04-27-2000 Council Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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Date: To: From: Subject: April 21, 2000 Ron Moorse Gary Cheswick Department Reorganization This memorandum is a follow-up to the meeting of April 13* between the City’s labor relations consultant, yourself, and I, regarding the supervisory structure of the police department. After a lengthy evaluation period, I am seeking your approval in making the following changes within the department: I wish to eliminate the Corporals position effective May 15,2000. I have selected this date because of scheduling consideration and wish to have the new staffing in place prior to the departments ’ busiest season. I would also like to have any union issues addressed as soon as possible so they do not have an adverse effect on the hiring process of the new Chief. - Effective May 15*, select two officers to serve as acting Sergeant’s. They would serve for a period of no longer than 90 days until a promotion testing could be undertaken. I wish to make these changes based upon my observations, that were previously addressed and discussed with Cy Smyth and yourself. As you know, the Corporal position was created by the previous Chief, Steve Sullivan, to be used as lead officers or shift commanders. This position was to serve as an assignment and not to be considered a promotion. Since I became Chief, I have encountered several problems with this arrangement. By remaining with the bargaining unit, the Corporals cannot be given duties that may conflict between management and union employees. 1 his arrangement has shown itself to be damaging to the efforts of management in the areas of scheduling, evaluations, and grievances. By altering the existing structure in making Sergeant’s the first line supervisor, these concerns should be reduced. In addition, we would have in effect a management team that would assist during the transition period between my departure and the new Chief being assigned.