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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/11/1993 Council MinutesSPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 11, 1993 CITY OF LINO LAKES COUNCIL MINUTES DATE September 11, 1993. TIME STARTED 9:00 A.M. TIME ENDED : 4:30 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Reinert, Neal, Kueth'er, Elliott, Bergeson MEMBERS ABSENT : None Staff members present: City Administrator, Randy Schumacher and Recording Secretary, Joyce Lund. Mr. Larry Thompson of Public Management Consultants was also present. The purpose of the special meeting was to interview four (4) candidates for the Lino Lakes Chief of Police position. Mr. Thompson explained that the candidates will be interviewed in ascending priority, however after the interviews the priority may change. He explained that the questions for each candidate have been arranged so that each Council Member will have a section. Mayor Reinert said that each of the four (4) candidates are qualified and the Council is looking at personality traits - and asked the Council to remember those traits they did and did not like during the interviews. William A. Gillespie was the first candidate to be interviewed. PAGE -1- 1 1 1 1 Police interviews - William A. Gillespie Page 2 Council Member Elliott asked Mr. Gillespie why he would be willing to leave his present position. Mr. Gillespie said the City of St. Paul was downsizing and he felt he had enough experience in all phases of police work to run his own shop. Council Member Elliott asked Mr. Gillespie to briefly review his law enforcement carrier. Mr. Gillespie is currently a sergeant for the City of St. Paul and highlighted his career. Council Member Elliott asked Mr. Gillespie what kind of a commitment he could make to the City of Lino Lakes. Mr. Gillespie said he has lived in Lino for 18 years, and likes the growth pattern. He is not looking for a job elsewhere - he is working on getting his PHD at the University and is thinking of a career change to teaching. Council Member Elliott asked when Mr. Gillespie could start and he said he could begin as Chief of Police with a two week notice to the City of St. Paul - making the date around the first of October. Council Member Elliott asked Mr. Gillespie what supervisory experience he would be bringing to the City of Lino Lakes. Mr. Gillespie said besides the experience he had already mentioned he had volunteered for three summers as patrol supervisor, which gave him experience in riots and investigation, planning, scheduling and administrative duties. He expects to recognize those things called problems and be able to find solutions. Council Member Kuether asked if he would provide police training. Mr. Gillespie said there are vendors that provide training and he recommended 10/12 major seminars/year. City Administrator Schumacher asked Mr. Gillespie about his experience as a registered lobbyist. Mr. Gillespie said he would go to the capitol and take material from good authors and present that material to the legislators. Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Gillespie his approach to problem solving. Mr. Gillespie said he saw problems as opportunities - if there were no problems there would be no need for a leader. He believes in the team process and is a collaborator. The process is to define the problem and then do the research to find a suitable/acceptable solution. 81 Police Interviews - William A. Gillespie Page 3 Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Gillespie how he would proceed in a case of serious misconduct. Mr. Gillespie said that the law is very clear on how to proceed. He would proceed with the notification/interview process on work time or overtime. If it is criminal misconduct he would give the person their rights. If there is to be disciplinary action he would listen and get the full story from each point of view. Sometimes these things can be mediated while on administrative leave. For Administration to ignore or gloss over these things would be destructive. There is remedial training available for liability if nothing else and besides you want the situation to improve. Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Gillespie how he would deal with mistrust within the department. Mr. Gillespie said that he would spend time with the officers to build relationships. He is a consensus builder and would build a quality circle of both sworn and non -sworn personnel. Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Gillespie what he would do if he had large expectations on a limited budget. Mr. Gillespie said that he believes in reality. There are outside sources of funding for capitol improvements. He would prepare the best budget he could and from then on it is Mr. Schumacher's ball. Council Member Bergeson said that obviously Mr. Gillespie is a finalist and asked him why he thought he would be a good fit here in Lino. Mr. Gillespie believes the Lino Lakes Police Department is a good department and there is good communication. He is an educator and could bring training and leadership quality into the department. Mayor Reinert asked Mr. Gillespie in regard to his lobbying experience, if the City Council would establish a policy that he did not approve of would he lobby the Council Members individually. Mr. Gillespie said he would deal with the City Council, however Mr. Schumacher is his boss and he would not lobby the Council. He knows what it feels like to have people go behind and around him. He will not enter into the political process, and would refer the matter to Mr. Schumacher. Council Member Neal asked Mr. Gillespie if he would be a working Chief or sit in the office. 