04/16/1998FISCAL REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
April 16, 1998
Present: Daniel Fleck Chair
Carol Warren Committee Member
Richard Lynch Committee Member
Sid Klein Police Chief (arrived 9:18 a.m.)
D. R. Githens Police Captain
Tina Wilson Budget Director
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
Absent: Janet MacNutt Committee Member
Daniel Moran Committee Member
The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. in the lobby of the Police Headquarters Building. To provide continuity for research, the items were not necessarily discussed in
order.
ITEM 1 - Tour of Police Headquarters Building
Captain Donn Githens conducted a tour of the Police Headquarters Building, citing each department’s are of expertise. The building is secured with the use of identification cards for
safety and confidentially reasons. In response to a question, he said the SWAT teams are comprised of volunteer police officers who must be in top physical condition. An Emergency
Response Team is currently being trained to function in a similar capacity.
In response to a question, Chief Klein said he did not see a need for consolidation of services with the Pinellas County Sheriff Department. The City actively pursues all available
grant opportunities and has added a number of officers with grant funds over the years. He will present information to the City Commission at a May worksession regarding the use of
motorcycle patrols. Members remarked they felt the motorcycle patrols are an excellent idea.
In response to a question, Chief Klein said legislation is pending at the State level regarding implementation of video cameras to address rampant traffic violators. It addresses the
ability to cite owners of vehicles whether or not they were driving the vehicle at the time of the violation.
A question was raised regarding the number of substations throughout the City. Chief Klein said the City operates 8 substations and an outdoor firing range. He stated when other cities
impose curfews, it affects the migration of small neighborhood gangs, resulting in a necessity to shift officers to “hot spots” as needed.
It was remarked the Police Building is impressive. Members complimented Chief Klein on the excellent service continuously provided to the City and the department’s top-notch professionalism.
ITEM 2 - Approval of Minutes
Member Warren moved to approve the minutes of July 10, 1997, January 8, 1998, February 12, 1998, and March 12, 1998, as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
ITEM 3 - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:55 a.m.