EVANSVILLE POLICE MERIT COMMISSION

MEETING AGENDA

Monday, March 27, 2017

2:00 p.m.  Room 307, Civic Center Complex

1. EXECUTIVE SESSION:

1. An executive session and a closed hearing will be held prior to the open session.

1. The executive session and hearing are closed as provided by:

1. I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(5): To receive information about and interview prospective employees.
2. I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(6)(A): With respect to any individual over whom the governing body has jurisdiction to receive information concerning the individual’s alleged misconduct.
3. I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(9): To discuss a job performance evaluation of individual employees.  This subdivision does not apply to a discussion of the salary, compensation, or benefits of employees during a budget process.

1. OPEN SESSION:

1. CALL TO ORDER

1. ACKNOWLEDGE GUESTS

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

1. March 13, 2017 (Hegeman, Cook, and Scott)

1. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS:

1. PROBATIONARY OFFICER UPDATE:

1. Sergeant Steve Kleeman – 4 officers in field training
2. Sergeant Brian Talsma – 5 officers in SWILEA

1. APPLICANT REVIEW:

1. 16-168
2. 16-095

1. MERIT AWARD RECOMMENDATION:

1. Officer Jasen Clegg – for actions taken on August 22, 2015 and February 23, 2017.
2. Civilians Josh Burns, Josh Gibson, and Todd Webber – for their actions and assistance on October 7, 2016.

1. PENDING DISCIPLINARY MATTERS: Personnel Order 16-PO-27:  Officer Marcus Craig, Badge Number 1250 – 21 day suspension, with a further recommendation that the Merit Commission consider termination.  Appeal hearing to be set at later date pending disability hearing per motion at February 21^st meeting.

1. REMINDERS:  The next meeting will by Monday, April 10, 2017 with the Executive Session beginning at 2:00pm.

1. ADJOURNMENT

All,

I have been debating as to whether I should make a statement about the recent events pertaining to myself and Burdette Park. Ultimately I have decided that there are some things that I need to say and that you deserve to hear.

First, I’m so thankful. I’m thankful to have had the chance to work with so many talented and wonderful people that are employed by Vanderburgh County. All current and former members of the Burdette Park Advisory Committee have been an absolute pleasure to work with. Our ability to debate, plan and conquer a multitude of the challenges that have faced the department over the past two years is worthy of celebration. Without the committee’s passion and enthusiasm for Burdette Park, it would have been difficult to accomplish most anything. We make a great team. I am confident that you will show the next manager of Burdette Park the same support and grace that was given to me.

Former Commissioners Abell, Melcher and Kiefer put their faith in me to lead Burdette Park. I cannot thank them enough for seeing my potential and believing in me.

I want to thank Commissioner Ungethiem for giving me a chance to prove myself to him and allowing me the opportunity to earn his respect. Bruce is a fine public servant and an intelligent man that I have grown to admire.

Commissioner Shoulders has been nothing short of supportive of me and has always been willing to listen. I know the decision to appoint Pat Tuley and replace myself as park manger was not done without intense deliberation and good intentions.

Commissioner Musgrave is a commanding and charismatic leader, I wish I had been afforded the opportunity to earn her trust.

I want thank Joe Harrison, Jr. for treating me as a capable administrator. He was always willing to entertain my ideas, questions and concerns with tact and respect.

Pat Tuley has been a great friend to me over the past couple years and given me support, advice, and encouragement on numerous occasions without hesitation. Pat is a great man. There is no doubt he would have done a phenomenal job managing Burdette had he accepted his appointment to the position.

I want to thank the community for their support. I cannot count the number of friends, acquaintances and complete strangers that have reached out to me with sincere concern. It has truly been humbling. As a transplant to Evansville, I have never felt more accepted.

Lastly, there is no combination of words that can adequately thank Burdette Park’s Assistant Manager, Jerry Grannan. He accepted, respected and befriended me without reservations. Jerry and I have spent countless hours discussing life’s endeavors. He is without a doubt the hardest working man I have met. I am lucky to have had Jerry as a coworker and I’m blessed to call him my friend.

I would welcome the opportunity to be retained by Vanderburgh County in some capacity should it be offered to me by the Board of Commissioners. I love working at Burdette Park, but I am confident that my talents and skills are transferable.

Kindest regards,

Jacob A. Murphy
Burdette Park | Executive Director
5301 Nurrenbern Rd.
Evansville, IN 47712
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