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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 Fire and Police ELGIN BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSIONERS NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF MEETING The regularly scheduled meeting of the Elgin Board of Fire and Police Commissioners scheduled for January 12, 2006 has been canceled. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on February 9, 2006, at 5:30 p.m. Dated: January 5, 2006 Tim Bennett City of Elgin Human Resources ELGIN BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSIONERS NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF MEETING The regularly scheduled meeting of the Elgin Board of Fire and Police Commissioners scheduled for February 9, 2006 has been canceled. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on March 9, 2006, at 5:30 p.m. Dated: February 3, 2006 Tim Bennett City of Elgin Human Resources Board of Fire and Police Commissioners Meeting March, 2006 5:30 p.m. Second Floor Conference Room/South Tower City Hall, 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, IL 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Open Session A. Approval of Minutes from: December 15, 2005 B. Discussion of Board Membership elk C. Discuss Police Officer testing 4. Executive Session 5. Return to Open Session 6. Adjournment Next Meeting:April 13, 2006 The City of Elgin is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA)of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who require certain accommodations in order to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting,or who have questions regarding the accessibility of the meeting or the facilities,are requested to contact Human Resources,at(847)931-6076,or TTY/TDD(847)931- 5616 promptly to allow the City of Elgin to make reasonable accommodations for those persons. Board of Fire & Police Commissioners 2nd Floor Conference Room/South Tower March 9, 2006 Present: Chair. Mary Camacho Cmmr. Gertrude Marshall Cmmr. Ed Shannon Cmmr. Christine Wojtas Staff: Tim Bennett The meeting was called to order at 5:37 p.m. by Chair Camacho. Approval of the Minutes Cmmr. Marshall made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Wojtas to approve the December 15th 2005 minutes as written. The motion carried 4-0. Discussion of Board Membership Tim discussed the surrounding communities and whether or not their Board of Fire and Police had the Police and/or Fire Chiefs as voting members. Tim informed the Board that none of the surrounding community's Chiefs served as voting members. Discussion ensued about the pros and cons to adding the Chiefs as voting Board members. Cmmr. Shannon made a motion, seconded by Cmmr. Marshall stating: "The Elgin Fire and Police Board would like to go on record as being against the adding of the Fire Chief and Police Chief as voting board members on the Fire and Police Board." The motion carried 4-0. Discussion of Police Officer testing Tim informed the Board that the current Police Officer eligibility list will be expired with the new set of Officers to be hired in April. He requested that the Board authorize the approval of starting the testing process for Police Officer as quickly as possible. Cmmr. Marshall made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Shannon stating: "Human Resources are authorized to start the testing process for Police Officer at the earliest ew possible time." The motion carried 4-0. L Board of Fire and Police Commissioners March 9, 2006 Minutes Page 2 New Business Chair Camacho asked Tim about the psychological process for Police Officers and the current psychologist that the City uses. Tim informed the Board that we currently use Dr Joshua Barras, and have used him for at least the last 5 years. The suggestion was made by the Board to meet with Dr Barras and discuss his views on what he looks for in a Police or Fire candidate. Tim said that he would try and arrange a meeting with Dr Barras and Board and would report his progress at the next meeting. Executive Session Cmmr. Shannon made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Marshall to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of discussing a personnel issue. The motion carried 4-0. Board went into executive session at 6:05 p.m. • Cmmr. Marshall made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Wojtas to return to open session at 6:40 p.m. The motion carried 4-0. