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Minutes-070129 MINUTES Call to Order Attendance/Roll Call The meeting was called to order by Chair Kumagai at 5:38 PM. Present at the meeting were Commissioners Gloria Kumagai, Bruce Peterson; staff members Roger Johnson, and Jill Lund. Commissioner Marshall Tanick arrived shortly after. Agenda Review An additional item was added under Other Business - Police Chief Recruitment / Selection by Peterson. Approval of Minutes The minutes from the June 5, 2006 meeting were approved by consensus. Staffing Projections for 2007 Johnson reviewed police officer staffing for the Department. We currently have one officer opening as we had an officer resign his position, and accept a position at Robbinsdale P.D. Chief Hernz’s retirement is effective on January 31, 2007. One other officer has notified Johnson that the officer plans to retire in April of this year. There are still three other officers on the department who are eligible to retire. Once those officers retire over the next few years, there will be about a two year break before other officers reach retirement eligibility. Police Officer Recruitment/Selection Process Report Johnson reviewed the officer recruitment process. The testing process was initiated this past October as most of the candidates on the previous list had been hired elsewhere. Three candidates were carried over from the previous list and added to the current list. There were 103 applicants for police officer. The City of Golden Valley and the police department have a reputation as a good place to work. After the first written test, 61 applicants passed to the second phase. Sixteen scored well enough to make the final phase and six passed the final interview. The new eligibility list has a total of nine persons on the list. Per data privacy laws we can no longer post the eligibility list. Names are not public data until the candidate is a finalist, defined as receiving an interview from the appointing authority. Peterson asked the following questions of Johnson: Q: Was the Police Officer Recruitment and Selection process conducted consistent with the currently approved process of this Civil Service Commission? A: Yes. Q: Are there any reservations in recommending this Police Officer Eligibility Register for approval? A: No. Peterson made a motion to approve the eligibility list, seconded by Kumagai. Motion passed. Acting Director’s Report 2006 Department Work Plan Accomplishments (Handout Distributed) Johnson went over the handout and highlighted many of the goals that were achieved last year. Johnson stated that there is a possibility that they may have to do another officer testing process next fall. The CSO selection process is ongoing. We are currently interviewing applicants, trying to get CSOs who are in the beginning of their schooling. Currently we have one officer in the Metro Gang Strike Force. This unit has been very successful and we will continue to have an officer in this unit through 2007. We also have one officer in the Northwest Metro Drug Task Force. This unit has also been very successful and we will also continue to keep an officer in this unit. Two sergeants who are attending the Northwestern University staff and command course from January 8th to March 16th at the State Patrol Training Center in Arden Hills. It is a 10 week course meant to prepare supervisors for mid-level department command positions. The other options are to send people out state which is costly and difficult to do for long time periods. The FBI National Academy has about a five year waiting list to be accepted. Crime prevention – continuing National Night Out (NNO) and Neighborhood Watch Groups. We conducted our safety camps and our crime prevention specialist also taught safety awareness in some 5th grade classes. The bike rodeo will be conducted here in Golden Valley this year in May, in the city hall parking lot. This is conducted with Crystal and New Hope. Golden Valley continues to provide the coordinator for the NW Metro Drug Task Force. Plymouth provides the operational supervisor. They have had a good year with a high case load, arrests, and forfeitures. The federal grants are being eliminated. We will be waiting to see if the legislature will provide funding. Johnson stated that he gave notice to the board that 2007 will probably be Golden Valley’s last year to manage this unit. Golden Valley has a sergeant in charge of the West Metro Swat Team. They conduct training on a regular basis and frequently support the drug task force on warrants. Neighborhood traffic committee – looks at traffic issues and complaints. We have continued involvement with MnPASS, Project Heat and Safe and Sober/NightCap grants. Peterson inquired if any area could have used more help, and Johnson stated that not this year. However, in 2007 we are starting out short staffed. Peterson inquired as to a 2007 work plan, and Johnson stated that that has been put on hold for the new chief. We will continue to maintain our current programs from 2006. Tanick inquired as to statistics for the year. Johnson replied that he would send them out by email when they are available. Envision Discussion Previous proposals have gone dormant, maybe the new chief will have some input. Keep this on the agenda to discuss with the new chief. Election of Police CSC Officers In accordance with state law, which states the member in the last year of their term shall be Chair of the Commission, Marshall Tanick will serve as Chair during the coming year. Gloria Kumagai was elected as secretary by consensus. Kumagai’s term is up 5/1/07, she will check with Judy Nally regarding this. Other Business Police Chief Recruiting update:. Johnson is the acting public safety director. The city has advertised for police chief, the process is being coordinated by the City Manager and the HR Coordinator, application deadline is 2/9/07. There will no longer be a Public Safety Director. The Police and Fire Departments will now be separate with a police chief and fire chief directing their respective departments. The emergency management is now under public safety. There has been discussion about placing it in the fire department. Discussion was held and Tanick made a motion to “Recommend that the City Manager strongly consider citizen involvement in the hiring process for the new police chief, including citizen participation in interview committee or other similar input and that such motion be communicated to the City Manager by police administration”. Peterson seconded the motion – motion passed. Peterson asked Johnson to inform the city manager of this motion. Discussion was held regarding Bob Hernz’ service to the city, Peterson made a motion of “The Golden Valley Police Civil Service Commission wishes to thank Bob Hernz for his career commitment, accomplishments and contributions to the city of Golden Valley and the police department. Congratulations Bob and our very best wishes to you and your family.” Motion was seconded by Kumagai, motion passed. It was asked that the police administration convey our thanks to Bob. Closing Comments Thanks to the police administration for the fine job done in 2006. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 PM. Respectfully submitted, Bruce Peterson, Secretary