1 1 1 1 1 Police Interviews - William A. Gillespie Page 4 Mr. Gillespie said he would have office hours from 8 AM to 4PM. He expects to be on call 24 hours/day, and would expect to be called when needed. He feels he is an educator/mentor and would cover in a squad if needed. He knows the job would be more than a 40 hour/week job. Council Member Neal asked Mr. Gillespie how he would develop a relationship with members of the Police Department. Mr. Gillespie said the relationship would have to be built on trust, he would listen and make the person the focus of his attention. Council Member Neal asked how Mr. Gillespie intended to gain a working knowledge of the community. Mr. Gillespie said he basically has a general knowledge of the area and has seen the growth in the community. He would get into a squad to drive around the community talking to the people and would make an effort to meet with civic groups. Mayor Reinert asked Mr. Gillespie his personal perception of Lino Lakes. Mr. Gillespie said he is aware of the partnership with Lexington and Circle Pines. There is growth - it is quiet with no main street and it is a suburban bedroom community. Mayor Reinert asked Mr. Gillespie if he was aware of the City within a City situation here. The City of Lino Lakes had the Police contract but this year the contract was awarded to another City. That Police Department must travel through our City to provide service and back up - how would you deal with this situation? Mr. Gillespie said it makes sense to provide police/fire to Centerville since we surround that City. The City Council must establish the political bridge and he will provide all the expertise he can to help the situation. Council Member Neal asked about Columbus Township. Mr. Gillespie said Columbus is another matter with diminishing return. They are not surrounded by Lino Lakes and there would be a matter of response time and would possibly need additional staff. Council Member Bergeson asked on the political level and with the police to back each other up, could you work with the current Chief. 84. Police Interviews - William A. Gillespie Page 5 Mr. Gillespie said in the squad car you do not have political problems, only blue suits. City Administrator Schumacher said that as long as Mr. Gillespie had been in the community for a good length of time how did he intend to deal with major issues in the Police Department. Mr. Gillespie said he would provide additional training. With the continued growth maybe the manpower should be increased to match the community needs. The national average is one officer/2.2 thousand. Routine patrols accomplish almost nothing. Resources are important to do Community Based Policing. This is expensive and involves citizen contact - officers getting out of squads and empowering the officer in endangering situations. This means investing money and authority into an officer and comes from lots of money for training. The question is that it does provide structure and makes the community feel safer. He would advise to train the officers elsewhere and he would provide continued inhouse service and training. City Administrator Schumacher asked Mr. Gillespie what he felt was his weakest trait. Mr. Gillespie said he felt it was to not recognize the difference between a problem and a fact. By nature he is a nurturer and wants to help even though sometimes people want to do it themselves. City Administrator Schumacher asked Mr. Gillespie about his involvement in the Minnesota Peace Officers Association. Mr. Gillespie said that the activity included how to conduct yourself, and to treat everybody professionally, honestly and truthfully. Mr. Schumacher asked Mr. Gillespie his handicap in golf. Mr. Gillespie said it was four. Council Member Kuether said that we had nine police officers in 36 square miles and asked Mr. Gillespie the national average. Mr. Gillespie said that the numbers differ and he would work with Mr. Schumacher and the money involved. The most important factor is citizen and officer safety - but do not ignore the numbers, they were arrived at with reality. Mayor Reinert asked Mr. Gillespie how he felt about auxiliary policing. Mr. Gillespie said it is a state law that volunteers cannot be armed and they must have a clear understanding of their duties. 1 1 1 1 1 1 85 Police interviews - William A. Gillespie Page 6 Mayor Reinert remarked that Mr. Gillespie was coming out of a highly technical department and Lino Lakes will be more generalized. Mr. Gillespie said that he did not want to demean the organization and will make a plan to do research and convince Mr. Schumacher to make some changes. Council Member Bergeson asked about Mr. Gillespie's concept of getting into the community and out of the cars that would make people feel safer and with the other elements moving into Lino how will the people stay safe. Mr. Gillespie remarked that Lino is isolated, and the growth is structured. Problems are opportunities to succeed and respond to what the community says they need from you. Mayor Reinert asked Mr. Gillespie to comment on his personality as a supervisor. Mr. Gillespie said he is a consensus builder, he will research the facts, nurture, mentor, take corrective measures and then educate. Mayor Reinert asked how Mr. Gillespie would motivate teamwork. Mr. Gillespie said he could not motivate but could educate and show the department what is possible, you cannot motivate with control. Mayor Reinert asked how Mr. Gillespie would evaluate performance. Mr. Gillespie said he would decide what you want the department to be, what the community, Council and Mr. Schumacher expects, so that the department understands what they want and what they want the department to do. He would prepare a worksheet and sketch in what is expected of the officer and how that can be done. Mayor Reinert