HomeMy WebLinkAboutCIV 1996-08-14 Minutes MINUTES FOR THE MEETING
OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
AUGUST 14, 1996 at 4:00 p.m. IN
THE NORTH RICHLAND HILLS CITY PRE-COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7301 N.E. LOOP 820
1. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sally Hackfeld called the meeting to order
at 4:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL Members Present:
Sally Hackfeld, Chairperson
Bill Biggers, Commissioner
Dennis York, Commissioner
Ed Brock, Alternate Commissioner
Bill Fenimore, Alternate Commissioner
Others Present:
Ron McKinney, Human Resources
Rex McEntire, City Attorney
Jerry McGlasson, Chief of Police
Joseph Scuro, Attorney
Dennis Ochs, Appellant
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner York made the motion to
FOR JUNE 19, 1996 approve the minutes of the meeting held June 19,
1996, seconded by Commissioner Hackfeld. Motion
carried by unanimous vote.
4. APPEALS 96-01, 96-02 Appellant Dennis Ochs appealed actions by the Police
APPELLANT, DENNIS OCHS Department demoting him from Sergeant to Police
Officer, and termination. Joseph Scuro, attorney-at-law,
represented Mr. Ochs.
Mr. Scuro made a request to meet en camera with the
Commission. Department head Chief Jerry McGlasson
did not oppose. Upon return, Commissioner Biggers
made the motion that the hearing be private.
Commissioner York seconded the motion, which carried
by unanimous vote.
After the room cleared of observers, witnesses were
called back in to be sworn in. They were then removed.
Mr. McEntire made a request to consolidate Appeals
96-01 and 96-02 to be heard as one case. Mr. Scuro
did not oppose, though he stated that it should be just
one action, not both demotion and termination on the
same charges. Commissioner York made the motion
the deny the appellant's request to withdraw one of the
actions, and proceed to testimony, seconded by
Commissioner Brock. Motion carried by unanimous
vote.
Mr. McEntire made his opening statement. Mr. Scuro
reserved his right for an opening statement.
Sergeant Sid Johnson was called as the first witness.
He stated he is the internal affairs sergeant. He was
instructed by Chief McGlasson to conduct an internal
affairs investigation based on a document filed by
Officer Ann Shelton charging Mr. Ochs with potential
violations of departmental policy.
Sgt. Johnson was questioned by Mr. McEntire. Mr.
McEntire entered into evidence Exhibit A, which was a
report by Officer Lisa Rowland and an attachment from
Mr. Ochs criticizing the report. City's Exhibit B was
entered into evidence, which was a copy of a
printscreen showing the disposition of Officer Rowland's
report. The disposition was "B", indicating a report was
not taken. Mr. McEntire submitted Exhibit C. Mr. Scuro
objected, which was sustained by the Commission.
Sgt. Johnson responded to questions from the
Commission.
Mr. Scuro cross-examined Sgt. Johnson. Mr. Scuro
introduced Appellant's Exhibit 1, which was a portion of
an audio recording from the internal affairs
investigation.
Sgt. Johnson then responded to further questions from
the Commission and Mr. McEntire. Mr. McEntire
offered Exhibit D into evidence, Police General Order
number 808.00.
Following Sgt. Johnson's testimony, the Commission
took a recess. When the Commission reconvened, Mr.
McEntire announced that during the recess the Police
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Chief, through the City Attorney, effected a settlement
of all issues in the case with Mr. Ochs and his attorney.
Mr. Scuro concurred. In view of the settlement, the
appeal was dismissed in order to follow the terms of the
settlement.
5. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Fenimore made the motion to adjourn,
seconded by Commissioner York. Carried by
unanimous vote. Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Sally ckfeld, airperson
Ron McKinne , man es urces
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