C I T Y O F F O R T P I E R C E
POLICE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Regular Meeting - Thursday, August 11, 2022 - 4:30 p.m.MINUTES
Fort Pierce City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 100 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL
- Present:
- Charles Hayek; Dr. Pinkie Hendley; Derrick Gibbons
- Absent:
- Melvin Jones, Sr.; Quincy Barr
- Staff Present:
-
- Chief of Police Diane Hobley-Burney
- Lieutenant Jason Braun
1.
CALL TO ORDER
4:32 pm
2.
OPENING PRAYER
Member Hendley prayed.
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
ROLL CALL
Motion was made by Dr. Pinkie Hendley, seconded by Derrick Gibbons to excuse the absence of Member Jones.
- AYE:
- Charles Hayek, Derrick Gibbons, Dr. Pinkie Hendley
Passed
Motion was made by Derrick Gibbons, seconded by Dr. Pinkie Hendley to excuse the absence of Member Barr.
- AYE:
- Charles Hayek, Derrick Gibbons, Dr. Pinkie Hendley
Passed
5.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Motion was made by Dr. Pinkie Hendley, seconded by Derrick Gibbons to approve the minutes of the July 14, 2022 meeting.
- AYE:
- Charles Hayek, Derrick Gibbons, Dr. Pinkie Hendley
Passed
A.
Approval of Minutes from the July 14, 2022 Police Community Advisory Meeting.
6.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Any person who wishes to comment on any subject on this Agenda or any concerns may be heard at this time. Please sign the sign-up sheet in order to speak. Please limit your comments to no more than three (3) minutes, as this section of the Agenda is limited to thirty minutes. The Police Community Advisory Board will not be able to take any official action under “Comments from the Public” section.
Any person who wishes to comment on any subject on this Agenda or any concerns may be heard at this time. Please sign the sign-up sheet in order to speak. Please limit your comments to no more than three (3) minutes, as this section of the Agenda is limited to thirty minutes. The Police Community Advisory Board will not be able to take any official action under “Comments from the Public” section.
7.
OLD BUSINESS
A.
None.
As a follow-up to last meeting’s discussion for the committee to organize community meetings, Staff Hobley-Burney asked members how they would like to proceed. A discussion on the proposed venues followed. Member Gibbons suggested that the meetings could be held at Friday Fest or at the Saturday Farmers’ Market. Staff Hobley-Burney suggested the Incubator Neighborhood Center (INC) but pointed out that we would need to partner with the nearby church for parking. Member Hayek shared concerns about the public not attending the committee’s monthly meetings. A recommendation was made by Staff Hobley-Burney to invite the public to the next meeting in September. Staff Braun will seek guidance from Ms. Cox about the proposed community meetings.
8.
NEW BUSINESS
A.
Department Update.
Staff Hobley-Burney informed members of the Ignite Initiative Report that was compiled by the Roundtable. She shared her concerns about how the Roundtable discredits the work of the police department and that they were applying for the same grants that the department wanted to access.
As it relates to hiring, Staff Hobley-Burney stated that the police department has changed its approach so that officers can be hired before they exited the police academy. She raised concerns about the department’s sponsorship program and that legal advice will be sought to improve the strength of the contract.
With regard to police officers, members were informed that the department was working to have the upcoming wage contract ratified by October 1, 2022 and before other agencies have implemented their agreements. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that officers who go on military leave was a concern for the department.
Staff Hobley-Burney explained to members that because the department does not have a capital budget a request will be made to the City Manager for capital funding for a number of projects. A request will also be made for two captains in preparation for a succession plan for the department.
Members were advised of the challenge the police department is having with the homeless. Staff Hobley-Burney stated that the Community Engagement Unit will be working to address the challenges the department has been experiencing.
As it relates to hiring, Staff Hobley-Burney stated that the police department has changed its approach so that officers can be hired before they exited the police academy. She raised concerns about the department’s sponsorship program and that legal advice will be sought to improve the strength of the contract.
With regard to police officers, members were informed that the department was working to have the upcoming wage contract ratified by October 1, 2022 and before other agencies have implemented their agreements. Staff Hobley-Burney shared that officers who go on military leave was a concern for the department.
Staff Hobley-Burney explained to members that because the department does not have a capital budget a request will be made to the City Manager for capital funding for a number of projects. A request will also be made for two captains in preparation for a succession plan for the department.
Members were advised of the challenge the police department is having with the homeless. Staff Hobley-Burney stated that the Community Engagement Unit will be working to address the challenges the department has been experiencing.
B.
Upcoming Events.
The department’s “Courageous Kids” outreach will resume on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at the First Step Park. Flyers of this community engagement will be distributed.
9.
STAFF COMMENTS
Staff Hobley-Burney shared that the activities leading up to the unveiling of the Memorial Statue were progressing as planned.
10.
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Member Hendley shared with members of the Gun Violence Initiative that is being planned for the community. She reported that the New Life Changing Information Center is working on a proposal that will be evaluated by Faith in Florida. Additional information on the initiative will be shared in the future.
As it relates to the police department’s fundraiser for the Memorial Statue, Member Hendley said that the Survivors of Murder Victims will be supporting the activity.
As it relates to the police department’s fundraiser for the Memorial Statue, Member Hendley said that the Survivors of Murder Victims will be supporting the activity.
11.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Derrick Gibbons, seconded by Dr. Pinkie Hendley to adjourn the meeting at 5:30 P.M.
- AYE:
- Charles Hayek, Derrick Gibbons, Dr. Pinkie Hendley
Passed