03-14-11 Minutes"Q POLICE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
PIT
7800 Golden Valley Road — Golden Valley, MN 55427
MEETING
Monday, March 14,2011 — 9:30 AM
Public Safety Building Conference Room
MINUTES
Call to Order
Attendance/Roll Call
The meeting was called to order by Chair Peterson at 09:42 AM. Present at the meeting were Commissioners
Marshall Tanick and Ben Peterson; and Police Chief Stacy Altonen, Commander Nate Gove, Commander Mike
Meehan, Amanda Johnson; and Attorney Kim Donat from Best & Flanagan. Commissioner Kumagai arrived a short
time later.
Agenda Review
There were no additional items added to the agenda.
Approval of Minutes of February 7, 2011
Commissioner Tanick moved to approve the meeting minutes of February 7, 2011; seconded by Chair Peterson. The
meeting minutes were unanimously approved.
Revised Rules & Regulations
Chief Altonen introduced Attorney Kim Donat from Best & Flanagan, who prepared a memo summarizing the duties
and limitations of police civil service commissions. The memo was reviewed and discussed.
Ms. Donat also distributed proposed revisions to the existing Rules & Regulations for consideration and advised the
revisions follow the state statutory language more closely. Chief Altonen advised the termination of Officer
Schaefer was handled more according to statute than the current Rules & Regulations, which has been customary for
disciplinary matters in the police department. The proposed revisions to the Rules & Regulations would clarify city
and commission roles and permit customary practices when handling disciplinary matters.
The proposed revisions were reviewed and discussed. Commissioner Tanick requested Section 6B be further revised
to state "conduct deemed unbecoming a police officer." Commissioner Tanick recommended Section 6E be revised
to state "other information" instead of "independently obtained information." Commissioner Tanick requested
Section 10 be revised to state "...at the end of the probationary period unless a request for rejection...." instead of
"such request for rejection."
Commissioner Tanick inquired if there are conflicts with the city policy, department manual and labor contracts.
Chief Altonen advised there does not appear to be any inconsistencies amongst the three. Chief Altonen advised the
proposed revisions to Section 14 of the Rules & Regulations (Discharge) would allow police administration to
conduct internal affairs investigations and determine whether discipline is appropriate.
Commissioner Tanick requested Section 14 be revised to clarify an employee's right to a hearing before the
commission.
Chair Peterson inquired if the proposed revisions to Section 17 (Reduction) are compliant with state statute,
specifically regarding the reduction being made solely upon the chief s recommendation and without commission
Police Civil Service Commission Meeting Minutes
March 14, 2011— Page 2
approval. Ms. Donat will research the statute to check for inconsistencies. Commissioner Tanick advised
"Transfers" should also be stricken from the title to this section.
alley
Commissioner Tanick request Section 27 be revised to state "...regulations, and rules concerning..." instead of
"plans."
Ms. Donat suggested revising Section 28 and adding Section 29 to comply with state statutes pertaining to the
posting of commission Rules & Regulations and classifications of all positions in the police department.
There was discussion regarding an officer's option to appear for a hearing before the commission concerning
disciplinary matters. Ms. Donat will draft a new proposal for revisions to the Rules & Regulations and will send the
draft to commissioners for consideration. A meeting was scheduled for Monday, March 21St, at 1 IAM to review the
revisions for approval.
Other Business
Chief Altonen advised Matt Boelter has completed his field training and is patrolling on his own.
Adjournment
Commissioner Tanick moved to adjourn; seconded by Commissioner Kumagai. The meeting was adjourned at
11:10 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Marshall Tanick, Secretary