measures. A General Orders /Departmental Policy Committee has been established. All police policies new or revised will be submitted to the APolice Chief Bronson for approval. APolice Bronson will forward policies to the City Commission for approval. Advantageous reorganizing is being applied. Supervisors are being transferred to enhance department and employee productivity. CAB Minutes December 9, 1998 Page 2 of 2 CaII prioritization is another area that will be implemented in the near future, once approved by the City Commission. CAB will receive a copy of the Call Handling Guide. Citizens will be educated on the call prioritization procedure. Call prioritization will have police officers more available for emergency calls. Present sources will be utilized for call prioritization, police service will be just as effective. As call prioritization is initiated, a tele -serve program will also be implemented. Tele- serve will provide a community service officer to be at the police department full time, handling complaint calls and to service citizens coming into the police department. Thirteenth St. Community Center is becoming a reality. Property is close to being purchased. A Commander and Community Service Officers will be working out of this location. The visibility of the police officers and vehicles in and out of the area will be beneficial to the community. Deputies will also utilize the community center. It is being looked at to go further south with community service centers, desiring businesses are willing to donate office space. A police officer has not been assigned to the downtown area as of yet; officers are patrolling the area. Police presence is prevalent in the area. The Historic District is patrolled by the police officer as part of the downtown area. Police officers will walk and talk with citizens and business owners in building a trusting bond with the public. 9 9 P APolice Chief Bronson is considering how to utilize Citizens on Patrol in the future. There will be a training program citizens must complete. This program will be similar to the Sheriff's Department citizens academy. Vehicles must be addressed as well. Citizens on Patrol can be useful towards neighborhood crime watch, directing traffic, as well as being eyes and ears for police officers. APolice Chief Bronson relayed to CAB he and City Manager VanDerworp have had positive discussions re the future of the Citizens's Advisory Board. APolice Chief Bronson and CAB will be working as a team in the development of partnership and communication between police officers, citizens and City Commission to enhance police department operations and services. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM.