August 2023 Meeting Summary
August 3rd, 2023 PAB Meeting SummaryObserved by Deborah Rice Gordon
A recording of this meeting can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ea60yL3wDc
Be advised that the sound quality is very poor at times.
A new Board member, Ms. Wilson was welcomed to her first meeting. The minutes from the July 6th board meeting were approved.
Interim Executive Director Sherry Walker-Cowart gave the staff report:
- Several new hires were announced including the Director of Investigations, a staff attorney, the Director of Case Management and four investigators.
- Public Affairs has issued a right to know proposal and several public discussion sessions are on-going. Several community outreach efforts are planned for festivals and other events.
- An inaugural quarterly newsletter is being released this month.
- The Policy and Oversight Division has public input sessions planned until August 17th. They are trying to get information from the Rochester Police Department (RPD) on the use of pepper spray on juveniles. The annual report is being drafted.
- Staff continues to work on obtaining download access and new computers have been ordered.
- There is one opening on the Board for the east council seat. Please let city council know if you have an interest in serving.
- Although there are positions that remain to be filled, the Board is encouraged by the recent hires.
- Please share information on the input sessions with your community so that all stakeholders can learn about policy proposals and the Board can hear what the public would like PAB to focus on.
- The court decision on PAB’s disciplinary power is still pending. We don’t know when we will have an update on this issue.
- The Board met with the Oversight team to identify priorities for next year.
Training Committee - Training is needed for new staff and Board members and work is underway to define what classes will be required.
Search Committee – The search process for a permanent Executive Director is underway. A request for proposal is being prepared to hire an executive search team. The job description is under review by human resources.
No new business was discussed.
An executive session was called to address potential litigation and new hires. No votes were taken. The meeting was adjourned afterward.