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Chair Camacho called for a motion to adjourn. Cmmr. Shannon made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Wojtas to adjourn the meeting at 6:43 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved: May 11, 2006 Tim Bennett Staff Liaison Board of Fire & Police Commissioners 2"d Floor Conference Room/South Tower March 9, 2006 Executive Session — Special Meeting Present: Chair. Mary Camacho Cmmr. Gertrude Marshall Cmmr. Ed Shannon Cmmr. Christine Wojtas Staff: Tim Bennett Tim Bennett brought up discussion on a current candidate from the Police Officer Eligibility list. Tim explained that Jose Rios was a candidate on the eligibility and was going to go for his psychological test with Dr Barras in the coming week. The concern that the City has on Mr. Rios is that his background reflected that he had been involved in a number of questionable situations. He was arrested, but never convicted, of a gang shooting; convicted of theft of services; been on a gang association list for a neighboring community; other arrests for mob action and disorderedly conduct. At this time Tim said that the information he was sharing was for informational purposes. If Mr. Rios does pass the psychological then the Board have the issue of removing Mr. Rios from the list at that point. Discussion ensued about the interview process and how to conduct Police Officer and Firefighter interviews in the future. Respectfully Submitted, Approved: May 11, 2006 Tim Bennett Staff Liaison ell, ELGIN BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSIONERS NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF MEETING The regularly scheduled meeting of the Elgin Board of Fire and Police Commissioners scheduled for April 13, 2006 has been canceled. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on May 11, 2006, at 5:30 p.m. Dated: April 10, 2006 Tim Bennett f City of Elgin Human Resources Board of Fire & Police Commissioners 2"d Floor Conference Room/South Tower May 11, 2006 Minutes Present: Chair Mary Camacho Cmmr. Gertrude Marshall Cmmr. Ed Shannon Cmmr. Christine Wojtas Absent: Cmmr. Carolyn Hissong Staff: Tim Bennett Guests: Chief Mike Falese D/C Jeff Swoboda Brenda Avalos — Elgin High Student Marian Barron — Elgin High Student The meeting was called to order at 5:40 p.m. by Chair Camacho. Welcome New Board Member Tabled until the June meeting because member was not present. Approval of the Minutes Cmmr. Wojtas made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Marshall to approve the March 9th minutes as written. Motion carried 4-0. Appreciation to Board for Firefighter Testing Chief Falese expressed his appreciation to the Board for their efforts in completing the Firefighter Eligibility list in a timely manner so that four individuals could be hired from this list and put into the June Academy class. Eleven individuals will be hired from this list during 2006 for Station 7. Discussion of Board Membership rw Tim provided the Board with a packet of information which contains the following: Duties and role of the Board Attendance policy State statutes for hiring The Board was informed that it is at their discretion to take into account the arrest and gambling records when hiring law enforcement officers. Discuss Officer Testing Chair Camacho mentioned that she still would like to meet with Chief Womack regarding the procedure used for handling background checks. Tim asked D/C Swoboda to check with Chief Womack to see if she would be available to attend the June meeting and possibly bring the officer in charge of investigations along to the meeting. Testing for Police Officer will occur on June 24th with the possibility of scheduling interviews for mid to late August. D/C Swoboda indicated that the Police Department is currently down six (6) openings. Chair Camacho asked the Board to bring calendars to set up possible dates for candidate interviews. Chair Camacho mentioned that while speaking with an individual from Channel 5, he commended both Elgin Fire and Police Department for having the best departments in Illinois. D/C Swoboda introduced himself to the Board. He encouraged additional dialogue between the Board and the Department. Chair Camacho encouraged the Police Department to have a representative at the meetings. The Board was invited by D/C Swoboda to attend the Police Memorial on Monday, May 15th at 2:30 p.m. in front of the Police Department. Psychologist Discussion Tim explained the reasoning behind the need and want to interview other potential Psychologists. Tim informed the Board that Dr. Barras has been used as the City's psychologist for the past 15 years. Dr. Barras has expressed a desire to continue his services to the City of Elgin and would be willing to attend a meeting to discuss how his interviewing process is conducted. Tim indicated that Dr. Chipeta would like to meet with the Board to discuss his interview process with candidates. The Board was asked if they would be interesting in interview other potential Psychologists for use by the City. The Board indicated that they would be interested in making this arrangement for the June meeting. It was agreed that the Psychologists would limit their presentation to 20 minutes. Tim indicated that the City would be looking to hire a Psychologist in August to be used for the upcoming Police Officer testing. Executive Session Cmmr. Shannon made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Marshall to adjourn to executive session to discuss personnel. Cmmr. Marshall made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Wojtas to return to open session at 6:44 p.m. