02-26-1992 ' • 101110 '111110/
CITY OF EDGEWATER
MERIT BOARD
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1992
7 :00 P.M.
COMMUNITY CENTER
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER:
The Regular Meeting of the Merit Bnard was called to order at
7:10 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 1992 in the Community
Center.
ROLL CALL:
Members present were: Ms. CeCe Stevens, Ms. Erna Cook, Ms. Jan
Morris, Ms. Shirley Roberts, and Ms. Doris Patterson. Also
present were Fire Chief William Vola, Bill Finch, William
Hathaway, City Attorney Krista Storey, Linda Creesy, Mark Miller,
Wally Trickey, Harry Jones, Ben Wagner, Lynn Finch, Fire
Lieutenant Larry Carson, Jim Castetter, Craig Munson, Trevor
Barlow, Bruce Coates and Recording Secretary Lisa Kruckmeyer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Ms. Stevens made a motion to approve the minutes of January 22,
1992, seconded by Ms. Cook. Motion CARRIED 5 -0.
OLD BUSINESS:
Bill Finch Grievance
Chairman Patterson stated at the last meeting, the Bnard ended
with Mr. McMahon's presentation.
At this time, Chief Vola gave his presentation.
After Chief Vola's presentation, Bill Hathaway presented
questions to him.
The meeting was recessed at 8:25 p.m. and resumed at 8:35 p.m.
After the recess, Bill Hathaway continued questioning Chief Vola.
Chairman Patterson opened the floor to questions from the Merit
Board.
Ms. Roberts referenced letter dated September 9, 1991. She asked
for clarification which Chief Vola gave at this time.
Ms. Roberts asked if there is anything in Mr. Finch's position
description which says anything about doing dishes or making
beds. Chief Vola stated that is not described in the
description, however, it is a practice and an unwritten policy
that is done every day by volunteers and the career personnel.
Ms. Roberts asked if Mr. Finch was reporting to Lieutenant
Cousins the night of the incident. Chief Vola stated he did not
have a lieutenant to specifically report to.
Ms. Roberts stated the statement has been made that this entire
incident was provoked. She stated if Mr. Finch did not clean up
his dishes then he actually took up the entire incident.
Ms. Roberts stated she has a problem with the fact that there are
seven family members in that department. Chief Vola stated in
small communities this is extremely common.
Chairman Patterson asked if there were any more questions from
any of the other members. She stated she also questions the
relationship of the relatives working there. She stated the
thing that concerns her is the people who put the items in the
clothing also violated the safety if there had been an emergency.
Ms. Roberts asked if Mr. Finch has ever been directly counseled
about leaving dirty dishes or an unmade bed and is it documented.
Chief Vola stated I believe he was talked to by Lieutenant Carson
but 1 do not have the documents in front of me so no I can not
tell you that he has.
Ms. Roberts asked Mr. Finch if he has been counseled. He stated
not by his superiors.
Chief Vola read a memo from Firefighter Jim Castetter.
City Attorney Storey stated the decision made her is appealable
by either the City or Mr. Finch, then to the City Council. If no
party chooses to appeal that decision, then whatever decision the
board makes will stand. She stated it is important for the Board
to give an explanation of their decision.
Chairman Patterson stated each of them would give their rational
for their decisions.
Mr. Hathaway stated he would like to give a summation of his
presentation. At that time, he presented his closing arguments.
Chief Vola then presented his closing arguments.
Ms. Stevens made a motion to uphold the termination, seconded by
Ms. Cook. Motion CARRIED 3 -P. Ms. Roberts and Ms. Morris voted
NO.
The Board then gave an explanation for their decisions.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Ms. Stevens made a motion to
adjourn, seconded by Ms. Morris. The meeting adjourned at 9:27
p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Lisa Kruckmeyer
Page 2
Merit Board
Fehruary 26, 1992