Adopt Resolution #13-12-220 to Accept a Patrol Officer's Resignation and to Begin a Recruitment

The purpose of this case is to ask the City Council to accept Patrol Officer Gina Wieler's resignation and to authorize staff to be begin a Patrol Officer recruitment.  

As part of the 2014 strategic plan, it was the intent to recruit for one new Patrol Officer in 2014.  However, due to the unforeseen vacancy caused by this resignation, staff would like to streamline the process by recruiting for two officers (one replacement and one as planned for in 2014) at the same time.  If staff is able to onboard the Patrol Officers in one process it will create multiple efficiencies which the Police Chief will be prepared to discuss in detail at the City Council meeting.

The Evaluation Criteria for Vacant and New Positions is attached.   Please review the document for additional detail.

Option #1:   Accept Ms. Wieler's resignation and authorize staff to begin a recruitment with the intent to have two new officers hired by March 1, 2014.  Pros:  This is the best option for the maximum public safety with the most administrative efficiencies.   Cons:  Causes staff to address this issue sooner than originally planned when considering the May/June timeframe previously discussed to onboard a new officer.

Option #2:  Accept Ms. Wieler's resignation and authorize staff to begin a recruitment with the intent to hire one new officer by March 1st and one new officer at a later date.   Pros:  This option replaces the unexpected vacancy which is necessary.  Cons:  This option puts a much heavier burden on staff's time and reduces administrative efficiencies.   

Option #3  Accept Ms. Wieler's resignation and not authorize staff to recruit for a replacement officer or a new officer.  Staff sees no pros this this option except for an immediate monetary savings when considering fixed personnel costs.   Cons:   Greatly reduced public safety, as well as increased overtime costs and stain on existing officers.

The funding required for option #1 above, with a March 1, 2014, start date, is $57,173 per officer  (total cost - salary and benefits); $114,346 for both officers.

Staff recommends the City Council authorize staff to accept Ms. Gina Wieler's resignation and to recruit for both officers with an intended start date for both officers being March, 1, 2014.

Motion to approve resolution #2013-12-220 to accept Ms. Gina Wieler's resignation and to recruit for one replacement officer and one new officer as planned for in the Strategic Plan, with an intended start date for both officers being March, 1, 2014.