HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/08/1975
MINUTES
May 8, 1975
The two hundred and eighty fift.h regular meeting of the Wheat Ridge
City Council was called to order by Mayor Homer Roesener at: 7 3D p.m.
at 4355 Field Street.
Aldermen attending weTS Joseph Donaldson, Robert Howard, Calvin
Hulsey and Larry Merk]. Alderman Mary Jo Cavarra arrived later
in the meeting. Aldermar Louise Turner was absent.
Also attending were City Administrator John Jerman, City Attorney
Maurice Fox, City Clerk :lise Orougham, City Treasurer James Malone,
staff and interested citizens.
Public Comment was made by
nfficer Michael Stewart read a Resolution by the members of
the Police Department and/or Police Protective Assoc. which is attached
to the Minutes. The Resolution supported the adminis+ration of the
police department, requested that the chain of command be followed,
concurred with findings of the investigation regarding political
interference, requested the report be public, and supported
the concept of professional law enforcement.
Ray Younq of 6827 W. 35 Avenue asked wh, the Mayor hadn't discussed
the problems with the department head of the police dept., instead
of blowing the whole thing out of proportion. He stated personnel
problems are not for publication. He stat'ed innuendos cannot be eraSed,
and the matter should be settled by giving the police chief a chance
to answer and to know Mayor Roesener stated he had caused no innuendos,
and that the Chief is aware of the report. Mr. Young stated that if
the innuendo in the paper was wrong then it should have been corrected
by the Mayor, and that the Chief does not have a copy of the report.
Alderman Hulsey stated he took offense at the article in the Sentinel
that there was a meeting before tonight's meeting about asking for
the Chief's resignation. He stated the meeting had nothing to do
with that. He also stated that last Monday the whole Council read
the report. There was nothing criminal in the report, and he felt
manl; of the items are petty that can be solved at an administrative
level. He stated he felt the Mayor did the right thing however, because
he thought there could have been criminal problems.
Dianne Diehl of 4035 ~ewland Street staLed the Police Dept. had been
extremely helpful withtb~r stude~safety program at Stevens Elementary.
rhey volunteered their Al ~he stated she gave her support and confidence
to the Police Dept., and questioned how the Mayor had autocratic
control in the Police Dept
Mayor Roesener stated by State Statute he was the Chief law enforcement
officer of the City He stated his original statement was that there
were serious deficiencies, and that no additional comments had come
from him that had appeared in the paper He had taken it to the D.A.
because there were two charges of possible criminal activity.
Mrs. Diehl stated that she had been told that all action in the police
department had to have his (the Mayor's) approval, and Mayor Roesener
stated there would be no reprisal, and that he had issued a directive
that no officer would be reueved of duty or disciplined without his approval.
Shannon Geis of 4290 Otis stated she had worked with he Police Dept
one year and felt they had good leadership, and a lot had been accomplished
in the student safety program She felt a constructive probe was OK,
but it had gone beyond this point, and the Mayor's silence had creal.ed
hostility. She was not sure it was legal to keep the report under
the sunshine law.
Delores Ackerman of 3705 Harlan stated she supported the police department
and felt, the depar tmen t: was a good one She questioned whe t her the
MINUTES - 5/8/75 - Continued
-2-
Mayor was trained to run all the departments in the City, and stated
she felt the department heads should run the departments and not the
Mayor
Mayor Roesener read a letter from several people who work in the
Police Department endorsing the investigation, and objected to
a "letter of disclosure" which was being circulated within the
department in which people were being pressured to sign.
Charles Campton, Police Sgt. stated that a committee on the PPA
did make a letter at his request as he had requested a meeting
with the Mayor on the chain of command and had received no reply.
On 5/3/75 he was made aware of the second letter He stated
he was the only one who had a copy of the PPA letter ffid he contacted
each~mber individually and there was no undue pressure. On 5/5/75
he posted a letter on the bulletin board in the P.O. stating he apdogized
to any member who felt that he had been pressured to sign the PPA
letter. The letter stated that the sole purpose was to determine
if many member were correrned about the allegations on the department,
and it was not the intent to find out who had made the allegations.
