10-20-2020 Minutes (Special) CITY OF SALINA,KANSAS
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
October 20,2020
7:00 p.m.
Mayor Hoppock asked staff for verification that notice had been sent for today's City Commission
meeting. Michael Schrage,City Manager replied yes.
The Special Meeting of the Board of Commissioners was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in Tony's
Pizza Events Center, Arena. Roll call was taken followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a
moment of silence.
Those present and comprising a quorum: Mayor Michael L. Hoppock (presiding), Commissioners
Trent W. Davis,M.D.,Rod Franz,Melissa Rose Hodges and Karl F. Ryan.
Also present: Michael Schrage, City Manager; Greg Bengtson, City Attorney; Police Chief Brad
Nelson,Jacob Wood,Deputy City Manager,and Cheryl Mermis,Deputy City Clerk.
Mayor Hoppock welcomed all those in attendance and stated the special meeting was scheduled at
the special evening time to allow for public comment; a topic that was first presented to the City
Commissioners during the September 21,2020 Commission Study Session.
ADMINISTRATION
(3.1) Introduction
Mayor Hoppock introduced Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson.
(3.2) Salina Police Department Presentation
Chief Nelson recapped his presentation from the September 21, 2020 Commission Study Session
which addressed the Salina Police Department's (SPD) participation in the Federal 1033 Surplus
Program, the equipment obtained and the benefits of that equipment. Chief Nelson stated as a
result of citizen concerns regarding the SPD's involvement in the 1033 Program, his department
was proposing a resolution for any future requests, by SPD, from the 1033 Program that required
Commission approval,in an open meeting.
Chief Nelson explained the establishment of the Law Enforcement Advisory Board (LEAB) that
was formed in 2007 and stated that there was always room for improvement. Chief Nelson
described the bias-based policing reports that were submitted to the Attorney General's office on
an annual basis;reported complaints of alleged racial or other bias-based policing due at the end of
each state fiscal year. Chief Nelson further stated his support of some portions of the Sunflower
Coalition's proposal; a transparent citizen's review board (CRB) whereby the members would be
appointed by the City Commission and would be subject to the Kansas Open Meeting Act
(KORA).
Mayor Hoppock stated it was the consensus of the City Commission, following the September 21,
2020 study session for the SPD to continue participation in the 1033 Program, with the
Commission's oversight and to retain the SPD's Armored Personal Carrier(APC).
Mayor Hoppock thanked Chief Nelson and his staff for their due diligence to gather information
for the presentation. Mayor Hoppock stated his appreciation for the men and women in law
enforcement and the work that they perform in a professional manner. Mayor Hoppock further
stated that the Commissioners would continue to work with the SPD to make modifications to the
current LEAB.
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Mayor Hoppock provided an overview of the City Commission's general order of business and
public participation policy and stated that the Commission passed a resolution during the meeting
on Monday,October 19, 2020 that further clarified what forms of communication or expression not
allowed in the meeting room.
(3.3) Listening Session-Open Microphone
2
Q_
Jim Vent,Salina provide a narrative of his personal experience with the SPD.
Matthew Newbanks, Salina state his support of the SPD's participation in the 1033 Program and
the SPD's use of the APC vehicle for protecting law enforcement and Salina citizens. Mr.
Newbanks shared his criticism on some of the Sunflower Coalitions' (S.C.) proposals and lack of
transparency of its members.
Karen Wakey, Salina, shared her opinion that the S.C. should have a role in the restructuring of the
LEAB.
Rita Gonzales, Salina, stated her belief that racism was part of society and the people suffering
under oppression will continue to suffer if people continue to turn a blind eye to the failure of the
justice system.
Drew Hanson, Salina, provided his views and full support of the S.C. proposals and expressed his
wish for the City Commission to adopt those suggestions.
Dalton McDowell, Salina, shared his gratitude for the SPD.
James Bowden, Salina, stated that he was a member of the Sunflower Coalition and provided an
overview of the group's philosophy and reasoning for the group's formation.
David Norlin, Salina, stated he was a former member of the LEAB and expressed his wish for
responsive law enforcement and citizenry; public servants were to listen and sort out the most
reasonable way to help all people function as one community. The police (and sheriff's)
department's role, to serve and protect was preserved and supported by public confidence,not just
by slogans to either defund or defend law enforcement.
Kathy Allison, McPherson, stated she was a regular visitor to Salina and further stated her full
support for the SPD.
Sherry Harp, Salina, stated her opposition to some of the proposals of the S.C. and further stated
her view of the SPD and their role in the community. Ms. Harp expressed her appreciation for the
current LEAB team.
Miranda Bachman,Salina, stated her support for the CRB.
Anonymous Female, provided her list of concerns to the S.C. proposals and declared that some
graphic images that the group embraced and identify with had global affiliations and sponsorship.
Delores Williamston, Salina, stated her hope for the City of Salina, for success in relationship
building between law enforcement and citizens. Ms. Williamston stated she supported formation
of a CRB.
Matt Sherman,Salina, stated his appreciation for the SPD.
Bryce Jones, Salina, stated he valued the dignity and safety of all citizens, and further stated his
support for a CRB.
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Lisa Graham, Salina, shared personal experiences with the SPD and she was not in favor of a new
or larger jail.
Andy Hanson, Salina, thanked the Commissioners for the evening meeting time for the citizen
2 forum and stated his support for the CRB.
W Haley Heizer,Salina, stated her appreciation for Chief Nelson's presentation and his support for a
CRB. Ms. Helzer further stated it spoke volumes when the police chief was open to those
conversations, and his declaration, We will be a better community for having these discussions; these are
D discussions that many communities across our nation are having and we need to be a part of that
conversation.'
U
Steve Stockham, Salina, shared his concerns for the wave of discontent that had many people
demanding to defund the law enforcement across the nation. Mr. Stockton further stated his
support of SPD.
Norman Manuel,Salina,provided his views on SPD.
LaNay Meier,stated her appreciation for SPD.
Tammy Collier, Salina, stated her appreciation for SPD and shared personal family experiences
with law enforcement officers,as victims of a violent crime.
Santiago Vasquez, Lawrence, stated his views and outlined the differences on the current LEAB
verses the S.C.'s proposed CRB.
Peter Paganelli, Salina, stated his support of the SPD and that department's use of the armored
personnel carrier (APC).
IMayor Hoppock thanked everyone in attendance and for the individuals that provided their
comments and further stated that the City Commission would continue to work on the issue and
keep the public informed.
ADJOURNMENT
20-0352 Moved by Commissioner Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Davis, that the special meeting of
the Board of City Commissioners be adjourned. Aye: (5). Nay: (0). Motion carried. The meeting
adjourned at 9:08 p.m.
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[SEAL] Michael L. Hop ,Mayor
ATTEST:
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Shandi Wicks,CMC,City Clerk
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