HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974.02.22 CC Minutes - Special meeting"'F I U, 1Y 22, 1°74 41
T he special meeting; wa.s called to order at 7:00 P1.1 by Mayor Crever.
Roll was called: Crever, LaValle, Martin, Leroux, Lease Present.
Mayor Crever stated that the purpose of the meeting was to liscuss
the activities of the Police Department, and in particular the
activities of the Police Chief, Richard Gunderson. Crever said he
felt there was a problem and the city was not getting a "fair shake"
from the Police Chief.
A letter had been received on February 11th, written on February
10th from the chief, stating he was taking one week of his annual
vacation from the 11th of February to the 20th of February. He said
he had appointed Donald Lelle as acting police chief in his absence.
Crever read aloud part of Resolution # 14, a resolution establishing
a police department, wherein it stated that the council may designate
an acting police chief in the absence of the chief.
Lee Martin stated it didn't really seem Gunderson had done anything
wrong except extend his leave beyond his stated date of return.
Leroux mentioned that he could have contacted any member of the city
council if he wasn't planning on returning on his stated date of return.
LaValle had talked with the police department, and they apparently
didn't know exactly where he was or when he was arriving home.
At this point Mayor Crever questioned whether the council had grounds
to suspend the man or not,
Attorney Johnson stated the Chief was hired
for the Village of Hugo at a stipulated salary for an indeterminate
period of time, and the council could suspend him if they felt they
had sufficient grounds. Actually removing him from his job would re-
quire going through the veterans preference procedure. , holding a
hearing, which would be somewhat similar to a court trial.
LaValle stated he was hired with the stipulation at he would head a
one man department, and he would work eighty hours a week if he had to,
to get the job done.
Don Lease mentioned guidelines should be set down such as y„12,000.00
salary per year, two weeks vacation, $150.00 clothing allowance per
year, and a contruibution to medical insurance offered. He questioned
if this was serious enough to warrant a suspension, or just a warning
to Gunderson.
It was also mentioned that Mr. Zerwas and Mr. Ladd should not be in
the squad car alone without the .supervision of a qualified officer,
and also the Washington County Sheriff's Department knew nothing of
Gunderson's absence.
LaValle questioned if it was proper to take vacation when the only
other full time officer was still in school full time.
Martin questioned whether there was such a thing as a reprimand.
Attorney Johnson stated there was, and it could be made a permanent
part of Gunderson's record. Martin then stated he found it hard to
suspend a man when he wasn't able to appear to defend himself, and
the groundwork was too vague.
FEBRUARY 22, 1974- v
LaValle stated there was no excuse for Gunderson not being back on
the 20th as he stated in his letter, and he wasn't thinking one bit
about the city or police department.
Attorney Johnson stated there could be a reprimand sitting on his
desk when he gets back, limiting the situation as it exists-how he
left and the fact that he 's not back when stated.
LaValle stated he would like to have a special meeting as soon as
possible with Gunderson for him to answer council' s questions, and
he would also like to know about the underlying friction in the
police department.
Motion made by Martin, seconded by LaValle to have attorney Charles
Johnson draw up a letter of reprimand to Chief Gunderson for the
following reasons:
1 . Improper notification of leave
2. Improper extension of leave without notification
3. Improper designation of acting police chief
4. His complete responsibility to the city according to ordinance
5. No notification to the Washington County Sheriff's Department
of his absence. Motion carried.
Motion made by Martin, seconded by Leroux that Chief Gunderson be
given a disciplinary suspension for two weeks without pay if he has
not assumed his duties and notified Mayor Crever by February 25, 1974.
Motion carried.
Motion made by Martin, seconded by LaValle to adjourn at 9:00 PM.
Motion carried.
,��z
Robert E. Burkard, Clerk
City of Hugo