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Chair Camacho called for a motion to adjourn. Cmmr. Wojtas made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Marshall to adjourn the meeting at 6:44 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved: June 8, 200 P Y Sandra Taylor Recording Secretary Board of Fire & Police Commissioners 2nd Floor Conference Room/South Tower May 11, 2006 Executive Session Minutes Present: Chair Mary Camacho Cmmr. Gertrude Marshall Cmmr. Ed Shannon Cmmr. Christine Wojtas Absent: Cmmr. Carolyn Hissong Staff: Tim Bennett Chair Camacho discussed the memo that was received regarding the law suite involving the reinstatement of a Police Officer to the rank of Sergeant. Background information was provided as to how the law suite began. Cmmr. Marshall made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Wojtas to return to open session at 6:44 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved: June 8, 2006 Sandra Taylor Recording Secretary eolhk Board of Fire and Police Commissioners Meeting June 8, 2006 5:30 p.m. Second Floor Conference Room/South Tower City Hall, 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, IL 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Open Session A. Approval of Minutes from: May 11, 2006 B. Appointment of new chairperson. C. Chief Womack-Psychologist discussion 4. Executive Session 5. Return to Open Session 6. Adjournment Next Meeting:July 14, 2006 The City of Elgin is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who require certain accommodations in order to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting, or who have questions regarding the accessibility of the meeting or the facilities, are requested to contact Human Resources, at(847) 931-6076, or TTY/TDD(847) 931- 5616 promptly to allow the City of Elgin to make reasonable accommodations for those persons. Board of Fire & Police Commissioners 2"d Floor Conference Room/South Tower June 15, 2006 Present: Chair Mary Camacho Cmmr. Carolyn Hissong Cmmr. Gertrude Marshall Cmmr. Christine Wojtas Absent: Cmmr. Ed Shannon Staff: Gail Cohen The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chair Camacho. Chair Camacho thanked Gail for getting the information to the Commission in a timely manner so that today's discussion could take place. The Commission discussed the information they received on which psychological exams are available for use. Chair Camacho indicated that there was very little difference between the different examinations. Chair Camacho requested information on what other similar size communities are using for their psychological examinations. Gail suggested asking the bidders what psychological guidelines they use and why and which communities use these guidelines. Chair Camacho inquired as to whom different communities were using for their interview process. Gail indicated that the RFP for a Psychologist will be sent out on Monday, June 19, 2006. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Chair Camacho called for a motion to adjourn. Board of Fire and Police Commission June 15, 2006 Minutes Page 2 Cmmr. Wojtas made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Marshall to adjourn the meeting at 5:45 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved: November 9, 2006 Sandra Taylor Recording Secretary Board of Fire and Police Commissioners Meeting July 20, 2006 5:30 p.m. Second Floor Conference Room/South Tower City Hall, 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, IL 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Open Session A. Interviews for psychologist 4. Executive Session 5. Return to Open Session 6. Adjournment The City of Elgin is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who require certain accommodations in order to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting, or who have questions regarding the accessibility of the meeting or the facilities, are requested to contact Human Resources, at(847) 931-6076, or TTYITDD (847) 931- 5616 promptly to allow the City of Elgin to make reasonable accommodations for those persons. ELGIN BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSIONERS NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING Notice is hereby given that the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners of the City of Elgin will hold a special meeting on Thursday, August 31, 2006 at 5:00 pm in the South Tower Conference Room, 2nd Floor, 150 Dexter Court, Elgin IL 60120. The purpose of this special meeting will be to review a recommendation for termination of a probationary police officer. DATED: August 29, 2006 CITY OF ELGIN Gail Cohen Secretary, Board of Fire and Police Commissioners AGENDA SPECIAL MEETING AUGUST 31, 2006 S:OOPM SOUTH TOWER CONFERENCE ROOM 150 DEXTER COURT ELGIN IL 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Executive Session: Dismissal of employees of the public body, exempt under Section 120/2(c)(11) of the Open Meetings Act(to be considered in a closed meeting) 4. Return to Open Session 5. Adjournment eolk MINUTES OF THE ELGIN FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION ,�•. SPECIAL MEETING AUGUST 31, 2006 The special meeting of the Elgin Fire and Police Commission was called to order by Chairperson Mary Camacho at 5:15 pm in South Tower Conference Room, 150 Dexter Court. Present: Chairperson Camacho, Board Members Shannon and Wojtas. Absent: Board Member Marshall. Motion to Go Into Executive Session Board member Shannon made a motion, seconded by Board member Wojtas, to go into executive session. