Laserfiche WebLink
Police Chief Katers replied that it is currently working and necessary files are passed on to a <br />sworn officer. <br />Councilmember Riley stated that the position is temporarily being filled with a sworn officer and <br />did not think that makes sense for the short or long term. He likened it to hiring a doctor for a <br />nurse's position. <br />Mayor Strommen stated that the question is really what the City wants out of the position. She <br />agreed that as the position currently exists it would be unnecessary to hire a sworn officer but <br />explained that if the position were to be redesigned it could not only handle the current duties but <br />also provide maximum efficiency and additional flexibility forthe department. <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated that he agrees with Councilmember Riley and noted that there are <br />additional costs with improvements and the fire station construction and would agree that <br />perhaps this could be an area where additional funds would not be spent. He also acknowledged <br />overtime hours in the police department and agreed that this position could provide flexibility <br />and assist in avoiding some overtime costs. <br />Police Chief Katers stated that having a sworn officer in this position would provide flexibility in <br />staffing for the police department. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated that this position was created 15 years ago and the discussion at <br />that time most likely focused on the fact that this position could handle non -sworn duties for the <br />department. He stated that the person leaving the position was at the top of the pay scale and <br />noted that this does present an opportunity to hire a sworn officer at a lesser cost. He stated that <br />filling the position would provide another officer and would provide flexibility to the police <br />department while the department would still remain under budget. He stated that this vacancy is <br />an opportunity to re-evaluate the needs of the position and the department. <br />Police Chief Katers stated that the position has changed in the past 15 years, including the <br />amount of services provided, and will continue to evolve over time. He stated that other <br />municipalities have moved towards hiring a sworn officer for the position in order to provide <br />continuity, among other benefits. <br />Councilmember Kuzma referenced the proposed 2016 budget information that reflected an <br />additional $12,000 and questioned if that would be balanced or whether that would be an <br />overage. <br />Police Chief Katers explained that there would actually be a cost savings in the first year hiring a <br />new officer compared to the current salary of the position. <br />Councilmember Riley questioned how likely it would be that the City would be able to hire <br />someone for this desk job that would be able to transition to patrol. <br />Police Chief Katers stated that he would want someone with prior street experience to fill the <br />position that way they could easily transition between the two duties. <br />City Council Work Session / June 23, 2015 <br />Page 2 of 6 <br />