Hamilton's mayor is now also head of its police services board

Hamilton's mayor is the new chair of its police oversight board, saying he hopes to usher it into a time of stability.

Fred Eisenberger was elected chair — uncontested — of a Hamilton Police Services board meeting Thursday. That means the mayor helms a seven-member board that oversees a budget of about $161 million.

Eisenberger said this is a temporary role for him.

"We've had some challenges in the past," he said. "I hope we can put those behind us and get on with some important governance interests."

Asked what he means by challenges, Eisenberger referred to day-to-day challenges of policing. But the board's recent issues have been well documented.

Last year, for example, Coun. Terry Whitehead was subject to an Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC) investigation. Whitehead stepped away from the board after the Oct. 22 municipal election, thus ending the investigation.

Walt Juchniewicz, the city's citizen member, was also suspended and faces a hearing in the new year. Through his lawyer this month, Juchniewicz applied to serve on the board again. His lawyer has lamented the slow pace and lack of transparency around the OCPC process.

The OCPC also rebuked Lloyd Ferguson, an Ancaster councillor and former board chair, for comments he made about former councillor Matthew Green in two radio interviews. Ferguson stepped away from the board too.

The board has two new members in the form of Coun. Chad Collins of Ward 5 (Centennial) and Coun. Tom Jackson of Ward 6 (east Mountain). The city's selection committee will appoint a city rep in early 2019.

There could also be a new provincial representative. Madeleine Levy's term expires this year.

Don MacVicar, a provincial appointee, is vice chair.