07-25-1994 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO COUNCIL MEETING HELD JULY 25, 1994 • POLICE CHIEF REPORT (CONTINUED) Mayor Callahan questioned the amount of time needed to conduct interviews for the two part- time officer positions. Chief Sullivan confirmed it would take 4 days for 3 officers to conduct the initial interviews at an average of $20.00 per hour per officer. Chief Sullivan stated the amount of time required was due to an effort to include more female applicants in the process, which increased the number of interviewees. Hurr also questioned the efficiency of the interviewing process. She suggested a woman and citizen be included in the final interview process. Jabbour felt there should be a better philosophy and policy established with input from the contract cities so they feel the police department is as much theirs as Orono's. Goetten thought it would be beneficial for Chief Sullivan to provide information on the process that is followed for hiring officers. Chief Sullivan agreed to provide an information packet for Council's review on what has been done and why. City Administrator Moorse agreed there should be further input regarding the hiring process such as concerns of the contract cities, whether citizens and contract cities should be involved in the hiring process and how much effort should be spent on diversity. Mayor Callahan stated there had been work sessions regarding the operation of the police department and felt that if there was any disagreement, it should have already been discussed. Kelley agreed Council may be trying to micro - manage the police department. There are policies is established by the City and the Police Department and if there were problems, changes should be discussed and made. Hurr stated the current policy would be in effect for hiring for the next two years, at which time she may no longer be on the Council. She did not think it was too late to add a citizen to the final interview process. She suggested the Prosecuting City Attorney, Desyl Peterson, who is an Orono resident as well as a female. It was moved by Hurr, seconded by Goetten, that there be a three person panel including a citizen to make the final recommendation to the Council for hiring two new part-time police officers. Jabbour continued discussion, agreeing with the general philosophy of including the contract cities and citizens in the interview process, but questioned if it could be changed at this time. It was moved by Jabbour, seconded by Callahan, to table further discussion of this issue until a later time. Ayes 3, nays 2. Hurr and Goetten were opposed. Chief Sullivan explained the process that is being followed to select three corporals. Seven officers have submitted a letter of intent and resumes. The City Administrator and Police Chief will interview these officers. There will be a recommendation made to Council regarding the appointments to the corporal positions. 2 40