He stated that he also had contacted Mr. Nolan Brown and received a
letter from him stating that some of the information on the report
sho~ be made available to the department. Mr. Brown stated that
there were 8 volumes of reports 3 contained information that
could be public. The remaining 5 volumes contain names, and are
confident~ and remain locked in the District Attorney's office.
He asked why the police department could not see the report since
the accusations were about them. He also stated the only person
who had read all the volumes was the Wheat Ridge City Attorney.
Mayor Roesener stated that if he received such information again
of possible criminal acts he would do exactly the same thing.
He stated that report will be open to the press and a member of the
police dept. who is appointed in his office 5/9/75. He stated he
did not want copies made but notes could be taken. He stated he
did not try to be an expert in this matter, but had turned it over
to experts. He stated he hud felt thut it would not serve any
purpose to be made public, but now it would be, and that the Chief
"will come up with all of the administrative corrections."
He stated he had not interferred with the investigation when he turned
it over to Mr. Brown. He stated the two criminal accusations were
missing evidence and misuse of federal funds. He criticized the
rumors that were continual, and gave an example that he had told
the Chief of Police the following and it had leaked out The Mayor had
asked him the following 1. "Are you of a mind to resign? He(Pinson)
said "No." 2. "Are you willing to accept a captaincy in the department?
He said "No." 3. "Are you willing to fire 3 lieutenants, if it
came to that? He said "Yes, provided the Civil Service Rules are
followed."
Wayne Whitney of 2711 West Wesley who is a business agent for American
Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees stated he would
like to present petitions signed by Wheat Ridge residents which read
as follows "We, the undersigned ci tizens of Wheat Ridge hereby request
that our elected City Council respond to the city employees by 1.
Allowing an election conducted by an impartial third party among the
City employees to determine which organization will represent the
city employees in the matters concerning wages, fringe benefits and
other conditions of employment. 2. Recognize the winners of this
election as the proper representative of the employees of the Ci~y
of Wheat Ridge. We feel that it ~ the responsibility of the City Council
to deal fairly with it's employees, and fur~her that to this date,
the City Council has failed to meet its responsibilities
MINUTES - 5/8/75 - Continued
-3-
Alderman Hulsey q~estioned who passed aut the petitions, and Mr. Whitney
stated same employees circulated them and he would notarize them if
that is what the Council wanted.
Mr Hauber of Alexander & Grant Co. was present to answer any
questions on the Auditor's Report for 1974.
Motion by Alderman Merkl "1 move that Class J1 3.2 package beer license
far Southland Carp. dba 7-11 Stare at 9130 West 44 Avenue be renewed."
Motion was seconded by Alderman Howard and passed 5-0.
F. Pour dad owner of Mon Petit, French Restaurant was present for
his application to modify the premises which had a Class G liquor
license. He planned to haill an outdoor eating area surrounded by
a 4' fence. He stated there was to be no change inside the building.
Motion by Alderman Cavarra "1 move that in view of that the fact
that the addition meets the requirements of the State Liquor Dept.
that the request made by Frank Pour dad - Man Petit Restaurant to
modify the premises be approved." Motion was seconded by Alderman
Hulsey and passed 5-0.
Public Hearinq for a Class J2 3.2 beer on premises for Denver Pizza Inc.
dba Pizza Hut at 7330 West 44 Avenue was scheduled. Court Reporter
Ruth Carsh took dawn the proceedings.
Linda Kuennen gave the results of the City investigation which
showed 102 homes contacted 48 were in favor of the issuance of
the license, 17 were opposed and 37 had no opinion.
Mr. Weaver, attorney for the applicant stated that Mr Dale Alter
who was present, would be the store manager for 90 days.
No one appeared in opposition.
Motion by Alderman Cavarra "1 mOJe that the license for Pizza Hut (Den.Pizza
at 7330 West 44 Avenue for Class J2 3.2 beer an premises be approved Inc.)
for the following reasons 1. The plans are in conformance with the
State Liquor Law requirements. 2. Only 17 out of 102 people contacted
expressed opposition in the city survey. And I further move that the
license shall be issued subject to the completion of the building in
compliance with the plans and specifications as submitted tonight."