asked as a policing professional what did Mr. Gillespie expect of an officer. Mr. Gillespie said he expected an officer to work hard, have fun and make a difference. Council Member Kuether asked about procedure. Mr. Gillespie said he would work with Mr. Schumacher and not the City Council. He referred to the "Big Dog Theory" - the big dog eats first and wins. Council Member Bergeson asked about Mr. Gillespie's philosophy regarding traffic - do you find health/safety more important or do you find tickets as a money maker. Police Interviews - William A. Gillespie Page 7 Mr. Gillespie said there are three concepts 1) a money maker means big trouble, 2) he believes in compassion - using a warning, 3) traffic accident needs enforcement. With a traffic stop a Field Interview Card could be filled out for information, the opportunity to make a person feel good with only a warning and there is a danger of an officer being injured or killed. There would be evaluations on the officers performance. Council Member Kuether asked Mr. Gillespie if he felt video cameras in the squad car would be an asset. Mr. Gillespie said he felt cameras or anything extra in the vehicle could be a deathtrap when there is an accident. They were a good training tool however. Mr. Schumacher asked Mr. Gillespie what else he did. Mr. Gillespie said he likes to golf, work on his computer because he is in the process of writing three training booklets. Larry Thompson asked Mr. Gillespie if he would like to add anything. Mr. Gillespie said he could do a good job for Lino Lakes and is looking forward to doing that. Council Member Kuether asked Mr. Gillespie how much he is being paid. Mr. Gillespie said $51,900/year in St. Paul. Larry Thompson said he would be in contact with Mr. Gillespie on Tuesday, after the City Council had made a decision at the meeting on Monday night. Mr. Gillespie thanked everyone for their time and the opportunity to be here today. 1 1 1 Police Interviews - David J. Peechia Page _8 Council Member Elliott asked Mr. Pecchia why he would be willing to leave his present position. Mr. Peechia said he has been preparing his life to be a Chief through experience and education and this is his goal. Council Member Elliott asked Mr. Pecchia to briefly review his law enforcement career. Mr. Pecchia is currently a patrol supervisor for the City of Crystal and highlighted his career. Council Member Elliott asked Mr. Pecchia what kind of a commitment he could make to the City of Lino Lakes. Mr. Pecchia said Lino Lakes posed an interesting opportunity. He is young, has a young family and would like a year to move into the City because of his 8th grade daughter. He has changed his focus while preparing himself for this career change, but has not moved his family. Council Member Elliott asked when Mr. Pecchia could start and he said he could begin as Chief of Police with a two week notice to the City of Crystal. He has put money down on a trip to the BWCA and would like to go on that trip mid-October. Council Member Elliott asked Mr. Pecchia about the Metro Managers Association. Mr. Pecchia said that had emergency preparedness dealing with management issues and training. This experience he wants to bring to Lino Lakes. Council Member Neal asked Mr. Peechia if he would be selected would he be a working Chief or sit in the office. Mr. Peechia said he expects to be in uniform, be out there and have close contact with the community. Council Member Neal asked Mr. Peechia what hours he intended to work - daily and on weekends. Mr. Peechia said he would anticipate different hours. He would work with Mr. Schumacher so his hours would be flexible. This would put him "out there" at different times of the day to. meet the needs of the community. Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Peechia his approach to problem solving. 88 Police interviews - David J. Peechia Page 9 Mr. Peechia said he would expend effort toward the goal of putting problems to rest. He would expect the men to mediate among themselves and as a last resort he would get involved and define the roles. Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Pecchia how he would proceed in a case of serious misconduct. Mr. Pecchia said if the allegation is criminal he would get the county sheriff involved. If this is a policy violation he would ask the trained officers to investigate - following the rights procedure, giving the benefit of the doubt to the officer to do a complete/thorough investigation. Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Peechia how he would approach anxiety and mistrust within the department. Mr. Peechia said he would have contact with the men and they would know of his reputation. He would sit down with the department and let them know who he is. He would let them know up front what is important to him. As a team they could work through any problem but the buck ultimately stops here - with the Chief. I am the Chief and have gone in this direction. I always focus on the positive. Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Peechia what he would do to develop a budget when there is a need but the money is lacking. Mr. Pecchia said that growth needs a good foundation. He would look at the problem - look at the budget and focus on resources toward the community. He would put together a packet for programs that are available for officers training, with the public and with each other. Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Peechia what his relationship would be to Lino Lakes. Mr. Peechia said he would bring a positive relationship that he has already begun to cultivate with Milo Bennett and some of the developers. Council Member Kuether asked Mr. Peechia, since he had contact with the staff already, what would he do differently. Mr. Peechia said he has a limited knowledge of the staff. ,He knows the officers have a good reputation and their hearts are in the right place. They do need a leader, and additional training. Council Member Neal said as Mr. Peechia was familiar with the LLPD, would he have his administrative assistant be a sworn officer or would he consider that position to be a secretary. 1 1 1 1 Police interviews — David J. Peechia Page 10 Mr. Peechia said he had worked with both of these situations and could see both of them working. He does see the need for more officers on the street taking care of the peoples needs. Council Member Neal asked Mr. Peechia how he intended to develop a relationship with the Administrator and the City Council. Mr. Peechia said that would come through communication. You relate where you want the LLPD to go, and my job would be to let you know if we can do that. Policy would be set by the City Council and Mr. Schumacher and he would try to implement the policy. Council Member Neal said that apparently Mr. Peechia did believe in the chain of command - if a problem did come up with men going to the City Council, what would be done to that officer. Mr. Peechia said he would set parameters up at the very start and everybody would work together. He is the one they need to go through. Council Member Neal asked Mr. Peechia how he intended to gain knowledge of the community. Mr. Peechia said he is relatively familiar but, needs to become involved in the civic community. Mr. Schumacher said that communication is important. He asked Mr. Peechia how he would handle that. Mr. Peechia said through bi-weekly reports sent to the City Council, they would always be informed. Something "hot" would go to Mr. Schumacher right away, so there would be no surprised. Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Peechia about his philosophy of traffic citations and speeding tickets is that for health/safety sake or do you see tickets as a money maker. Mr. Peechia said concerning problems, accidents, complaints and assistance on the freeway revenue is generated by meeting citizens needs. There are other ways of dealing with problems, like education. The secretary left to get lunch at 11:45, interim minutes were taken by Mr. Schumacher. Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Peechia if he had hobbies, what else did he like to do. 8 rJ 90 Police interviews - David J. Peechia Page .11 Mr. Peechia said he has a 12 and 13 year old and has coached soccer and softball to stay close to the children. He like to fish - his parents live in Moose Lake and winter in Arizona so he like to go both places. His wife is a travel agent and likes to travel with her sometimes. His family spends a lot of time in the neighborhood. He likes to putter with little projects and try different things. Council Member Kuether asked what procedures Mr. Peechia would follow if an officer complained to a Council member. Mr. Peechia said another officer would investigate the incident, contact the citizen and give the results to him. He then would give recommendations to Mr. Schumacher, City Council and the community. Council Member Kuether asked "what if" a prominent citizen was stopped for driving under the influence. Mr. Peechia said the citizen has made a mistake, he would be fair and consistent and follow through with the law. A good way to give the officer a way out is for the officer to call the supervisor and then proceed following the law. Everyone would be treated equally. Council Member Kuether asked "what if" there was a domestic in the home of a Council Member. Mr. Peechia said this is a tough situation, there is a minimum of two officers at a domestic and the state law does exist. Council Member Kuether asked Mr. Peechia his current pay. Mr. Peechia said $53,900 last year with overtime. Larry Thompson asked Mr. Peechia if there was a brief summary he would like to leave with the City Council. Mr. Peechia said this job would be a challenge to grow with the community. His experience is varied and wide and would spend the time working with the community. He would learn to face challenges and the officers would provide a great foundation. Larry Thompson said he would be in contact with Mr. Peechia on Tuesday, after the City Council had made a decision at the meeting on Monday night. Mr. Peechia thanked the Council for this opportunity. 1 1 1 91 Police interviews - Terrill L. Hutson Page 12 Council Member Elliott asked Mr. Hutson why he would be willing to leave his present position. Mr. Hutson said this is in the three - five year plan he has for his life and for family reasons would like to be back in the Metro area. Council Member Elliott asked Mr. Hutson to briefly review his law enforcement career. Mr. Hutson is currently the chief of police in Redwood Falls and briefly spoke of his law enforcement career. Council Member Elliott asked Mr. Hutson what career goals and commitment he could make to the City of Lino Lakes. Mr. Hutson said 1) the commitment would be to himself, that is what I do to bring honor to the career that I have selected 2) it is a goal to have the LLPD well respected in the community 3) I have a commitment to Redwood Falls until I can get back to the Metro area and 4) I am looking for an active job. Council Member Elliott asked Mr. Hutson if he would move to Lino Lakes. Mr. Hutson said yes he would live in the community. He is obligated to give a month notice in Redwood Falls to give them the time to find a replacement. Council Member Kuether asked Mr. Hutson about the area surrounding Redwood Falls. Mr. Hutson said the population of Redwood Falls is 5,000, it has 14 square miles and nine officers. The area surrounding contains an Indian reservation, the Jackpot Junction casino, several large motels and a home manufacturing company. That makes for many problems with juveniles, casino related calls, domestics, assault, and parties in the motels. The community is constantly trying to control the liquor sales. All of this gives a need for a larger force than other cities of 5,000 people. Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Hutson his approach to problem solving. Mr. Hutson said he would first determine if there is a problem - this may be an opportunity to change something. He would stay informed to keep a small problem from becoming larger these things never go away. Decision making requires getting all of the information you can. Police interviews - Terrill L. Hutson Page 13 Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Hutson how he would proceed if an officer was accused of serious misconduct. Mr. Hutson said he would consider the officer's bill of rights, he would notify the officer that an investigation is being conducted. He would look at the problem and determine if it is a pattern or behavior and if he would need to deal with discipline that is progressive from the first report to termination, if it comes to that. He is willing to confront problems, but will be very sure to get the facts. Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Hutson what would be one of the first things he would do in building trust with the officers. Mr. Hutson said building trust usually takes a year. He would come in the first three months and observe, he would take each officer and deal with them in the manner of the police code of ethics. He would be honest with them - make no promises, use no lies. He would do what is best for the community and is certain the officers would do quality work. He would not shock them with major change but would talk with them. He would ride a shift with them. Leadership is to know your people and their capabilities. He would give them some ownership in what they do - he would identify the officers and their skills, then they would produce. He gave examples of the officers in Redwood Falls that he has given leadership tasks to, relating to their interests and skills. Council Member Bergeson told Mr. Hutson that the City of Lino Lakes has high taxes and the budget is tight, and asked how he would deal with limited resources. Mr. Hutson said he would set a foundation of basic service. 75% of the budget goes for salaries and the rest must be used creatively. Foundation grants and money from companies could be sought that could change budget lines. He would set priorities and follow through with the budget. There is the possibility to use creative answers like flex hours to solve budget concerns. Council Member Bergeson assumed that Mr. Hutson had done his homework on the LLPD and asked why he felt he would be a good fit for Lino Lakes. Mr. Hutson said he knew his limitations and qualifications. The fit and growth is good, he understands the problems of a growing community. He has no problem with discipline and enjoys being with good police officers and feels his belief in the code of ethics would rub off on the officers. 1 1 1 1 1 1 X n .3 Police interviews - Terrill L. Hutson Page 14 Council Member Neal asked Mr. Hutson if you became the Chief here in Lino Lakes what would be your reaction. Mr. Hutson said "wake up and lets get to work". Council Member Neal asked Mr. Hutson how he would develop a good relationship with the police department. Mr. Hutson said change does not need to be painful, he is enthusiastic about the job and they are all in this together. Council Member Neal asked how Mr. Hutson would develop an effective working relationship with the Administrator and the City Council. Mr. Hutson said through communication, we are a team. He would speak with Mr. Schumacher daily to keep him informed so there would be no surprises. He is an employee of the people and knows his place. He would be a good resource for the Administrator and the Council in the area of law enforcement. Council Member Neal asked Mr. Hutson how he intended to develop a knowledge of the community. Mr. Hutson said he would talk to the people, he enjoys that and then they would get to know him too. After that he would get serious about what he could/could not do. Council Member Neal asked Mr. Hutson if he intended to be a working Chief. Mr. Hutson said he would be participative, he would have to spend time in his office but would want to get out. Council Member Neal asked what hours Mr. Hutson would be available. Mr. Hutson said he would be in the office from 8AM to 4PM, on duty 24 hours/day. He had no problems with meetings or his responsibility. He would like to be there and have a say in what happens. Council Member Bergeson, asked outside of police work what interest did Mr. Hutson have. Mr. Hutson said he fields calls from his daughter, spends time in his home, he likes to play tennis, ride a bike, play hockey and keep active in the community. 