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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2369 Creating a Community Oriented Policing Advisory BoardORDINANCE NO. 2369 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, CREATING A COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING ADVISORY BOARD, PROVIDING FOR THE MEMBERSHIP AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD, AND CREATING A NEW CHAPTER 2.38 OF THE PORT TOWNSEND MUNICIPAL CODE. WHEREAS, a close relationship between the Police Department and the community is an essential part of a responsive and responsible city government; and WHEREAS, the benefits of such a relationship are immeasurable for not only the Police Department but also the residents, business community, and city officials; and WHEREAS, as a means of enhancing Police community relations, communications, and community confidence, the Police Chief has proposed that a Community Oriented Policing Advisory Board be created; and WHEREAS, the City Council believes the creation of such a Board to be a desirable step in ensuring quality citizen input and information exchanged concerning Police services within the City of Port Townsend; NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council for the City of Port Townsend, Washington, does ordain as follows: SECTION 1. There is hereby created a new Chapter 2.38 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code, to read as follows: CHAPTER 2.38 COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING ADVISORY BOARD 2.38.010 2.38.020 2.38.030 2.38.040 2.38.050 2.38.060 Board Established. Composition of Board. Appointment terms. Compensation. Duties of the Board. Meetings and Procedure. 2.38.010 Board Established: There is hereby established for the City of Port Townsend, a citizens advisory board to be known as the "Community Oriented Policing Advisory Board." ho B. the City; 2.38.020 Composition of Board.. The Board shall consist of nine (9) members, who shall meet the following criteria, provided that a majority of the members shall be City residents: All members shall either be City residents or work or attend school within the City; At least two (2) members shall be owners or managers of businesses located within C. One (1) member shall be a representative from the Port Townsend School District; D. One (1) member shall be a high school-age resident of the City and a student at Port Townsend High School; One (1) member shall be a senior citizen member of the community, 65 years of age or older; F. Eligibility shall not extend to defendants in any pending criminal matter before the Courts nor to those individuals under active supervision by the Department of Corrections; G. The Chief of Police or a designee shall serve as an advisor to the board. 2.38.030 Appointment and Terms. All Board Members shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City B. Initial appointments to the Board shall be made for the following terms: 1. Two (2) members of the Board shall be appointed for one (1) year terms; 2. Two (2) members of the Board shall be appointed for two (2) year terms; 3. Two (2) members of the Board shall be appointed for three (3) year terms; 4. Three (3) members of the Board shall be appointed for four (4) year terms. C. All subsequent appointments, except for vacancies shall be for four-year terms, provided that members shall remain in office until their successors are appointed and confirmed. 2 Council. D. Vacancies occurring otherwise then through the expiration of terms shall be filled for the remainder of the term of the member being replaced. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as original appointments. E. Members may be removed at will at any time prior to the end of their term by recommendation of the Mayor and action by the City Council. In addition, members who fall to attend three (3) consecutive regular meetings may be considered to have vacated their positions and may be replaced, as provided herein. Any member who ceases to meet the criteria for his or her selection as provided in Section 2.38.020 shall be deemed to have forfeited his/her position. F. High school member's term is limited to two years and is considered expired upon member's graduation from high school. 2.38.040 Compensation. No member of the Board shall receive compensation for services performed. 2.38.050 Duties of the Board. A. The duties of the Board shall include but shall not be limited to the following: 1. To advise and make recommendations to the City Council, Mayor, and Chief of Police concerning the provisions of Police protection and services within the City; 2. To enhance Police community relations; 3. To review and make recommendations concerning Police Department policies, procedures, and programs, in accordance with Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) standards for accreditation, including budgetary implications thereof; 4. To promote public awareness of the City's Police services and programs, including, but not limited to, crime prevention, DARE, and bicycle patrol; 5. To hold public meetings from time to time to solicit public input regarding Police services and programs; 6. To serve as a liaison between the Police Department and the community; 7. To apprise the City Council, Mayor, and Chief of Police of the community's need for Police services; 8. To encourage individuals and community groups to assist the Police Department in Police programs and services, including the provisions of funds, manpower and capital. 9. To review and make recommendations concerning such other and further matters as may be referred to the Board from time to time by the City Council, Mayor or Chief of Police; 10. To review and make recommendations regarding legislative changes affecting PoliCe services in port Townsend. B. The Board shall make a quarterly report to the City Council, Mayor, and Chief of Police regarding its activities. C. Notwithstanding the broad duties of the Board under subsection A. of this Section, the Board shall have no power or authority to investigate, review, or otherwise participate in matters involving specific Police personnel or specific Police-related incidents. 2.38.060 Meetings and Procedure. A. The Board shall adopt By-Laws and Rules of Procedure consistent with this Chapter. B. The Board shall have at least one (1) regular meeting per month on such day of the month and at such time as may be established by the Board in its By-Laws. Special meetings may be held as often as the Board deems necessary. All meetings of the Board shall be open to the public, except as otherwise provided in the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 42.30 RCW. All requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act shall be followed by the Board. C. For purposes of conducting the Board's business, exercising its powers, and for all other purposes, a quorum of the Board shall consist of five (5) or more members. Any action taken by a majority of those present, when those present constitute a quorum, at any regular or special meeting of the Board, shall be deemed and taken as the action and decision of the Board. D. The Board shall elect such officers as it deems necessary in order to conduct its business. E. The Board shall tape record or keep minutes of all meetings held and all business transacted. All records of the Board shall be open for public inspection, except those that may be exempt from public disclosure under state laW. 2.38.070 Severability. If any Section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance should be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a Court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any other Section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance. Section 2. This Ordinance shall become effective five days after passage and publication as provided by law. Read for the first, second and third times and passe::~J.~y the City Council of the City of Port Townsend, Washington, at a regular meetin~'~q, h~ld ihis t/qd:~ day of ~0 t.'/ ,1993. _ John Clise, Mayor Attest: David Grove, Clerk/Treasurer Approved as to form: Dennis McLerran, City Attorney