HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023/08/02 - ADMIN - Minutes - Police Advisory Commission - Regular Police advisory commission meeting
August 2, 2023
7:00pm
If you need special accommodations or have questions about the meeting, please call Police Lt. Mike Garland, 952-924-
2607, or the administration department at 952.924.2525.
Police advisory commission
Wed., August 2nd, 2023 | 7:00pm
Minutes
• The meeting was called to order, at 7:06 p.m., by Commissioner Eugene.
• Roll call: Present: Commissioners Eugene, Williams, Gamradt, Noble, Slais
and Lt. Garland. Absent: Commissioners Morgan, Tousignant, Christenson
and Bodin. Youth Commissioner Bohrod was excused.
o We welcomed prospective Youth Commissioner Hanna Wilsey to
observe the meeting.
• The agenda for the meeting was approved.
• Approval of 6-7 minutes (there was no quorum for the meeting on 7-5). The
6-7 minutes were approved; motion by Commission Gamradt, seconded by
Commissioner Eugene.
• Announcements: Lt. Garland informed PAC that 136 National Night Out
parties registered with the City of St. Louis Park. Commissioner Noble
suggested that we consider not having PAC meetings during the months of
January and July due to national holidays close to the first Wednesday of
those months. This will be revisited. Lt. Garland will reach out to
Commissioners Bodin, Christenson and Tousignant to thank them for their
service to PAC over the past term and inquire as to whether they are
interested in applying for an extension to their terms.
• Boards and Commissions Consultant’s Report Meeting: The research
consultants who conducted the surveys will have a meeting to discuss their
report regarding the analysis of commissions and their roles on 8-8. At
least 3 of the PAC members will attend, either in-person or virtually.
• Updates from subcommittees:
o By-laws review – This committee has met over the past month and
reviewed both the PAC annual report and work plan. Commissioner
Williams made a motion to send the annual report to the City
Council, Commissioner Gamradt seconded and the motion passed.
Commissioner Gamradt made a motion to approve the work plan as
amended, Commissioner Slais seconded and the motion passed.
Police advisory commission meeting
August 2, 2023
o Surveys – The letter from PAC went to the Chief of Police on 7-14 and
he forwarded it along to the City Council. As of today’s meeting
there has been no response from the Council. The discussion will be
tabled until the September 6th meeting.
o Collaboration with other cities – No update.
o Engagement with the community – There was a discussion about
holding a few “town halls” to meet with community members,
provide activities and disseminate resource material and safety
information. A contact list of organizers of the National Night Out
parties could be a good avenue to utilize when trying to plan these
events and “get the word out”. Lt. Garland mentioned that the
police department can help with the advertisement on social media
and the budget for snacks at the gatherings. It was suggested that
we look at having the first town hall in November.
• Automated License Plate Reader – There was a discussion about a grant
which has been awarded to the city, from the state, to help curb auto thefts
and related crime. It will allow St. Louis Park to purchase up to 6 cameras,
to be affixed in areas that have been identified as problematic. We will be
one of up to 15 cities, located in Hennepin County, which will utilize this
technology provided by vendor, Flock Safety. The system does not have
facial recognition or take photos of people in vehicles. It will be used to aid,
and assist, investigations after a crime has been committed.
• Crime Info/Dept Updates – Most crimes in all categories have increased in
the past month. No biased crimes were reported. There are now 3
individuals in the Pathways to Policing program. SLPPD has acquired a new
K9 officer; a Slovakian Shepherd.
• New business – A discussion took place re: the legalization of marijuana.
• Old business – More discussion about body worn cameras.
• A motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Gamradt at 8:40 p.m. and
seconded by Commissioner Noble. Motion carried.
• Next PAC meeting on 9-6, at 7 p.m. We are scheduled to have Coordinator
Mike Sund (City Elections and Civic Engagement) join us to discuss a focus
group on board and commission purpose.
Respectfully submitted by Diane Slais