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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-15-071 MAPLEWOOD CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MINUTES May 15, 2007 The May 15, 2007 meeting was called to order at 8:02 a.m. Members Present: Steve Gunn, Chair Marlene Palkovich, Secretary Lisa Liddell Others Present: Chief David Thomalla City Attorney Alan Kantrud Commission LiaisonTerrie Rameaux Approval of Minutes Commissioner Palkovich made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 5, 2007 meeting. Commissioner Gunn seconded the motion. Ayes: 2, Nays: 0. (Commissioner Liddell was not present at the April 5, 2007 meeting). Motion carried. Welcome New Member Lisa Liddell Commissioner Gunn introduced and welcomed Lisa Liddell to the Commission to serve a 3-year term. He stated that this was the first time they’ve all met due to the open meeting law. Review Backgrounds of Police Officer Candidates and Certify Names Chair Gunn reiterated the process after the examination. He stated that an eligibility list was established dated 2/5/07. They proceed down the list to find candidates that are acceptable to the Commission, the City Manager and the Police Department and Police Chief. The second step is conducting background investigations on the candidate. Chair Gunn stated the three backgrounds being reviewed would be referred to as candidates #15, #16, and #17 for discussion purposes due to the nature of some of the information (personal) and privacy laws and the public nature of the meeting. However, he stated that the Commission is allowed to ask questions of the City Attorney, Police Chief and Staff Liaison regarding issues pertaining to the candidates and their backgrounds. After discussion of the backgrounds, a motion is made to approve the background reports and the second step is to certify the names. There are currently two candidates that have been certified. In accordance with the Civil Service Rules & Regulations, the city needs three candidates certified to hire one candidate. Chief Thomalla clarified that there were previously three candidates certified, one of which was recently hired—Tim Hawkinson. Thus, there are two remaining certified names on the list. Chief Thomalla stated that the department currently has two openings as of the beginning of 2007. With the three backgrounds presented today, he wishes to hire two candidates from the list. He stated that in the upcoming months he’d be presenting the Commission with at least two additional completed backgrounds as the department will have two additional positions as of June 1, 2007. The plan is to hire two candidates very soon and then two additional candidates in the next few months. 2 Discussion of Candidate #15. Commissioner Palkovich stated that, in regards to Candidate #15, she felt that the reference made pertaining to the volunteer service of the candidate was very good and that this was a solid candidate. No further discussion on Candidate #15. Discussion of Candidate #16—Commissioner Palkovich asked the Police Chief to elaborate on the sworn officer experience of this candidate. Chief Thomalla stated that this officer has been a police officer for eight years. The candidate was described as a hard worker wanting to do a good job. There was some discussion regarding complaints against the candidate. Chief Thomalla stated that in a career like this it is not unusual to have complaints made occasionally, but generally, they are unfounded and unsubstantiated. He felt he would be a good candidate. Chair Gunn inquired if the Chief had full access to all personnel records from previous employment. The Chief stated there are currently laws in place pertaining to background investigations of police officers that allow governmental agencies to obtain any information. He stated that not as much information is provided by private employers as is by law enforcement agencies. Discussion of Candidate #17—Chief Thomalla addressed an issue pertaining to the candidate’s military background. Chief Thomalla stated that when doing backgrounds, they look at how recent things of concern are. Chief Thomalla referred to the “line in the sand” that he uses for candidates. This is the point where the candidate makes the commitment to be a police officer, and there shouldn’t be any issues of concern that occur beyond that point. He stated he believes this particular issue occurred before Candidate #17 drew the “line in the sand.” Any of the activity in question occurred when he was in the military some time ago. Commissioner Palkovich addressed the issue of numerous applications to numerous law enforcement agencies. Chief Thomalla stated that it is not that unusual and that is does not mean that the candidate did not pass the agency’s test. Within the background packet itself, the candidate is asked about their status on the list of the various agencies where application was made. They may or may not have been back grounded. It is the candidates that have been repeatedly back grounded and not hired that are of concern. Chair Gunn inquired if the Police Department has access to the other agencies background