Subd. 1. Establishment and Composition. A Police Commission is hereby established composed of five voting members who are qualified electors of the city and who shall serve staggered three-year terms. The Mayor shall be an advisory member of the Commission, but shall not be entitled to vote. On the first business day in January in each year, a Commissioner or Commissioners shall be appointed for a term or terms of three years to succeed the Commissioner or Commissioners whose term or terms then expire. Vacancies on the Commission shall be filled by appointment by the Mayor with the approval of the Council, as provided in the Charter.
Subd. 2. Functions and Duties. The Commission shall be an advisory body to the Council on matters relating to the operation and organization of the Police Department. The Commission shall serve as a citizen liaison to the Council and Department receiving questions, inquiries, complaints and other items of communication from citizens or groups of citizens as they relate to the Police Department and work with the Chief to resolve the issues. The Commission shall also review and study internal and external policies and procedures and make recommendations to the Council for any policy changes. The Commission may participate in the initial budget preparation with the Chief specifically reviewing and recommending capital expense items; assist the Chief on policy matters relative to law enforcement; work with the Chief and City Administrator on organizational and operational matters of the Department; and study policy issues for recommendations as requested by the Council, the City Administrator and the Police Chief. The Commission shall also assist the Chief and the City Administrator with selection, hiring, discipline and termination of departmental employees.
Subd. 3. Organization, Meetings. The Commission shall, at its first meeting in each calendar year, elect from among its members a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, a Secretary and such other officers as it may determine. The Commission shall hold at least one regular meeting each month and shall keep minutes of its meetings, a copy of which minutes shall be furnished to the Council as soon as reasonably possible after the date of the meeting.