10-21-2008 POLMHutchinson Police Commission Minutes
The Hutchinson Police Commission held a meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2008, at the
Hutchinson Emergency Operation Center. Present at the meeting were Mark Jelkin, Steve
Sherman, Julie Jensen, and Chief Daniel Hatten.
The meeting was called to order at 5:25 p.m.
th
Chairperson Jelkin asked if there were any changes to the minutes from the September 16
meeting. With there being no changes, a motion was made by Julie Jensen, seconded by
Steve Sherman, to approve the minutes from the September meeting. Motion carried.
Chief Hatten then introduced Communication Specialist Heather Daves to the Commission. He
stated that she was currently in field training and had completed the initial 2-week orientation.
Heather gave a brief synopsis with regard to her background to the commission. Chief Hatten
stated that once Heather completes the field training and is on her own the communication
department will be at full staff.
The next item on the agenda was with regard to the vote on unionization. Chief Hatten stated
that the ballots closed today and it would be known in the next 14 – 16 hours what the result
nd
would be. He stated that he should be notified sometime on October 22. It was asked that
once he had the results to please notify each of the commissioners. He stated that a majority
yes vote would be 10 to 8 and if it was a 9 to 9 vote that is considered a no to unionization. It
was asked if the union does not pass if the staff would pull together or be in “different camps”.
Hatten responded that the officers will still disagree on the issue however it has not affected the
job performance among the officers. It was asked if the officer will be told how individuals
voted. Chief Hatten stated that the number will be known but not the names of who voted for or
against.
Chief Hatten then informed the Commission that a station meeting was scheduled for October
th
30 and at the end of the meeting the new personnel would be sworn in. He invited everyone to
attend the swearing in ceremony that would take place at 4:15 p.m.
The Commission was then asked to assist in recruiting the public to attend the Citizens Police
Academy. Hatten asked that each of them to keep it in mind and suggest to individuals they
deal with to enroll in the program.
Chairperson Jelkin asked if there were any items from the floor. It was asked of Chief Hatten if
the department was ever contacted during the Republican National Convention to assist with
security. Chief Hatten stated that it was never requested.
With there being no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Steve Sherman,
seconded by Julie Jensen, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
Time of adjournment was 6:21 p.m.
Next Meeting to be held on November 11th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
.
th
December 16 at 5:30
(November meeting was later cancelled. The next meeting to be held
pm)
_______________________________