HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/03/1978 City Council 000145
MINUTES OF SPECIAL SESSION
THE CITY OF THE COLONY
DENTON COUNTY, TEXAS
FEBRUARY 3, 1978
THE STATE OF TEXAS )
)
COUNTY OF DENTON )
The City Council of the City of The Colony, Denton County,
Texas, convened in a Special Session with the Law Enforcement
Commission, open to the public, at the City Hall of the City
of The Colony, Denton County, Texas, at 7,00 P.M., Friday,
February 3, 1978, and the roll was called of the members of
the Council, to wit,
Linda Adams Mayor Pro Tom
Cathy Bock Alderman
Dave Dall Alderman
Joe Gaulden Alderman
Sandra Shearer Alderman
and all members were present with the exception of Alderman
Shearers however, a quorum was established. Also present
were members of the Law Enforcement Commission, Wes Gray,
John Vasil, Joe Murphy, and the recently resigned Chairperson,
Vicki Harkridert Janice Carroll, City Secretary~ Jim Beltran,
Chief of Policel and members of the audience.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Adams. She
explained that the City Council was interested in discussing
the background and future of the commission.
Member Wes Gray stated that he would be serving as temporary
Chairman for the commission. He also expressed the commis-
sion's disappointment that Vicki Harkrider must resign as
Chairperson of the commission. Chairman Gray explained to
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the Council that at the last commission meeting a motion was
made and passed that the Council be responsible for the
screening and appointment of members to the commission. He
presented an application form prepared by Judy Gurley, Com-
mission Secretary, for the Council's review. Alderman Bock
stated that she felt this application should be used by all
commissions.
Chairman Gray stated further that the group is actually an
advisory committee rather than a commission. He then pre-
sented the minutes of the last commission meeting for the
Council's review.
There followed a lengthy discussion of the future tasks of
the Commission. It was defined that the role of the Law
Enforcement Commission should be to advise the Council not
the Police Department. The Council is concerned that the
commission may be influenced by Jim Beltran, Chief of
Police. Vicki Harkrider stated that the commission func-
tioned separately from the Police Department.
Alderman Bock asked the commission members why they presented
a recommendation to mark the second police vehicle. Member
Vasil stated that they were told this was what the Council
wanted. Alderman Bock emphasized that they must perform as
an independent commission.
Alderman Dall felt that there is also a communication problem
between the commission and the Council. He further stated
that the Council felt that the feelings of the community
should be considered. There followed a lengthy discussion
as to the value of public opinion. Bill Devlin, a former
member of the Law Enforcement Commission, stated the Commis-
sion should, be a source of citizen input into the formation
of police policies. Alderman Dall emphasized that the
Council must have data to present to the citizens to back up
decisions made by the commission.
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The Council asked that a monthly meeting with the Chairman of
the commission be held and a quarterly joint Work Session be
arranged to avoid future misunderstandings.
At this time Alderman Gaulden stated that he felt the Commis-
sion should continue, primarily because it was set up for a
year and this year is not up. However, the Commission should
begin studying long range plans, such as, (1) size of
department~ (2) space considerations~ (3) make up of depart-
ment~ (4) number of vehicles~ (5) size of the Reserve Force~
(6) equipment~ (7) communications~ and (8) identify specific
problems that come with rapid growth. Alderman Gaulden
stated that these goals should be finalized prior to the new
Council. Mayor Pro Tem Adams agreed that the commission
needs a definite plan of action. Alderman Dall agreed with
the goals presented by Alderman Gaulden stating that he would
add only one item -- cost figures.
The members of the commission agreed to work in this direction.
Mayor Pro Tem Adams asked that the Council be able to review
the commission's long range goals.
Mayor Pro Tem Adams announced that the meeting would be
adjourned and a coffee would follow for Vicki Harkrider. All
were invited to attend.
Janiee ~rrOll, City Secret ry