[Added 1-3-2017 by Ord. No. 2016.119][1]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance originally added Sections 2-341 through 2-345. These sections were renumbered as Sections 2-320 through 2-324, respectively as the Code already contained Sections 2-341 through 2-345.
[Amended 12-15-2020 by Ord. No. 2020.84]
There is hereby created and established the Biddeford Police Advisory Committee, hereinafter BPAC, comprised of five members and a member of the Biddeford Police Department to serve as an ex officio member. All members shall be citizens and reside within the corporate limits of the City of Biddeford, with the exception of the ex officio member who may reside outside of the City. In appointing members to the BPAC, the Mayor and City Council shall seek to appoint members from a cross section of all citizens, taking into consideration the person’s expertise, background and other relevant experiences. The BPAC is established under the authority of the Biddeford City Council and shall serve under the directive of the City Council.
(a) 
The purpose of the Committee is to provide an organized forum for two-way communication between the Biddeford Police Department and the community.
(b) 
Responsibilities shall include:
(1) 
When appropriate, make recommendations to the Police Department on matters, with a goal of enhancing police-community relations. These recommendations shall not include personnel matters involving individual members or officers of the Police Department, or matters that deal with daily police operational enforcement and implementation strategies.
[Amended 12-15-2020 by Ord. No. 2020.84]
(2) 
Assist in identifying potential Police Department community partnerships that focus or address public safety matters within the community.
[Amended 12-15-2020 by Ord. No. 2020.84]
(3) 
Identify community resources and support for public safety activities.
[Amended 12-15-2020 by Ord. No. 2020.84]
(4) 
Receive information and comments from citizens at the Committee's open and public meeting forum regarding public safety issues.
(5) 
Make reports to the City Council and/or Police Chief at such times as may be requested by the City Council, Police Chief or as the BPAC determines is necessary. Make reports to the City Council at such times as may be requested by the City Council.
[Amended 12-15-2020 by Ord. No. 2020.84]
Members shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by a majority of the City Council for staggered three-year terms. All subsequent appointments, except to fill a vacancy, shall be for three-year terms. A vacancy is created upon the death or written resignation to the BPAC Chair, or upon the vote of the City Council to remove a member. Members of the Committee shall serve without pay and at the discretion of the City Council. The Biddeford Police Chief, or his designee, shall serve as the administrator, advisor and ex officio member, and shall provide assistance to the BPAC.
(a) 
The Mayor shall appoint a Chair and a Vice Chair. The Chair shall serve a two-year term. A quorum shall consist of three members. The Chair shall be counted in determining a quorum and shall have one vote.
(b) 
The Vice Chair shall serve a two-year term. The Vice Chair shall serve as Chair upon the death or resignation of the Chair, or upon the office of the Chair becoming vacant. The Vice Chair shall discharge the powers of the office of the Chair at any meeting at which the Chair is absent. The Vice Chair shall be counted in determining a quorum and shall have one vote.
(c) 
The ex officio member of the BPAC is a nonvoting member and shall serve in an advisory capacity.
(d) 
The duties of a secretary responsible for recording meeting minutes shall be rotated sequentially among the Committee's membership for each meeting. The Chair shall be excluded from this responsibility. A roster for secretarial duties shall be established by the Committee.
(e) 
A quorum consisting of three members shall be necessary to take any BPAC action authorized or required by this article. An issue shall carry by a majority of those voting.
(f) 
Notice of any expired terms and/or vacancies shall be given to the public. The Mayor shall nominate and the City Council shall confirm all appointments to fill expired terms and/or vacancies. The City Council may remove any member for misconduct or nonperformance of duty.
(g) 
The BPAC may adopt and amend from time to time rules to govern the conduct of its administrative business, consistent with the provisions of this division.
(a) 
Meetings of the Biddeford Police Advisory Committee shall be at the call of the Chair, and established by the BPAC. Meetings shall be held at the Biddeford City Hall or at a suitable municipal public location. Prior notice of any change in meeting date, time or place shall be provided to all members, the public, and the administrative staff 48 hours in advance of said meeting.
[Amended 12-15-2020 by Ord. No. 2020.84]
(b) 
All regularly scheduled and special meetings shall have an agenda approved by the Chair.