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HomeMy WebLinkAbout021997 rm min CITIZEN'S ADVISORY BOARD Minutes Wednesday, February 19, 1997 6:30 PM City Manager's Conference Room PRESENT: Joe Dillard, Police Chief, Dennis Whitmire, Deputy Police Chief, Martha Yancey, Lynn Stogner, Bemard Brown, Earl Myers, Kevin Hipes, Joan Campbell, Richard Huber and Gracy Posley Public: Rosemary Leone This meeting (organizational) was called to order by Police Chief Dillard. He then tumed the meeting over to the Board members for election of the chairperson and vice - chairperson. Motion made by Mrs. Campbell for Mrs. Yancey to be chairperson. Motion made by Mr. Stogner for Mr. Brown to be vice- chairperson. Both motions carried. Chairperson Yancey starts the discussion re the CAB ordinance. Directs the question, "What is the purpose of this Board ?" to Police Chief Dillard. Chief Dillard states the purpose of the Board is to get ideas, suggestions from the public re law enforcement needs, ways and means to improve law enforcement communication with the public, community needs, etc. to be presented to the Board, Police Chief, City Manager /City Commission. Issues, problems relating to drugs, prostitution and gangs are being handled by the City's Nuisance Abatement Board. Some suggestions by the Board are to acquire a list of solutions, have more citizen /community/ organization involvement; publics input. Games participation for citizens vs. police department. Chairperson Yancey mentions complaints citizens may ask. Chief Dillard advises the Board is for constructive input to make the department, lines of communication better with the public. Board agrees to advertisement re CAB being in effect. Motioned by Mrs. Campbell, seconded by Mr. Brown for meetings organizing CAB to be held the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 7 PM. Board mentioned by -laws for CAB. Mr. Stogner suggests a citizens suggestion form be devised. Board is to be practical with incoming complaints. Chairperson Yancey asks of bike patrol. Deputy Chief Whitmire comments at the City Commission meeting of February 10, 1997 the Commission stated to propose a grant for bicycle patrol on the east and west side, community policing team for the 13th St. area. Where to utilize personnel, new units to be looked into. Manpower and money for funding is always the issue. Chairperson Yancey asks did the police department receive any grant money the President was offering. Deputy Chief Whitmire advises Commission did not apply for any money. Re the Presidents offer, the grant only funded 75% the first year, 50% the second year, 25% the third year and at the end of the third year, the employer had to hire the employee full -time. Strings are attached in fine print re grants. Chief Dillard answered Chairperson Yancey's questions re number of swom officers, officers per squad, number of zones, explained the rotation of officers in the zones, etc. Stogner asks is the police department staffed adequately with officers? Chief Dillard responds with a positive reply; the ratio is 3 officers /1,000 citizens with a population of 35,000. CAB Minutes February 19, 1997 Page 2 of 2 Mr. Brown notes one incident during City Elections where a citizen was irate with an officer re a situation out of the officer's hands with the officer remaining very professional. A personal incident relating to a traffic situation involving his son, another officer very courteous. Mr. Brown stresses respect is the key; it goes both ways. Mrs. Campbell suggested for the Board to tour the police department and get acquainted with officers. Also mentioned having a phone line for CAB. Chief Dillard made the Board aware of the Ride -A -Long program at the police department. Mr. Stogner encourages members to utilize this program. Chairperson Yancey mentions the importance of neighborhood crime watch. States the Board is here to assist the police department. Has questions re the police department's budget, equipment needed, officers moral; answered by Chief Dillard. Drug monies cannot be used for capital expenses or budgeted items. 15% of drug money is given back to the community. The police department's is mainly used for DARE /SRO. Deputy Chief Whitmire explained the laws when an officer can arrest from the word of a citizen. Other miscellaneous laws discussed. Ms. Leone (Delilah's Antiques) merchant downtown states overall her opinion and other downtown merchants have no complaints re patrol downtown. She is in agreeance with solutions for improvements. In recent months have felt comfortable with staying open until 8 PM/9 PM. Thinks the public likes downtown being open until 8 PM or 9 PM. And to have more night activity. Deputy Chief Whitmire states the Commission is addressing additional lighting re downtown. Chief Dillard states Deputy Chief Whitmire will also be a liaison to CAB. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.