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HomeMy WebLinkAboutdoc00720320250821110847 BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS - MEETING MINUTES =t TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2007 - MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT: `0 - i. Commissioner Maria Mejorado Chief Mark Alley l n? Commissioner Patty Farhat Michael Mathis, LPD Legal Advisor ` Commissioner Sandra Kowalk Jim DeLine, Secretary Commissioner Clyde Carnegie Sgt. Anthony Nettles, Training Sergeant Commissioner Bill Renfrew Joan Jackson Johnson, Director of Human Commissioner Jan Kolp Relations & Community Services Bernard Brantley, Commission Investigator MEMBERS EXCUSED: Commissioner Bob Noordhoek, Chair MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC/GUESTS: Commissioner Linda Sims None CALL TO ORDER-Commissioner Mejorado After having established a quorum, Commissioner Mejorado called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. and asked that Commissioner Kolp lead those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT-Agenda Items None. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA It was requested that a report of the site committee for the incoming surveillance cameras be added to the agenda. Commissioner Mejorado added the item to the agenda under"Other Business." EDUCATION PRESENTATION Sgt. Tony Nettles distributed the Training Schedule which he compiles. He pointed out the great variety of training types necessary for Department personnel and noted that the majority of training funds come from the State of Michigan's Public Act 32 / MCOLES funding. This is specific to sworn personnel. He discussed the "annual" training required of sworn personnel and distributed copies of the January Annual Training Instruction Schedule. In answer to a request from the Board, Sgt. Nettles and Chief Alley invited Board members to observe the sessions. He explained the efficiencies being used this year in the Annual Training including the use of the Lansing Center. Sgt. Nettles also discussed the relative ease of conducting in-house training as opposed to coordinating attendance out-of-town / out-of-state due to the many approvals and logistics necessary. He explained how training hours are calculated for reporting purposes and, in answer to a question from the Board, discussed training officers to detect marijuana without actually entering a domain. Commissioner Kowalk commended the "tremendous"job he is doing. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT—Chief Alley Chief Alley discussed several aspects of the new surveillance cameras and distributed a copy of the LPD Procedure relative to their use. He has recently spoken with TV6, the Lansing State Journal and the ACLU on the introduction of the cameras. In answer to a question from the Board, he reviewed the criteria used in site selection. He noted that City Council will be discussing the transfer of donated funds for the project and suggested Board support would be welcome. He also discussed the use of signs to make the public aware of surveillance camera locations. He noted that the camera resolution is quite Board of Police Commissioners Meeting Minutes of November 23, 2007 Page 2 good and told the Board to expect the introduction to have a noticeable impact. Cameras in the north end should be operational by the end of January and those in the south end operational by the end of March. The Chief announced the recent addition of six newly hired police officers and explained the new Hot Spot card initiative in conjunction with the group, Action. He also announced that negotiations to renew the labor agreement with the FOP — 911 bargaining unit will begin soon and he will assist in those negotiations. He noted that many of the LPD procedures are being reviewed and updated with the assistance of retired Detective Cassie Alley's assistance. He briefed the Board on the Silver Bells in the City celebration, calling it "another huge success." He noted that precautions put in place due to a recent bomb scare resulted in a new relationship with channel 53 and he will appear on the station soon assuring children of Santa's security in the Lansing area. Finally, Chief Alley wished all a happy Thanksgiving and noted the return of Sgt. Mary Stevens to work on a light duty basis. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -Commissioner Mejorado Commissioner Sims requested changes to the minutes via an e-mail to Jim DeLine reference the Roundtable discussion on Charter responsibilities. The minutes of the regular meeting of September 18 were approved as amended and placed on file. UNFINISHED BUSINESS -Commissioner Mejorado None. FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE No representative present. CORRESPONDENCE -Commissioner Noordhoek Correspondence for the month of October was accepted and placed on file. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS Commissioner Kowalk noted the duplication of crime statistics in the North and South Precincts and questioned the coincidence. Jim DeLine agreed to inquire to the report writers and communicate the results before the December meeting. Commissioner Kolp had a question on the names listed in the Staffing Report (p. 14) and Chief Alley explained that each personnel vacancy is labeled with the name of the incumbent who left which created the vacancy. She also asked for an explanation on the situation of the Youth Home refusing to house a young person and the Chief explained both their limited capacity and policies. Michael Mathis was commended for including a page of requested information in the monthly packet. Departmental Reports for the month of October were accepted and placed on file. