Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-14-2022 Community Relations Minutes COMMUNITY RELATIONS MARCH 14, 2022, 4:30 P.M. Committee Members Present: Chair Troy Warner, Vice Chair Lori K. Hamann, Eli Waxx, Canneth Lee Others Present: Dawn Jones, Victoria Trujillo, Bob Palmer, Sharon McBride, Bernardo Malone, Chief Scott Ruszkowski, Councilmember White, Rachel Thomas Morgan Agenda: Bill No. 22-13 – A resolution establishing a process for selection of community police review board office. Members marked with an asterisk (*) are present digitally Please note the attached link for the meeting recording: https://docs.southbendin.gov/WebLink/browse.aspx?dbid=0&mediaid=353647 Committee Chair Troy Warner called to order the Community Relations Committee meeting at 4:31 p.m. Bill No. 22-13 – A Resolution Establishing a Process for Selection of Community Police Review Board Office Councilmember Sharon McBride noted that the resolution outlines the steps to consult the CRB. It was noted that the resolution will provide transparency to the public and officers regarding the hiring of the Director and seating of the Board. The City utilizes a three-step (3) process regarding hiring which includes a phone interview, an executive session by the Council, and a public interview. Notes will be taken during the phone interview; however, this will not be distributed to the public. A scoring rubric will be utilized and it will not be distributed to the public. After the second (2nd) round of the process, the candidate pool will be shortlisted to five (5) finalists and their names will be released publicly. At the conclusion of the public interview of the finalists, the Council will pass a resolution recommending no more than three candidates to the mayor. Regarding the Board selection process, Councilmembers will nominate one (1) candidate within their election boundary who will be introduced at a public meeting. The Council will pass an appointment resolution naming the candidate to the Review Board. The floor was opened to questions or comments regarding Bill No. 22-13. 2 Committee Vice Chair Lori Hamann inquired whether the Councilmember restriction of nominating one (1) candidate is permissible and if the ordinance can be changed. Bob Palmer responded that the ordinance outlines that Councilmembers may nominate no more than three (3) candidates and there may be a provision in the resolution if the Councilmember chooses to nominate more than one (1) person per Paragraph 14, Section 2. Councilmember White reiterated that the resolution will provide full transparency regarding the hiring process. Councilmember Rachel Thomas Morgan noted that it is critical that the public is clear on the hiring process for the Director and Board members. The public should keep the Council accountable regarding the process. The Committee was thanked for their efforts. Councilmember Eli Wax thanked the Chair and all participants, as the resolution will provide clarity to the public and will allow Councilmembers to fulfill their duties properly. Councilmember Lee motioned to forward the matter of Bill No. 22-13 to the Committee of the whole with a favorable recommendation which was seconded by Councilmember Hamann and carried by a vote of four (4) ayes. Councilmember Lori Hamann- Aye Councilmember Eli Wax - Aye Councilmember Canneth Lee - Aye Councilmember Troy Warner - Aye With no further business, Committee Chair Warner adjourned the Community Relations meeting at 4:55 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Troy Warner, Committee Chair NOTICE FOR HEARING AND SIGHT IMPAIRED PERSONS Auxiliary Aid or Other Services may be Available upon Request at No Charge. Please give Reasonable Advance Request when Possible Commented [JR1]: Please confirm the time.