Motion was seconUD by Alderman Hulsey and passed 5-0.
Case WZ-75-02 requesting rezoning from Restricted-Commercial to Commercial-
One at the southwest carner of West 44 Avenue and Harlan by Alan Fox
was scheduled.
David Shelley of the Planning Dept. stated the Planning Commission
recommended approval. He stated the use would need a special use
permit if the rezoning is granted. Applicant Alan Fox was present
and stated that he had a tentative commitment to reopen the service
station.
No one appeared in apposition.
Motion by Alderman Merkl "1 move that Case WZ-75-02, a request for
rezoning from Restricted-Commercial to Commercial-One be approved for
the following reason It was recammended by the Planning Dept. and
the Planning Commission." Motion was secorred by Alderman Donaldson
and passed 5-0.
Case WZ-74-20 final plat for industrial park for Jet Precision Inc.
at 12200 West 52 Avenue was scheduled.
David Shelly stated the 2 requirements requested by ~he Planning Dept
had been complied with and that the department and the Planning Commission
recommended approval. He stated the street is changed from asphalt
to gravel. He stated the people who were in opposition had been notified
He also stated that Council should set a limit of time for construction.
MINUTES - 5/8/75 - Continued
-4-
Mavor Roesener stated a guideline for time limits needs to be
established by the department.
Applicant Fred Zeracky was present and stated the gravel street is
for economic reasons.
Alderman Howard questioned the wording that the road 50' would be for
future dedication if and when required by the City. City Attornev Fox
stated if it is not asked for now, there would not be authorit{ to
require it later. Dennis Zwagerman, Director of Community Development
stated he did not recommend that the roadway be dedicated because
as it is, it is considered one lot, and if the road was dedicated
the applicant would have to subdivide. Alderman Merkl stated if
in the future the applicant came in with another development on
the other side of the roadway the dedication could be required then.
Motion by Alderman Merkl "I move we approve Case WZ-74-2o - Jet
Precision Industrial Park Cat 12200 W. 52 Ave.) Final Plat and that an
18 month limitation be allowed for completion of the project." Motion
was seconded by Alderman Howard.
Motion to Amend by Alderman Cavarra "I move that approval be subject
to the gravel driveway being paved a 30' width of pavement." THERE
WAS NO SECOND AND MOTION TO AMEND DIED.
QUEstion was called on original Motion and passed 4-1.
voted "nay" because it was too intense of a use next to
and because of the problems raised tonight.
Alderman Cavarra
residential,
'9::(' MItJ,de" ~ Resolution No. 388 pertaining to RTD' s park and ride proposal was
f sJ;),:J./7r; introduced by Alderman Mel'kl and was read.
SUJI\BtK u~ ICl'Sillct1-IG" ~~,,/
WAS, ct4,,~( iJ Motion by Alderman Merkl "I move that Resolution No. 388 be approved."
To F_CsvlcttwJ Motion was seconded by Alderman Donaldson and passed 5-0.
3'1~
Resolution No. 389 correcting Resolution No. 383 which had made appro-
priation adjustments was introduced by Alderman Merkl and was read.
Motion by Alderman Donaldson
adopted" Motion was seconded
Alderman Howard voted "nay II
"I move that Resolution No. 389 be
by Alderman Hulsey and passed 4-1.
Appointment of the EEA help to permanent employees was schedued. Mr
Jerman stated there is a girl in the Public Works Dept. and Building
Dept. He mentioned the Adminisirative Clerk II position which would
be necessary if data processing services were installed. A Motion
was withdrawn regarding the EEA positions after discussion on item
2.F Resolution establishing a policy regarding staffing levels and
a work program for the Public Works Dept. The appointment to full-
time was scheduled for 5/15/75.
Approval of the tri-city & county dog pound was scheduled. Mr Jerman
stated the city's share would be $35,000 DO and the breakdown is pro-
portinate to population.
Motion by Alderman Cavarra
in the tri-city-county dog
to be budgeted in the 1976
Merkl.