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS Liaison Committee— No report. Awards & Incentives Committee — Commissioner Farhat reported that she is working to secure another grant to help with expenses incurred in holding an awards ceremony. Chief Alley informed the Board of Board of Police Commissioners Meeting Minutes of November 23, 2007 Page 3 the many positive comments which he received regarding this year's event. Budget Committee — Jim DeLine reported that he has not yet met with the Budget Committee due to guidelines from the City Finance Department not yet being received. He is working with Department supervisors to develop funding requests and work programs in a new Excel format in the interim. Complaint Committee - The committee held its meeting on October 29 and feels things are going well. Commission Investigator Report — Bernard Brantley attended domestic violence training with members of the Board and is assisting the Department as it reviews the present complaint procedure. HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES LIAISON Dr. Joan Jackson Johnson discussed the recent community summit expressing her appreciation to Det. Elizabeth Bonello for her participation. She brought the Board's attention to local foreclosure issues noting that there are 20-25 foreclosures per week in Ingham County. She is attempting to identify MSHDA funds for help in this area. The local homelessness situation is also worsening with shelters housing record numbers of people and charitable night stays in motels totaling 15,000 last month. Meanwhile, she continues to work with the community on the issue of utilizing Oliver Towers to house people. Dr. Johnson also noted that as Thanksgiving approaches, we will see an influx of volunteers working to support local programs. Holidays are like that. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Kolp - reported on her involvement with the surveillance camera site selection committee. She commended Capt. Hall for his comments and also commended the decision to withhold video from the Grand River School from the Internet. A discussion on potential video manipulation was held. As the committee proceeds, it will find issues, conduct discussions, question assumptions and explore alternatives. Commissioner Renfrew— commended the Department in general, and the Traffic Unit specifically, for its conduct during Silver Bells in the City. He also commended the Chief for his presentation on surveillance cameras to the City Council. He feels the public is strongly in favor of their introduction. Commissioner Kowalk—wished everyone Happy Holidays. Commissioner Farhat—expressed her appreciation to Chief Alley for his attendance at the Neighborhood Watch coordinators' meeting. She commended Det. Elizabeth Bonello and Sgt. Cherie Ballor for the assistance in their given areas of expertise. Happy Holidays to all. Commissioner Mejorado — noted how instructive and well run the domestic assault training was. She wished everyone Happy Holidays and will soon be heading to Texas for the winter months. OTHER BUSINESS Report of Camera Site Committee—included in Commissioner Kolp's comments above. PUBLIC COMMENT None. ADJOURNMENT -Commissioner Mejorado There being no other agenda items, Commissioner Mejorado adjourned the meeting at 6:56 p.m. BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2007 MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT: Commissioner Bob Noordhoek, Chair Chief Mark Alley Commissioner Maria Mejorado Michael Mathis, LPD Legal Advisor Commissioner Patty Farhat Jim DeLine, Secretary Commissioner Clyde Carnegie Bernard Brantley, Commission Investigator_3 Commissioner Bill Renfrew _ Commissioner Jan Kolp MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC/GUETS S :`.`J Commissioner Linda Sims None MEMBERS EXCUSED: Commissioner Sandra Kowalk N CALL TO ORDER -Commissioner Noordhoek After having established a quorum, Commissioner Noordhoek called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. and led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. He led those present in a moment of silence out of respect for the recent passing of Commissioner Kolp's mother. PUBLIC COMMENT -Agenda Items None. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA None. ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION In lieu of an education presentation, the Board participated in a roundtable discussion on its responsibilities as outlined in the City Charter. Michael Mathis provided pages from the Charter which refer to the Board. Mention is made in several areas. The Board of Police Commissioners is considered to be an advisory board with extra powers, including the establishment of administrative rules and consulting on the budget. Further discussion included some history of the board and required timing of appointments. Commissioner Carnegie reminded everyone that Board members are empowered only when convened as a board. Any public comments made individually are made as an individual or even as a Board member, but are not to be construed as being made on the Board's behalf. It was the consensus of the Board that Charter responsibilities are worthwhile to review on a periodic basis. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT—Chief Alley Chief Alley announced the upcoming Public Safety Career Day being held on November 3 at the South Precinct. There will be several recruitment booths to answer questions from people whether they are students thinking long term or current job seekers. He announced that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and invited Board members to attend a seminar to be conducted by Sgt. Cherie Bailor and Desirae Kelly Kato. The Chief brought word from Mayor Bernero on the Board's consideration of forming a facility committee. There are several sites being considered and discussions will start in earnest in early 2008. The Board Board of Police Commissioners Meeting Minutes of October 16, 2007 Page 2 will delay taking any action for the time being. He discussed the need for a policy regarding surveillance cameras. A draft is being reviewed by the City Attorney which would include the formation of a committee to discuss when / if placement of cameras should change. An appointee of the Board would be included on the committee. In answer to a question from the Board, the Chief noted that patrol officers will have the potential to monitor a camera from their patrol car once the wireless pipeline from the current COPS grant is operational. Chief Alley distributed a copy of the City Council's FY2009 budget priorities which were pertinent to the Police Department. He noted that the County Commission has authorized the use of a third party consultant to review problems with the radio system. They are currently gathering information and testing the deployment of a new south Lansing tower. He noted the forthcoming visit of Rev. Jesse Jackson and mentioned the many locations and times of his visits. Commissioner Sims distributed a handout of them. He also noted that the construction of a traffic circle at Michigan Avenue and Washington Avenue is scheduled to be completed tomorrow. The opening will include several events. He brought to the Board's attention the October 25 Neighborhood Watch training at the Hill center and thanked those who attended Det. Cassie Alley's retirement party held earlier in the day. