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March 24, 2009 Page 6 of 8 4. Approval ofApp&ation Process for 2009 COPS H#ing Recovery Program RePort No. 09-086. *Moved from ConsentAgavia. Mayor Larson clarified this gant program would pay for an entry level police officer for 36 months, and the City would be required to retain that officer for year number four. Director Jacobson explained this item was to request approval to apply for the grant for two officers. If the grant were to be awarded, City Staff would come before the council in the future. Couned member Doffing explained she moved this item to Council Business for discussion because she never authorized the reduction of a Police Officer in 2007, and questioned how this decision was made. City Manager Latter explained there were a few attempts to fill the vacant position, however candidates were unable to make it through the probation period The costs associated with Police Officer recruitments are substantial, and the decision was made not to fill the position, along with a Marketing & Events Coordinator position until some budgetary concerns were addressed. Councilmember Phillips questioned if we are inaeasing the number of officers. Director Jacobson responded since August 2007, the Police Division has been operating one sworn peace officer short of its authorized full-strength staffing of 29 licensed police officers. Director Jacobson stated two grants are being requested in order to get to 30 total police officers. CouncBmember Phillips stated he would not support the request of two officers, if we arejust one short of our authorized strength of 29 Police Officers. Councilmember Burg stated that by trying for two officers, we could be in a favorable situation in the events of retirements in the depa ti=t, and the final decision of how many to hire would not need to be determined yet. Councilmember Doffing stated as t: ouncilmembers they should be very concerned about having adequate Police coverage in the City. Councilmember Bauman asked if the grant money stays with the Officer, in the event he/she leaves the City. Director Jacobson confirmed the funding stays with the position, not the individual. Director Jacobson reiterated that upon receipt of the grant(s) Staff would come before council for approval. Motion by Councilmember Burg, seconded by Councilmember Doffing to move approval of the application process for the 2009 COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP) offered through the United States Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services 5 Ayes, 0 Nays, Motion Carried Motion by Councilmember Doffing to direct Staff to create a formal policy whereby, if there is a 6 month vacancy in the Police Depart ent, that Council direction would be sought. Motion failed for lack of a second. Mayor Larson stated he was not in agreement with the motion, as the Council does not oversee persormel. Councilrnembex Bauman stated she would like to discuss this policy at a worksession. Councilmember Doffing expressed her frustration with not being able to get this item on a recent agenda, and having a shortage in the Police Department since August 2007. 4. Appnnal ofAR*aion Pmcemfbr2W9C0PS KuingReww,yP,W— RM7t l4 09-06 *M6edfn,rn Consent