10-16-2007 POLMHutchinson Police Commission Minutes
The Hutchinson Police Commission held a meeting on Wednesday, October 16, 2007, at the
Hutchinson Emergency Operation Center. Present at the meeting were Barry Anderson, Mark
Jelkin, Steve Sherman and Chief Daniel Hatten.
The meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m.
Chairperson Anderson asked if there were any changes to the minutes from the last meeting.
With there being none a motion was made by Mark Jelkin, seconded by Steve Sherman, to
approve the minutes from the September meeting. Motion carried.
Chief Hatten then introduced full-time Communication Specialist Kristina Lindell to the
Commission. He stated that Kristina was in her final evaluations and completing her field
training with the expectation on her being on her own next week. Chief Hatten then introduced
full-time Patrol Officer Janelle Graff to the Commission. He stated Janelle was doing well with
her field training and that she should complete the process sometime in early December. Both
individuals gave a brief background on them self and answered questions from the
commissioners.
Chief Hatten then informed the Commission that a panel was currently in the process of
interviewing the applicants for the communication specialist position that was open due to Jean
Gray’s retirement. The question was raised as to how Shelley Schmidt’s, the new part-time
communication specialist, was proceeding. Chief Hatten stated that she was doing well with the
training however there was no set schedule due to trying to work around not only her schedule
but also those of the communication specialist who instruct the training. Chief Hatten then
informed the Commission that Officer Roger Bakken had submitted his letter of resignation after
28 years of service with the city. He stated that Officer Bakken’s last day of work would be
thth
November 17 and his employment from the city would end on December 29. Hatten
requested that he be authorized to begin the hiring process for a full-time peace officer. The
question was posed as to the short notice of resignations due to the length of the process it
requires to fill a position. Chief Hatten stated that city policy states you must give a minimum of
two weeks notice and nothing more. The Commission also asked if the city had authorized
funding to fill the position. Chief Hatten stated that he had spoken to both the City Administrator
and Director of Human Resources and they stated that following the Commissions approval the
funding would be available. A motion was made by Mark Jelkin, seconded by Steve Sherman,
to initiate the hiring process for a full-time peace officer to fill the vacancy. Motion carried.
A special meeting date was set for Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. at which time the
eligibility roster for the Communication Specialist position would be complete for the
Commissions review and approval.
Chairperson Anderson then asked if there were any items from the floor. Chief Hatten stated
that in the packet sent to the commissioners was the compensation plan for the binder that was
distributed at the last meeting. Also in the packet was a copy of a list of questions that had
been prepared by former commissioner Donna Baysinger. This list will be modified and used as
a tool when a new commissioner joins. Chief Hatten informed the Commission that the City
Council approved the purchase of Tasers for officers to have on their duty belts. He stated that
a few of the officers would be sent to training on the new equipment and then they in turn would
train the rest of the officers. The new equipment would not be in place until such time that all
officers were trained and the policy and procedures regarding the Tasers had been
implemented.
Police Commission Meeting
October 16, 2007
Page 2
With there being no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Mark Jelkin, seconded
by Steve Sherman, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
Time of adjournment was 6:35 p.m.
November 27
Next Meeting to be held on , 2007.
_______________________________