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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09162020 MinutesPUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD Virtual Meeting Port Angeles, Washington September 16, 2020 6:00 pm CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Barnard called the regular meeting of the Public Safety Advisory Board to order at 6:11 p.m. ROLL CALL: Chairman Barnard announced the resignation of two board members, Dr. Ed Zoble and Thomas Mitchell. Members Present: Alan Barnard, Evan Brown, Kathleen Graf, Kelsey Lane, Lourene O’Brien, Alan Oman, Kiara Schmitt, Shana Scott Members Absent: Staff Present: Ken Dubuc, Fire Chief; Brian Smith, Police Chief; Catherine Dewey, Secretary Guests: Nitasha Lewis, Dr. Helen Lovejoy, Dr. Kate Reavey NEW BUSINESS: Chairman Barnard addressed the Ordinance that was passed by City Council the night prior and said the Board would be bringing someone in from legal to go over the Ordinance in detail so that everyone understands any changes that will be made and how Board business will be conducted moving forward. Racial Justice Presentation (Peninsula College) Chairman Barnard introduced the speakers from Peninsula College Dr. Kate Reavey, Dr. Helen Lovejoy and Nitasha Lewis. Dr. Helen Lovejoy began by highlighting Peninsula College’s role in anti-racist work. They are hoping to expand their community connections by having conversations such as this. Dr. Lovejoy noted that Nitasha inspired colleagues by reminding them of the important role the college has to play in the social, political, and historical moment that we are in and that creating a safe place for discussion and anti- racist work is a valuable education framework that they can offer to the students and larger community that they serve. Around this time the Peninsula College Board of Trustees adopted Resolution #2020-07 a Resolution condemning racial bias and violence in response to the killing of George Floyd and the ensuing protests, Dr Lovejoy expressed the College’s purpose in brining awareness to the community. Dr. Lovejoy introduced Nitasha Lewis, Nitasha began by thanking the Board and community members for attending and being a part of this conversation on Racial Justice. Nitasha read a beautiful excerpt from the book The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin whom Nitasha respects and models her work and writing after. Nitasha also shared of her own experiences as a black woman and the experiences of her family living in the U.S. as well as the Port Angeles area specifically. Nitasha also shared that from her experience brutality is not an issue with all Police Departments, she had the opportunity to interview Sgt. Viada while she was working on her AA degree and she expressed her appreciation for that opportunity and noted that the experience with Port Angeles PD and being given a full understanding of their training and how they prepare to handle different scenarios made her feel proud to be a part of this community. Dr. Lovejoy invited the Board and community members to join the College as they hold this Conversation Series. Port Angeles Police Department Report: They have completed their 280 Reserve Academy which was a great success as they were the only organization out of 21 that followed through and completed the Academy during Covid. The Outreach program is also going well, they have a Case Manager and staff out with Officers and working with the Community Paramedic. They are 1 of 3 PD in the State of Washington that have this program. Summer has been busy, and the 3 Code Enforcement officers have completed training and are now working on some challenging properties that are visible in the community. Chief also noted Dr. Zoble’s decision to leave the board and the impact that he had on the PSAB over many years. • Active Bystander for Law Enforcement (ABLE) Training – Chief announced that PAPD will be starting the ABLE training program which they had to apply to. The aim of this program is to create a police culture in which officers routinely intervene as necessary to: prevent misconduct, avoid police mistakes and promote officer health and wellness. Port Angeles Fire Department Report: Chief Dubuc began by expressing his respect and appreciation for Dr. Zoble’s contribution to the Board over the years. Chief Dubuc also thanked the speakers from Peninsula College for their presentation. Port Angeles Fire Department staffing is down by 5 positions and it has been difficult to hire the right people. PAFD received the news that they will be receiving a $50,000 grant from Peninsula Behavioral Health and that will be used to help with the Community Paramedicine Program. Daniel Montana our Community Paramedic has been given authority by the Medical Program Director to give flu shots in the home which is a groundbreaking step. Call volumes continue to increase significantly. Chief encourages the members of the Board to ride along with the department if they have an interest in seeing more of what they do. OTHER BUSINESS: Elect Chairman and Vice Chairman for 2020-2021 Chairman Barnard opened the discussion stating that he is interested in continuing as Chairman of the Board, he also asked Vice Chairman O’Brien if she is interested in continuing in her position and she confirmed her desire to run for Vice Chairman. Chairman Barnard asked the Board if there were any other members interested in the position for Chairman or Vice Chairman to please come forward. No other candidates for the positions presented. A motion was made by Shana Scott that Alan Barnard remain as Chair and Lourene O’Brien remain in the Vice Chairman position, Kathleen Graf seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, and the motion carried with Alan Barnard as the Chairman and Lourene O’Brien as Vice Chairman. PUBLIC COMMENT: Deputy Mayor Navarra Carr called in to thank the Board for holding the meeting and that she appreciated the comments from the presenters. Deputy Mayor Carr thanked the Board for their service and hard work over the past couple of months with all the changes coming to the Board. She has taken this opportunity to learn more about the Board and about the programs that the community offers. Theresa Sesma Meyers called in and gave her appreciation for the conversation on racial justice. She is proud to have been a part of the Board and hopes to be voted back on in the near future. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Chairman Barnard – noted that the Chief did a great job with the presentation for the new EOC that was given the evening prior. Kathleen Graf – She thought the speakers from Peninsula College were wonderful and was impressed by the presentation that Chief Smith gave regarding the new EOC building. Kelsey Lane – Thanked the Board for her seat and expressed her excitement as a new member of the Board. Vice Chairman O’Brien- Thought the presentation by Peninsula College was wonderful and insightful, certainly an opportunity to learn. She also spoke regarding the resignation of Dr. Zoble and suggested that the Board do something to show their appreciation to his many years of service. Kiara Schmitt – School started on the 3rd and it has had its difficulties for students and teachers. She also noted the 4 way stop at Park and Race where there is a dip in the road and there have been quite a few accidents there with deer crossing the road in that dark intersection, she recommends a light being installed. Shana Scott- Thank you to PD and FD as she knows it has been exceptionally difficult over the summer ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Barnard adjourned the meeting at 7:39 p.m. The next Scheduled meetings is October 21st, 2020