04-27-2015 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 13, 2015 7:00 o’clock p.m. __________________________________________________________________________________ Page 37 of 40 (16. REQUEST TO HIRE PART-TIME POLICE OFFICERS – RESOLUTION NOS. 6494 AND 6495 continued) Farniok indicated it is a little tight since one of the part-time officers will most likely be maxed out on his hours by October at the current rate. Farniok stated this was a little unexpected since it was not initially realized that the one individual will be gone for that long. Farniok stated the hiring process takes a number of weeks, followed by another 14 to 18 weeks of training for the officers. Farniok stated the current part-time officers are probably close to the point where they should be receiving prorated benefits. Walsh asked if the part-time officers are guaranteed a minimum number of hours. Farniok stated during FTO they attempt to get them full-time hours, which is a 16 to 18 week process. After that there are no guarantees and it is whatever shifts are available. Walsh asked if Chief Farniok would rather have officers given an opportunity for overtime versus hiring new people with benefits. Walsh stated they perhaps could hire just one part-time guy and forego the full-time guy and the other part-time guy. Farniok stated what they are seeing as a trend is a smaller and smaller candidate pool. Farniok stated candidates are also dropping out of the skills portion of the program. Farniok indicated they use the part- time officers as stepping stones to full-time officers. Last year the police department’s overtime was well below the budgeted amount. Farniok stated they tend to get more bang for the buck with the part-time officers than with paying overtime. Walsh stated he would like to understand the staffing needs better before he approves hiring a bunch of people. Farniok stated the Police Department has certain staffing requirements with the contract cities that they must meet and that they were not expecting an officer to be out for nine months and then not be able to come back. Walsh asked where they are at with staffing levels. Farniok stated they are reaching the minimum and that if more part-time officers are not hired, they will likely have to pay overtime. Walsh asked if it would be more efficient to hire more part-time officers than it would be to hire another full-time officer. Farniok indicated it would be difficult to retain part-time officers if they are not given hours and that the part-time officers are given an opportunity to become full-time when a position opens up. Farniok stated without sufficient part-time officers, they would be looking at paying overtime. Farniok stated if Council Member Walsh would like to see a reduction in staffing, that could be something that could be brought before the Police Commission. McMillan stated in her view Chief Farniok has done a very good job with recruiting part-time officers and giving them an opportunity to become full-time. McMillan stated she trusts his decision in this regard. City Council Meeting April 27, 2015 Page 39 of 257