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HomeMy WebLinkAbout061098 rm min 1 CITIZEN'S ADVISORY BOARD Minutes Wednesday, June 10, 1998 7:00 P.M. City Commission Conference Room PRESENT: Bernard Brown, Linda Kuhn, Richard Huber, Tom Carpenter, Dean Ray, Paul Legge, Cmdr Thomas Bronson, Sgt Darrel Presley, Police Chief Joe Dillard, and Gracy Posley Public: Virgil Harley, Kim House, Mrs. D. Ray and Mrs. R. Huber This meeting was called to order by Chairperson Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown requested approval of CAB minutes for May 13, 1998 if there are no changes or corrections. Motion made by Mr. Legge, seconded by Mrs. Kuhn for the minutes to be approved. Mr. Brown ask where is the location of the POLICE video? Mr. Huber has the tape and will pass it on to another member. Police Chief Dillard advise a copy of the video is available at the police department. Mr. Huber ask if any members have been appointed by the City Commission for the two CAB vacancies? Mr. Harley replies David Johnson was approved as a member at the June 8 City Commission meeting. Mr. Brown brings to Police Chief Dillard's attention speeders on Celery Ave. coming from Brisson Ave. Requested the SMART trailer be put in place. Mrs. Kuhn ask Police Chief Dillard for clarification to CAB rather than through the City Commission meetings the status of the Arthur Barnes hearing (dismissal)? Police Chief Dillard explained he's awaiting the outcome of the pre /post disciplinary hearing. Mrs. Kuhn comment the City Commission appointed this Board to oversee certain police department issues and ask why hasn't the City Commission referred the Barnes issue to CAB opposed to using extensive time at the City Commission meetings? Mr. Legge responds CAB experienced a similar matter with the City Commission re the Public Admin. Serv. (PAS) police department study. States the City Commission does not utilize CAB. Mr. Huber comments he learned some interesting things from attending a Nuisance Abatement meeting. He thinks CAB and NAB should unite. Cmdr Bronson explained the purpose of NAB and the City's Ordinance. Explained the St. Petersburg, Florida case where the Supreme Court ruled against the City; the City had to reimburse the business for Toss during the time involved of the business being closed down. Mr. Harley has also attended NAB meetings. Stated he felt NAB should be renamed to Arrest Abatement Board; feels NAB is misnamed because of its functions. Mrs. Kuhn comment NAB has authority to levy fines, CAB is to oversee and guide the police department in matters. Mr. Harley mentioned a domestic violence incident involving Tom Watson's sister's neighbor on Bethune Cir. Mr. Harley spoke with Mr. Watson at the June 8 City Commission meeting. Mr. Harley suggested to Chairperson Mr. Brown the Mayor /City Commission should be contacted re the City Commission contacting CAB of being involved re police department issues. Cmdr Bronson explained the domestic violence situation. Stated police officers did not check police records or listen to the wife when she told them there was an Injunction for Protection against her husband and allowed the husband and the husband's brother to proceed in the house and remove items. Cmdr Bronson advised the supervisor of the officers have completed a supervisor's inquiry that will be forwarded to the Mayor; officers will be disciplined. i CAB Minutes June 10, 1998 Page 2 of 2 Ms. Kim House, 1100 block of Oak Ave. voiced a complaint re police officers assisting in the patrolling of the Historic District. Stated police officers have been asked to deal with bicyclists at night with no lights. Received little comment to no assistance. Stated citizens have gotten different attitudes from the officers and the officers need to be more aggressive. Ms. House stated citizens on her neighborhood watch want zero tolerance from the police department; crime has to be a priority. Ms. House complained of prostitutes in her area being a problem. Police Chief Dillard commented there are numerous police vehicles patrolling the area. The police department is no longer conducting prostitution stings; PAS study suggested to cooperate with the Sheriff's Department re stings. QUAD can only assist if a crime is committed in their presence. Mr. Legge suggest to Ms. House, call the police department as often as necessary. Stated the police department presently has a manpower shortage. And there is no magic formula to cure crime in the Historic District. Cmdr Bronson advise the bicycle lights law is being enforced, but cannot assure it is every night. One officer is presently assigned to the Historic District. The COPS grant will assign four officers to this area. Citizens will be able to contact the officer directly. Mrs. Kuhn ask Ms. House if her discussion re the officers were first hand or heresy? Ms. House advised this was told to her from other citizens. Mrs. Kuhn stated heresy should not be repeated re the officers if names and verification cannot be clarified. But to please get officers names when there is a problem. Mrs. Kuhn read from the PAS report re the police department not prioritizing calls; the report suggested calls should be prioritized. Mrs. Kuhn stated a bicycle lights call is not a priority; officers will probably handle such calls when other important calls have been handled. Mr. Carpenter stated more citizen participation is needed. He has headed a neighborhood crime watch for two years and commend Ms. House for her work. Mr. Hurley commented to Ms. House, the bad guys no what the officers can /will do; the bad guys no what's going on too. Mr. Huber stated he heard QUAD only works until 10 PM. Police Chief Dillard commented the Power Squad (overtime) works that shift. QUAD hours fluctuate; don't want the lawbreakers to know the set working hours. Mr. Hurley mentioned citizen participation being practical. Made suggestion of citizens on patrol videoing to identify people /times of persons on bicycles re drug sales, prostitution, etc. Stated bad guys are better armed than the citizens. Mrs. Kuhn asked can police department look into a dealership loaning neighborhood crime watch a vehicle for patrol? Mr. Legge suggested police officers ride with citizens; stated it would take only about one week of pressure, the word would be out. Mrs. Kuhn commented this would be a liability to the police department and risks. Mr. Brown plan to ride with Ms. House in the Historic District; he knows many people in the community. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM.