HomeMy WebLinkAboutG- 7 Appointment of Third Police Captain for a Limited Time wAll
7 Am or AZUSA
AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: KING DAVIS, CHIEF OF POLICE
VIA: RICK COLE, CITY MANAGER
DATE: NOVEMBER 18, 2002
SUBJECT: APPOINTMENT OF THIRD POLICE CAPTAIN FOR A LIMITED TIME
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that City Council approve the hiring of a third police captain for up
to 14 months.
BACKGROUND:
Captain Karen Pihlak has returned to work from her extended medical leave and
notified the City of her retirement date in March, 2004.
During her nine month absence, her administrative and supervisory duties have been
performed by the remaining command staff. This has resulted in some tasks
remaining undone. During Captain Pihlak's almost twenty-four years with the City,
she has accumulated considerable leave time. When she separates from the City, she
would be entitled to a substantial check from the City. She has expressed a desire to
use her leave time rather than receive a lump sum payment. To use her leave time,
she would need to work two days a week and take the remaining two days in leave
time. This avoids a substantial pay-out upon retirement.
As it would not be possible for Captain Pihlak to accomplish all the needed task of a
police captain in 20 hours a week, she will be assigned to special projects by the Chief
of Police. She has expertise in community policing and preventing hate crimes. She
will be assigned to the highest priority areas facing the police department.
Since her announced retirement date is sixteen months from now, continuity would
be strengthened by beginning the transition by hiring a new police captain now. This
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• would allow the department to conduct an unhurried promotional process and allow
• the department to make progress towards law enforcement goals for the community.
As the department strives to reduce crime in an environment of increased criminality,
we must ensure that the department has adequate oversight and direction.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost of over-filling the captain position for 15 months would be $189,375.
However, because of vacant officer positions, salary savings are projected to cover
the cost during this fiscal year. It is expected that these vacancies will all be filled by
next year, resulting in a small budget increase, offset by a reduction in lump-sum
retirement pay-out for leave balance of $39,000.
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