Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations Commission - Minutes - 06/05/1980I-] 0 MINUTES Human Relations Commission (H.R.C.) Regular Meeting Minutes - June 5, 1980 Present Karen Mack Barbara Jerman Paul Thayer Don Shoemaker Kelsey Smith Mary Ontiveros Robert Zimdahl Staff John McGraw Deryl O'Dell Rosita Bachmann Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Chairman Zimdahl. Minutes of the May 8, 1980 meeting were approved as presented by Rosita Bachmann. I. Report on -guidelines -to conduct grievance -hearings -by -Human -Relations ----- ------------- Commission. Action Requested: Adoption of guidelines to conduct police/citizens/Human Relations Commission public hearings. Kelsey Smith recommended the following: 1. Form letter should be sent to each claimant, explaining the public hearing format. 2. The public hearing should be conducted in an orderly efficient manner. 3. The HRC should set a time schedule for the hearing (i.e.: 7 p.m. 10 p.m.) and adhere to it. The following steps are to be kept in mind when conducting a hearing: Step 1 The Chair should start with an opening statement explaining how the meeting is going to be conducted, its purpose, and introducing all parties. Step 2 There should be an -?opening statement by the claimant and an opening statement by the grievance officer. The claimant is to state his/her position first. Step 3 Witnesses are called. There is opportunity for rebuttal and cross examination by the grievance officer Claimant can ask questions of the grievance officer. Step 4 The HRC asks questions of the claimant, the grievance officer and the witnesses. Step 5 If no further statements need to be made, the claimant and grievance officer will proceed to make closing statements. PAGE 2 Step 6 The HRC should have the discretion to adjourn and considered matters presented. Action Taken After discussion,HRC decided that Kelsey Smith is to write a letter to the Administration recommending the police/citizens/grievance guidelines stated above. Bob Zimdahl suggested that the Administration uses the guidelines as an appendage to the present procedure. II. Report on Revision of Police Grievance Karen Mack stated she had met with Chief Smith in June to discuss the recommendations made by the HRC at their May meeting relating to the Police Grievance Procedure. The results of that meeting were: Recommendation One: Police personnel records should be purged of any adverse information one year after offense. Karen stated that Chief Smith did not care to purge the files one year after offense. He stated that it was possible that a once a year infraction over a period of years reflected a pattern of behavior by the employee which the employer needs to correct. Recommendation Two: The scope of the police/citizens complaint and investigation should be broadened and the HRC should review all findings of fact. Karen informed that the Chief agreed to this recommendation. Don Shoemaker cautioned that all information pertinent to the investi- gation should be provided to the HRC and not only disciplinary actions. Recommendation Three: The HRC will cease any public hearing proceedings if any of the parties file legal action. Karen stated the Chief found this appropriate. Action Taken 1. Motion by Don Shoemaker: The Police Community Relations Committee of the Human Relations Commission is to meet with the elected Police Review Committee, the City Attorney, to draft changes which are acceptable to both parties regarding the police grievance procedure. (original motion seconded by Ontiveros). It is also recommended that the Administrative Aide to the Chief of Police be included in this meeting (amendment seconded by Jerman). Motion carried. 2. Karen Mack is to inform Chief Smith and request a subcommittee meeting before next month meeting. Karen is to report on subcommittee results by next HRC meeting. fv� u PAGE 3 III. Appointments to Boards and Commissions. Rosita Bachmann informed that the City Council has proceded to interview applicants to Boards and Commissions. Information on number of applications received -the sex and ethnic background of applicants was circulated to Commission members. In related matters, Paul Thayer volunteered to do applicant outreach next year, even if he is no longer a HRC member. Mary Ontiveros stated that more time was needed for personal outreach. HRC decided that the results of this year's appointment process should be followed up by the Commission. IV. Report on City Employment Statistics Information on city employment statistics was circulated. Commission members noted positive changes in terms of women in Administrative/ Professional levels and Protective Services. Changes in ethnic minority population were very weak in almost all categories. Suggestions: Meet with the City Manager or Personnel Director to discuss statistics. Possible meeting with the Personnel Board to discuss Affirmative Action concepts/statistics. Analysis of Affirmative Action Plan and statistics to see if they go hand in hand. Action taken Motion: This issue is to be brought up at the next Commission meeting (motion carried). V. Other business Bob Zimdahl thanked all members for their contributions and stated it was a pleasure to have worked with them. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.. Submitted by Rosita Bachmann, staff.