"I move that Council approve participation
pound at a cost not to exceed $36,000.00
budget." Motion was seconded by Alderman
Alderman Hulsev stated he felt the county should pay more participating
money than the others, because taxes are collected by the county for the
pound also. Mr. Jerman stated when it is built, there would be no more
pound fees, but the city would annually pay an operating fee, and could
look into Mr. Hulsey's suggestion.
MINUTES - 5/B/75 - Continued
-5-
Motion by Alderman Howard "I move to table this ieem (dog pound)
for additional study." Motion was seconded by Alderman Hulsey
and passed 3-2. Aldermen Cavarra and Merkl voted "nay."
Resolution No. 390 approving a Master Agreement with the Colorado
Division of Highways was introduced by Alderman Howard and was read.
Motion by Alderman Donaldson "I move that Resolution No. 390 be
approved." Motion was seconded by Alderman Howard and passed 5-0.
Resolution No. 391 establishing a policy regarding staffing levels
and work program in the Public Works Depr was introduced by
Alderman Merkl and was read.
Motion by Alderman Cavarra "I move that Resolution No. 391 be amended
to read on page1 and 2 that the number of full time year-round
posi tions not exceed I twenty-five (25) I instead of I twenty (20). '"
Discussion followed Mr. Jerman stated he had met with Mr. Taylor and
I. Th crew b t.
discussed the genera mannIng pattern. e street~num er was a ques lon,
and he felt the engineering staff was sufficient. Alderman Cavarra
noted the last paragraph of the Resolution, and stated she would
like to see the present street plan supplemented with seasonal help.
Mr. Jerman stated this was not in conflict with what the Public Works
Committee was studying because if they recommended in-house work, the City
would hire seasonal, or if recommended contract then they would hire contract.
Glen Taylor, Director of Public Works was asked how he came up with
the number of 20, and he staed it had been instructed to him to use
that number. Mr. Jerman stated that he and Mr. Taylor worked out
the number using 20 as the base start and that this number would
allow 10 full-time street maintenance workers.
Alderman Hulsey stated that the City was paying a registered engineer
(Ralph Johnson) and that he should be used more.
Alderman Howard questioned how much money was available for consultants
and/or contractors.
Ben Thies, Chairman of the Public Works Committee stated it was questionable
whether there will be real economies because it appeared this was
substituting work for work. He stated this was "Act 4 of a 3 Act play
Act 1 and 2 were studies for $15000 and then $5,000, Act 3 was to
have the Public Works Committee study the matter, and Act. 4 is that
now all of the facts have been obtained, and contracting will be done."
He asked if the Committee shnid cont.inue to study the cost of contracting
versus city crews doing the work.
Alderman Cavarra stated that from the winter activity report it appeared
that the work load was less, and that the Committee could study
if part of the in-house crews should be seasonal instead of full-time.
Alderman Merkl stated the Resolution puts in writing what was discussed
at the Saturday meeting to staff up this year with seasonal people etc.
Mr. Taylor stated he had contacted 1 labor union who stated it was impossible
to hire from and that a budget adjustment was needed to hire temporary
help.
Wuestion was called on Motion to Amend Resolution 391. City Attorney
Fox ruled that A vote left by Alderman lurner on the subject could
not be counted because she was not present to hear the discussion.
Motion passed 3-2. Aldermen 110ward am] Merkl voted "nay."
Motion by Alderman Merkl "I move that Resolution No. 391 be adopt.ed
as amended." Motion was seconded by Alderman Donaldson and passed 5-0.
MINUTES - 5/8/75 - Continued
-6-
Mayor Roesener stated that American Medical C8n"er had asked to go
door to door for donations in their cancer drive, and that this
was legal and that citizens should be aware that this will be done
Mayor Roesener also read a letter from the Employee Council thanking
members of the City Council for attending their meetings
Mr. Jerman read a report on various options for patrolling the
Greenbelt. The report is attached to the Minutes.
Motion by Alderman Merkl "i move that the City use Option 3. Park
Ranger at a cost not to exceed $9,690 for salaries for 5 months plus
uniforms and equipment for 3 positions, and that consideration be
given for next year's 1976 budget for Option 2. Park Officer/Naturalist."