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -Commissioner Noordhoek The minutes of the regular meeting of September 18 were approved as presented and placed on file. UNFINISHED BUSINESS -Commissioner Noordhoek Commissioner Noordhoek updated the Board on their expected response to correspondence sent to the County Commission. He met with Commissioner Mark Thomas and requested that a response be forthcoming. FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE No representative present. CORRESPONDENCE -Commissioner Noordhoek Correspondence for the month of September was accepted and placed on file. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS Commissioner Farhat noted the precinct monthly comparisons to last year (p.23) and asked if comparisons were made month-to-month or to the prior fiscal year-to-date. Chief Alley noted that they are month-to-month comparisons. Departmental Reports for the month of September were accepted and placed on file. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS Liaison Committee— No report. Awards & Incentives Committee— No report. Budget Committee— City Council priorities were noted. Board of Police Commissioners Meeting Minutes of October 16, 2007 Page 3 Complaint Committee - The committee held a productive meeting last month with Sgt. Ballor of the Internal Affairs Unit. Commissioner Noordhoek asked about the ability of the Department to recruit supervisors for the IA Unit. Chief Alley noted that the position can be considered a good stepping stone to a promotion given its high visibility in the administration. Supervisors routinely remain in the Unit for approximately three years. Commission Investigator Report — Bernard Brantley noted his role in the City's United Way campaign. He has recently been busy attending mediation training and working on the Jesse Jackson visit. He opened two new cases this week. HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES LIAISON In the absence of Dr. Jackson, Commissioner Sims reported that the Department continues to be busy. Current projects include work with the Jesse Jackson visit, continued discussion on the Oliver Towers use, and monitoring City contracts. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Carnegie — commended the Chief on the initial placement of the surveillance cameras. The placement was well thought out. He suggested that a sign at the City limits relating to the use of surveillance cameras may be appropriate. He also suggested that it would be appropriate for the Board to make a decision on its appointee to the placement committee as well as to go on record with a position on the use of surveillance cameras. Commissioner Kolp — expressed her appreciation to the Board for its support on the loss of her mother. She was especially appreciative to those who attended the funeral. Commissioner Renfrew — noted the many tools available in the enforcement of our laws by police professionals. He feels the surveillance cameras are an additional useful tool. Commissioner Mejorado—noted with regret her inability to attend the tour of camera sights. Commissioner Sims — noted her appreciation for being offered a tour of camera sights. She also announced her submission of a $20,000 Kellogg Healthy Communities grant. She spoke highly of Rev. Jackson's upcoming visit noting that he is encouraging action and will be sharing useful information. She expressed her appreciation to the Chief for his distribution of good news and remarked on her appreciation for the fine men and women who serve in the Lansing Police Department. Commissioner Farhat—encouraged all to attend the October 25 Neighborhood Watch training and noted that it is open to the public. She discussed the recent attention to the proposed construction of a cell tower in her neighborhood and announced a candidate's night forum to be held this Wednesday. Finally, she expressed her best wishes to Commissioner Renfrew for his upcoming medical procedure. Commissioner Noordhoek — expressed his appreciation for the tour of camera sights and congratulated the Chief for the recent HOPE scholarship media attention and forthcoming graduates. He also appreciates that the Chief gives members of the Boards a "heads up"on evolving issues. OTHER BUSINESS A motion was made and unanimously passed that the Board of Police Commissioners supports the implementation of surveillance cameras in the City of Lansing. Board of Police Commissioners Meeting Minutes of October 16, 2007 Page 4 PUBLIC COMMENT None. ADJOURNMENT -Commissioner Noordhoek There being no other agenda items, Commissioner Noordhoek adjourned the meeting at 7:24 p.m., but it was quickly reconvened to deal with the matter of a Board appointee to the proposed committee on the placement of surveillance cameras. A motion was made and passed that a member of the Board's leadership team and an alternate be named to serve on the surveillance camera placement committee. Commissioner Sims noted that it may be appropriate for the Mayor to also appoint a member of City Council to this committee. A discussion was held on the domestic violence training to be held by Sgt. Ballor and the consensus of the Board was to request the date of November 5 Commissioner Sims noted that on election night, she would once again be hosting a cable television program. There being no further business to discuss, Commissioner Noordhoek declared the meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.