05-20-2008 POLMHutchinson Police Commission Minutes
The Hutchinson Police Commission held a meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at the
Hutchinson Emergency Operation Center. Present at the meeting were Barry Anderson, Mark
Jelkin, Steve Sherman, Julie Jensen, Chief Daniel Hatten and City Attorney Marc Sebora.
The meeting was called to order at 5:26 p.m.
Chairperson Jelkin asked if there were any changes to the minutes from the last meeting. With
there being no changes, a motion was made by Steve Sherman, seconded by Barry Anderson,
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to approve the minutes from the April 15 meeting. Motion carried.
Chairperson Jelkin then introduced Julie Jensen who is the new commissioner. City Attorney
Marc Sebora then swore in Ms. Jensen.
Chairperson Jelkin then asked for the update on the peace officer position. Chief Hatten stated
that the top 60 candidates after the written examination had been asked to participate in the
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initial interview. The interview panel convened the week of May 12 and interviewed a total of
56 candidates. There were 10 individuals that achieved scores that enabled them to participate
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in the second interview process which will take place on June 3. It was asked of Chief Hatten
the number of positions that were open at this time. Hatten stated that the department is short
two officers at this time with a possible third later in the year. It was asked how long it would
take to fill the vacancies. Hatten stated that once the conditional offer is made it could take up
to one month to complete the background, physical and physiological testing. Once that is
complete they could begin the field training program and be able to be on their own at the end of
August.
Chairperson Jelkin then asked for the update on the full-time communication specialist. Chief
Hatten stated that CS Soderquist had handed in her resignation due to changes in the needs of
her family. She had given two weeks notice however due to the fact she was still in field training
he explained to the commission that he made the resignation effective immediately. Hatten
informed that commission that this created an opening for a full-time position. He also informed
the commission that CS Sheryl Delaney-Smith had not put her two week notice in however she
will be leaving soon to go work for the State Patrol in Brainerd. This creates a second vacancy
for a full-time communication specialist position. Chief Hatten then explained that a part-time
conditional offer had been made to Mark Hanneman. He requested the commission to
authorize him to change the offer from a part-time position to a full-time position. The
commission inquired as to how this would effect the part-time staffing. Hatten explained that
Nancy Redetzke is working part-time and Shelley Schmidt who is currently attending skills class
in Alexandria. A motion was made by Steve Sherman, seconded by Barry Anderson, that the
conditional officer to Mark Hanneman be changed from a part-time position to a full-time
position. Motion carried.
Discussion then was held regarding the roster for communications. Chief Hatten explained that
the eligibility roster had been exhausted. With this being said the commission felt that it is
necessary to start the process for establishing a new list. A motion was made by Barry
Anderson, seconded by Julie Jensen, to authorize moving forward with the selection process for
full-time and part-time communication specialist positions upon approval by City Administrator
Gary Plotz. Motion carried.
Police Commission Meeting
May 20, 2008
Page 2
Chairperson Jelkin asked if there were any items from the floor. Chief Hatten presented the
commissioners with information from Personnel Evaluation Inc. based out of Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. This company has a personnel evaluation profile test that can be used as a tool
during the selection process to glean information on a candidates work habits and personality
traits. He stated that once the exam was completed by the candidate the results are
instantaneous. Hatten asked the commission if they wanted to evaluate this testing process.
He stated that there is a $250.00 initial payment along with a cost of $20 per test administered.
Commissioner Jelkin stated that he felt the costs were not out of line from the experience he
has had using such methods. A motion was made by Steve Sherman, seconded by Barry
Anderson, to order the test and administer it to the 10 applicants for the current process in order
to evaluate the exam and that it shall not be used as an eliminator during this time. Motion
carried.
Recognition was then given to Barry Anderson for his years of service on the commission.
Chief Hatten stated that he had presented a plaque to Commissioner Anderson at the last city
council meeting. Chairperson Jelkin wanted to thank Anderson for his dedication and the work
that he accomplished with the regard to the processes and rules & regulations. Commissioner
Sherman stated that he wanted Commissioner Anderson to know that he appreciated the
openness and friendliness that was shown to him when he recently joined the commission.
Commissioner Julie Jensen stated that she wished she had been able to serve with Anderson
on the commission.
With there being no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Barry Anderson,
seconded by Steve Sherman, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
Time of adjournment was 6:25 p.m.
June 10
Next Meeting to be held on , 2008.
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