Continuous Improvement and Best Practices in Police Use of Force

It’s not often I find myself at a loss for words.  Like so many of our fellow Americans, and people all around the world, as I’ve read the accounts and watched the footage of George Floyd’s final moments I’ve struggled to make sense of it.  How could the excessive and dangerous neck restraint have been allowed to go on for nearly nine minutes, and long past the point Floyd was even capable of resisting?  Knowing how the story ends, it’s particularly painful hearing Floyd’s voice as he begs for his life, handcuffed and motionless, pinned facedown on the ground.

What happened to George Floyd while in the custody of those entrusted and sworn to protect him—and all of us—must not be tolerated anywhere.  At the same time, the repugnant actions of the very few must not be allowed to diminish our respect and gratitude for law enforcement generally.  It behooves officers everywhere to learn from this and other incidents of excessive force, to embrace all efforts for continuous improvement, and to commit to open dialogue and to working together toward regaining the public’s trust.

In-Person Public Meetings to Resume, With Precautions

Our local approach from the outset of the COVID-19 crisis has been to follow as closely as possible state and federal public health guidelines, with a bias toward maintaining services where safe and responsible to do so.  As the situation has progressed, we have increasingly relied upon the executive orders of the Governor as he implements his strategic plan to reopen Texas.  On Wednesday he announced the start of Phase III, and his accompanying order is much different from previous orders and significantly expands permissible activity, though still subject to health protocols like social distancing.

We’ve been looking forward to returning to in-person City Council meetings, and following this latest order are now preparing do so beginning with our next Regular Session on June 15.  City boards and commissions may soon start meeting in person again as well.  Specific arrangements are still being worked out, but will include capacity limitations to ensure appropriate distancing, plexiglass separators at the dais, and perhaps the use of alternative venues such as the Civic Center for more space.  Everyone present will be asked to wear face coverings in common areas and to avoid close contact with others.

We recognize that some members and attendees may not yet feel comfortable coming to meetings in person, especially those at higher risk who are still strongly encouraged to stay at home as much as possible.  For so long as the Governor's temporary Open Meetings Act suspension remains in effect, which allows us to give them the option, we will accommodate their continuing to participate remotely.  We’re still working out those details, as well, but what you can expect is a hybrid meeting of sorts with some in person and some by phone.

This public health emergency is by no means over, and Phase III is not an immediate return to business as usual.  It’s an initial step in that direction, and as restrictions have been relaxed somewhat we’re pleased to be able to make your local government more accessible again, with appropriate safeguards.  We thank you for your patience, and hope to see you in person soon.

2020 Hurricane Season is Upon Us

On top of everything else we have to worry about these days and with life already upended by the pandemic, this week marks the official start of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season.  Tropical Storm Cristobal, currently in the Bay of Campeche, could pose a threat to our region by the beginning of next week, which only heightens the importance of being ready.  Since we can’t have our annual community preparedness program in person, Bellaire’s Emergency Management Coordinator, Fire Chief Deacon Tittel, brings this year's presentation to you.

In his video message, Chief Tittel provides an overview of hurricane preparedness and what residents should be doing to protect their families and properties before, during and after a storm.  The City offers many resources to assist you and will communicate emergency information to the public in a variety of ways, including through the PrepareBellaire mass notification system.  Chief Tittel also describes the City’s own preparations, from clearing street gutters and drains to securing facilities and construction sites, and our continuous emergency management training.

Other informational videos on the City’s hurricane preparedness resource page include a tour of the Bellaire Emergency Operations Center and an introduction to the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) for individuals who may require special assistance in the event of an emergency.

Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30.  The time to prepare is now.

Anticipating the Fiscal Impact of COVID-19

As the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the economy, made all the worse locally by a sharp decline in oil prices, there’s no doubt our city finances will take a hit.  How much of a hit we can’t yet say—we don’t know any more than anyone else does how this will all end.  We are, however, paying close attention to our numbers and actively planning for the worst, so we’ll be prepared whatever the eventual outcome.

City Begins Cautious Return to (New) Normal

Guided by the Governor’s strategic plan and Report to Open Texas, the City of Bellaire is gradually reopening city facilities and resuming suspended services, starting today.

