HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.17.20.work session minutes COUNCIL WORK SESSION
August 17, 2020
4:30 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Boesen, Amos, Morrissey, Klein, Grieder, and Juon. Mr. Feuss was absent.
Moved by Juon seconded by Grieder that the Agenda,as proposed,be approved. Voice-vote Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
Objective: Discussion of Police Department Policies.
Joel Fitzgerald, Police Chief, explained that in June he made a presentation to council of changes
he was planning to make to the department. He presented a progress update on the 14 areas of
changes that he is addressing in the department.
Mayor Hart commented that the crisis intervention training would include mental health services.
This is in response to the large number of inmates in county jail who require mental health services.
Joel Fitzgerald confirmed and explained that this is in its fledgling stage and the goal is to develop
a countywide program. This would become the supervisor's call to determine whether it would
be appropriate for a police response or a crisis intervention with a social service provider.
Mr. Grieder thanked the Mayor and Chief Fitzgerald for working on the ordinance. He said one
thing that is missing is that there should be a resolution adopted addressing the police department
patch. He explained that when it was adopted, he believes it was adopted with good intentions;
however,it makes portions of our population uncomfortable due to its resemblance to the Klu Klux
Klan dragon insignia. He asked that the resolution be developed and that a rebranding take place
to change the department patch.
Mr. Boesen questioned how many stakeholders would serve on the police chief advisory board.
Joel Fitzgerald commented that he believes the board should be of approximately 15-16 people.
Mr. Boesen commented that he believes that changing the patch should be left to the police
department. He asked if the chief has met with everyone in the department.
Joel Fitzgerald commented that he has met with about half of the employees in the department.
Mrs. Juon commented that she does not know the whole history of the patch. She believes that if
it is alarming to 15 percent of the population then change needs to be considered. She explained
that she feels the topic needs to explored more and that it is within the purview of the council make
a decision about the patch. She also asked if there was a reason to restrict rather than prohibit a
chokehold.
Joel Fitzgerald commented that chokeholds are not taught or trained but in scenarios when an
officer is fighting for their life, we would not necessarily say that they would not choke someone.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if the ordinance language presented is what is going to be presented to
council next week.
Mayor Hart confirmed.
Mr. Morrissey commented that he had several issues with the wording of the ordinance and shared
a list of concerns he had with the ordinance. Mr. Morrissey shared that he has been working with
several individuals and will be bringing an 8-page ordinance and four resolutions addressing
several police department policies and practices. He asked the Mayor to put his ordinance on hold
until he can present his ordinance and resolutions.
Mayor Hart commented that he has heard of support from Mr. Morrissey, Mr. Grieder, and Mrs.
Juon on looking at a resolution to remove the griffin as a symbol of the police department.
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Mrs. Klein commented that the council should follow the lead of the chief on whether the
department wants to replace the griffin.
Mr. Amos commented that he is working with Mr. Grieder and Mr. Morrissey on ordinance
changes and believes that the ordinance presented today addresses several of the issues they have
discussed and he is in full support. He added that the issue of the griffin patch should not be a
reason to delay moving forward on the greater issues that are being presented.
Mr. Feuss commented that the ordinance is well written and more explanation may be needed on
some parts. Without knowing what other council members have written, he is unsure if there is
overlap between the two. He would support having a resolution on the patch presented to council.
Mrs. Juon questioned if because of the proposed wording in Section 1-6A-1, could this ordinance
ever be repealed.
Kelley Felchle, City Clerk, explained that the wording in 1-6A-1 is already in the current
ordinance.
Mayor Hart questioned the definition of racial profiling and biased based policing.
Joel Fitzgerald suggested that an appendix or definitions section be added to address concerns
regarding clarification of terminology.
Mr. Morrissey commented that he wants some of these policies codified to make them more
permanent and long lasting.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Juon seconded by Grieder that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:24 p.m. Voice-vote Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Kelleff 7e -hle
Kelley Felchle
City Clerk