MINUTES
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
March 4, 2015
A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Public Safety was held in the City Hall Auditorium on Wednesday, March 4, 2015.
Those in attendance included Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Raymond Rigat, Commissioners Darlene Battle, Douglas Benedetto, Glenn McLeod, Richard Zaharek and Robert Conforti, along with Fire Chief Gary Brunoli, Deputy Fire Chief Christopher Pepler, Police Chief Michael Maniago and Traffic Officer Steven Pisarski. Commissioner Angelo LaMonica was absent.
Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. starting with the oath and pinning of Sgt. Matthew Southard and Det. Nicole Santiago.
MINUTES
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the Regular meeting held February 4, 2015.
OPEN TO PUBLIC
On a motion by Commissioner McLeod, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public. There was no one present who wished to speak.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner McLeod, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to enter Executive Session under Fire Dept. Personnel at 6:41 p.m., inviting Chief Brunoli, Deputy Chief Pepler, and Atty. Rigat.
OPEN SESSION
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to enter Open Session at 7:17 p.m.
PROMOTIONS: Fire Dept.
On a motion by Commissioner Conforti, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to promote Lt. Kevin Engle to the position of Captain effective March 8, 2015.
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to promote Firefighter Robert Shopey III to the position of Lieutenant effective March 8, 2015.
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner McLeod, the Board voted unanimously to promote Firefighter Michael Brown to a second position of Lieutenant effective March 8, 2015.
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to promote Acting Fire Marshal Edward Bascetta to the position of Fire Marshal effective immediately.
On a motion by Commissioner Conforti, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted 3/2 with Commissioners McLeod and Benedetto opposed, to table a promotion to the position of Deputy Fire Marshal. Commissioner Benedetto said he feels the positions should be filled to keep the department moving forward. He said Fire Marshal Bascetta could use the help with all the inspections that need to be done. Mayor Carbone explained that the Department is being assessed and this promotion will be revisited on July 1, 2015.
REPORTS
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to accept Fire Chief Brunoli's Report for January 2015. Chief Brunoli said the new ladder truck will be in service next week. Commissioner McLeod questioned the overtime and Chief Brunoli said that vacation, personal and sick leave have caused an increase in overtime, as well as an increase in alarms and staffing shortages. Commissioners Benedetto and Conforti questioned manpower usages and requested Chief Brunoli create a report. After further discussion, Mayor Carbone suggested that a better use of the Board’s time would be to review a report. Commissioner Benedetto said he would like a discussion on the overtime now. Chief Brunoli explained the use of overtime and said he and the Deputy Chief have
been trying to manage overtime, cut costs and free supply items. Recent fires eat into their overtime budget, he said. Mayor Carbone said the Board needs to allow some time after the wave of recent retirements, and Deputy Chief Pepler reminded the Board of the influence of contractual obligations on overtime levels. Chief Brunoli said that his staffing plan will work if allowed time, after retirement vacancies are filled.
On a motion by Commissioner Conforti, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to accept Deputy Fire Chief Pepler's Report for January 2015.
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Zaharek, the Board voted unanimously to accept Training Officer Tripp's Report for January 2015. Training Officer Tripp explained that there are no issues with the probationary firefighters and they are doing very well.
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Emergency Management Report for January 2015.
On a motion by Commissioner Conforti, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to accept Acting Fire Marshal Bascetta's Report for January 2015.
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner McLeod, the Board voted unanimously to accept Police Chief Maniago’s Report for January 2015. Commissioner Zaharek asked how the transition to new pistols is going. Chief Maniago said that everyone seems to be satisfied with them.
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to accept Officer Pisarski's Traffic Operations Unit Report for January 2015.
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to accept EMS Provider Activity Report for January 2015.
BUSINESS: VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS
On a motion by Commissioner Conforti, seconded by Commissioner Benedetto, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Volunteer Fire Departments. No business was presented.
BUSINESS: DEPT. HEADS
On a motion by Commissioner Conforti, seconded by Commissioner Battle, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by Department Heads.
Chief Maniago announced that two recruits will graduate from the Academy this month to be put on FTO and three recruits on FTO will be put on the patrol division midnight shift at the end of March. K9 Titus has started his canine training school, he said, and the Parking Enforcement Officer will retire on July 1, 2015.
Chief Brunoli distributed a letter from the Acting Fire Marshal regarding a homeowner’s commendation of four firefighters who responded to a fire at his home. Chief Brunoli recognized three firefighters who participated in a fundraising event for Friendly Hands food bank, thanked Firefighter Richard Prince for his years of service and announced upcoming retirement parties. He noted that since January 2011 there have been 24 retirements totaling 600 years of service.
Deputy Chief Pepler said they have had a busy month with fires, and asked if anyone had any questions on the report he submitted in December regarding the Main St. fire. No questions were asked. Deputy Chief Pepler described the recent Squire Hill fire in extreme cold conditions with heavy snow where two floors collapsed due to their type of construction. He recognized the Litchfield Fire Department for assisting us with their ladder truck. He added that they are trying to do everything they can to save wear and tear on their apparatus and to analyze costs. He asked that they be given some flexibility before jumping to conclusions because they are trying to make things better. Deputy Chief Pepler said he is also working on some Fire Ground Tactical Issues to increase firefighter safety. He asked
the Board to call the Chief and Deputy Chief with their questions rather than having conversations out in open session when they are readily available on a regular basis. He said he feels disappointed that they have to do this tonight.
Commissioner Benedetto said the Board voted on the Fire Department Policy and told the Deputy Chief to read the Charter. He said they voted to have one person, one Captain, in the fly car. Chief Brunoli said the Board merely voted to buy the vehicle.
Mayor Carbone said it would be better, as a Board, to talk about policy, goals and budget because that is the role of the Board. She said she would prefer that, instead of having this dialog, the Board talk about what they can do to make sure that the Board’s adopted policies are clear, with no questions going forward.
Deputy Chief Pepler expressed his appreciation and said that as a Department they are being as conscientious as possible to pinch pennies in these times.
Commissioner Benedetto said fire trucks should not shovel out condominiums on the east side and said he should not be interrupted. Mayor Carbone asked those participating in the meeting to be respectful of each other’s time and let them finish their conversation. Commissioner Benedetto said it is a waste of our resources to have firefighters removing snow. Chief Brunoli explained, saying he was on the City Views television show when a citizen who was concerned about her public safety called in. He said he asked her to call his office in the morning. When she did, Chief Brunoli learned that the resident was worried about her means of egress after seeing the Essex Court fire and had tried all avenues to persuade her association to remove the snow from her door. Chief Brunoli said this woman was
concerned about her Public Safety and that he responds to all calls regarding public safety and egress out of a building. He said he asked two firefighters and a Captain to check on the situation in a small vehicle to see if they needed to do anything for her. He said he directed them to see if her egress was blocked, and if so, they were to move a little bit away from the door to make sure she could exit her apartment. Chief Brunoli said he would do that for anyone in the City that calls his office about his or her safety in a public issue and added that a contractor was on scene who completed the task. Commissioner Benedetto said that snow removal is not the Chief’s job.
Chief Brunoli suggested Commissioner Benedetto call his office, email, text or visit when he has an issue to discuss. He said that it is not healthy for the Fire Department to discuss these issues in open session and stressed that when citizens call his office with a public safety issue, it is his responsibility to protect the City and make sure he protects its citizens.
Mayor Carbone reminded the Board that the better dialog is really about policy and expectations. She said to discuss particular incidences is counterproductive for the Board of Public Safety.
BUSINESS: MAYOR & MEMBERS
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to consider business by the Mayor and members of the Board of Public Safety.
Commissioner Zaharek congratulated Sgt. Southard and Det. Santiago and the newly promoted personnel in the Fire Department.
Commissioner Benedetto also congratulated them and thanked Sgt. Berardinelli for all his years of service.
Commissioner Conforti offered the same congratulations, wished FF Prince good luck in his retirement, and thanked all the firefighters for their service in the City of Torrington.
Commissioner McLeod said that strategically a piece of paper was put on his desk right before the meeting, which seems to be the norm at these meetings -- that the Board receives everything at the last minute. He added that since the Mayor is going to address that, he will follow up at that point. Commissioner McLeod said that the Personnel Director chastised the Board at one time to not do anything that embarrassed the City, which he agrees with completely. Commissioner McLeod added that it is also not his job to come into a meeting and dance and sing “Kumbaya” if there is an issue. He said it would bother him tremendously to be unable to discuss anything in open session even if the participants do not get along. He said he feels like he hits a wall of ice when he walks into Water Street.
He congratulated the retirees, newly promoted and newly pinned.
Commissioner Battle congratulated the newly promoted, thanked those who have retired, and congratulated those who were pinned.
Mayor Carbone said that in reaction to a visit she had from a couple of Commissioners and some dialog that she has had with the Chiefs, she has looked into the Board’s roles and responsibilities especially as it relates to their control, management and supervision of the Police and Fire Departments. Mayor Carbone noted that clearly, there seems to be a question as to what the Board’s role and responsibilities are. She said the questions were about the role the Commissioners have in the day-to-day operations of the departments and specifically visiting employees on city time while the personnel are on duty. In response to that inquiry, Mayor Carbone said she reached out to Atty. Victor Muschell who has served as labor counsel and attorney for the Board of Education for decades. She said the memo (addendum 1) that had been distributed contains his response as to the Commissioners’ role as a Board. Mayor Carbone read parts of this memo and said she assured Atty. Muschell
that this Board is very well versed in the Charter provisions as they remind her of that Charter proclivity in every meeting. She said Atty. Muschell also looked at the Code of Ethics because there is still a little bit of information that the Board is not looking at when they visit departments or speak with personnel while they are on duty.
Mayor Carbone said that Sections 22-1, 22-11, 22-322-6 of the Code of Ethics state specifically that government decisions and policy be made in proper channels of governmental structure. She said that means ‘at a meeting’. She continued to read “no official or employee shall without proper legal authorization disclose confidential information concerning property or government affairs of the City.” Mayor Carbone read the section entitled ‘Special Consideration’ saying “no official or employee shall use his position to influence or attempt to influence the appointment or employment of any individual in any position,” and noted that every official signed off as having received a copy of the Code of Ethics.
Mayor Carbone cautioned the Board to be cognizant of this when they are acting in their official role, and that it is critical that they are cognizant of the fact that they must abide by the Code of Ethics or put the City at risk of violating some of these very matters. Some of the violations could be a violation of Weingarten rights, a violation of unfair labor practices, or a violation of the contract, she said, and the Code of Ethics applies to not only the City Officials but to all of the employees of the City as well.
Mayor Carbone stressed that it is important for the Board to remember that the Code of Ethics applies to public officials and to all of the employees of the City. She said if employees are put in a position of trying to answer questions that the Board members might think is an innocent conversation, they may be drawn into a situation where they are violating the Code of Ethics themselves. That is why the Board is cautioned against getting into those day-to-day operations or getting involved at that level, she said.
Mayor Carbone summarized the four specific roles or responsibilities of the Board of Public Safety, as follows:
(1) said Board shall have the power to appoint all regular and supernumerary police and call officers, subject to the policies of the Personnel Department; and to prescribe the duties of all officers and members, whether regular or supernumerary, of said Police and Fire Departments;
(2) to prepare budgets for said Departments; and
(3) to make all needful rules and regulations not contrary to law for the government of said Departments, which shall periodically be published and made available within said Departments and to others interested.
(4) . . . appoint a Police Chief and Fire Chief. . .
Mayor Carbone further summarized that the members of the Board of Public Safety have no power to act individually in the name of the Board. Action can only be taken when the Board is meeting in a formal session with a majority of its members present, she said, and so, under this sound principle, each member can reserve judgment on each matter until he or she has had an opportunity to hear recommendations of the Chief and to discuss it with other Board members in a public forum.
Mayor Carbone noted the potential liabilities that could occur if lines are crossed and Commissioners get into the day-to-day operations, visiting employees while they are on duty on City time, compromising the function of the Department, and circumventing the chain of command. In violation of the contract, she said, the commissioners action can be interpreted by the employees to be an evaluation of their job performance. She explained that this being the third step in a grievance process, the Commissioners could end up in a position where, now instead of being that judge or jury at the end of the process, they now become a party to the process, a witness, or a part of the complaint.
Mayor Carbone noted that, in violation of the Code of Ethics, a Commissioner’s action can illicit confidential information that should only be disclosed to the Board in public session or perhaps not disclosed at all. Also in violation of the Code of Ethics, a Commissioner’s action can be interpreted to be an attempt to influence the employment of an individual.
Based on all of this review and discussion with the Personnel Director Tom Gritt and Atty. Vic Muschell, Mayor Carbone said she finds that the fastest, quickest solution to this is to direct both Departments to develop a policy that any and all inquiries regarding department operations must be directed to the Chiefs. She said she thinks the policy should also include language that the Commissioners must inform the Chief when they intend to visit the department so as not to interfere with those day-to-day operations or the duties of the personnel in the department. This would be visits to the department during working hours, she said, and this goes beyond courtesy, it ensures that we’re all working within the confines of Board rules, Code of Ethics and the Charter.
Commissioner Benedetto asked if, as a Board member and taxpayer, he is not allowed to stop at the Firehouse or Police department without contacting the Chiefs.
Mayor Carbone confirmed that that would be the prudent first step and welcomed the Board to provide their input on this. She explained that this ensures that the Commissioners are observing that chain of command with the Board at the top of the chain as the policy makers. Below you are the Chiefs and then below the Chiefs are the rank and file, she said and in observance of this chain of command it only makes sense that this Commission would contact the Chiefs out of respect to them to let them know that you are going to stop in.
Commissioner Benedetto said he only stops in as a courtesy and he does not feel as a taxpayer and an elected Board member that he needs to ask permission of the Chief to visit that department. Mayor Carbone clarified that she did not say they need permission, she said they are to notify them. Commissioner Benedetto said he cannot agree with that.
Commissioner Zaharek said he does agree with it, as the Commissioners are approached every day and some of the conversations are a little uncomfortable, leaving one Commissioner with information the other does not have and a potential for trouble and liabilities. He said it would behoove him to call the Chief and tell him he is going to stop by, and the Chiefs should feel comfortable that their staff is going to welcome the Commissioners. Visiting the departments is a valiant thing to do, he said, and he agrees that Commissioner Benedetto should do it, but with a courtesy call, and not showing up unannounced.
Commissioner Benedetto asked the Chiefs what the issue is about Board members stopping in to visit. Mayor Carbone stopped the conversation and said she would first like to hear from the rest of the Board.
Commissioner Conforti said he just thinks it is a courtesy. He said the memo is very cut and dry and the Board has certain powers. It is a professional courtesy, he said. Commissioner Conforti said he knows his role as a Board of Public Safety member and when he is on the streets, he is still a Board of Public Safety member so he watches everything he does.
Commissioner Benedetto said the Firehouse is a public building.
Commissioner McLeod said he has stopped at the North End Fire House four times in the sixteen months he has been on the Board. He said he promises he won’t stop the next time they are doing an M.D. drive in the road and ask how it’s going; he promises he won’t stop when they are all working outside and ask ‘what are you guys doing, I’d like to learn what’s going on’. I will not do that again, he said. Commissioner McLeod said
the other two times he stopped are because he has no idea who is in that firehouse. He said he just stops to see what is going on and does not ask questions.
Commissioner Benedetto said a gag order is being put on the employees that talk to us, and making them do a report for talking to a commissioner is a waste of their time. He said he has known some of these guys for 25 years and does not see a problem with stopping in to see them. He said on the other hand, it is different when the Chiefs come to the Board and want a three or four million-dollar budget.
Mayor Carbone said she would like to keep the dialogue to what she is proposing here instead of getting into anything specific.
