HomeMy WebLinkAbout090998 rm min CITIZEN'S ADVISORY BOARD
Minutes
Wednesday, September 9, 1998 7:00 P.M.
City Commission Conference Room
PRESENT: Bemard Brown, Linda Kuhn, Richard Huber, Tom Carpenter, Paul Legge,
David Johnson, Alex Serraes, Deputy Police Chief Dennis Whitmire,
Commander Thomas Bronson and Gracy Posley
This meeting was called to order by Chairperson Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown welcomed new CAB
member Alex Serraes. Mr. Serraes and CAB members introduced themselves.
Mr. Brown requested approval of CAB minutes for August 12, 1998 if there are no changes or
corrections. Motioned by Mrs. Kuhn, seconded by Mr. Carpenter, motion adopted for the minutes
to be approved.
Cmdr Bronson responds to Mr. Brown there is no additional information re the Public /Community
Relations Officer position request that has been forwarded to the Mayor /City Commission.
Mr. Legge advised he contacted the Seminole Herald re CAB's advertisement. (CAB agendas are
mailed monthly to the Iocalarea newspapers by the CAB secretary as a City requirement).
Mr. Legge suggested a CAB member be assigned as a contact to the Herald. Mrs. Kuhn
suggested news articles relating to CAB as a Board, not individually. Mrs. Kuhn stated CAB will
not get citizens participation the Board is looking for. Commented it will probably be best for
CAB to make recommendations as a group.
Mrs. Kuhn advised Commander Bronson merchants would like to see a police officer downtown
regularly. To be a deterrent to transients and shoplifters. Commander Bronson replied possibly in
early October a police officer will be placed in the downtown area. Commander Bronson advised
this police officer will be utilized for the Historic District as well. Mrs. Kuhn mentioned to
Commander Bronson merchants complaining of drivers remaining parked over the 2 hour parking
period. Commander Bronson responded the police department has been advised by City officials
to not write citations at this time. Mrs. Kuhn will communicate with the merchants as to what the
merchants desire and will contact the Mayor /City Commission re the downtown parking issue.
Mr. Legge commented citizens like to know their police officers; who they are, where they come
from, etc. Suggested an officer of the month article highlighting a different officer. Commander
Bronson mentioned the monthly departmental newsletter that features an employee each month
and the City's Employee of the Month program.
Ms. Kim House with Citizens on Patrol explained a new strategy neighborhood crime watch are
implementing for the Historic District that is being used by Del City, Oklahoma. Stated Sanford
Citizens on Patrol are using the flashing amber lights and attempting to be eyes and ears for
police officers. Ms. House stated the police officers and the citizens need to work together.
Commander Bronson commented the police department is absolutely for working with the citizens.
Commander Bronson advised of an incident where a Citizen on Patrol (flashing amber light) had
interfered with a police call. Commander Bronson advised use of the flashing amber light must
be within Florida State Statute requirements ( will research further) and not violating the law.
CAB Minutes
September 9, 1998
Page 2 of 2
Deputy Police Chief Whitmire stated identifying magnetic signs would be more likely for use than
the amber lights because of Florida State Statute. Mr. Serraes mentioned training for citizens on
patrol. Commander Bronson answered citizens on patrol training would be useful and will
familiarize himself with the Sheriff's Office citizens academy.
Mr. Legge to meet with Commander Bronson re public relation briefings to police officers.
Mr. Brown announced his resignation as a CAB member; this meeting being his last. Mr. Brown
will be dedicating considerable time to keeping children in school. Mr. Serraes added children
should have mentors while they are in school; to get to the children before they drop out.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjoumed at 8:30 PM.