08-03-2005 POLM
HUTCHINSON POLICE COMMISSION MINUTES
The Hutchinson Police Commission held a meeting on August3,2005, at the Hutchinson
Police Department Emergency Operations Center. Present at the meeting were Barry
Anderson, Tom Schwartz, Donna Baysinger, Mayor Steve Cook, City Administrator Gary
Plotz, City Attorney Marc Sebora, Human Resource Director Brenda Ewing, Council
Member Casey Stotts, Chief Dan Hatten, and Lt. Dave Erlandson.
The meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m. Chairperson Barry Anderson asked if there
were any changes to the minutes from the last meeting. It was noted that the time of
adjournment of the last meeting was 7: 1 0 p.m. and not 7: 1 0 am. as stated in the minutes.
A motion was made by Tom Schwartz and seconded by Donna Baysinger to accept the
minutes as stated with the exception of the time of adjournment. Motion carried.
Chief Hatten presented a list to the comm ission with the names of thirteen individuals who
had completed the testing and interview process for the open patrol position. Of the
thirteen listed, seven achieved a score of 70% or higher to be placed on the eligibility
roster. Tom Schwartz made a motion to accept the roster. Motion failed.
Barry Anderson and Donna Baysinger requested more information on the applicants that
would include a brief synopsis of each applicant along with comments from the interview
panel. Tom Schwartz requested to see the test and interview questions that are asked of
the applicants during the interview process. With the understanding that this information
would be presented to the commission on future qualifying applicants, Barry Anderson
made the motion to accept the eligibility roster as presented, seconded by Tom Schwartz.
Motion carried.
Discussion was then held by those present surrounding the statute definition of police
commissions and the roles and requirements regarding hiring, promotion and discipline.
Chief Hatten informed the commission that surveys were sent to twenty like-cities
requesting information on their hiring process and whether or not they had a police
commission. Ten cities responded to the survey, including: New Ulm, Chaska, Northfield,
Farmington, Mankato, Hastings, Owatonna, Red Wing, Shakopee and Willmar. Of the ten
responding cities, five have police commissions. The cities of Mankato, Shakopee and
Willmar provided copies of their Police Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations.
Chief Hatten recommended Hutchinson's police commission rules and regulations be
reviewed approximately every two to three years.
Chief Hatten informed the commission as to how the cities that responded to the survey
compile their interview panels. Barry Anderson requested that the commission be more
involved in the interview process. Chief Hatten recommended a commission representative
be present during his (Chief) interview of the top three candidates.
In other business, Chief Hatten stated that he, along with Officer Jason Pederson and
Communications Specialists Deb Voss and Kelly Pischke, have all successfully completed
Police Commission
August 3, 2005
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the probationary period. He also stated the National Night Out parties the department
hosted were a success in seven of ten neighborhoods, and attendance was up from last
year. Chief Hatten expressed his thoughts on moving some of the low attended parties to
other neighborhoods throughout the community.
There was a spirited discussion regarding uniforms, patrolling and attendance at special
events. Chief Hatten and Lt. Erlandson explained they are very visible at many community
events, but with their administrative roles, time patrolling on the street is limited. Lt.
Erlandson added that the uniformed street level (Officers and Sergeants) has been
understaffed for several years, thereby impacting the department's resources and ability to
accommodate basic services and the many requests for extra services. City Administrator
Gary Plotz stated a presentation will be made to the council outlining staffing needs and
essential and non essential services provided by the police department.
With there being no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Tom Schwartz,
seconded by Donna Baysinger, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
Time of adjournment was 7:05 p.m.
Donna Baysinger