94 Police interviews - Terrill L. Hutson Page 15 Mayor Reinert explained to Mr. Hutson that we have a City within a City. At one time Lino Lakes had the contract for police protection, due to some reason the contract has gone to an adjoining City that must drive through our City to provide police protection. How would your relate to these departments. Mr. Hutson said a contract is a contract. He would prefer to have the contract and the city that does is out of their jurisdiction between points A and B. He believes in backing up, he knows how to deal with other chiefs and knows other chiefs. It is a matter of pride - he would like to put Lino Lakes cars in Centerville. Mayor Reinert told Mr. Hutson that someone in the LLPD would like to be chief and would like to see you fail. How are you going to cope with this situation. Mr. Hutson said he would talk to everyone the first day. He wants to succeed and would like to see everyone else do so also. If that does not work the person who would like to see him fail is the reason rules were made, and would give them an attitude test - if the person sympathizes, he will too and go easy on them, but if they want to get tough he could get tough too. Mayor Reinert asked Mr. Hutson when he drives into Lino Lakes, what is your idea of Lino. Mr. Hutson said it is a cross-section, and opportunity, and he can see the growth. Mr. Schumacher asked Mr. Hutson what he perceived as the major problems that the LLPD is looking at in the community as a whole. Mr. Hutson said the amount of area in Lino Lakes and the number of officers might be getting "strung out". There is a concentration of patrols in populated areas. It is important to remember the officers self worth and image. He would like to see more industry in town. Mr. Schumacher asked Mr. Hutson to expand on the self worth/image problem. Mr. Hutson said he is big on training and can see what the officers are and would try some things to recognize their positive points. Then there will be growth with that process of trust building. Mr. Schumacher said to focus on the personal issue, what did Mr. Hutson consider his plus or minus traits. 1 1 1 ti Police interviews - Terrill L. Hutson Page 16 95 Mr. Hutson said 1) he responds emotionally whenever his honor is challenged and then he has to work on the process of thinking intellectually and 2) he gets involved and busy and needs to concentrate on paperwork. Mr. Schumacher asked Mr. Hutson about his present support staff. Mr. Hutson said he now has 1.5, a full time and one part time support staff people. The legislature has worked out a 2.5 % raise and they are looking at hiring more. There are 11 officers with two more that are part-time. Mr. Schumacher asked Mr. Hutson what follow-up training would be allowed to the officers. Mr. Hutson said always keep in mind that he needs to prepare the person for the next level of responsibility. Then the next opportunity will take them as far as they are capable. Mr. Schumacher asked Mr. Hutson where he foresees himself in five years. Mr. Hutson replied he saw himself with the best fleet, the best reputation, with 20 people working under him - right here in Lino Lakes. Mr. Schumacher asked Mr. Hutson about his experience in management issues. Mr. Hutson said he was not very experienced in those matters. He has worked with contracts and with those you are able to negotiate in good faith remembering his responsibility is to the City Council, the community and the officers working for him. If you have a contract you have to play by the rules. Mr. Schumacher asked Mr. Hutson the procedure that he would apply to planning a budget. Mr. Hutson said he would deal with line items. He would look at last years line item and try not to work with percents. He would note where the budget is short and apply for extra funds. There should be a contingency fund for things you do not foresee. What if there is a Corrine Erstad or Jacob Wetterling situation here. One of his officers was hurt and needed a full replacement uniform those things are expensive. When you have a budget you.,need to stick by it. Mr. Schumacher asked Mr. Hutson what level of reporting did he feel was sufficient. Police interviews - Terrill L. Hutson Page l7 Mr. Hutson said he would do a monthly report for the City Council and would take and answer calls. Council Member Kuether remarked that Mr. Hutson had gone to Redwood Falls when the City was without a chief - that is the situation here in Lino and how did he proceed. Mr. Hutson said that he deals with the law and not with politics. He would like as much information as he could acquire, he was not to sure of the problems that were there. The stress was difficult for both him and his family. Mayor Reinert asked Mr. Hutson about using auxiliary police. Mr. Hutson indicated that those people must have good training and be given specific responsibility. They must use the personnel process very carefully. Liability is very high. Mayor Reinert asked how Mr. Hutson would motivate when the need arose. Mr. Hutson said he used long term participation and the ownership theory and that equalled motivation. He would try to do everything positive and discipline only as a last resort. He would be with the officers and keep encouraging them knowing they were quality people. Mayor Reinert asked about the procedure that would be used to evaluate job performance. Mr. Hutson said he would watch the officers, document the positive and get information to let the officers know what the process was. This should be done in the first year. Council Member Kuether asked Mr. Hutson if he would relocate his family. Mr. Hutson said he would be offered lodging with his mother, while his wife remained behind to sell the house. He has looked at all three school districts and would choose one and hope to have his son enrolled before the hockey season. Council Member Kuether asked Mr. Hutson his current pay. Mr. Hutson said it was $42,000/year. Council Member Kuether asked what procedures Mr. Hutson would follow if there was a complaint. 1 1 1 1 1 Police interviews - Terrill L. Hutson Page 18 Mr. Hutson said he would document the complaint, listen to all sides and try to educate the public. Council Member Kuether asked "what if" you have a disagreement with the City Administration. Mr. Hutson said he would talk about it and come to a suitable solution. Larry Thompson asked Mr. Hutson is there was anything he would like to add. Mr. Hutson officers. would want is glad to Mr. Hutson himself to said the training budget seem light - $5,00 for nine He would ask for reconsideration in the 1994 budget. He your viewpoint in interaction with other officers. He be here. The timing seems right for this opportunity. thanked the Council for this time when he could present them. Larry Thompson said he would be in contact with Mr. Hutson on Tuesday, after the City Council had made a decision at the meeting on Monday night. Mr. Hutson thanked the Council for this opportunity. 