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05-22-1984 - Special/Workshop \ ~ o o , CITY COUNCIL OF EDGEWATER SPECIAL MEETING AND WORKSHOP MAY 22, 1984 MINUTES Mayor David Ledbetter called the Special Meeting and Workshop to order at lO:OOAM in the Community Center. He stated the meeting and workshop was called to review the eleven applications for the Police Chief position of those who received two votes of Comcil and make a selection of those to be interviewed by Council. ROLL CALL Mayor David Ledbetter Councilman Melbourne Wargo Councilwoman Gigi Bennington Councilman Neil Asting Present Present Present Excused Councilman Jack Spencer City Attorney Josel Alvarez City Clerk Connie Kinsey Police Chief Ed Overman Present Excused Present Excused Councilman Spencer moved to recess to a workshop. Councilwoman Bennington seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 4-0. ~1ichael Handley was the first resume to be reviewed. Councilwoman Bennington pointed out that there wasnlt a reason why he left as Chief of Police of Crystal River and Councilmen Wargo and Spencer agreed it caused them concern also. Councilman Spencer noted the weight caused some concern also due to some physical ability required for this type of job. Theo L. Harris was next to be reviewed. Councilman Spencer noted he's from a town with a population of 962 normally with a fluctuation to 6,000 during tourist season. Councilman Wargo and Mayor Ledbetter agreed he looked impressionable. Councilman Spencer pointed out that held been in Tallahassee for 26 years and had never gone to a higher rank than Sergeant there and then went as Chief to a town of 962 people. He said he's a possibility for interview and Councilwoman Bennington agreed. David E. Johnson was then reviewed. Councilwoman Bennington noted that he had provided a lot of certification but nothing to judge. Councilman Wargo said he didnlt think they should consider him and Councilman Spencer said he wasn't very impressed. Gene C. Johnson was next to be reviewed. Councilwoman Bennington noted that held been in law enforcement and left to go into private business and now wants to come back which shows a lack of motivation. Councilman Spencer agreed that sometimes the "grass looks greener on the other side" and the person is better for having tried it. Mayor Ledbetter pointed out that a lot of people have had FBI training. Councilwoman Bennington stated that he has good references and Councilman Spencer agreed and pointed out that he had the rank of Captain in Deland. He also noted that the reason for wanting to leave was due to no probable advancement where he is. Mayor Ledbetter noted that he's a member of the International Association of Police Chiefs. Councilman Spencer suggested considering him for interview and Councilwoman Bennington agreed. Michael Kelly was then reviewed. Mayor Ledbetter pointed out that held had a lot of fire training. Councilman Spencer said he only had 6 years in Police work. Council- woman Bennington suggested he not be considered due to lack of job background and Councilman Spencer agreed. Councilman Wargo noted that he's currently a Police Chief. and said held like to have him considered for interview. James Kolbinskie was reviewed. Councilwoman Bennington noted that he went from Chief of Police to the Sheriff's office and back to the Police Department. Mayor Ledbetter noted that it's a small community where he was Chief. and Councilwoman Bennington pointed out that he wasn't Chief for very long. Mayor Ledbetter said there is some misleading information when the people are just turnkeys in a jail. Councilwoman Bennington suggested he not be considered and Councilmen Wargo and Spencer agreed. '. \ . o o Chester Kowalski was next to be reviewed. Councilwoman Bennington noted that he was a Chief with the Seminole Tribe and also with Winter Garden and Nunda, New York. Mayor Ledbetter stated that he's been in several different places. Councilman Spencer agreed and said he was in police work for 14 years and in 6 different locations, but his educational qualifications are good. Councilwoman Bennington noted that he went from police work to instructional. Councilman Wargo suggested he not be considered and Councilman Spencer and Councilwoman Bennington agreed. Jorey Krawczyn was then reviewed. the positions listed and less than suggested he not be considered for experience is too limited for this Mayor Ledbetter said he had four years in one of that in five other positions. Councilwoman Bennington interview. Councilman Spencer agreed and said his position. Anthony Raimondo was reviewed. Councilman Wargo pointed out that he retired to this area. Mayor Ledbetter stated that this is the gentleman he was accused of interviewing and he talked to him with the City Clerk in an informal talk. He said the resume was left at his