Motion was seconded by Alderman Cavarra and passed 5-0.
Ward Horton, Director of Parks stated that he had contacted a person
who lives on the Greenbelt who would rent 1 horse and 1 backup horse
for $15oo/year, and that the City would have to buy the equipment.
Motion by Alderman Merkl "I move we cover Items 3.C. and 3.D and ~journ."
Motion was seconded by Alderman Cavarra and passed 4-1. Alderman Cavarra
voted "nay."
Motion by Alderman Merkl "I move that Item 3.E. (Discussion of establishment
of a city policy on removal of curb, gutter e c.) be first on next
week's Agenda." Motion was seconded by Alderman Howard and passed 5-0.
Item 3.C. Mr. James Malone stated that he needed authorization from
Council to pay refunds to certain employees who had not been having
the correct amount taken out of their checks for hospitalization insurance
and had overpaid. He also stated that if this was done, he felt the
employees who had underpaid should be charged, or the whole thing
could be dropped and the correct amounts would be paid from May 1.
Mr Jerman felt it was not fair to penalize employees because this
was a city error.
Motion by Alderman Merkl
all employees who overpaid
who underpaid." Motion was
5-0.
"I move that the city make refunds to
and make no effott to collect from those
seconded by Alderman Donaldson and passed
A Memo from City Attorney Fox (Item 3.D.) had been distributed explaining
the laws regarding redistricting ward boundaries. He stated it was
self explanatory and that redistricting could not be accomplished this year.
Meeting was adjourned at 11 30 p.m.
An Executive Session had been held prior to the regular meeting at
6 30 p.m. and there was one held after the regular meeting on personnel
matters.
) . APPROVEP_
-/-;{;!3 )~). 7 --
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I . I .
HHFREAS
MINUTES - 5/8/75 - Continued
Page 8.
1 THE ~ ()Rl\LE AND HORKIN, EFFICIENCY OF THE Im:::"T RIDLE POLICE DEPARnlENT
H..'\S BErN ADVEl\SELY ^,FF.2:CTED By TIlE DISTRICT ATTQ:(,,:EY' S Ii'j1/ESTI< ATION,
nm INSTlf;ATION OF mnCfl Hs.S um,ECESSARY AND THE DIRECT RESULT OF THE
i'LlWOR BASING HIS COURSE OF ACTION ON THE ALLEC'ATIONS OF A FEH lL'\LCON-
TENTS RATHER THAN HEETIN" ,nTH ALL HEHBERS OF THE DEPARTHENT AS HAD
BEEll REQUESTED
2 THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S INVESTIGATION HAS CREATED A DOUBT OF OUR CREDI-
BILITY ,lliICE COULD REMAIN INDEFINITELY AND COULD AFFECT HORKINC RELATIONS
BETIi'EEN THE ,,[CHBERS OF THIS DEPARTHENT Al'l"'D THE COMMUNITY
3 THE i'L\JORITY OF THE HEMBERS OF THIS DEPARTHENT ARE DEDICATED L'\W ENFORCE-
MEl'l'T OFFICERS HHOSE ONLY ,HSH IS TO SERVE THE CITIZENS OF THE COMNUNITY
AND ENFORCE THE LAH AS THEY HAVE SHORN TO DO THIS ,\IE HAVE DONE, AS
INDICATED BY THE MANY EXPRESSIONS OF SUPPORT BY THE CITIZENS OF THIS
CITY
4 HE APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT OF THOSE MEMBERS OF CITY GOVERNMENT HHO HAVE
PLACED THEIR CONFIDENCE IN, AND GIVEN THEIR SUPPORT TO, THIS DEPARTMENT,
THUS REPRESENTING THEIR CONSTITUENCY
HE RESOLVE
1 TO SUPPORT THE ADMINISTRATION OF OUR DEPARTMENT IN THE PERFORMANCE O~
THEIR DUTIES
2 TO HAVE THE CHAIN OF COHMAND STRICTLY ADHERED TO BY THE MEMBERS OF THIS
DEPARTMENT AND THAT ALL ADllINISTRATORS OF THIS CITY, BOTH DIRECTLY AND
INDIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE OPERATIONS OF THIS DEPARTMENT, ALSO BE RE-
QUIRED TO ADHERE TO THIS Sh~E CHAIN OF C~'\ND
3 THAT WE CONCUR IVITH THE FINDINGS OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S INVESTIGATION
PERTAINING TO EXCESS I"lIE POLITICAL INTERFERENCE ,HTH THE OPERATIONS OF
THIS DEPARTMENT
4 TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S INVESTIGATIVE REPORT TO BE
ABLE TO DETER."1INE HHAT ALLEGATIONS \\lERE MADE, AGAINST HHOM THEY WERE MADE,
AND T~E FI~"'DINGS REGARDING THESE ALLEGATIONS
_ MINUTES - 5/8/75 - Continued
Page 9.
