The New Westminster police board is resuming in-person meetings but it isn’t closing the door on virtual meetings if they’re necessary.
In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the police board has met virtually since the beginning of the pandemic. Starting in October, the board will once again meet in person.
In a Sept. 21 report to the board, Chief Const. Dave Jansen said the ability to conduct in-person meetings is now a possibility with the release of the BC Restart Plan. Although some organizations are adopting a hybrid meeting schedule, which allows some people to attend in-person and others to attend virtually, that’s not the approach being recommended by New Westminster’s police chief.
“We just don’t have the IT capabilities at this stage to do that,” he told the board. “So, if the board was wanting to do that, we could certainly look into it and see what the cost associated with that would be. But for now, what we are recommending is to move toward in-person meetings starting in October.”
Jansen cited the size of the board as one of the reasons it’s felt in-person meetings can be safely held once again. He said virtual meetings can still be held for larger meetings, such as those between the police board and city council or other community partners.
“I’m good with the live, in-person meetings,” said police board member Shirley Heafey.
Karim Hachlaf supported the resumption of in-person meetings over a hybrid model that allows some to attend in person and others virtually, which he said can “be a bit clunky.”
Mayor Jonathan Cote, who chairs the police board, said he also has some reservations about the hybrid model, where some people are in the room and others are attending remotely.
“I have found it more effective when we are all in the room or we are all online,” he said.
While he supports a return to in-person meetings, Cote said he’d like the board to be able to meet remotely if needed. He said online meetings may be needed occasionally to address specific issues or emergencies, or to meet quorum.
“In-person is ideal, but I do think consideration for virtual meetings makes some sense,” said board member Heather Boersma. “Maybe in the summer time where it’s harder for people to attend? Just that flexibility.”
Because the pandemic is ongoing and the room where police board meetings are normally held is quite small, Cote suggested meetings should be held in council chambers at New Westminster City Hall for the time being. He said that would provide police board members and New Westminster Police Department staff with “a bit more comfort” about meeting in person.
Jansen will work with the city clerk to arrange for police board meetings to be held in council chambers. He will also work with the city to help facilitate online meetings when they’re required.
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