Item 3A - Minutes Approval - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Kelly agreed that the EPD was fundamentally sound and complimented Chief Lehner for the work he has accomplished in his short tenure; however, he opined that the problems within the department go beyond a few individuals. He stressed that the policy recommendations before the council must be taken seriously; however, he pointed out that when the council has attempted to address department issues in the past, it was discouraged with the reasoning that such concerns were operational and not the council's concern. Mr. Kelly asked if other jurisdictions can be studied to ascertain if adopted City Council policy provided a framework for a department to operate on. Mr. Matarese responded that the City Manager can provide the council with the information requested. He referred to the point posed by Mr. Kelly and noted that the City Council, meeting as a body, can certainly ask specific questions about the operations of a department and expect to receive a reply. Mr. Matarese shared that City Manager Taylor expected to be held accountable for implementation of the council's policies and procedures and would not obi ect to such questions. Mr. Matarese added that there was a misconception within the community as to how the council/manager form of government operated, and stressed it was the responsibility of the council to ask such questions. He stressed, however, that council members cannot act individually in such a responsible role with department heads and subordinates. Mr. Matarese reiterated that the council needs to "step up to the plate" with more regularity and ask the hard questions that need to be asked to ascertain that the administration was accomplishing the policies laid out. Mr. Kelly concurred that additional community input was critical to this process. He pointed out, however, that some community members will not come forward if they do not feel their concerns will be heard and responded to. In conclusion, Mr. Kelly stated that the recommendation to hire an independent consultant was critical to the process and requested that this component be addressed within the budget process. Mr. Pap6 referred to the comments made by Mr. Pryor and noted that the City was "all in this together." He pointed out however that the council cannot operate the EPD; rather, it delegates such authority. At the same time, Mr. Pap6 stressed it is the council that is accountable for the performance of the EPD and, therefore, implementation of the recommendations the council deemed justified was critical. City Manager Taylor concurred and reiterated that the governance of this community rests with elected officials and the leadership team and assured that progress will be made towards the implementation of the recommendations. Ms. Taylor questioned if a performance auditor may have prevented some of the recent problems which occurred within the EPD. Dr. Caeti opined that an auditor who observes the day-to-day operations does not assure that performance issues will be detected. He noted that the key to a successful policy was the action and follow up that occurs and the culture of integrity that exists within a department. Ms. Taylor observed that the auditor model was Portland is making good progress. Ms. Taylor referred to Recommendation 5 - Consider eliminating the statement that the department routinely checks the police records of the people with whom we have contact, including people who file complaints. She voiced concern with that recommendation, pointing out that many individuals who have problems with the EPD have not led a perfect life and do not want to take a chance that their records will be checked. Ms. Taylor suggested that the practice itself be eliminated. Mr. Narr pointed out that it was the responsibility of police officers to bring people to justice when circumstances require that. He elaborated that the team did not believe it was appropriate to include a warning that may discourage an MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 9, 2005 Page 7 Work Session