The Modesto Community Police Review Board agreed to place a NACoL conference debrief on its November agenda, discuss Brown Act training in January, and review the structure and timetables of its ad hoc committees so they do not inadvertently operate as standing committees under the Brown Act.

Board members and staff discussed calendar topics for November and December 2025 and how to organize ad hoc committees going into 2026. Scotty, a city staff presenter, said the staff will publish a year-end document so the board and public can review topics raised throughout 2025 and help set priorities for 2026.

“We do this a couple of times a year… it also gives an opportunity for the public to see when these topics had come up,” Scotty said, explaining the year-end document and the proposed schedule. Several board members favored putting the NACoL debrief in November to keep discussion “while it’s fresh.”

Brown Act training and ad hoc committees

Board members discussed concerns raised by city legal staff about ad hoc groups that have operated without clear timetables or public posting. Kenneth said advice from the city attorney’s office indicated some groups may have taken on the appearance of standing committees and therefore should comply with Brown Act posting rules unless their charge is time-limited and properly agendized.

Several members proposed that the board regularize current ad hocs by setting deadlines and measurable outcomes and require report-outs before creating new ones. The board discussed holding Brown Act training (provided by the city attorney) as a refresher; the chair and staff suggested scheduling that training in January while the board’s procedural review would follow in February.

Public comments and request for information

Members of the public asked the board to agendize a clearer description of the role of the independent police auditor and to post dates (month and day) with future agendas to help the public participate. Harlan Diven urged the board to clarify what decisions are made in ad hoc committees and to increase transparency. The independent police auditor, Steven, offered to present about his office’s role and scope at an upcoming meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Approve minutes from the Community Police Review Board meeting on 09/17/2025.
Outcome: Approved (voice vote). The mover/second was not specified in the meeting record; the chair called for aye and declared the motion passed.

Staff and next meetings

Scotty said staff will post a schedule with calendar dates on the board’s webpage and accept topic suggestions by email. The next scheduled board meeting was announced as Nov. 19, 2025.

Ending

Board members agreed to finalize topics for November and December at the current meeting and to follow up with Brown Act training and ad hoc regularization in the coming months.