97 Police interviews - Keith A. Davidson Page 19 Council Member Elliott asked Mr. Davidson why he left the Mall of America. Mr. Davidson said the Mall trimmed back in staff and very few of the originals are left. Council Member Elliott asked Mr. Davidson to briefly review his law enforcement career. Mr. Davidson was most recently was the director of security for the Mall of America. Council Member Elliott asked Mr. Davidson what commitment he would bring to the City of Lino Lakes. Mr. Davidson said he was not looking for a retirement job, he enjoys being involved. He would move to the community and establish residence after a successful probation period to lead the police force. Council Member Elliott asked Mr. Davidson why he was interested in Lino Lakes. Mr. Davidson said this location is the best of both worlds, both the urban and suburban. He is looking forward to relocate to experience the growth, but yet be close to the City. Council Member Elliott asked Mr. Davidson when he could start the job. Mr. Davidson indicated that would be immediately. Council Member Elliott asked Mr. Davidson if his wife was employed. Mr. Davidson said yes, she was employed at Western Engineering which is located on Second Street Northeast in Minneapolis. Council Member Elliott asked Mr. Davidson to describe the circumstances involved in his leaving the City of Litchfield. Mr. Davidson said he had a good rapport with the Mayor, Ron Johnson. He received tremendous support and accomplished good things for the police department. Then there was a new mayor and things changed, and now his job did not seem as productive. With hindsight it seems the former mayor and himself were more:visible members of the community. The feeling seemed to be the new mayor wanted to divorce himself from any previous administration. Mr. Davidson decided for the community and his family it was best to leave. This was a learning experience, learning when to leave and not overstay your welcome. 1 1 1 1 1 1 Police interviews - Keith A. Davidson Page 20 Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Davidson how he would tackle problems. Mr. Davidson said he would have an open door policy with the officers and citizens. He gave an example where a citizen came to him with a problem, he asked his officers to canvas the community and noticed more of the same problem. Letters were written and later rewritten as the offenders saw themselves and eliminated the problem. Because of voluntary compliance when people became aware of the problem the problem took care of itself. If a problem presents itself he would investigate and then look for ways to solve the problem. Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Davidson would do as chief with an officer accused of serious misconduct. Mr. Davidson said the complaint may be criminal. He would investigate promptly and ask for assistance from Anoka County or the Minnesota Bureau of Compliance. He would put the officer on administrative leave while all of the details were sorted out and work to assure the public and Lino Lakes they have the best force representing them. If the complaint is an infraction of the rules after an investigation there would be disciplinary action, if necessary. He wanted it noted that he would stand behind an officer if falsely accused. Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Davidson if he were selected as chief how would he deal with the period of adjustment and mistrust - how would he build a level of trust. Mr. Davidson said he would meet with the department members, he would expect them to be to work on time, be in the proper uniform and to do their share of the work. He would not lie to them, and would meet with each member to find out about them in regard to their individual goals. Council Member Bergeson told Mr. Davidson he thought he knew something about the City of Lino Lakes and why did he think he would be a good fit. Mr. Davidson said the community is growing. He has a good history of working with a smaller law enforcement group. He brings wide expertise and enthusiasm, he likes a challenge to provide services and has a proven background of accomplishments. Council Member Neal asked Mr. Davidson if you became the Chief here in Lino Lakes how would he approach this position, what would his plans be. 99 100 Police interviews - Keith A. Davidson Page 21 Mr. Davidson said he would not lose sight of the positive and deal with the negative, he could communicate and meet with the community officials and get the impression of what needs to be done. He would discuss with civic leaders how to serve the community. He would make contact with neighbors and get a broad idea of the services they expected, he would try to lead by example. He is prepared to delegate responsibilities and to offer guidance. He would assume an open door policy and encourage, not as a buddy but as a supervisor. Council Member Neal asked Mr. Davidson if he would be a working chief or the administrative type. Mr. Davidson said it is important for the community to know who I am. I would attempt to get out at least once a day. I would be in the office as appropriate to meet with the officers. Council Member Neal asked Mr. Davidson to explain his idea of the chain of command. The City Administer is your boss, then the City Council - but what if a policeman goes to either with