Tennis courts, athletic fields, batting cages and park restrooms are now open.  Playgrounds, swimming pools, the Rec Center and Officer Lucy Dog Park remain closed, however.  Social distancing should still be observed in all open spaces, and pursuant to the Governor’s order outdoor sports must be non-contact and are limited to no more than four participants at a time.

City Sightings Public Safety Parade This Week

To them, it’s about thanking all of us for doing our part, by staying home and practicing social distancing to limit the spread of the coronavirus and help flatten the curve.  For us, it’s an opportunity to show our support and appreciation for their service and for going above and beyond throughout this challenging time.  And, right about now we could all use a little fun and community spirit.

Inspired by suggestions from some of our residents, this week’s City Sightings public safety parade is modeled after our annual Santa Sightings on the fire truck in December.  City vehicles from Fire, Police and Public Works will visit a different neighborhood each day this week, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Be sure to keep an eye out for them and wave hello when they pass by!

COVID-19 Emergency Response Update

In Monday night’s telephonic City Council meeting, the City Manager presented to Council and the public the latest update on our ongoing response to COVID-19.  He highlighted the good work being done by the employees from various departments who fill particular roles in our emergency management structure, which are often different from their usual responsibilities.  Though COVID-19 is unique in a lot of ways, our experience in past emergencies is certainly helping us in this one.  I encourage you to listen to the complete recording of the presentation to learn more.

The City’s priorities in the response are focused on communication, keeping employees and the public safe, staying informed of decisions being made by others that impact us, and being prepared for an uncertain future.

Coming Together as a Community (While Staying Apart)

This temporary “new normal,” in which not only the adults are working from home but the kids are, too, is positively surreal.  We never imagined, for example, having to remind our young children of their scheduled videoconferences throughout the workday.  For a bit of exercise and fresh air, and to keep from climbing the walls, we’re getting outside more often as a family for walks around the neighborhood.  We’ve enjoyed running into many of you out on the street (but at a safe distance), reconnecting with friends and making new ones.  It’s obvious from those conversations that we’re all in this together, and also how much we value our togetherness as a community.

Sidewalks Charter Election Postponed to Nov. 3

As you’ve probably heard by now, the sidewalks charter election previously called for May 2 has been postponed to the next uniform election date, November 3, on account of the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency.  In Council’s deliberations during its telephonic Special Session last week, a unanimous vote to postpone the election was never in doubt.

Instead, the discussion centered on a proposed “moratorium on any further sidewalk construction on residential blocks until after the election.”  Following constructive debate, by a narrow 4-3 vote Council decided against the moratorium, in favor of maintaining the status quo for the time being.  I have since received a few questions suggesting there may be some confusion—and outright misinformation—out there, about what the status quo actually is, and so I take this opportunity to clear things up.

Maintaining Continuity of City Services Through COVID-19

Life these days is anything but ordinary—yes, I know, understatement of the year—but our dedicated city staff are doing all they can to keep things running smoothly.  Garbage and recycling are still being picked up, clean water continues to flow, and first responders keep responding.  Maintaining these basic city services, on which we rely daily and that we typically take for granted, helps make at least those aspects of life feel as ordinary as possible in this extraordinary time.

The manner in which we’re providing services is obviously not business as usual, however, with necessary modifications following CDC, state and federal guidelines to protect the public health and welfare, and that of the city workforce.  Even the emergency response itself is impacted, as our Emergency Operations Center is hardened against threats like severe weather, but viruses not so much; essential response personnel are meeting elsewhere when required, to ensure appropriate distancing.  Our public facilities are closed, but for those services and programming that don’t necessarily have to be delivered in person, we’re adapting and finding new ways to stay in touch with you.  For example, Library staff are working on bringing our ever-popular Story Times online for young families to enjoy remotely.

With all of these changes our staff have even had a little fun this week, recording videos to showcase what their departments are working on and how they’re continuing to serve you, and to introduce some of the people who make it happen.  These videos are being posted to our COVID-19 resource page on the City website and will be updated as new content is created.  We invite you to take a look, and welcome your questions and feedback.

Given all they do for us day in and day out and their demonstrated commitment to public service, it’s no surprise our city staff are once again rising to challenge.  I’m incredibly proud to be a part of this team and grateful to each and every one of its members.  It’s in times like these we’re reminded that the quality and responsiveness of our city services, and the people who provide them, are among the things that really make Bellaire special.