HomeMy WebLinkAbout011404 rm min CITIZEN'S ADVISORY BOARD
Minutes
Wednesday, January 14, 2004 6:30 PM
City Commission Conference Room
PRESENT: Tom Carpenter, Nancy Roberts, Mark McCarty, Dean Ray, Kim Bridges, Bill
Gibson, David Daly, Dr. Brenedette Hardy - Blake, Brian Tooley - Chief of
Police, and Gracy Posley
Absent: Excused — Juanita Harold & Dave Hall
Called to Order by Chairperson Mr. Carpenter.
Mr. Carpenter requested Minutes of September 10, October 8, November 12, and
December 10, 2003 be adopted if there were no changes. Motioned by Mr. Ray, seconded
by Mr. Daly; Minutes were approved.
Police Chief Tooley introduced Jocelyn Harold, daughter to CAB member Juanita Harold.
Mrs. Juanita Harold has been ill for a period of time. Daughter Jocelyn advised Mrs. Harold
is temporarily being placed in a nursing facility.
Chief Toolev Address CAB
■SPD was reorganized 01/03/04 which will allow more police to be on -duty during peak
levels. Org chart was distributed /discussed.
Police department's equipment is continually being updated and coinciding with
technology. Awarded grant funds for equipment have been useful.
■The Old Post Office (Palmetto Ave.) will soon become a service center. The Center's
police presence will be a plus for the Riverwalk.
■Southend Service Center (WalMart Plaza) is open. This is also the location of the
Lieutenant's office.
■City Manager Grieshaber is requesting more assertive actions regarding abandoned
houses (George Town) being destroyed; to lessen illegal activities and increase safety and
community welfare.
■Announced the 25 years retirement (01/16/04) of Lt. Larry Monti and Cpl. Andy Collazo.
Newly promoted Lt. James McAuliffe will be the Investigations Lieutenant.
/MLKing Parade /Unity March is scheduled January 19.
► Riverwalk grand opening will be the latter of February or beginning March.
CAB Minutes
January 14, 2004
Page 2 of 2
Residents at Ridgewood Acres are receptive and have been meeting with the Special
Tactical Unit. Mr. Carpenter stated he has heard of at least 10 recent arrests made in the
area.
New Business
►Mr. Carpenter inquired of the status of the new police building. Police Chief Tooley
commented Mayor Lessard is very interested in moving forward and borrowing the
approximate $8 million rather than floating bonds, which will increase the Ad Valorem. The
location on west 13 St. continues to be a possible location. The City has been informed
the pollution at the location is not as severe as was anticipated. Police Chief Tooley stated
the new police building will be good for the future of the police department and for providing
enhanced police services.
Mr. Gibson agreed to draft a CAB letter of support to the City Commission regarding a new
police building.
■Dr. Blake inquired if the new park on Celery Ave. east of Brisson Ave. is in the City?
Police Chief Tooley will investigate.
/Mr. McCarty inquired of the status of sting operations. Police Chief Tooley advised of a
current prostitution sting operation. Mr. McCarty suggested sting videos be routed to the
media; Police Chief Tooley was in agreeance.
■Police Chief Tooley will schedule a Taser demo at CAB's February 11 meeting. The use
of the tasers have lowered officer and arrestee injuries.
■Mrs. Bridges inquired of why doesn't SPD have a uniformed public information officer?
Police Chief Tooley stated that idea is already being considered. But he is pleased with the
current PIO C. Cohen.
Mrs. Roberts inquired if it was friendlier to have a plain clothes PIO? Police Chief Tooley
stated there are incentives to the plain clothes.
Police Chief Tooley is requesting to have a CAB group photo for SPD's moment in time
annual book that is being generated.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm.