12/08/1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 1997 Council Member Neal moved to approve Ordinance No. 36 - 97, as presented. Council Member Lyden seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Ordinance No. 36 - 97 can be found at the end of these minutes. CONTINUATION OF PERMANENT FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT OF POLICE OFFICER KEVIN JOHNSON TO REPLACE POLICE OFFICER WHO RETIRED, POLICE CHIEF PECCHIA Chief Pecchia explained that with the retirement of Officer Sal Costa on September 30, 1997, a vacancy was created within the Police Department. Testing was conducted on September 13, 1997. Twenty candidates were interviewed and background investigations were conducted on the top seven. Chief Pecchia and the City Administrator then interviewed the top five candidates. At the conclusion of this process the top two candidates advanced to Phase II of the hiring process --the psychological and medical examinations. Following completion of the hiring process Chief Pecchia recommended that Kevin Johnson be hired, effective immediately. Chief Pecchia added that Officer Johnson currently holds two part-time jobs: He performs street maintenance for Richfield Public Works, and holds the position of probation officer at Anoka County Juvenile Center. Officer Johnson attended Moorhead State University from September, 1993 to August 1997, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in criminal justice. In June of 1997, he attended his Skills at Alexandria Technical College. Council Member Neal asked about the status of the top two candidates. Chief Pecchia explained that Mr. Johnson was one of the top two with the other withdrawing from consideration. Council Member Bergeson asked about the current probation period policy. Chief Pecchia explained that the probation period is one year with a 13 -week FTO program. He added that the probation period can be extended for an additional three months, if necessary. Mr. Schumacher expressed his opinion that Mr. Johnson has excellent characteristics, and that he will be a significant asset to the Lino Lakes Police Department. Council Member Neal also asked if Mr. Johnson will continue his employment with Richfield Public Works and the Anoka County Juvenile Center after he joins the Lino Lakes Police Department. Chief Pecchia indicated that he would not. Mayor Landers asked about the current police force. Chief Pecchia stated that the Department has an authorized strength of 19 full-time officers and 1 part-time officer. With the addition of Mr. Johnson, the Department will have 18 full-time officers. Council Member Neal moved to hire Officer Kevin Johnson, effective immediately. Council Member Lyden seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 8