5 TO \WLK THROUnl THE DEPAKT'lE';T FOR THE COOD OF THE DEPARTNENT TO NINI-
r11ZE TH2 PRflBLE>IS WnCH HAVE CAUSED LO;~ HORALE HITHIN THE DEPARTHENT
6 TO SUPPOKT THE CONCEPT OF PROFLSSIONAL LAH ENFORCI':HENT AND NOT TO
ALU1\~ THIS DEPARTNENT I S UU\I 'E TO BE TARNISHED B RUC10R OR INNUENDO
IN CONCLUSION, WE THE UrillERSIGrffiD, MErlliERS OF THE HHEAT RIDrE POLICE
DEPARTNENT, RESOLVE TO OBTAIN THE REPORT ON THE FINDIN(;S OF THE DIS-
TRICT ATTORNEY I S INVESTIGATION OF OUR DEPARTMENT TO DETEIL'1INE HHAT
ACCUSATIONS HERE MADE AGAINST THE DEPARTMENT IN OF,DER TO ALLEVIATE
THE DEROCATORY RUMORS CONCERNINC DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS HE SUPPORT
OUR SUPERVISORS AND TRUST IN THEIR SUPPORT OF US HE HILL PUT A STOP
TO ALL OF THE VIOLATIONS OF THE CHAIN OF CONMAND AND HILL HAVE THE
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF OUR DEPARTMENT FOLLOWED WITHIN THE DEPART-
MENT WE REQUEST ALL MEMBERS OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATION FOLLOW THIS
SAME CHAIN OF COMMAND IN ALL CONTACTS HITH OUR DEPARTMENT WE HANT
TO END THE RUMORS, ELIMINATE SECRECY, A~~ rET NORALE BACK ON THE
UPSWING SO WE CAN RETURN TO DOINr OUR JOB AS BEST WE CAN WITH UNITY,
PRIDE, AND RESPECT
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MINUTES - 5/8/75 - ntinu8d
Page 10.
MINUTES - 5/8/75 - Continued Page 11.
CIT'r-OF WHEAT RIDGE - MEMORjO_JDUM
MAYOR HOMER L. ROESENER
To CITY COUNCIL
From
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
3B I
Sub~ct Set forth below.
Date
May 6, 1975
Approved
Date
-
SUBJECT
REPORT CONCERNING POSITIONS FOR PARK AND GREENBELT PATROL
At a special study session held Saturday, April 26, 1975, discussion
took place concerning the planning for proper patrol and security in
the Greenbelt area of Clear Creek and other park areas during the com-
ing summer months. Staff was directed to investigate various alter-
natives in providing such patrol services and to consider whether such
park patrol officers should be assigned to thE Police Department or
to the Parks and Recreation Department
After full discussion between the Chief of Police, the Director of
Parks and Recreation, and the City Administrator, it is the staff con-
sensus that there appears to be three feasible alternatives as follows
OPTION #1
POLICE OFFICER (2 Positions)
-
Establish two additional full time Police Officer positions to be
assigned by the Chief of Police to Greenbelt patrol during the period
May 15 to October 15 (five months). Such patrol would be conducted on
foot, bicycle, or horseback in full uniform during the hours of approx-
imately twelve noon to midnight on weekdays and additional hours weekends
and holidays. The officers could then be assigned to patrol other park
areas on an on-going basis throughout the year. Backup would be pro-
vided from the Patrol Division of the Police Department to cover days
off. The advantage of this procedure is that such officers would be
fully qualified and prepared for any incident which occurred and could
exercise maximum surveillance in controlling use of motorcycles or
other unlawful incidents in this area. This plan is favored by the
Chief of Police.