back door on a Sunday evening. Councilman Wargo noted that he lives right outside of Edgewater but he isn't interested in someone retiring to a job here. Mayor Ledbetter said he was told the man had put in for early retirement and then found he was bored and wanted to contribute something to the Police Department. Councilman Wargo read his level of education. Councilwoman Bennington said she felt they could use his help but not as a Chief, and noted that he had a lot of experience with juveniles. Councilman Spencer noted that he had spent a long time with one Police Department and held a rank of Lieutenant, and said held like to consider him for interview. Mayor Ledbetter said held like to consider him and he's dependable as he had 30 years experience. W. Gerald Thompson was then reviewed. Mayor Ledbetter noted that he served as a chief constable which was an elected office that has been done away with. Councilman Wargo reviewed the various positions held held. Councilman Spencer said the last time he was involved in police work appears to be in 1972. Councilwoman Bennington said she didn't want to consider him and asked to be excused from the meeting for a moment and left. Councilman Spencer noted that he had limited experience. There was a short recess at 10:53AM. Meeting returned to session at lO:55AM, when Councilwoman Bennington returned. W. Gerald Thompson's review was continued. Mayor Ledbetter noted on page 2 of his resume he asked that all questions regarding his employment go through the City Manager or the Police Chief who is retired. He suggested they not consider this applicant. Larry Westfall was the last applicant to be reviewed. Councilwoman Bennington said she felt he's an excellent Police officer but he doesn't have the administrative experi- ence they need. Mayor Ledbetter recalled all the years that Larry Westfall has served the Edgewater Police Department, and said he felt there should be a promotion from within. He added that he will consider him along with the others for interview. Mr. Robert Christy, from the audience, said Larry Westfall came to the Council and said either the Chief resigns or he will and he never resigned, so he doesn't keep his word. Councilman Spencer said he thinks Larry Westfall is a good officer but he doesn't think he has the proper background and experience and his duties have not been involved with administrative activities, and he'll put him in the no-interview file. He added that he has no problems with promoting from within. Mr. Walter Gross, from the audience, said Larry Westfall has been here 11 years and has handled every experience with dedication and he understands the people of Edgewater and with his on the job experience he would make a good department head or Chief. Councilman Wargo agreed that Larry Westfall is an excellent Police officer but he isn't sure that he's ready for this at this time. He added that in the last couple of months the Police Department has run better than it has in a long time and cooperation and camar- aderie is better and he isn't sure it would be if they take someone from the ranks when there are four people of equal rank as Sergeant. Mayor Ledbetter said he feels that the man has served his apprenticeship. Mr. Frank Opal, from the audience, said he felt they don't need a degree in this town and he should be considered. Council- woman Bennington noted that the fact that his application is there indicates he's being considered. -2- Council Special Meeting & Workshop Minutes May 22, 1984 . . . o o . . . Councilman Spencer said he wanted to add the application of Ed Overman who was one of those selected previously by two Council members. He said he was against this previously because the initial arrangement was that he wouldnlt be a candidate, but after screening 126 applications, he wants to consider Ed Overman for the job. He said he has indicated he'll be a good Police Chief based on the accomplishments in the 90 days hels been here. He added that there is more harmony than there has been for a long time. Mayor Ledbetter said he took an oath to go by the Charter and the special meeting was called to review 11 applications and Ed Overman's was withdrawn. He added that if Ed Overman's application is going to be in, then he wants names considered also, and they are Bucky McEver, Bill Lenz and Bill Britain. Councilwoman Bennington asked if held contacted those people to see if they're interested and said she agreed with Councilman Spencer. Mayor Ledbetter asked how many of Tucker's report recommendations were implemented by Ed Overman. Councilwoman Bennington pointed out that he was hired as a temporary Chief and they shouldnlt expect him to institute that report. She said she's seen 100% improvement in the Police Department. Mayor Ledbetter noted that they denied Earl Baugh the right of 90 days to