| 1/5/2022 | 0 |
LICENSES COMMITTEE
| HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR
Minutes note: Ald. Bauman said that there was an extensive hearing for ELEMNT on the last cycle and that there was a significant discussion about what MPD do and do not do relative to policing of large entertainment venues such as ELEMNT and that this is the specific cause for bringing this file forward to discuss the policy of MPD regarding patrolling and enforcement of these major night clubs because allegations were made that the police in fact was an instigator of trouble instead of mitigate the trouble. Also said that in the more general subject (started last summer) large crowds were gathering on Water St not only in connection with the Bucks' win but on Fridays and Saturdays as well and were not patronizing businesses or bars. Explained that constituents contacted his office because of the noise, loitering, speeding cars, racing cars, underage drinking, disorder and criminal behavior with no arrests so he thinks that the Police Department must answer all the questions because they have the discretion to arrest and press charges and that also will be useful for him, for the committee and the council to understand the policy when responding to these type of disorders and what the council representing the community want them to do.
Nick DeSiato from MPD made a presentation with a map of the Code Red Development Area and said that all "Policies and Procedures" related to Code Red are documented on operation plans and made clear that Code Red is not designed to provide security for the businesses but to provide a safe environment for the patrons. Explained that Code Red is between 7 pm and 3 am on Friday and Saturdays only within the map area and times and highlighted that there has been a 77% increase on calls for service. Mr. De Siato said that received a clear message from Chief Norman that MPD wants to be responsive to the elected officials.
The presentation has been added to the file.
Ald. Coggs asked if any of the bars on the map area has hired any off duty police officers for security.
MPD said that no bar in the red code area or anywhere in the city have hired off duty police officers.
Ald. Perez said that there is record of the use of the Code Red at one establishment on his district.
Ald. Bauman said that the presentation was helpful but wants to know what is the operating plan, the use of the force policy. What the police is supposed to do?, What are the instructions to the officers?
Ald. Coggs said that there is a lot that can be done to control larger crowds and that P33 are summarized in such way that it is difficult to measure or how drastic the situation it was but as for ELEMNT; the report said that one member of the staff was throwing a chair to a patron and no citations were given to that employee.
Ald. Bauman said that the file must be held open to invite also others to weigh in and to keep the conversation going.
Ald. Kovac said that the typical issue is crowds and fights outside from bars so that is the problem that must be addressed at this committee and to include more bar owners in this conversation.
Beth Weirick - from Responsible Hospitality Institute - Said that it is a city wide issue and believes that the city should utilize resources proactively instead of reactively. Added that visitors and tourists are here to spend money and support businesses and jobs and there must be a conversation.
Omar Shaikh - said that the business owners must to come together eventually to address the current behavior. Added that there are no movies theaters on the north side for example and he is ready to support initiatives like that.
Felicia Moore - Community Activist said that she has a viable solution for this matter and that she has already started to work on it.
Bobby Wilgen - said that Code Red is very important and that he has supported the work that MPD has done.
Ald. Kovac moved to hold the file to the call of chair. (Prevailed 5-0)
| Pass | 5:0 |
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