information. Police Chief Thomalla stated that they do have access and use that information to compare to the background completed for the City. Chief Thomalla reiterated the background investigation process. There are currently two officers, on light duty, doing the background investigations. Having two officers has allowed them go complete numerous background investigations in a short period of time. If necessary, the Chief stated they would pull an officer(s) off the street to conduct the background, which generally take about three weeks. There was some discussion regarding the very positive things about all three candidates, including the benefits to the City of hiring candidates who already have experience and training from another law enforcement agency. Chief Thomalla stated that there are sometimes re-training issues but no re- training problems, as every department does things a little different and trains their officers differently. Chair Gunn inquired if a new officer has to go through a probationary period at Maplewood if the officer has previously completed a probationary period at another agency. Chief Thomalla stated that every new officer goes through a one-year probationary period in Maplewood. 3 Commissioner Palkovich made a motion to approve and accept the backgrounds for candidates # 15, 16 & 17. Seconded by Commissioner Liddell: Ayes: 3; Nays: 0. Motion carried. Commissioner Liddell made a motion to certify candidates #15, 16 & 17. Seconded by Commissioner Palkovich. Ayes: 3; Nays: 0. Motion carried. Chair Gunn stated there are now five names certified for vacancies. Chief Thomalla thanked the Commission and stated he’d be speaking with two of the candidates to make conditional job offers very soon. Commissioner Palkovich inquired about the status of the Police Department. Chief Thomalla stated that there is a shortage on the street due to the two officers on light duty who are doing the background investigations, along with two officers currently in canine school. He hopes to be at full strength for this year by the end summer. Other Commissioner Palkovich asked Chair Gunn about an article written by a city council person which appeared in the Maplewood City news. She quoted, “The Maplewood Police Civil Service Commission has finally decided to carry out their mandate and start the process of hiring 4 new police officers as directed by the city council.” She stated she was not aware that the city council could mandate the Commission to do anything and did not like the tone of the comment. Chair Gunn stated that he believes it suggests that the Commission has a mandate to start the process of hiring police officers. Chair Gunn clarified for the public that the Commission responds to requests from the City. The requests primarily come from the City Manager or the Police Chief that the eligibility list has been exhausted and there are vacancies that need to be filled. He stated it is not this Commission’s choice to make decisions when to hire. He asked for clarification from Chief Thomalla. Chief Thomalla stated he was correct, as new positions have to be funded by the budget which is approved by the Council. The Commission’s role starts when the Chief contacts Terrie Rameaux to initiate a Police Civil Service Commission meeting to approve the hiring process, approve a list, or certify names. The Chief stated that the Commission has been very responsive to being available for the meetings. Chair Gunn stated that the other reason the Commission would meet is at the request of a police officer for possibly veterans’ preference issues, disability benefits issues. Chief Thomalla added that it would also include disciplinary procedures. Chair Gunn stated that with regard to disciplinary issues, in Maplewood, the police officers have the benefit of grieving disciplinary issues through their union. Commissioner Palkovich, again, questioned the word “mandate” used in the article. There was some discussion about the uncertainty of the intent of word. Commissioner Palkovich then clarified for the public the two ways that they decide if they will certify a candidate or not. One is having a discussion regarding the candidate, with questions asked, if applicable. The other is making a motion, the motion is seconded and in accordance with Roberts Rules, there is further discussion. Making a motion does not necessarily mean the Commission will accept or reject on that motion based on the discussion to be had. Commissioner Palkovich stated that previous commissioners have been thanked by the Council. However, since that has not been done for Debbie Birkholz, Commissioner Palkovich and Chair Gunn expressed their appreciation and thanked Debbie Birkholz, who was in the audience, for her efforts and service on the Commission. Chief Thomalla stated that the Commissioners were given an updated eligibility list indicating which candidates have withdrawn, which backgrounds are complete, etc. Commissioner Palkovich thanked Terrie Rameaux for her work with the Commission. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:41 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Terrie Rameaux Recording Secretary 4