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Ottawa Police Services Board
Minutes 1
Monday, 15 December 2014, 5:00 p.m.
Champlain Room, 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa
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Present: Councillor E. El-Chantiry (Chair), J. Durrell (Vice Chair), Councillor J. Harder, L.A. Smallwood, C. Nicholson, Councillor T. Tierney
SWEARING-IN OF NEW BOARD MEMBER
Chair El-Chantiry explained that one new member, Councillor Tim Tierney, was appointed to the Ottawa Police Services Board on 10 December by City Council in addition to himself and Councillor Harder. He then introduced Mr. Rick O’Connor, City Clerk and Solicitor, and invited him to swear in Councillor Tierney as a member of the Police Services Board. Councillor Tierney took his oath of office.
The Chair thanked Mr. O’Connor and welcomed Member Tierney to the Board.
CEREMONIAL ACTIVITIES / ANNOUNCEMENTS
a) Welcome to Councillors
Chair El-Chantiry welcomed Councillor M. Taylor, Bay Ward, and Councillor J. Cloutier, Alta Vista Ward, who were in attendance.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
That the Ottawa Police Services Board confirm the Minutes of the 24 November 2014 meeting.
CONFIRMED
PUBLIC DELEGATIONS / DÉLÉGATIONS PUBLIQUES
a. Mr. G. Sharpe - “Police Strategy Regarding Enforcement and Suppression of Asocial Habitual Criminals Associated with Street Gangs in Ottawa / Keeping Residents Informed”
Mr. G. Sharpe addressed the increase in shootings in the Penny Drive / Ritchie Street area. He believed it is time for a far more aggressive policy of gang suppression. Police play a principal part of upholding law and order however, Mr. Sharpe believed there has been limited political leadership. The police are doing their best but there is a need for a serious re-allocation of police resources. Mr. Sharpe’s suggestions included the possibility of a police substation or facility operating with extended hours, and CCTV cameras in community housing problem areas. In closing, he stated it is time for the police to demonstrate a firm commitment that reassures the residents they are out to do away with the problem that is currently plaguing the area.
Chief Bordeleau indicated this issue would be further addressed in his verbal report, but he wanted to reassure Mr. Sharpe and members of the community that officers are listening to residents, building relationships, and working closely with Ottawa Community Housing to deal with the challenges. Announcements such as those about Projects Calamity and Karma are indicators that enforcement and suppression activities are constant and ongoing. The Dart Team do compliance checks on offenders who have been released back into the community to ensure they are abiding by their conditions and are being held accountable for their actions. The OPS is committed to working with individuals who want out of gangs, but don’t know how to exit. He is pleased with the work being done by Councillor Taylor to ensure all partners are at the table to collaborate and find common solutions.
Chair El-Chantiry thanked the Chief for his input and Councillor Taylor for his leadership and cooperation with the OPS.
ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Chief Bordeleau reported on the following items (a copy of the Chief’s verbal report will be kept on file with the Board’s Executive Director and is available online at ottawapoliceboard.ca):
· Death of a member
· Update on Guns and Gangs Priority
· Carleton University Student Murdered
· Thwarted Suicide Attempt
· Heroes and Helpers
· Cop Shop
· Leave the Phone Alone
· RIDE.
Leave the Phone Alone
Member Harder expressed her appreciation for the focus being put on the dangers of texting while driving. Responding to a question from Member Harder, Chief Bordeleau explained that whether an individual is using a cell phone or texting, both offences fall under distracted driving and carry the same penalty. Texting is becoming even more dangerous as drivers attempt to hide the phone and text at the same time as driving, in an attempt to avoid being caught by police. The message being conveyed is talking on the phone and texting are both dangerous and illegal; put the phone away and if it must be used, pull over to the side of the road.
Member Harder suggested it would be interesting for the City to post the frightening distracted driving statistics on message boards for residents to see. The Chief stated the OPS works very closely with Safer Roads Ottawa on education awareness campaigns. D/C Skinner sits on the Safer Roads Committee and they are always looking for different ways to promote the campaign, and message boards are one way to do that. CTV Ottawa has been a tremendous support in pushing the awareness and education pieces out to the public.
Member Harder referenced a very successful 1980s campaign called “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” that was introduced into schools to get the message out. She thinks more can be done with the “Leave the Phone Alone” program though schools at great value and with minimal cost.
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
2. 2015 BUDGET DIRECTIONS AND TIMETABLE
Chief’s Report
Chief Bordeleau noted his report presents a high level summary of what will be tabled at the Board’s special meeting on 4 February 2015. The budget was developed on assumptions of not raising taxes above 2%.
The Chief thanked staff for their hard work on the budget. He also thanked the Board for the many budget meetings and discussions that have taken place over the year.
That the Ottawa Police Services Board:
1. Direct staff to prepare the 2015 Draft Operating and Capital Budgets so that:
a. the municipal portion of the property tax bill will not increase by more than 2.0%, and
b. the taxation revenues generated from new properties (assessment growth) be valued at 1.75% of current taxation for 2015.
2. Approve the 2015 budget review and approval timetable
CARRIED
3. PURCHASE OF NIGHT VISION DEVICES AND GOGGLES
Chief’s report
That the Ottawa Police Services Board approve the purchase of 15 units of "NVD-BNVD P+" Night Vision Goggles, Wilcox L4 g24 helmet mounts, and training from Millbrook Tactical, at a cost of $196,167.95 (excluding taxes).
CARRIED
4. BOARD DISCRETIONARY FUND: 2014 ANNUAL REPORT
Executive Director’s report
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
5. OUTSTANDING BOARD INQUIRIES & MOTIONS: DECEMBER 2014
Executive Director’s report
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
6. LETTERS OF COMMENDATION
Chief’s report
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
CONSIDERATION OF MOTION TO MOVE IN CAMERA
Moved by J. Harder
That the Ottawa Police Services Board adjourn the public portion of its meeting to move In Camera to discuss confidential items pertaining to legal and personnel matters, in accordance with Section 35(4)(b) of the Police Services Act.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
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W. Fedec E. El-Chantiry
Executive Director Chair