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Board pushes back on proposed transfer of Community Police Board staffing to city manager's office
Summary
Board members objected when staff said the city manager—s office intended to move staffing support for the Community Police Board from the public information department to the city manager—s office. Members cited concerns about independence, confidentiality and a lack of notice from the mayor.
City staff told the Community Police Board that a reorganization would move the board—s staffing from the public information and technology department to the city manager—s office, with Chris Ebert named as the new staff contact. The proposal prompted sustained objections from board members, who said the change had been communicated as a directive rather than the start of a conversation and raised concerns about the board—s independence and the confidentiality of complaints.
Chris Ebert, introduced as the staff person from the city manager—s office who will support the board, said his office—s intent was to provide capacity and to help coordinate public-safety-related items that fall under his work program, including LEAD, unarmed response planning and homelessness/encampment policies. Melody (last name not specified) of the current public information and technology staff explained the change as part of an internal reorganization and said the clerk—s office would continue to accept complaint forms and maintain records.
Board members objected to the process: several said the mayor, who appoints the board, had not responded to their communications and argued that involving city administration in staffing could compromise the perceived independence of a civilian oversight body. One board member said the proposed change "doesn't conform with the regulatory requirements of a civilian oversight" and described independence as the board's "most important thing."
Staff responded that the city manager has authority to assign which staff support advisory boards and that confidentiality procedures in the clerk's office would be preserved. Chris Ebert offered to follow up and to coordinate with the mayor and city manager to address board concerns; the board asked that the mayor respond directly to their written communication.
The board agreed that deeper discussion with the mayor and city manager was appropriate and asked staff to return with further clarification; board members said the mayor should lead the conversation because he appoints and receives reports from the board.
