HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-04-2007 Special
JEFFERSONVILLE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL SESSION
Meeting Memorandum - Wednesday, April 4, 2007 - 5:30 P.M.
City Hall Mayor's Conference Room
Council President Keith Fetz called th~ meeting to order at 5:30 P.M., and on call of the
roll those members present were: Councilpersons Keith Fetz, Connie Sellers, Barbara
Wilson, Ron Grooms, and John Perkins. Also present were Mayor Rob Waiz, Attorney
Les Merkley, Clerk Treasurer Peggy Wilder, and Deputy Clerk Treasurer Barbara Hollis.
Chief John Monihon, Assistant Chief Mark Lovan, Major Mike Pavey, Major Rick
Ashabranner, Major Scott Oliver, Major Jim Craig, Sergeant Tim Deeringer, Major
David Marble, and Dispatcher Mindy Christian represented the Police Department.
POLICE DEPARTMENT STAFFING
Council President Fetz thanked all for ,coming, explaining this is no "witch hunt' and no
ill will is intended. He goal is open communication.
Councilperson Perkins explained an drdinance previously passed regarding free speech
protection for employees. Council President Fetz explained due to the nature of politics,
things are in place for the protection of employees. He has asked the Police Chief and his
current administration officers, as well as current officer that have been Chief to attend
this meeting. Councilperson McCauley said he was not in town when this discussion
started and is concerned this should be, a HR situation. Council President Fetz explained
this is a question of staffing numbers. Councilperson McCauley said the police budget
was reviewed at least three times and h,e felt the requests had been funded.
Councilperson Grooms asked about th~ numbers in the Police Department. Police Chief
Monihon said there are 56 Police Offiqers and 10 civilians. Council President Fetz asked
how may have been hired that did not replace a retiring officer. Major Pavey said six
were added based on the Urban Enterprise Zone. Council President F etz noted the City
has grown asking how many are in uniform. Major Oliver explained there are 3 squads
of 10 per shift, six in community policing, three new officers are at the academy.
Included is one K-9 night shift. Major Oliver explained the Community Policing
Program. Prisoner transport is a big demand on the department. Council President Fetz
feels prisoner transport should be the duty of the County. Chief Monihon has talked with
the Sheriff about helping. The Department is looking at converting a van for prisoner
transport. This cost would be about $10,000. Councilperson McCauley stated there has
been an offer from City Court Judge Lewis to look into video. He would like to
investigate this. The phone prompt system was discussed. Major Pavey did not like the
phone prompt system. He felt it was a service to the community to answer the phones.
Sergeant Deeringer noted the phone prompt system tied up 911. Councilperson
McCauley noted the Council is the fiscal body and is not trying to run the department.
April 4, 2007
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Major Ashabranner explained when he was Chief he had 40 uniformed officers divided
into 3 12-man shifts. Major Oliver explained there are 40 in uniform currently. They are
very busy. Chief Monihon said the classes he has attended have pushed community
policing. The different systems of managing were discussed. Council President Fetz
noted the crime rate has not gone down. Officer Oliver reviewed the squads saying the
stress level can get high. Chief Monihon said the experts recommend community police.
Assistant Chief Lovan said once the community has community policing you can't go
back. Councilperson McCauley feels the staff levels have been reviewed three times in
the last nine months and wonders why this is an issue now. Council President Fetz said
he brought it up. Major Oliver said the ultimate concern is for safety. Major Pavey
explained when he was Chief he learned more about all phases of the Department. He
was constantly trying to get enough officers out there safely. No body is sitting on their
hands. Councilperson Perkins agrees with Councilperson McCauley that the manpower
has been studied. Councilperson Sellers is concerned with the difference between the
personal visit and the letter. Chief Monihon said he is good with the proposed 18 new
officers. He would like to move forward. Mayor Waiz suggested Chief Monihon send
the letter. He feels the process does need to be moved up. Eighteen is a good number.
Council President Fetz asked if all eighteen would be uniform officers. Chief Monihon
explained they would. Councilperson McCauley said there is no motive to underestimate
for annexation. Chief Monihon understands Council President Fetz's concerns.
Council President Fetz feels this has been a productive meeting. Councilperson
McCauley is proud of the Police force; they are doing a good job. The community
should be proud. He feels the Council has bent over backwards to get equipment to keep
the Department safe. Councilperson Grooms commends all the officers. He feels the
Council has been very supportive. He understands the phase-in.
The new cars are all going to the uniform division. Assistant Chief Lovan noted many
vehicles have been obtained at no cost to the City.
Council President Fetz said there is always controversy in the political season. He does
not want employees to feel threatened for politics. Council President Fetz the Ethics
members have done a great job. The Ethics Ordinance is a work in progress.
Councilperson Sellers said she wants ~o file an inquiry for all employees in the City and
may want to interview all employees. There should be no talk of politics at work.
Questions need to be answered. She is tired of innuendos.
Dispatcher Mindy Christian stated her concern for staffing of dispatchers due to the
increase in calls.
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April 4, 2007
Page 3
There being no further business to come before the Council, the motion was made by
Councilperson Perkins to adjourn at 6:40 P.M., seconded by Councilperson Sellers,
passing on a vote of 6-0.
Attest:
q~
Clerk Tre r Peggy WIlder
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