4:35 pm

Chief Hobley-Burney prayed.

Motion was made by Derrick Gibbons, seconded by Melvin Jones, Sr. 

to excuse the absence of Member Quincy Barr.

AYE:

Charles Hayek, Derrick Gibbons, Melvin Jones, Sr., Dr. Pinkie Hendley

Passed

Motion was made by Derrick Gibbons, seconded by Melvin Jones, Sr. 

to approve the minutes of the May 13, 2021 meeting.

AYE:

Charles Hayek, Derrick Gibbons, Melvin Jones, Sr., Dr. Pinkie Hendley

Passed

Motion was made by Derrick Gibbons, seconded by Melvin Jones, Sr. to move forward with the survey.

Member Hayek informed members that the maps for the survey were changed and the suggestion made by Ms. Davis was also included in the finalized document.

AYE:

Charles Hayek, Derrick Gibbons, Melvin Jones, Sr., Dr. Pinkie Hendley

Passed

Staff Hobley-Burney shared with members that a meeting was held with the City Manager and Finance Director about the upcoming budget.  A request was made for another community service officer as well as ten additional officers. With regards to officers’ pay, four percent (4%) of the increase they got last year was taken from the department’s budget which needs to be adjusted since officers were now in their correct steps. 
 

Members were informed that a review of the department’s sponsorship program was needed so that when sponsored officers resigned before two years they are liable not only for the cost for training but also for salaries.
 

In response to the increased calls for service, the department has begun a pilot during peak hours so that additional officers can be available to provide coverage.
 

Staff Hobley-Burney reported that the department is seeking approval to change from Enterprise to Bartow so that the acquisition of vehicles can be less time-consuming. 
 

As it relates to the improvement of the taser and body worn camera systems, it was discussed that the department would receive a drone as well as five pairs of the virtual reality devices which would be utilized in community engagement. Also, with the in-car camera system, this would allow an officer to capture all activities that occur inside the vehicle. The system will also alert officers when there is an intruder. 
 

With regards to staffing, Member Gibbons enquired if the department’s budget included the cost to hire an attorney. Staff Hobley-Burney said no and that over the years the department has tried to advocate for one.
 

Member Hendley asked about the budget process and whether it was similar across all departments. Members were advised that the process was similar for all departments and that a follow-up meeting to go over the finalized the budget will be convened.
 

Staff Hobley-Burney informed members that the RICH House was opened and that the Courageous Kids Program will resume in July.

In celebration of Juneteenth, a number of events were planned including a peace walk was scheduled for next Friday. A schedule of the events will be sent to members.

Member Hayek encouraged members to highlight the funding concerns of the police department in discussions with their Commissioners.

Member Hendley shared how appreciative she was of the announcements on Facebook about the department. She mentioned that more people were participating by sharing their comments. 

With regards to the meeting package, Member Hendley requested that they be sent out earlier for review before the meeting. 

Member Gibbons sought clarification on the use of golf carts on South Beach for residents in that community. Based on the City Commission’s decision on the matter, it was shared that persons operating golf carts would need a tag.  Staff Braun will send the information on the use of golf carts to Member Gibbons. 

Motion was made by Melvin Jones, Sr., seconded by Derrick Gibbons 

to adjourn the meeting at 5:42 P.M.

AYE:

Charles Hayek, Derrick Gibbons, Melvin Jones, Sr., Dr. Pinkie Hendley

Passed