Chief Brunoli reminded Commissioner Benedetto of the contents of the memo, that conversations that may take place will undermine the order, discipline and morale in his department or the Police Department. Sometimes the conversations might get off base, he said, and he is going to discuss certain letters because he is in the middle of an investigation of it to find out what was said and what went on. Chief Brunoli said that Commissioner Conforti is very good with notification and added that the Commissioners can text him or call him from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Commissioner Benedetto said that there was no problem in the past, when he was running for office and wanted votes. Chief Brunoli said that campaigning is different from coming in as a Commissioner. Commissioner Benedetto asked if he may visit as a taxpayer. Chief Brunoli said he would have to ring the bell.
Mayor Carbone reminded Commissioner Benedetto that he would not be asking for permission, it is a courtesy call. Commissioner Benedetto said that would put a chill factor into the guys. Mayor Carbone said she did not think it would.
Commissioner Zaharek noted that without a courtesy call, the commissioners might disrupt the department’s operations.
Commissioner Benedetto said that when the employees are on down time, he does not see a problem with stopping in to make small talk. He said he understands courtesy, but does not understand why he should have to call the Chief at 10 o’clock at night if he is going to stop in the Firehouse.
Chief Brunoli said the Mayor is directing him to write a policy and that is what he will do.
Mayor Carbone asked to hear from Commissioner Battle.
Commissioner Battle agreed with the Mayor, saying there should be a courtesy call made out of respect for the Chiefs. She agreed that this is not asking permission, and saying when you are going to stop by is the appropriate way to handle it.
Commissioner Benedetto said that for years he has heard people ask “how come the Commissioners never show up at the Firehouse” and now the Chiefs don’t want the Board to show up. Deputy Chief Pepler said that no one said that. Commissioner Benedetto asked if they want the Board to show up, or if they want to make decisions here with open government.
Mayor Carbone gave the floor to Commissioner McLeod, who added that he wants to help Chief Brunoli in his investigation and noted that he and Commissioner Benedetto ask no questions when they are visiting the Fire Department.
Commissioner Benedetto said it is ridiculous.
Mayor Carbone repeated that the discussion is not about any particular incident, it is about a policy. She said that as she read in the research that was done, this Board has identified that they want to develop policy, work on the budget, and develop goals for both departments. She said that she feels that this is where the Board needs to be, and reminded the Commissioners that when they signed for the Code of Ethics, these are the very rules they agreed to, as a condition of their taking office.
Commissioner Benedetto said the Code does not say anything about stopping in at a Firehouse or giving the Chief a call. There is nothing in there regarding that, that I’ve signed, he said.
Mayor Carbone recommended that Commissioner Benedetto take some time and read the documents. Commissioner Benedetto said he will get legal advice on it.
Mayor Carbone said that in the meantime, she does wish for there to be a policy developed that sets forth the terms of what the expectations are with regard to Commissioners visiting the Departments.
Commissioner Conforti said he doesn’t think the departments have a problem with the Commissioners visiting and reminded everyone that they are all in this for the same thing. Both the Chiefs and the Board of Public Safety are here to represent the City of Torrington, he said, and they are here to work with the City of Torrington. We are here to represent, that’s the only difference, he said. Commissioner Conforti said his goal is to go to the Chief first, and take it from there.
Commissioner Zaharek said there should be policy and procedures, and when board members show up, everybody should be doing their job when they walk through.
Mayor Carbone stated that good policy protects everybody because there is a risk of engaging in that dialog and being privy to some information that you probably should not have. It puts you in a very different position as officials that are charged with the oversight of the departments, she said, gave credit to both Commissioner Benedetto and Commissioner McLeod for recognizing that we can be better as a board if we are developing and looking at policies that will make operations smoother in both departments. She said that both of these Commissioners felt very strongly that this is a direction we should be taking.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Commissioner Benedetto, seconded by Commissioner Conforti, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:20 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
Carol L. Anderson, CMC
Assistant City Clerk
Addendum 1
MEMO
TO: BOARD OF SAFETY MEMBERS
It was recently brought to my attention that there are questions about Board roles and responsibilities as it relates to their control, management and supervision of the Police and Fire Departments. This was raised by some Commissioners and Department Heads alike.
