By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – A compromise proposal to create a civilian advisory board for Bloomington Police is aimed at unifying the city council, but Mayor Tari Renner acknowledges no one will be completely satisfied when aldermen finally resolve the contentious issue.

Felons, even those who committed non-violent crimes, and current and former police officers would not be allowed to serve on the seven-member panel, according to the proposed ordinance, which is scheduled for a council vote Monday night.

The compromise is aimed at winning over at least one council member, Joni Painter, who said last month she backed the creation of the so-called Public Safety and Community Relations Board until supporters proposed that felons be considered for service.

Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner said if felons are appointed, than so should police officers. Neither would be eligible under the current plan, which Renner said is a reasonable compromise.

Aldermen also asked for increased powers to select panel members. The proposed ordinance calls for the Mayor to make nominations, but they must be approved by a two-thirds council vote instead of a simple majority.

The board’s oversight of complaints against police is limited because of the officers’ collective bargaining agreement. The panel can not re-investigate cases, nor can it force officers to testify.

The staff’s report to the council said the board can review whether the police department’s internal investigations followed proper procedures, recommend new policies, and offer a citizen’s perspective to the process.

Renner said the emphasis is on improving relationships between the community and police.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]