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Camacho, Shannon, Wojtas. Nays: None. Whereupon, at 5:16 pm, the Board convened in closed session for the purpose of discussing the termination of a probationary police officer. EXECUTIVE SESSION Corporation Counsel William Cogley discussed Chief Womack's recommendation to terminate the probation of Officer Claudia Murphy. The following attendees introduced themselves to the Board: Sgt Bill Wolf, Deputy Chief Jeff Swoboda, Sgt Jeff Adam and Chief Lisa Womack. Cogley told the Board that termination is asked due to either a single act or through a course of conduct; both situations fit in this case. Officer Murphy has the worst probationary record Cogley has ever seen. Murphy showed poor judgment and poor attitude toward her supervisors. A probationary employee in a paramilitary organization does not roll her eyes when listening to superior officers. Murphy escalates incidents with the public. She showed poor judgment when using the LEADS computer system to look up her father's ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend's license. The Porter Reed incident is part of the reason for termination and by itself is sufficient for City Manager and the Council to terminate Murphy. Sgt Adam conducted the internal investigation on the Porter Reed case. When he asked Murphy what she would have done differently she first said "Nothing" and then said she would have arrested him. She did not learn from this incident that Porter Reed had not committed a crime. Chief Womack's report states Murphy was insubordinate with Sgt Almeida in an incident concerning 2 females. Good officers know how not to be baited. She violated direct orders in this case and Almeida had to physically intervene. Murphy has resigned from another department. She is not fit to be a police officer. Elgin needs to solve the problem now or citizens will continue to have problems. Chief Womack then spoke to the Board. Police does not take this process lightly. The reason for probation is to ensure that officers have the knowledge, skills and abilities to serve the community well. Police wants to ensure that Murphy has the tools, training and mentorship to be successful. Murphy's sergeant, lieutenant and deputy chief all say she is failing to respond to training. She did not meet the conditions of probationary status. The Board has only a summary of the problems. Murphy's inability to de-escalate and willingness to escalate situations is not acceptable. Murphy shows no recognition or acceptance of responsibility for her actions. Porter Reed is part of it but the Chief has never seen multiple problems like this before. Murphy's conduct would result in suspension for a non-probationary officer and should lead to the termination of her probationary status. Murphy is not qualified to continue employment with the City. Camacho asked if the Board had to hear from Murphy's attorney. Shannon asked Murphy's status. Cogley answered that the Board did not have to hear Murphy's attorney and that Murphy was on administrative leave as of today. Cogley explained Board's Rules and Elgin Municipal Code sections that applied to this situation. Cogley said the Board should ask him to prepare an order if they want to terminate Murphy. Womack said that Murphy is a liability if she stays. Police does not want to accept a resignation from her because we need to take a definitive stand on her behavior. Murphy has had two weeks to offer to resign and has not done so. If Murphy files suit, the Board is to get paperwork to him immediately. Wojtas made a motion to return to open session and Shannon seconded. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Camacho, Shannon, Wojtas. Nays: None. The Board returned to open session. Camacho made a motion for the termination and immediate dismissal of probationary Police Officer Claudia Murphy and that Corporation Counsel Cogley prepare an order for the same. Shannon so moved, and Wojtas seconded. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Camacho, Shannon, Wojtas. Nays: None. Shannon moved to adjourn. Wojtas seconded. Three ayes, motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 5:50 pm. September 1, 2006 Gaif Cohen, Secretary to the Board eplbl ELGIN BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSIONERS NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF MEETING The regularly scheduled meeting of the Elgin Board of Fire and Police Commissioners scheduled for October 12, 2006 has been canceled. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on November 9, 2006, at 5:30 p.m. Dated: October 5, 2006 Tim Bennett City of Elgin Human Resources Board of Fire and Police Commissioners Meeting November 9, 2006 5:30 p.m. Second Floor Conference Room/South Tower City Hall, 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, IL 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Open Session A. Introduce New Commissioner B. Election of New Chairperson C. Approval of June 8, 2006 &June 15, 2006 4. Executive Session A. Litigation against or affecting the public body pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11). 