01-17-1972 - Laserfiche WebLink

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COMPENSATION REQUESTS - (Continued) Mr. Lynn Jeffries, 4409 W. Camille, Apt. B, stated that in order to preserve a well ordered and secure society we need the stabilizing influence of a police force that is consistent and adequate; that this is contingent upon adequate compensation; that he personally appreciates the service of the Police force; that if present trends continue the City will have serious problems; and for these reasons he would like to support the recommendations and proposals made by the Police Association. Mr. Louis Caudillo, 515 S. Flower, stated that the Fire Department sponsors the Glass Mountain Inn for physically handicapped people; that he is in favor of wage increases for both the Fire and Police Depart~nent personnel. Mr. John Kingsman, 221~ N. Arden, stated he has been in apositionfor the past ten to fifteen years where he has .dealt with Fire and Police Departments through- out California and neighboring states; that he can testify to the statements made in regard ' to the morale problems the City is confronted with; that we cannot wait and watch other cities progress when we are confronted with our own problems; that these men have tak-an the oath to serve the public, and now it is up to the public to serve them and help them. The City Manager stated he would like to try to keep the record straight. He stated he had never met Mr. Nemelka in any kind of meet and confer situation; that in November he met Mr. Montejano for the first time and since then there has never been a member of the Police Department sitting in session with management in regard to any of its problems; that he has met with Mr. Silver time after time, and he has been accompanied by one member of the Fire Department who never made a contribution either for or against any of the discussions. He stated that the information presented by Mr. Montejano at the hearing was never presented in any of the discussions; that certain things were demanded with no support whatever; that he has gone on record that the so-called California Highway Patrol 2% at 50 is not in the public interest; that it would cost the City about $350,000 a year just for the Police and Fire Departments. He stated that the information presented did not take into consideration the increase in the patrolman's pay rate over a ten year period from $600 to $1038, with a possible maximum of $1176; that the City was prepared to go forward with an incentive program up to $1234, but that no longer has the support of Mr. Montejano; that there is an incentive program for patrolmen which includes Sergeants and Lieutenants; that it does not include Investigators because it is hoped to get those men back into the field where they will provide the greatest amount of service to the people of the community; that for ten years the factor of clearance upon arrest has been 40% or higher; that Santa Ana is not a crime-ridden city; that it is the fourth lowest of all the major cities of California; that the rate of increase has not been as great as for the state as a whole. He stated that the turn-over rate in police personnel in the City of Santa Ana is less than the turn-over rate in any - other city of a similar type and size; that the largest turn-over figure is during the one-year probation; that this City lets more men go during the first year of employment than any other Police Department. He stated that the~level of reward has been given serious consideration every year; that for many,rears it has been the principle of the City of Santa Ana to make changes in rates of pay or in fringe benefit grants as of the first of September; that an investigation was made-of how many policemen were required to work during their lunch hour, and it was learned that 3% CITY COUNCIL -34- January 17, 1972