Download Commission Mtg 8-12-14
Today’s police commission meeting opened with the election of officers. Commissioner Robert Saltzman nominated Commissioner Steve Soboroff for another term as president. Commissioner Paula Madison seconded the nomination, and all commissioners were in favor. Commissioner Soboroff then announced the acceptance of nominations for vice president, after which Commissioner Kathleen Kim nominated Commissioner Madison. Commissioner Sandra Figueroa-Villa seconded the nomination without any objections from the other commissioners. The nominations for both positions were completely unanimous.
The meeting proceeded directly to public comment, as the meeting’s primary focus was on Chief Beck’s reappointment. Many individuals approached the podium and spoke in favor or against the chief’s reappointment. Some of the speakers addressed other topics as well.
After completion of all public comments, Commissioner Soboroff thanked everyone who addressed the board, and then each commissioner spoke a few minutes on his or her thoughts relating to Chief Beck’s performance over the past five years and prospective reappointment. The commissioners covered many topics, with Commissioners Soboroff, Madison, Kim and Figueroa-Villa favoring reappointment, and Commissioner Saltzman opposing it.
Commissioner Soboroff commenced bringing the meeting to a close. Before doing so, he commented that he believed the many differing viewpoints shared at the meeting were “healthy.” With that in mind, he reiterated the board’s purpose “to help move forward,” and proceeded to introduce a motion and a second (motion) on the floor. In response, Commissioner Figueroa-Villa introduced a motion to reappoint Chief Beck for a second term, and Commissioner Madison seconded the motion. Commissioner Soboroff then requested verbal confirmation of each vote by roll call. Commissioners Soboroff, Madison, Figueroa-Villa and Kim each stated “yes,” while Commissioner Saltzman stated “no.” The board secretary then announced the motion had passed by a vote of four “ayes” and one “no.”
The meeting concluded with no follow-up comments from Chief Beck or the commissioners and no other presentations or items on the agenda. However, Commissioner Soboroff announced Mayor Garcetti, Chief Beck and others would make comments at a City Hall press conference at noon.
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