corrent the items in the report. Councilman Spencer said he wants to follow regularities involved and if Council and the City Attorney feel he can't do it now, he's requesting a special meeting to consider it further. Councilwoman Bennington agreed with Councilman Spencer and said she was against considering Ed Overman because of the agreement but after seeing the applications, plus the interviews and a lot of calls from citizens and her talking with officers she has changed her mind and thinks he should be considered. She added that the morale is at an all time high and they have better police protection than they ever had and it would be a disservice to the citizens and the police force not to consider him. Councilman City Clerk employees. employees. the esteem Spencer said there were letters of support of Ed Overman from the employees. Kinsey read the letter from Larry Westfall which was signed by other police City Clerk Kinsey said there were also individual letters from other Councilman Spencer noted that this is a strong indication of harmony and in which Ed Overman is held, and again suggested a special meeting. Mayor Ledbetter referred to the money spent for the audit and the other expenses for the Acting Chief and asked who's dragging their feet. Councilwoman Bennington said the Council is, and Earl Baugh had 8 years to institute the improvements. Councilman Wargo pointed out that they all voted to hire Ed Overman and knew the amount of money involved and said held had at least 35 calls in the past 4 days from people wanting Ed Overman as Chief. He also referred to speeding arrests made and harmony inthe department. Mr. Walter Gross, from the audience, asked if it would involve more money. Council- woman Bennington said they saw what they'd get for the $22,000., and five of the top ten turned it down. Mr. Frank Opal, from the audience, stated that held applied with the base rate of $22,000. Councilman Wargo pointed out that they paid that much before with the fringe benefits, and incentive was in addition to that. Councilwoman Bennington asked Mr. Gross what held agree to pay and Mr. Gross said held pay $22,000. but wouldn't let him stay at that if he does a good job. Councilman Wargo asked the three gentlemen in the audience, Messrs. Gross, Opal, and Richardson if they thought he did a good job and they all agreed they did. Mr. Richardson added that you have to pay a good man a good salary and he has protection now that he didn't have before. Councilwoman Bennington pointed out that the citations are double so there is more money coming in for training of the officers. Mayor Ledbetter said U.S.l is still a race track. Councilman Wargo noted that overtime is way down now and call in sick time is also way down. Mr. Gross asked if the 12-hour shifts are still in effect and Councilman Wargo said yes, and they want to eliminate it, and there's a provision in the contract for it but with the turmoil in the Police Department, they couldn't do it. He added that they intend to go to 8-hour shifts. Councilman Spencer moved to return to the Special Meeting. Councilwoman Bennington seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 4-0. -3- Council Special Meeting & Workshop Minutes May 22, 1984 .. o o . . Councilman Spencer moved that the City Council have a Special Meeting in 24 hours while the Mayor is still available for the purpose of acting on the discussions held during the meeting that day relative to a Police Chief. Mayor Ledbetter asked if it's on the 11 applicants and Councilman Spencer said they can add applicants if they want to and not pin it down. Mayor Ledbetter asked if it's already cut and dried for one man. Councilman Spencer said it leaves the option for Council to do what the majority wishes whether it's to interview some of the people or act to appoint one, or whatever. Mayor Ledbetter stated that the motion tells him that there will be only consideration for one person. Councilwoman Bennington said that it's not indicated in the motion. Councilwoman Bennington seconded the motion. Councilman Wargo amended the motion that they consider the 6 applications they picked out and any other ones they wish to consider. Councilman Spencer asked the names for clarification, and they were read as Theo Harris, Michael Kelly, Gene Johnson, Tony Raimondo, Larry Westfall, and Ed Overman. Councilwoman Bennington seconded the amendment. Amended motion CARRIED 3-1. Mayor Ledbetter voted NO. Original motion CARRIED 3-1. Mayor Ledbetter voted NO. Councilman Spencer moved to adjourn. Meeting was adjourned at 11 :30 A.M. Councilwoman Bennington seconded the motion. Minutes submitted by: Lura Sue Koser (j:l~ t!ifl:ih ~~~ ~ COUNCILMAN - ZONE ONE ~ ~ ATTEST: ~~ CITY CLERK ARP.r:oved thi s 4~ay C-~ W P MA Y OR-- v L- ---- -4- Council Special Meeting & Workshop Minutes May 22, 1984