12-16-2008 POLMHutchinson Police Commission Minutes
The Hutchinson Police Commission held a meeting on Tuesday, December 16, 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 5:42 p.m.
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Chairperson Jelkin asked if there were any changes to the minutes from the October 21
meeting. With there being no changes, a motion was made by Julie Jensen, seconded by
Steve Sherman, to approve the minutes from the October meeting. Motion carried.
Chief Hatten then referred to the changes in the city employee handbook regarding sick leave.
These pages had been included in the commission packet for this meeting. The main changes
dealt with the ability to use sick leave for fathers on the birth of a child. It had been that they
could only use one day and that has been extended to up to 40 hours. Also changed was the
definition of family with regard to deaths. It has been expanded to include step children as well
as in-laws. He stated that the use of sick leave is a privilege and not a right. The question was
asked with regard to FMLA. The chief stated that with the City of Hutchinson it runs concurrent
with sick leave and vacation time.
The next item on the agenda was the Citizens Police Academy. Chief Hatten stated that the
commissioners could join any session they wish especially if it was one they might have missed
when they were participating in the program. He stated that he and Sgt. Nagel were trying to
get to the monthly meetings of several community groups to present to their members
information on this program. This was being done as an attempt to gain interest and get
individuals to apply. He stated that on some of the topics the presenters had been changed to
get some of the newer employees involved. They had either shown and interest and
volunteered or were assigned to a particular topic.
Chief Hatten then updated the Commission on the new employees. He stated that all four were
doing fine and by Monday everyone would be done with field training and be on their own. It
was stated that a new employee list would be sent out with the next packet.
The next item on the agenda was the 2009 budget. Chief Hatten stated that the department
would be retaining all positions for 2009. A line item that was reduced in the budget was the
amount of part-time employee money that could be used. He stated that the number of hours
the department would be able to use had been decreased. The main issue the council was
waiting for was the amount of Local Government Aid from the state. This issue would not be
settled until it is known how the State of Minnesota would be handling this funding. Hatten
stated that the State budget runs July 1 – June 30 and that LGA is received in two payments.
The city had received the first payment but not the second one and this affects the 2008 budget.
He stated that the city also imposed a freeze on wage and merit increases as well as a hiring
freeze. The hiring freeze affects the ability to fill the open sergeant’s position. Due to this event
Chief Hatten stated that he had assigned Sgt. Joe Nagel to the investigative sergeant position.
By doing so it gives the employees in this area someone to go to, however Sgt. Nagel will
continue with his patrol sergeant schedule. Chief Hatten stated he would recommend filling the
sergeants position from within which then would create an opening in the patrol area. He stated
that the eligibility list for a peace officer has been exhausted. It was asked how the staff was
responding to the freeze of wage and merit increases. Chief Hatten stated that the employees
know that it is not just the city that is facing this issue and that they understand it is the current
economy.
Police Commission Meeting
December 16, 2008
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Chairperson Jelkin asked if there were any items from the floor. It was asked of Chief Hatten
what effect the failure to unionize has had on the department. He stated that with the vote the
issue goes away and after a period of one-year it can be re-evaluated. The staff, he stated, has
continued to perform with the utmost professionalism. Another question from the floor was with
regard to problems, if any, regarding the bike/pedestrian tunnel under Highway 7. Chief Hatten
stated that there were really no issues with the exception of some graffiti which is not different
from other areas within the city.
Chairperson Jelkin reminded the commission that the mandatory February meeting was coming
up and that a review of the procedures and hiring practices would need to be reviewed at the
March meeting.
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 6:32 p.m.
Next Meeting to be held on January 20th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
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