2014-04-28 Reg Part 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Forster stated that as a resident she had noticed it on her own, and thereafter Mr. Walker informed her that he had received one and believed that it was a violation of the statute.Mr. Crow asked Ms. Forster who made the determination that this was in fact a violation of the State statute? Ms. Forster stated that initially the matter had simply been taken under advisement, but ultimately she had made the final determination. Mr. Crow asked Ms. Forster if the Mayor’s paid advertisement which included a University City police officer in uniform had also struck her as being odd. Ms. Forster stated that she had never received such an advertisement and that it was never brought to her attention by the City Manager. Mr. Crow asked Ms. Forster how she would handle a complaint filed by two members of Council regarding the distribution of an article by the City Manager, without public attribution, that specifically mentioned five members of City Council. Ms. Forster stated that she would have to go through the established procedures for filing a grievance or a complaint with respect to a violation of the City’s rules and ordinances. Mr. Crow asked Ms. Forster if she would explain how that process worked. Ms. Forster stated that any complaint filed by a member of Council would be investigated within the guidelines set forth under the rules established by the Civil Service Commission. Mr. Crow questioned whether anyone could make such a complaint? Ms. Forster stated that her belief is that a complaint made by a citizen would have to be filed with the Secretary of State. Mr. Crow asked Mr. Walker when he had first learned about the firefighters’ brochure Mr. Walker stated that he did not have a specific date. Mr. Crow asked Mr. Walker what had prompted him to consult with the City Attorney. Mr. Walker stated that it was based on complaints he had received from residents. Mr. Crow asked Mr. Walker how many complaints he had received from residents. Mr. Walker informed Mr. Crow that he did not have that information available at tonight’s meeting. Mr. Crow then commented that Mr. Walker had already had an opportunity to answer a number of questions regarding this matter in front of the press. So when University City is depicted in the news on every channel his belief is that it would be appropriate for Council to ask him questions regarding how all of this had occurred. He then asked Mr. Walker if he would explain the steps he had taken after receipt of the complaints. Mr. Walker stated that he had contacted the City Attorney. Mr. Crow asked Mr. Walker if he had also consulted with the Chief of the Fire Department. Mr. Walker stated that he had. Mr. Crow asked Mr. Walker if he had reached the same conclusion; that the actions of the firefighters was in violation of the Missouri Statute. Mr. Walker stated that his determination was been based on the legal advice that he had received. Mr. Crow questioned who had made the decision to suspend the firefighters for 30 days? Mr. Walker stated that he had made the decision in consultation with the Fire Chief and the City Attorney. Mr. Crow asked if it was correct that the Fire Department is fully staffed with 40 employees; that the City has been at 90 percent or 36 employees for some time, and that once the suspensions occurred that number was reduced to 31 employees. Mr. Walker stated that he would defer the actual numbers to the Chief of the Fire Department, although he would like to indicate that after the suspensions the City did make arrangements with neighboring municipalities per the existing Mutual Aid Agreements. And in addition, changes to the schedules were made to ensure that there would be an adequate number of firefighters available at all times. Fire Chief Adam Long appeared before Council and stated that he would have to verify the numbers recited by Mr. Crow, because adjustments were made after the actions taken on th April 24 and the department is currently at 34 employees; 11 firefighters on the A Shift, 11 firefighters on the B shift and 12 firefighters on the C shift. Mr. Crow asked Mr. Walker if he had any knowledge or knew of any complaints with respect to the Mayor’s advertisement that included a University City police officer in uniform. Mr. Walker stated that he had no personal knowledge of the document, nor had he received any 5