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MINUTES
City Commission, Sanford, Florida
4:00 SPECIAL WORK SESSION
February
The City Commission of the City of Sanford, Florida met in Special Work Session on Monday, February 16,
1998 at 4:00 o' clock p.m. in the City Manager's Conference Room, City Hall, 300 North Park Avenue, Sanford, Florida.
Present:
Absent:
Mayor-Commissioner Larry Dale
Commissioner Whitey Eckstein
Commissioner Velma H. Williams
Commissioner Brady Lessard
Commissioner Kerry D. Lyons
City Manager William A. Simmons
City Clerk Janet R. Dougherty
City Attorney William L. Colbert
The Chairman called the meeting to order.
Police Chief Joe Dillard reported on the reorganizational structure proposed by the Police Department. He
reviewed three proposals presented in two memos dated January 22, 1998 and one dated February 4, 1998. After discussion
the Commission concurred that the best option was to eliminate by attrition four commander positions over the next three
years.
ChiefDillard reported on a memo dated February 2, 1998 regarding a January 23, 1998 meeting with Sheriff
.Eslinger to discuss services that could possibly be contracted from the Seminole County Sheriff's Office. He reported Sheriff
Eslinger preferred that the Sanford Police Department simply utilize the expertise of the Sheriff's Office, as needed, as the
Sheriff's Office is obligated to assist, anyway. Services discussed were: K-9 Services, Testing of Police Applicants, Training,
Crime Scene Services, Computer Services, Communications, and Community PoliCing. These services were outlined in more
detail in the February 2 memo. ChiefDillard reviewed a memo dated February 13, 1998, which states the following services
have been implemented: Flight Officer in the Tactical Air Operations Unit, Seminole County Swat Team, and City, County,
Investigative Unit.
Sheriff Eslinger agreed the services discussed January 23 could be contracted with the county, but suggested
the commtmications of the Sanford Police Department are sufficient and should not be contracted to the County at this time,
partly because of the relocation of the Sheriff? s Office. He also reported that the Sheriff' s Office at the Airport is an adequate
structure for the Pohce Department, in good condition, but it does not have a lot of exposure. The County presently is paying
$2.50 a sq. ft. for this facility. The City Manager distributed copies of an Amendment to Agreement with Architects Design
Group, Inc. stating the scope of services was to include an assessment of the building currently occupied by the Seminole
County Sheriff City Manager Simmons asked if there were any changes or additions that should be made to the Agreement.
The Commission concurred for City Manager Simmons to proceed with the Amendment to Agreement for due diligence on
the new building. [Mayor Dale left the meeting.]
The Commission discussed Community Policing with Sheriff Eslinger, and the Sheriff indicated it is a
collaborative effort between departments. He stressed that the citizens need to be asked what they see as problems, not just
what the City sees as problems. [Mayor Dale returned.]
Chief Dillard reviewed the Police Department General Orders and distributed copies of the changes that had
been made to the original Orders. Mayor Dale encouraged each Commissioner to read and compare the General Orders and
be prepared to vote on adopting them at the meeting of February 23, 1998.
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City Commission, Sanford, Florida 4: 0 0
WORK SESSION
105
February 16 98
to participant.
participate.
In general discussion Commissioner Eckstein reported he felt the Sanford Police Department personnel should
wear hats while on duty. It was reported by several policemen that the uniform hats are uncomfortable and eambersome and
more trouble than they are worth. The Department is looking into baseball caps for the policemen.
Chief Dillard reported he needs two Communications Operators to eliminate part time positions and reduce
overtime. He also reported he needs two Community Services Officers. The Commission concurred to have an Ordinance
prepared adding these four positions to the Police Department, and present it for first reading on February 23, 1998.
Commissioner Williams reported there were seventeen applicants who took the eligibility test for the Police
Department of which eleven white applicants and one Hispanic applicant passed, and six black applicants failed. She would
like for the Commission to look at this seriously and decide what this test is really measuring. This is a standard certified test
that comes from IPMA (International Personnel Management Association). She felt that blacks, and females, are under-
represented in the Police Department. She is not asking the City to lower its standards or hire anybody who is not qualified,
just to come up with alternatives when minorities, and women, have a problem passing the test. City Manager Simmons
suggested the City could provide remedial training for applicants who fail a test. Mayor Dale reported the City should check
with the Sheriff and other Police Chiefs and see how they handle this situation.
Commissioner Willjams also requested to have in writing the steps the Police Department is taking to reach
the agreed upon goals set with the Commission, such as training, neighborhood policing and personnel changes. She felt that
if something was in writing it would make the evaluation process of the Chief more efficient and effective; She would like
reports in writing from the Chief of all Of~cer's training, and new programs as they are implemented.
Sergeant Presley reported that they are conducting F.A.T.S. training this week and each Commissioner is invited
This is a computerized firearms training simulation of about 25 scenarios in which all officers are required to
Them being no further business, the meeting was adjoumed.
Attest:
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