04/14/1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 14, 1997 Sergeant Mortenson, Human Rights Officer, Alternate, Police Department Office Manager, Sandie Wood, Human Rights Officer, Alternate, Park and Recreation Department Mayor Landers stated these individuals will receive training over and above the annual harassment training that all employees as well as new hires receive. Mayor Landers said he spoke with Sandie Wood who declined the appointment from Human Rights Officer position. Mayor Landers stated Ms. Wood suggested it would not cost anymore to send ten people instead of eight to training. This would help with turnover or others declining later on after they had been trained. Council Member Kuether inquired where this training is to take place. Mayor Landers said the training will be held locally. Council Member Neal stated he was under the impression Dave Ahrens was to be one of the candidates. Mayor Landers stated he did briefly talk with Mr. Ahrens prior to this meeting and his response was yes he would serve as an alternate. Council Member Bergeson stated his concern regarding gender diversity. Although Mr. Ahrens would be great, there already are two males listed here so a female should be appointed for the third position. Council Member Kuether asked if any of the new police officers were female and maybe replace Sergeant Mortenson with one of them. Mayor Landers suggested moving ahead with the two names, Mr. Tesch and Sergeant Mortenson, and try to find the remaining individuals addressing the gender and facility location. Council Member Kuether asked if the individuals will be paid for the training. Mr. Hawkins stated training normally occurs during work hours. Council Member Lyden pointed out this is on-going training. Mayor Landers said at the last work session the terms were set for this positions at a three (3) year term. Council Member Kuether stated the terms need to be staggered and maybe four (4) and two (2) year terms would be more appropriate. Mayor Landers suggested the terms could be done similar to the Park Board, one term ends after one year, the second after two years and the third after three years; with the Human Rights Officer having the three year term. Council Member Bergeson stated one year is not very long and would propose 2, 3 and 4 year terms. Council Member Lyden expressed concern with the number attending training, especially with the associated costs. He stated his preference would be two males and two females attend the training. Mayor Landers stated the Council will go since they are a part of this plus three Human Rights Officers and the two alternatives will go as well. This could be the cut off, but he does not feel the training would be anymore for ten people then for eight. That way if anyone wanted to remove themselves from the officer or alternative position, there would be someone else already trained. Council Member Kuether agreed with Council Member Lyden in regards to two of each gender appointed for these positions and suggested Mr. Schumacher send out a memo to see if there are any volunteers interested in these positions. Mayor Landers stated two females would then need to be found for the remaining positions. Discussion followed regarding the PAGE 13