Thursday, March 12, 2009

Merit Commission Goings-on – 2008/2009

If you are brave enough to keep reading and connecting the dots, here goes with more of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department Merit Commission activities, as found recorded in available online Minutes.

To find the Minutes, go to co.mchenry.il.us and scroll to the bottom of the homepage. Click on “Board Calendars”. Select the year and then the month, and click on that. In that monthly calendar, choose the Commission you’d like to examine (e.g., Merit Commission) and then click on Minutes.

So, what happened in 2008?

January 9, 2008 The Minutes of the December 21, 2007 meeting were approved. WHAT MINUTES? They need to be posted!

February 13, 2008 Re-scheduled to February 23, 2007

February 23, 2008 (Saturday) Two attorneys were present: Susan Connor and Vito Loverde. Go back to the Minutes for August 8, 2007, when Susan Connor said she could not represent the Merit Commission (but she will represent the County in that legal matter) and she recommended the Merit Commission retain Vito Loverde. From the Minutes, “The Commission discussed pending litigation. Ms. Connor informed the Commission that when a case is placed on Administrative Review, the case is reviewed by a judge and the judge will rule based on the documents presented.” WHAT DOES IT COST TO GET TWO ATTORNEYS TO A MERIT COMMISSION MEETING ON A SATURDAY AT 3:00PM FOR 27 MINUTES? Is this a different legal matter?

March 12, 2008 Canceled at the February 23 meeting.

April 9, 2008 Canceled

May 14, 2008 Recruiting efforts were discussed. Merit Commission approved a request to purchase 1,000 ball-point pens for up to $3,000 for use in recruiting.

I think I’d like to get in line for that contract! Promotional pens ought to cost about $.25, not $3.00! What job applicant more seriously considers a police recruiter because he gets a ball-point pen???

June 11, 2008 Canceled

July 9, 2008 Canceled

Why am I doing this? Oh, yes, still looking for that disciplinary action…

August 13, 2008 Sheriff requested entry-level patrol exam ASAP and promotional exams for Sergeant and Lieutenant to be completed by January. Attorney Connor provided an update on pending litigation (parties not named). Plaintiff’s brief has been filed. Defendant’s reply due by September (?) deadline. Hearing October 15, 2008.

[Who is involved? Is this Schlenkert or the one where Attorney Connor could not represent the Merit Commission?]

September 10, 2008 Canceled

October 8, 2008 Agenda is published. NO MINUTES for this meeting.

October 21, 2008 Agenda is published. NO MINUTES for this meeting. WHAT HAPPENED AT THE OCTOBER 15TH HEARING?

November 8, 2008 NO MINUTES. DID THEY APPROVE THE OCTOBER 21 MINUTES AT THAT MEETING?

November 12, 2008 Re-scheduled to November 8, 2007 (Saturday; Patrol testing?)

December 10, 2008 Canceled

January 14, 2009 Canceled

February 11, 2009 Canceled WHAT HAPPENED TO SHERIFF’S AUGUST 13TH REQUEST FOR SERGEANT AND LIEUTENANT PROMOTIONAL EXAMS TO BE COMPLETED BY JANUARY?

March 11, 2009 Canceled

Why did I start through this? I’ve forgotten again. Oh, yes, trying to find some record of the disciplinary actions taken following the Red Mill Inn drinking party. Looks like they never made it to the Merit Commission. Was that because no deputy complained about the discliplinary action? Does the Merit Commission consider all disciplinary actions or only those that are contested?

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