problems. Mr. Davidson said what concern? I have an open door policy and expect the officers to follow through. If they come with a problem about me, that may be appropriate but not when it comes to something as simple as scheduling. Mayor Reinert explained the City within a City concept here in Lino where our City provided the service and lost the contract. The City with the contract is going through our City - how would you relate to the other chief. Mr. Davidson said he introduce himself and expect a positive relationship. They would ask for assistance as he would ask them. If there is unprofessional conduct he would tell them in order to have it corrected. He would build on a relationship to make it positive, but not take a back seat. Mayor Reinert told Mr. Davidson that Lino Lakes has an officer that would like to be chief and would like to see that he did not succeed and asked Mr. Davidson how he would proceed. Mr. Davidson said that in Litchfield there had been an acting chief and he never became a member of his team. He dealt with him and was very professional and patient. Somebody always thinks they can do a better job than the chief. He would let them know that he is the chief but they are valued and would not diminish them as he would not let them do that to him. Mayor Reinert asked Mr. Davidson if he had driven around Lino Lakes at all. 1 1 1 Police interviews - Keith A. Davidson Page 22 Mr. Davidson said that he had driven through Lino and had noticed all of the new homes scattered through the community. Mayor Reinert asked Mr. Davidson his perception of the City. Mr. Davidson saw a lot of opportunity, with lots of parks and lakes and may make us responsible to Anoka County. There is a challenge to respond well to the new areas and make new contacts with the residents. Council Member Kuether asked Mr. Davidson his salary at the Mall of America. Mr. Davidson said his salary was $45,000 annually at the Mall and $42,000 annual at Litchfield. Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Davidson to tell us about himself. Mr. Davidson told us about his family and the things he enjoys doing. He like to exercise, read and do small home projects. Mr. Schumacher asked Mr. Davidson how he perceived problems in the police department. Mr. Davidson said at this point it would be guess work. He would look at the department, look at the manual to see if it the manual is current. The distance between City Hall and the department could present a communication problem. A steady increase in services may be a need for additional officers. Mr. Schumacher asked Mr. Davidson as he advanced did he note any weakness in his personality. Mr. Davidson said he had to pay attention on how do define his day. He had an open door policy and sometimes he would get sidetracked in an effort to be responsive he looses track of time needed to accomplish a task. Now he makes a list of things to do and balances the time with everyone who needs him. Mr. Schumacher asked Mr. Davidson how he would form lines of communication between administration and the police department. Mr. Davidson said he would have daily contact, he would review the previous daily contact and keep communication open with phone calls and monthly/year end reports. Mayor Reinert asked Mr. Davidson how he intended to be a supervisor. Police interviews - Keith A. Davidson Page 23 Mr. Davidson said his approach is basic, simple and consistent. He would set a standard of performance and mentor the staff to create the feeling of ownership and openness. Mayor Reinert asked how he would motivate the staff. Mr. Davidson said he believes in a pat on the back, everyone is not always so wonderful as to get an award. He has awarded plaques for real good jobs. He would have regular meetings to present awards and that would send a message to others as to what he values. Council Member Kuether asked what procedure Mr. Davidson would use if he got a complaint from a Council Member that a citizen had a complaint against an officer. Mr. Davidson said he would investigate the complaint. If the complaint was not of criminal nature he would not be discourteous but would talk with the officer as to who, what, when and where. He would convey his findings back to the officer, citizen and Council Member. Council Member Kuether asked Mr. Davidson what he would do if he would disagree with the City Administrator. Mr. Davidson said everyone had a boss. Mr. Schumacher was his boss, and he wanted his boss to succeed, he wanted to succeed. As he gives orders to his officers and expects them to be carried out, so he would respond to Mr. Schumacher. Mr. Schumacher asked Mr. Davidson what role he played in the field officer training unit. Mt. Davidson said each officer had to get skills and training before they are licensed and hired. The unit offered that training. An officer was assigned to be certain each officer could successfully complete the program or if some remedial training was needed. In some instances the officer would have to be dismissed from the program. Council Member Kuether asked how he reviewed the budget in Litchfield. Mr. Davidson said that he did each budget by line item. He sat down with staff and made recommendations, he then proceeded to the City Administrator and would lobby for the money. Larry Thompson asked Mr. Davidson why he perceived himself as a good candidate. 1 1 1 1 Police interviews - Keith A. Davidson Page 24 Mr. Davidson said his future performance is proven with his past performance. His achievements and common sense and ethical performance would bring quality to Lino Lakes. These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at a regular Council meeting held on September 27, 1993. JoAlo► mr nd, Recording Secretary Mayor Vernon F. Reinert,