COST $8,270 for salaries (5 months) plus 10% benefits and uniforms.
Total budget impact for a full year (12 months) would be $20,350
plus 10% benefits and uniforms.
OPTION #2
PARK OFFICER/NATURALIST (2% Positions)
-
Establish a full time classification of Park Officer/Naturalist under
the Department of Parks and Recreation. For 12-hour per day cDverage
and 16-hour per day weekend and holiday coverage, a minimum of two
full time positions and one part-time position would be necessarv until
October 15. Park Officer/Naturalists would be in special Park u~iforms,
would carry badges and walkie-talkie radios, and would patrol on foot,
bicycle or horseback. The Park Officer-Naturalist would plan, supervise,
and do other various kinds of work connected with the adill1nistration and
operation of Park areas. The duties of the Park Officer/Naturalist may
MINUTES - 5/8/75 - CDntinued
Page 12.
Mayor Homer L. Roesener
City Council
-2-
May 6, 1975
involve direction and control of public visitation, assistance to the
public, enforcing laws and regulations of the City of Wheat Ridge as
authorized police officers. The Park Officer/Naturalist may be in-
volved in operating adequate First Aid and emergency services. He is
responsible for controlling fires, protecting and managing wildlife,
preventing accidents, compiling and furnishing adequate information
to the public, and handling a variety of other technical and adminis-
trative assignments.
The Park Officer/Naturalist will do scientific work in connection with
a natural history program of the areas in addition to the above respon-
sibilities. For the most part, this work will be concerned with the
study, research, management, and protection of the natural history
features of areas in the Wheat Ridge Park system and with the inter-
pretation to the public.
The Park Officer/Naturalist will preserve scientific specimens and
records, plan and prepare exhibits, advise on methods of protecting
natural history features, conduct guided trips afield, and prepare and
give illustrated and non-illustrated talks, both in the Park areas
~ and in the community. The Park Officer/Naturalist will be required
to give illustrated talks, lectures, articles, and slide presentations
in all areas concerning the Wheat Ridge Parks and trail system.
The starting salary for full time Park Officer/Naturalist
$713 per month which is 10% lower than Police Officer I.
the hourly person would be $4.11 per hour.
would be
The rate for
This plan is similar to that currently followed successfully by the
City of Boulder in its extensive parks and greenbelt system.
COST
$21,099 for salaries (12 months for 2 full time and 1 part-time)
plus 10% benefits and uniforms.
OPTION #3
PARK RANGER (3 positions)
~
Create three seasonal positions to be known as Park Rangers with the
same hours as indicated above. Park Rangers would be selected on the
basis of maturity and judgment and would patrol on foot, bicycle, or
horseback. Park Rangers would receive First Aid training but would
have no police training or police powers. Park Rangers would carry
walkie-talkie radios for instant communication with the Police Dispatcher.
Pay would be based on an hourly rate at Grade 20 (3.73-4.54 per hour).
Park Rangers would work under the direct supervision of the Director of
Parks and Recreation.
COST $9,690 for salaries for 5 months plus uniforms and equipment for
3 positions.
r
Mayor Homer L. RoesensJ
City Council
-3-
May 6, 1975
SUMMARY
The decision on which option is appropriate will depend upon whether the
Council desires year-round utilization of park patrol throughout the City,
including the off-season, or whether it should be expanded on]y during
the summer months. In light of City needs, my recommendation is Option
@TI2causeparkOfficer/NaturalistSWOUldcombinethe benefits of both
01 ce and non- olice positions while providing the additional Park
p lie inform on and Park naturalist functions
JAJ rik
cc Ed Pinson, Chief of Police
Ward A. Horton, Director of Parks and HeL~eatiori