HomeMy WebLinkAbout2632 Removal of Police Chief Position from Civil Service SystemOrdinance No.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AMENDING SECTION
2.36.070 CIVIL SERVICE SYSTEM ADOPTED, CHAPTER 2.36, POLICE
DEPARTMENT, OF THE PORT TOWNSEND MUNICIPAL CODE, TO REMOVE
THE POSITION OF THE POLICE CHIEF FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE SYSTEM
WHEREAS, in accordance with state law, the City has adopted a Civil Service program
for Police and Fire Department employees through the Washington State Civil Service system,
as implemented through locally adopted ordinance and Port Townsend's Civil Service Rules; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature has enabled local governments to exclude
the position of Police Chief from the Civil Service system of cities; and
WHEREAS, the Port Townsend City Council's Public Safety Committee, acting as
"committee of the whole," held a special meeting on March 9, 1998, to hear public comments
regarding the proposal to exclude the Police Chief from the Civil Service system; and
WHEREAS, the Port Townsend City Council, within its legislative discretion, has
determined that the Civil Service system provides very important protections for non-management
employees who provide essential life and safety services on behalf of the public; and
WHEREAS, while the Civil Service system provides essential services to the City in the
recruitment and employment testing for police officers, and hears challenges or appeals,
grievances, and disciplinary matters, these responsibilities of the Civil Service Commission are
not necessary for the Police Chief and can impede the City's ability to define the duties,
qualifications, recruitment and selection process, performance evaluation, and discipline of the
Chief. Further, the Port Townsend City Council finds that by exempting the Police Chief from
the Civil Service system, the City is providing the most responsive relationship between the Police
Chief and the Mayor, City Council, and the public in general in accomplishing City policy and
managerial directives. The Council further finds that it is appropriate for the Police Chief to be
in parity with other City department heads in exercising administrative and policy direction, under
the management of the Mayor,
NOW, TItEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Port Townsend ordains as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 2.36.070, Civil service system adopted, Chapter 2.36, Police
Department, of the Port Townsend Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Chapter 2.36
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Sections:
2.36.010
2.36.020
2.36.030
2.36.040
2.36.050
2.36.060
2.36.070
2.36.080
Powers.
Appearance before judicial officer.
Duties.
Political activities.
Fees in addition to salary.
Threatening or provoking acts.
Civil service system adopted - Police chief excluded.
Civil service commission.
2.36.070 Civil service system adopted - Police chief excluded.
The civil service system set forth in Chapter 41.12 RCW is adopted by the city. ]xLaf, fa:tIgl~
with RCW 41.12.050, the position of police chief is excluded from the civil service system.
(Ord. ~ § 1, 1998; Ord. 2316 § 1, 1992; Ord. 1102 § 1, 1939).
SECTION 2. Severability. If any provision of this ordinance or its application to any
person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the ordinance, or the application of the
provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.
This ordinance shall take effect and be in force five days after the date of its publication
in the manner provided by law.
Read for the first, second, and third times and adopted by the City Council of the City of
Port Townsend, Washington, at a regular meeting thereof, held this 16th day of March, 1998.
Attest:
Pam Kolacy, City Clerk~~
03/10/98 ca§ [98-13] Ord{2-36PCh.doe}
Jul~/~cCulloch, Mayor
A~Ti~7/~~~a~]tn, 0ty Attorney
2 Ord.