5. Return to Open Session 6. Adjournment The City of Elgin is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who require certain accommodations in order to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting, or who have questions regarding the accessibility of the meeting or the facilities, are requested to contact Human Resources, at(847) 931-6076, or TTY/TDD (847) 931- 5616 promptly to allow the City of Elgin to make reasonable accommodations for those persons. Board of Fire & Police Commissioners 2"d Floor Conference Room/South Tower November 9, 2006 Minutes Present: Chair Mary Camacho Cmmr. Norasing Kethdy Cmmr. Gertrude Marshall Cmmr. Ed Shannon Cmmr. Christine Wojtas Staff: Tim Bennett Guests: Bill Cogley, Corporation Counsel Mike Falese, Fire Chief The meeting was called to order at 5:44 p.m. by Chair Camacho. Introduction of New Commissioner Chair Camacho welcomed the new Commissioner Norasing Kethdy to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. Election of Chairperson Cmmr. Wojtas made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Marshall to re-nominate Cmmr. Camacho as the Chairperson of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. Motion carried 5-0. Approval of the Minutes Cmmr. Shannon made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Marshall to approve the June 8th and July 15th minutes as amended. Motion carried 5-0. June 8th minutes on page 1, under appointment of new chairperson, it should read ...confirmation of the reappointment of the Commissioners whose terms had expired. Page 2, paragraph 1 should read ...what was considered disqualifiers for potential candidates. It was indicated that two felonies and convictions are automatic disqualifiers. Page 2, paragraph 7 should read ...Chair Camacho requested that the Commissioners be invited... Page 2, paragraph 8 should read ...standards that were to be... ' Page 2, paragraph 9 should read Much discussion continued regarding... July 15th minutes on page 1, paragraph 5 should read ...bidders for the psychological.... Chief Falese provided the Board with an update on the City's approach to minority testing for Firefighters. Chief Falese will be speaking at a function on Monday, November 13th sponsored by the African American Ministers Alliance. Chair Camacho inquired I there was any assistance required from the Board. Chief Falese indicated not at this time, but to wait until the meeting Monday to determine if any changes would need to be made. A copy of the flyer was distributed to the Board. The Board congratulated and thanked Chief Falese on his efforts in reaching minorities. A suggestion was made to reach out the Vietnamese population, and that Cmmr. Kethdy would be a good resource. Executive Session Cmmr. Shannon made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Wotjas to adjourn to executive session at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters. Motion carried 5-0. The Board returned to open session at 6:20 p.m. Cmmr. Wotjas informed the Board that this was her last meeting on the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Chair Camacho called for a motion to adjourn. Cmmr. Shannon made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Wotjas to adjourn the meeting at 6:20 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved; January 11, 2007 Sandra Taylor Recording Secretary i Board of Fire & Police Commissioners 2nd Floor Conference Room/South Tower November 9, 2006 Executive Session Minutes Present: Chair Mary Camacho Cmmr. Norasing Kethdy Cmmr. Gertrude Marshall Cmmr. Ed Shannon Cmmr. Christine Wojtas Staff: Tim Bennett Guest: Bill Cogley, Corporation Counsel Mr. Cogley provided an update on the litigation issue of Claudia Murphy and Henry Smith. Mr. Cogley indicated that he would keep the Board update on the litigation. Mr. Cogley informed the Board that he was awaiting a decision from the Illinois Supreme Court on the Henry Smith litigation. He provided background information on this litigation. Mr. Cogley indicated that the ordinance stipulates the number of Lieutenants assigned to the Police Department. He also indicated that Lt. Smith would be able to retire from the department next year. Mr. Cogley recommended that the Board allow Lt. Smith to continue with his appeal and to wait on the response from the Illinois Supreme Court. It is expected that a ruling will be received in January. Mr. Cogley informed the Board that on grievances, non-probationary employees have the right to an arbitrator with approval from the City Manager and probationary employees have their grievances through the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. Cmmr. Wojtas made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Marshall to return to open session at 6:20 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved: January 11, 2007 Sandra Taylor Recording Secretary