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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNULL (266) j n � i I MINUTES DANIA CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING AUGUST 15, 1988 INVOCATION: Wanda Mullikin PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL : Present : Mayor : Charles McElyea Vice Mayor : Jean Cook Commissioners : John Bertino Howard Hirsch Anthony Stevens City Attorney : Frank Adler City Manager : Robert Flatley City Clerk : Wanda Mullikin I Mayor McElyea called the Special Meeting to order at 7 : 00 p .m . 1 . Discussion and possible action regarding the proposed merger with the Broward Sheriff' s Office . Setting a two minute time limit, Mayor McElyea opened a public hearing . Jeanette Eby, Bobbie Grace, Jack Bradley, Lew - Gusdorff, Anita Serpe commented in opposition, asking the Commission to take more time before making a decision and urging unity in whatever decision is best for the City . Lottie Hampton, Morris Schockett, Mrs . Warman, Diane Lee, and Larry Rogers , representing the Dania P .B .A. , commented in support of the merger for reasons of economy as well as increased protection . Michael Venezio presented a petition signed by many Dania residents and pointed out that Thomas Sette, who had previously opposed the merger, was the first signer . Goldie Last also spoke in support . i Joseph F . Hamilton addressed the issue of money asking why the City doesn ' t sell bonds and expressed the opinion that all the citizens should have a vote on the B .S .O. issue . Dan DeCoursey, a Crime Watch member named Linda, Dr . Preacher, Frank Salerno and Kathleen Rivera commented in support of the B .S .O. proposal increasing manpower in the interests of safety . Alex Buxbaum, Vice President of the Griffin Civics Assn . , commented on the excellent quality of the B .S .O. service in his area . Deborah Graham voiced concerns about juvenile crime . Dennis Satink commented on fears of the elderly . Earl Palmer urged approval of the contract . It was noted that of the 43 Dania police officers, only 3 do not wish to go with B .S . O. Lew Gusdorff commented that the Sheriff' s Office currently offers Dania Police assistance with dogs, narcotics unit, and helicopter when needed . Mayor McElyea then polled the Commission . Commissioner Bertino commented in support of the merger for budgetary reasons as well as better service and protection against crack dealers, guaranteed manpower and less risk to the police officers . He expressed his belief that Dania ' s annexation chances would be enhanced if B .S .O. were the policing agent for the City of Dania . He said emotionally he j would like to keep the Dania Police Department, but logically he must go with B .S .O. Special Meeting 1 August 15, 1988 i f Commissioner Hirsch commented that he had not yet read the contract, asked if 1, 000 people in the city signed that petition, what about the other 12, 000, suggested a referendum or postponement of a decision for three months to give Mr . Flatley a chance to review the situation . He stressed his opposition to giving up Dania ' s Police Department . Commissioner Stevens expressed concerns about risking the safety of citizens as well as police officers and, commenting on the benefits offered by B .S .O. , including the Explurer Program, spoke in support of the merger. Vice Mayor Cook commended Dania ' s Police on the service it has provided with the equipment at hand, said she would like to keep the Department and expressed the opinion that changing basic services would be " throwing in the towel , " feeling that a city should provide both fire and police service . She said she has always fought against cutting the police department budget in manpower or equipment and has always, and will continue to support law enforcement no matter what color uniform . She expressed her feeling that this issue is a ballot question that should go before the people . Commenting that B .S .O . is j mandated to support Dania ' s police, she expressed her belief that Dania should keep its Police Department and could provide the monies for it if Mr . Flatley had the opportunity to work on it . Vice Mayor Cook repeated her statement that whichever way the vote goes, she would always support the law enforcement officers no matter what uniform they have on . Mayor McElyea commented on his lifelong support of the Dania Police Department and said regardless of which way it turns, he would continue to support the police . He pointed out that right now assistance from B . S .O . can only be given in response to a request from the Police Chief. Expressing concern about 3-man road shifts and in view of the 1 . 9 million dollar loan , Mayor McElyea said the dollar savings, guaranteed 6-man road shifts, and increased protection against drugs among other benefits should not be turned down . Mayor McElyea denied any personal conflict of interest, citing his opposition to several of Sheriff Navarro ' s proposals in the past . j City Attorney Adler reported that a group of citizens is starting an initiative movement in opposition to the B .S .O. merger and that , by Charter, he is required to provide neutral assistance and advice to that group in preparing the ordinance, I petitions or any other necessary documents . Colonel Ed Werder of B .S .O . spoke about the contract draft and some of the advantages of the merger. Dania Police Chief Thivener expressed his support in whatever decision the Commission makes . A motion was made by Commissioner Stevens, seconded by Commissioner Bertino to direct the City Attorney and the City Manager to negotiate the contract with the Sheriff in acceptance of the B .S .O. proposal . The motion passed on the following roll call vote : Commissioner Bertino-yes Vice Mayor Cook -no 1 Commissioner Hirsch-no Mayor McElyea -yes Commissioner Stevens-yes i i Regarding contract negotiations, Staff was directed to address court time, personnel on duty within Dania ' s city limits, and limiting the number of people that can be held in the cells J within the City . Special Meeting 2 August 15, 1988 1 T I 1 1. LP 1 1 This Special Meeting was then adjourned . 41 0 MIS NE TY CLLH - UDIT R I 3 i f f I i {i 1 M� 1 1 1 � Special Meeting 3 August 15, 1988 z a " a �' La <rt V AGENDA DANIA CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING AUGUST 15, 1988 7:00 P.M. f I 1. Discussion and possible action regarding the proposed merger with the Broward Sheriff 's Office. i i IiI 4 E I i i j I it F: it i