Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout100897 rm min CITIZEN'S ADVISORY BOARD Minutes Wednesday, October 8, 1997 7:00 PM City Commission Conference Room PRESENT: Bernard Brown, Kevin Hipes, Richard Huber, Dean Ray, Linda Kuhn, Joan Campbell, Earl Myers, Tom Carpenter, Rev. Ricky Scott, Police Chief Joe Dillard and Gracy Posley This meeting was called to order by Chairperson Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown requested approval of CAB minutes for September 10, 1997 if there are no changes or corrections. Motion made by Mrs. Kuhn, seconded by Mrs. Campbell; motion carried for the minutes to be approved. Mr. Myers respond to his notice from the Board re his absences. Mr. Myers apologizes for his absenteeism due to personal reasons and wishes to continue as a CAB member. Reason accepted by members. Mr. Huber comments re P.A.S. report (police department assessment). States the report is thorough, but nothing is firm in his mind at this time. Mrs. Kuhn comments Mr. George Hubler (PAS) is knowledgeable in his field. States the police department had previously started on recommendations suggested in the report. Mrs. Kuhn feels although two members from CAB are on the Law Enforcement Options Committee, CAB should submit a recommendation to the Law Enforcement Options Committee via the City Commission. Mr. Hipes suggest CAB members to attend a few of the options committee meetings before rendering recommendations to the City Commission. Mr. Hipes comments the City should maintain the police department. And suggestions made in the P.A.S. report should be considered. Feels the police department should be given one year to one year and one -half to reorganize, then to have progress inspected. States the police department need time, money and support. With budget figures provided by Sheriff Eslinger, Mr. Hipes does not feel the City will be saving money by turning the police department over to the Sheriff's Department. Mrs. Kuhn states Mr. Hubler has provided Chief Dillard with an assessment check list re police department developments. Mr. Carpenter states he has concerns re upcoming City Commission election in approximately seventeen months, that the police department's assessment will be a political issue and asks the question should this issue be resolved before or after the election? Mrs. Campbell states the citizens have a voice and will ultimately make the final decision. Mrs. Kuhn states Mr. Hubler (PAS) gave her the impression at the City Commission Workshop (09/22/97) the City's Charter allows the City Commission to make the decision to turn the police department over to the Sheriff's Department without legalities. Chief Dillard comments the Charter also allows the citizens to petition to overturn the Commissions decision. Mr. Huber asks Chief Dillard what is it like having to answer to six bosses; would it be simpler to answer to the City Manager? Chief Dillard responds, it is always easier to answer to one individual than a group of people. Mrs. Kuhn states a resolution has been presented by the options committee to present to the Commission, the Charter be changed for the Police Chief and Fire Chief to come under the City Manager's direction. Mr. Ray states he feels Chief Dillard should answer to the City Commission. There's discussion re pros and cons. Mrs. Campbell states that's the purpose to have this item for vote. Mrs. Kuhn states all city agencies in Seminole County and most agencies in the state of Florida operate under the City Manager. CAB Minutes October 8, 1997 Page 2 of 2 Chairperson Mr. Brown and Mr. Huber are members of the Law Enforcement Options Committee. Mr. Brown mentions the three options LEOC has to work from and make a recommendation to the City Commission. Mr. Brown mentions the cost of early retirement for officers was mentioned at an LEOC meeting if officers would no longer be employed by the City of Sanford. Mrs. Kuhn says the figure as cost to the City was $750,000. Chief Dillard comments these figures are quite low. Mr. Hipes states the figures are ball park and could be off as much as ten to twenty percent. There was discussion re employees pay who may be hired by the Sheriff's Department if this option was to come about. It was mentioned employees would probably start at entry level pay. Mr. Huber asks Chief Dillard what is the procedure for firing an officer? Chief Dillard explains the process. Mr. Huber asks if the procedure is the same for union employees? Chief Dillard responds their is the City's hearing process, then their is a union's (F.O.P.) hearing process. Mr. Carpenter asks is it extremely difficult to fire an officer? Chief Dillard responds, extremely difficult; the cause for dismissal has to be very blatant and obvious. Mr. Carpenter comments on problems and issues at the police department officers have mentioned to him that go back as far as the past twenty years. Says strong leadership at the top is important to get things back right. Mr. Brown comments, Mr. Hubler (PAS) stated Chief Dillard has to make it a priority to regain the respect of the officers. Mrs. Kuhn commented on the many negative articles in the newspapers given by police department employees that she saw as being inappropriate as an employee. Mr. Hipes mention CAB memberships about to expire. He will resign effective 11/11/97. Mr. Myers, Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Ray stated to continue as CAB members. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM.