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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSAB Minutes 06/16/2021 PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD Virtual Meeting Port Angeles, Washington June 16, 2021 6:00 pm CALL TO ORDER: Chair Drew Schwab called the regular meeting of the Public Safety Advisory Board to order at 6:07 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Gayle Brauner, Evan Brown, Jesse Charles, Jesse Driese, Kathleen Graf, Kelsey Lane, Michael McGuire, Andrew Schwab, Shana Scott, Octavia Smith, Viola Ware Absent: Evan Brown, Jessie Charles, Joseph Turrey Staff Present: Ken Dubuc, Fire Chief, Jason Viada, Deputy Police Chief, Catherine Dewey, Secretary Guests: REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: A motion was made by Michael McGuire to approve the May meeting minutes, a second was made by Shana Scott and the motion passed unanimously. COMMUNICATIONS AND LETTERS: a) Public Comment: No Public Comment b) Police Department Report: Deputy Police Chief Viada introduced himself to the new board members and noted that per capita Washington state is in 5 1"place when it comes to policing per capita. That simply means that every other state has more officers per 1,000 population than Washington state. The recent reforms have limited police authority even more than before. Viada touched base on the Strategic Plan, which is a funding priority document. There are different force options presented in that document as well as the Negotiation Team Training. Modernizing their methods is always a priority as well as new patrol tactics. PD has heard the request of the community and are focused on staying current with their training and tactics. c) Fire Department Report: Fire Chief Ken Dubuc introduced himself to the new board members. Chief outlined the different divisions within the fire department: Fire, EMS and Prevention and explained that the ratio is about 90/10, 90% EMS calls and 10% Fire calls. We are one of the busiest stations in the country and are currently down 3 positions and have faced difficulty finding the right people to fill the open positions. Call volumes continue to go up and the Community Paramedic program has been very impactful in response to many calls that come into 911 that don't require an ambulance or engine to respond. Chief extended an invite to Board members to ride along with the Fire Department and gather a full understanding of what the Port Angeles Fire Department does on a daily basis. COMMITTEE REPORTS: OLD BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: a) Bylaw Revisions: Chair Schwab used the Planning Commission's bylaws in order to have consistency across City Boards. The Board reviewed recommended revisions which have also been reviewed by the City Attorney. Gayle Brauner had a few questions/comments regarding the bylaws and Chair Schwab gave clarification and revisions made. b) How to perform Our Board Duties: Chair Schwab opened the floor for suggestions from the Board of ways that they can best perform their duties of the Board. Gayle would like to hear more from the elderly community and believes that the Board would be a great resource in gathering information from that demographic. Viola and Michael both agreed that community outreach is very important. Michael also noted that listening to the Fire and Police Chiefs is key. Deputy police Chief also believes that speaking to the victims of crimes is a critical and he recommends having the County Victim Witness coordinator as a guest at a future meeting, Viada also would like to give the Board an in person presentation about the Independent Investigative team and the Board's in the even that PAPD had an officer involved shooting. Chair Schwab also suggested that being given the logical or financial reasons behind decisions being made or not made internally by the Fire Department and Police Department would be greatly beneficial in having a full understanding of operations. Michael also noted the importance of educating the community on what the PSAB responsibilities are as well as letting them know that this Board does not have any authority. c) Formal "Thank You" to Police and Fire Departments: Gayle's proposed proclamation, "We, the Public Safety Advisory Board extend the hearty thank you to all City fire and police personnel for their work during the covid-19 pandemic. Especially, we recognize first responders who diligently perform their jobs with the risks of exposure and sickness. Further, we appreciate all personnel who have been fully vaccinated. Your example provides the public with confidence in your commitment to public safety. Thank you for choosing to work for the Port Angeles Fire and Police Departments." Chair Schwab then opened the floor for discussion, Michael noted that he approved of the proclamation except for pointing out those who have been vaccinate and would like to see that removed, Kelsey also agreed. Gayle further explained her desire to keep that portion in. Was decided upon to pause conversation and resume at the September meeting for further discussion. d) Land Acknowledgement: Kelsey recommended the Board include Land Acknowledgement to the beginning of our meetings. Conversation ensued for further understanding. The City Clerk will be contacted to see where the Council stands on this suggestion. e) July Meeting: Chair Schwab suggested having a July meeting to vote on and approve the Bylaw revisions. Viola noted that she would not mind a short meeting to simply vote on the bylaws, conversation ensured. The bylaws state that a 30-day notice must be given prior to voting on bylaws. A motion was made by Kelsey to hold a special meeting on July 21st to vote on the Bylaw revisions. A second was provided by Viola. A roll call vote was had and passed with a 7/1 vote by the Board. GOOD OF THE ORDER: ADJOURNMENT: Shana made a motion for adjournment and the motioned was seconded by Gayle. The motion passed unanimously, and Chair Schwab called for adjournment at 8:01pm Special Meeting scheduled for July 21, 2021.