HomeMy Public PortalAbout09-18-2002 THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY OF
THE CITY OF RICHMOND, INDIANA, SEPTEMBER 18,2002
The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Richmond, Indiana, met at 5 p.m.Wednesday,
September 18, 2002, in the Community Room in the Municipal Building. Chairperson Bob Goodwin
presided, with Robin Henry, Bruce Metzger,Assistant City Attorney Steve Rabe and City Attorney Bob
Bever in attendance. The following business was conducted:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Henry made a motion to approve the minutes for September 13th, 2002, second by Metzger and the
motion was carried on a voice vote.
CLAIMS FOR PAYMENT
There were no claims for payment
REQUESTS
A. Goodwin read a letter from Captain Don Ponder recommending approval of the Hope
House 2nd Annual 5K run on Saturday, September 28, 2002. Henry moved to approve,
second by Metzger and the motion was carried on a voice vote.
B. Goodwin read another letter from Captain Ponder recommending approval of the closing
of the1000 block of East Main Street for the Motorcycle Poker Run on Saturday,
September 28, 2002 from 5 to 11 p.m. Proceeds from this event will be donated to
Ashtyn Brown's fight against Leukemia. Metzger moved to approve, second by Henry
and the motion was carried on a voice vote.
SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT#3
A. This agreement is to amend the Industries Road East Plan to add additional curb and
gutter work with a new total of$189,200. Henry moved to approve, second by Metzger
and the motion was carried on a voice vote.
B. This contract is to remove asphalt concrete around the police garage on Garden Avenue
and then place the lot up for sale. The amended change order is for$2,400. Metzger
moved to approve, second by Henry and the motion was carried on a voice vote.
C. Chief Allen requested a change order price increase for Contract#76 for the purchase of
an ambulance. The change order is for an additional $4,000. Metzger moved to
approve, second by Henry and the motion was carried on a voice vote.
ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL OF DISCIPLINE FOR LT. GREG KNARZER
A. Fire Chief Mike Allen requested the demotion of Lt. Greg Knarzer to Firefighter/Operator
and read a letter stating those reasons: neglect of duty, conduct unbecoming an officer,
violations of rules and disobedience of orders and during his career being late more than
30 times. He said that on the morning of August 18, 2002 Knarzer reported to work at
8:28 A.M., one hour and twenty-eight minutes late and when he arrived he smelled of
alcohol. He said Battalion Chief Jerry Purcell gave him a Breathalyzer Test and he
tested positive. Chief Allen said he was then taken to Reid Hospital where a blood test
was taken and he registered .0947 which is declared intoxicated and he was then
relieved of duty. Chief Allen went on to say that on several occasions Knarzer has been
reprimanded and disciplinary action taken. He also said he respected the time Knarzer
had on the department and did not want to dismiss him but is hoping he will get help.
Board of Works Minutes Cont'd.
September 18, 2002
Page 2
Assistant City Attorney Steve Rabe for the City of Richmond, and Attorney for the Fire
Department, Thomas Kemp, continued to question both Chief Allen and Battalion Chief
Purcell. Lt. Knarzer spoke on his behalf asking the board to reconsider, saying that with
his continued 22 years, he felt that he should stay on as Lieutenant. The final statements
were heard and a decision was reached. Metzger said he felt that Knarzer did not
display leadership skills based on his past performance and therefore moved to uphold
Chief Allen's decision, second by Henry and the motion was carried on a voice vote. The
complete tape and minutes of this hearing are on file in the City Clerk's office.
GRIEVANCE NO. 2002-3 FIREFIGHTER LT.JOE PIERCE
A. Attorney Kemp said the grievance that had been filed was in violation of the
original terms set by the Board in a previous hearing on June 13, 2002. In that
hearing Pierce was suspended from duty without pay for fifteen days and asked that he
obtain counseling for his alcohol abuse. Later he was asked to sign a continuation of
employment contract and Kemp said he was told to sign or his job would be terminated.
City Attorney Bob Bever said the city was in error and apologized saying the document
had been shredded and the matter is over and done. Grievance Committee Chairperson
Van VanMeter said they wanted the Chief to be disciplined and Bever said that the Chief
is under the direct discipline of the Mayor and this Board has absolutely no jurisdiction
over the Chief. Bever suggested that the Board take this matter of signing a form under
advisement and come back to the Fire Department with a form that could be used in the
future. Metzger so moved, second by Goodwin and the motion was carried on a voice
vote. The complete tape and minutes of this grievance are on file in the City Clerk's
Office.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, on a motion duly made, seconded and passed, and carried on a voice
vote, the meeting was adjourned.
Bob Goodwin, Chairperson
ATTEST:
Myra Miller, Deputy Clerk