12/08/1975 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ha DECEMBER 8, 1975 Mayor Bohjanen asked the Clerk to read a letter from the Human Rights Commission stating that a complaint had been filed against the City by Mrs. Joanne M. Pankratz accusing the City of discrimination due to sex. This complaint states that she was passed over in consideration for enrollment in BCA school. Mr. Frederick Hillyer, a part -time patrolman with less time on the force than Mrs. Pankratz, is presently enrolled in that school. Mr. Locher read the letter he had prepared and documented in answer to this charge. Basically Mrs. Pankratz was employed as a Clerk- Typist. The only reason for adding the title "Policewoman" was for the purpose of assisting the officer on duty if the offense included a female or a juvenile. During the discussion of the Police Contract meeting, Chief Myhre had been asked how many times she had been used in that capacity in the past eight months and Chief Myhre said, none. Mr. McLean read this portion of the discussion from the minutes of that meeting and also read that the position of "female police officer" should be abolished. The certificates obtained by Mrs. Pankratz since her employment in the Police Office have been in the filed of clerical work. The Council stand was that Mrs. Pankratz had been hired as a clerk- typist. Mr. Locher was also instructed to inform the Human Rights Commission that the City of Lino Lakes has no plans for expanding the Police Department from the present personnel of One Chief and two Patrolmen with a Clerk - Typist and four part -time patrolmen filling in the odd hours. The fact that the decision as to who was to attend the school and when, was not a Council decision but was made by the Police Chief was noted. Mr. Marier noted that a position cannot be abolished while in contract negotiations, without mutual consent. Mr. McLean said that when positions are created, a complete job description must be supplied first. Mr. Zelinka asked the Chief to verify the reason why this person was sworn in. The general consensus of the Council was that this will brought ou in the investigation by the Human Rights Commission. Mr. Jaworski said he concurred with the action taken but wanted to know why he was not notified of the meeting with the Attorney. He had some- one home to answer the phone. He said the expenditure of City funds can only be authorized by the Council. He felt the Mayor did not have the authority to call this meeting without the approval of the Council. Mr. Gerald Beach, Tree Inspector, presented his report for the 1975 Tree Inspection Program and also his cost estimates for 1976. He felt that by 1977 the cost should be sharply curtailed. Mr. Zelinka questioned Mr. Beach on the method of Vapam treatment for Oak Wilt and Mr. Beach ex- plained this substance is put in holes 20" deep, 8" apart around the infected tree or trees, it works on the root system to control the disease. 1 1 1