05-19-2009 POLMHutchinson Police Commission Minutes
The Hutchinson Police Commission held a meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at the
Hutchinson Emergency Operation Center. Present at the meeting were Mark Jelkin, Julie
Jensen, and Chief Daniel Hatten. Absent from the meeting was Steve Sherman.
The meeting was called to order at 5:25 p.m.
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Chairperson Jelkin asked if there were any changes to the minutes from the April 21 meeting.
With there being no changes, a motion was made by Julie Jensen, seconded by Mark Jelkin, to
approve the minutes from the April meeting. Motion carried.
Chief Hatten then updated the Commission with regard to personnel staffing. He stated that Lt.
Dave Erlandson had accepted the retirement package being offered by the City and his last day
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would be June 30. He stated that there is a vacant sergeant position and another sergeant on
a medical leave for 6 – 8 weeks. He added that there is another officer out on an extended
medical leave. Commissioner Jelkin inquired if this was Officer Scott Schuette and Chief Hatten
stated that it was. He said that Officer Schuette had requested a leave of absence from the City
Administrator and that the leave was granted. Hatten stated that he had met with Gary Plotz
and proposed different ideas as to how the department could handle the current situation. The
city is currently awaiting Governor Pawlenty’s decision with regard to the Local Government Aid
money. Commissioner Jensen asked if the department must have a lieutenant. Chief Hatten
stated that each department decided what their chain of command would be. He stated that his
ideal would be two lieutenants and five sergeants. Mark Jelkin asked if there was a time frame
in which the positions would be filled. Chief Hatten stated that he had requested a decision be
made by the end of June in order to complete the promotional processes and to have everything
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accomplished by January 1. Commissioner Jensen asked what the likelihood would be that
the new lieutenant would not be from within the department. Chief Hatten stated that he could
go outside the department for this position but would rather promote from within. He stated that
he has qualified personnel to fill the position and due to the fact that opportunities for promotion
do not arise often he feels going outside the department would be a detriment to moral and
career development. Commissioner Jelkin proposed filling the officer and sergeant positions
first to try and alleviate staff having to work extra shifts due to the shortages.
The meeting then proceeded to reviewing the procedures for promotion to sergeant and
promotion to lieutenant.
Chairperson Jelkin asked if there were any items from the floor. Commissioner Jensen wanted
the minutes to reflect that the Law Enforcement Memorial Association ecumenical service that
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was held on May 3 was very well organized and a nice gesture to remember the officers from
Minnesota.
With there being no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Julie Jensen, seconded
by Mark Jelkin, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
Time of adjournment was 6:25 p.m.
Next Meeting to be held on June 16, 2009 at 5:30 pm
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