Police & Fire Commission

CITY OF VERONA MINUTES POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSION APRIL 18, 2013 VERONA CITY HALL 1. The meeting was called to order by Delora Newton at 6:35 p.m. 2 Roll Call: Delora Newton, Paul Curtis, Steve Heinzen, Richard Jensen, Joleen Semmann. Also present: Bill Burns, City Administrator; Joe Giver, Fire Chief Verona Fire District, Melissa Helgesen; Assistant Chief Verona Fire District; Steven Zach, Boardman and Clark. 3. Update on the Dissolution of the Verona Fire District and the Establishment of a City Fire Department: Ms. Newton stated that she had meet with Mayor Hochkammer to discuss starting the process for the Police and Fire Commission to work on hiring staff for a City Fire Department and that the Mayor emphasized that the process and decisions were up to the Police and Fire Commission. Mr. Burns provided an overview of the agreement between the City and Town of Verona to dissolve the Verona Fire District effective January 1, 2014. The intent is that the City would establish a City Fire Department and the City would provide fire protection services to the Town through a long-term contract for service. Mr. Burns also provided information on the hiring process that was used to hire Joe Giver as the Fire Chief for the Verona Fire District. The firm, Public Administration Associates (PAA), coordinated the hiring process in late 2010 and Chief Giver was hired in January 2011. 4. Process for Hiring a Fire Chief and Subordinates for a City Fire Department: Attorney Steven Zach provided an explanation of the statutory process for the hiring of a City Fire Chief and subordinates in a City Department. The Police and Fire Commission has the authority to hire the Fire Chief and may determine what process to use for the hiring. Subordinates in the department are appointed by the Fire Chief subject to approval by the Police and Fire Commission. 5. Hiring of a City Fire Chief: Motion by Heinzen, seconded by Curtis, to convene in closed session as authorized by Section 19.85 (1)(c) of Wisconsin Statutes – Personnel Matters. Voting Aye: Curtis, Heinzen, Jensen, Newton, Semmann. Voting No: none. The Police and Fire Commission returned to open session and no action was taken. 6. Adjournment: Motion by Heinzen, seconded by Semmann, to adjourn the Police and Fire Commission Meeting at 8:00 p.m. Motion carried 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Bill Burns, City Administrator