Port PFC not excited about airing meetings

A proposal that the Port Washington Police and Fire Commission meet at City Hall instead of the Police Station, have its meetings televised and post its informational packets online was greeted with some skepticism last week.

Members delayed making a decision on the proposal by Ald. Dan Benning, saying there may be unintended consequences.

Members expressed concern about everything from sensitive information inadvertently being released to people misinterpreting information in the commission packets.

“I think some of our agenda could go online,” commission member Terry Tietyen said. “There are some things that could be misunderstood and could cause rumors and speculation.” 

For example, he said, the monthly calls for service report could be misunderstood if people don’t know how items are recorded.

Commission member Jennifer Clearwater said she has been to meetings where people post comments to social media during discussions.

“I’m not interested in having this group subjected to that,” she said.

The commission, she added, often deals with items that require background information to completely understand.

“For me, at the core of it, I think there’s a level of maturity you need to have a handle on it,” Clearwater said.

Commission Chairman Rick Nelson noted that the information is available to the public even if it’s not online.

“If somebody needs to see it, they can come in and talk to the chief,” he said. “I’m not sure I like that (the information packet) being out. There’s some sensitive information on there.”

“I’m concerned about what might mistakenly get broadcast,” Clearwater added, especially when it comes to closed sessions. 

Commission member Ed Johnson said he wouldn’t want the addresses of ambulance calls to be posted online, noting these are in the commission packets.

“If someone wants to dig for it (the information), they can,” he said. “I think we’re fine here. We’re open to the public. We have the Press here.” 

When asked about that, Fire Chief Mark Mitchell said, “It’s public record,” adding that people who listen to scanners or have scanner apps on their phones already have that information.

But commission member Jim Biever said a trial run might not be a bad idea.

“There’s nothing to hide. I can see trying it for a little while,” he said. “But for the average person, I think it would be like watching grass grow.”

Benning told the commission on April 12 that “we’ve had a lot of interest” from people interested in watching the meetings.

He suggested the group meet at City Hall, where “we’ve got the capability. We’ve got the equipment” to livestream the meetings.

Benning said he would like to see other city committees also make use of that capability.

Police Chief Kevin Hingiss expressed concern that posting the information online and having people come in to run the equipment would be an added cost that wasn’t included in the budget.

Despite their reservations, commission members agreed to consider the proposal again at their Monday, May 10, meeting.