These questions were raised specifically as to the role of the Board Members in the day to day operation of the Departments – specifically, visiting employees on city time - while the personnel are on duty.
In response to this request, I reached out to Attorney Muschell who has served as our Labor Counsel and attorney for the Board of Education for decades.
Below is his response as it relates to the Charter:
. . . that the “Board of Public Safety shall have control, management and supervision of the Police and Fire Departments…” It should be made clear that individual members of the Board acting independently do not have any authority or power. Only the Board acting in its official capacity with a quorum can assert such “control, management and supervision”, usually by way of policy not by direct participation in day to day operational activities; that function is delegated to the Chiefs and his subordinates.
We also looked at the Code of Ethics wherein the following paragraphs provide supporting insight as to responsibilities.
§ 22-1. - Declaration of policy.
The proper operation of democratic government requires that public officials and employees be independent, impartial and responsible to the people of Torrington; that government decisions and policy be made in the proper channels of governmental structure; that public office not be used for personal or private gain; and that the public have confidence in the integrity of government. In recognition of these goals, a Code of Ethics is hereby established for officials and employees of the City of Torrington, as are hereinafter defined. The purpose of this code is to establish ethical standards of conduct by setting forth those actions that are in conflict with the best interest of the City and by directing disclosure of any financial or personal beneficial interest in matters affecting the City.
§ 22-11. - Confidential information.
No official or employee shall, without proper legal authorization, disclose confidential information concerning the property, government or affairs of the City or use such information to advance the financial or other private interest of himself or any other.
§ 22-3. - Definitions.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: Information, whether transmitted orally or in writing, which is obtained by reason of the public position or office held and is of such nature that it is not, at the time of transmission, a matter of public record or public knowledge. [Added 12-18-2000]
§ 22-6. - Special consideration.
No official or employee shall grant or accept any special consideration, treatment, favor or advantage beyond that which is generally available to all residents and/or taxpayers of the City. No official or employee shall use his position to influence or attempt to influence the appointment or employment of any individual to any position with the City.
IN SUMMARY – in accordance with City Charter Section C11-2 - Powers and duties.
The Board of Public Safety shall have control, management and supervision of the Police and Fire Departments of said City and of all property belonging to or used in said Departments. Subject to Section 7-294e of the General Statutes,
(5) said Board shall have the power to appoint all regular and supernumerary police and call officers, subject to the policies of the Personnel Department; and to prescribe the duties of all officers and members, whether regular or supernumerary, of said Police and Fire Departments;
(6) to prepare budgets for said Departments; and
(7) to make all needful rules and regulations not contrary to law for the government of said Departments, which shall periodically be published and made available within said Departments and to others interested.
(8) . . . appoint a Police Chief and Fire Chief. . .
Said members of the Board of Safety have no power to act individually in the name of the board. Action can be taken only when the board is meeting in formal session with a majority of its members present.
Under this sound principle, each member can reserve judgment on each matter until he/she has had an opportunity to hear the recommendations of the Chief and to discuss it with other board members.
POTENTIAL LIABILITY
1. Violation of Weingarten Rights
2. Unfair Labor Practice
3. Violation of Contract (See Section 4)
ADDITIONAL CONCERNS
1. Compromising the function of the Department (i.e. Chain of Command)
2. In violation of the Contract, Commissioner’s action can be interpreted by employees to be an evaluation of their job performance
3. In violation of the Code of Ethics, Commissioner’s action can elicit confidential information that should only be disclosed to “the board”.
4. In violation of the Code of Ethics, Commissioner’s action can be interpreted to be an attempt to influence the employment of any individual
SOLUTION
I am directing both Departments to develop a policy that any and all inquiries regarding departmental operations must be directed to the Chief. The policy should also include language that Commissioners, must inform Chief when they intend to visit the Department so as not to interfere with the day-to-day operations or the duties of the personnel of the Department
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