HomeMy Public PortalAbout06-11-2002 THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY OF
THE CITY OF RICHMOND, INDIANA,
SPECIAL MEETING JUNE 11,2002
The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Richmond, Indiana, met at 9 a.m.Tuesday, June 11,
2002, for a special meeting in the Community Room in the Municipal Building. Chairperson Bob Goodwin
presided with Robin Henry, Bruce Metzger and Assistant City Attorney Steve Rabe in attendance. The
following business was conducted:
HEARING FOR LT.JOE PIERCE
Goodwin opened the meeting by asking Fire Chief Mike Allen to explain the charges against Lt. Joe
Pierce.
Chief Allen answered by saying that Pierce was charged with violation of Article 10 Section 8 of
the contract which concerns conduct unbecoming an officer and Section 38 which states that an officer
must have a valid driver's license.
Chief Allen said that Pierce was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and was
issued a temporary license to drive back and forth to work and, if necessary, to operate a fire truck. He
said Section 10 states that an officer must have a valid driver's license or be demoted.
Answering a question posed by Rabe, Chief Allen said that Pierce has had four reprimands in the
last year and three of those were for neglect of duty.
Thomas Kemp, attorney for the Fire Department, said he felt that the demotion of Pierce was
inappropriate. He said that if this Board rules for demotion, it would be for 180 days after which Pierce
would have to wait for an opening for the rank of lieutenant to be promoted again. Kemp said that since
Pierce has 17 years of service with the department and a temporary license he didn't feel that demotion
was an issue.
Several firefighters spoke to the issue, saying they, personally, had been in similar situations and
none of them had been demoted, only suspended.
Kemp stated that Article 10 Section 8 read that only convictions can cause dismissals. During his
time as a lieutenant, he said, Pierce has driven the truck only once and that was in an emergency
situation. He also recommended that the rule be restructured and cited several instances in which the
seriousness of the case did not result in a demotion.
The Board members agreed that the administration and the Fire Department need to look at the
language and rewrite those rules that are not clear to both parties.
Goodwin said that Board members would discuss the hearing and would reach a decision by the
next meeting which is June 13, 2002.
(The tape and minutes of this meeting are on file in the 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