General meeting - November 2018

Dale Roberts, executive director of the Columbia Police Officers Association, presented an overview of the organization and then discussed the Columbia Police Department and its relationship with city government.

 

"I work for the officers," Roberts said of his role with CPOA. 

 

Roberts acknowledged that problems exist among Columbia police officers, the police chief and the (now former) city manager. "The first thing to consider is that police officers are only human, and they make mistakes just like everyone else," he said. 

 

He said that cameras mounted on officers are a big help in determining whether or not an officer is at fault when a citizen makes a formal complaint against an officer's behavior. 

 

Roberts ended the discussion by stating that his association and city government are working together to solve problems in the police department. He said he is hopeful that as those problems are solved, the department's current high rate of officer turnover will decrease. 

 

Show-Me Cosmo President Julie McNeill called the general meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. There were 34 members and three guests in attendance.

 

Dean Barry shared three true facts about himself, but one of the facts contained an error. The facts were that A) He grew up on a farm and was one of 14 children; B) He was in the Air Force and then obtained two degrees at the University of Missouri, one in etymology; and C) he has five children and lived in Africa. The error was in fact C -- he has six children. 

 

Chairwoman Rose La Mantia reported that the event raised $10,000 and had more than 100 attendees and walkers. The raffle raised $400. The event featured healthy foods, live music and a Columbia Fire Department firetruck. Rose said that the board had decided to donate the event proceeds to the Cosmopolitan Diabetes Center, Camp Hickory Hill and the Pediatric Diabetes Center. Frank La Mantia made a motion to approve the donations, and Bill Giddings seconded it. The motion passed. 

 

John Kadlec reported that the Thanksgiving meal for the house would take place on Nov 15. 

 

Phyllis Erhart reminded everyone that the Voluntary Action Center gift-giving this year is for three families -- a total of three moms, two dads and nine children. She asked that anyone who wishes to participate should bring unwrapped items to the Dec. 6 general meeting. Money also will be accepted.

 

Frank La Mantia, on behalf of Phil Hanson, asked everyone to vote Yes on election day for the state constitution amendment, which will allow individuals to work at bingo events six months after their application is accepted instead of two years. (Editor's note: The amendment passed.)

 

Kay Brejcha provided information on a possible fundraiser called Scrip. Show-Me Club members can register online for Scrip cards on their own and then use them for everyday purchases. A percentage of the transaction is then given to Show-Me Cosmo. The percentage amount varies with vendors. Kay said she will provide more information about Scrip at the Dec. 6 general meeting. 

 

Julie McNeill said that three homes have been selected for the first progressive dinner to be held Nov. 10. The hosts will be Sara and Tim Echternach, Jeane and Bill Tetro, and Julie and Brian McNeill. Guests will travel to each home and enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, salads and desserts. 

 

Jeane Tetro won $32 in the drawing.

 

Frank La Mantia made a motion at 8:15 p.m. for the meeting to be adjourned. Tim Echternach seconded the motion.