Mayor’s Weekly Update
December 21, 2010
A special update. The following media release was provided to all news media on
December 21, 2010:
LEBANON, Missouri – December 21, 2010 – A December 15, 2010 hearing before the
Lebanon City Council resulted in overturning the City of Lebanon Police Department
decision to terminate an employee for insubordination. The City has a codified process
for these types of employee actions. “The process was followed completely and
thoroughly and the process was applied correctly” said Lebanon Mayor Constant P.
“C.P.” Craig.
Recently a decision to terminate a police department employee was made by her
supervisor. The action was confirmed by the Chief of Police. The determination was
subsequently reviewed by the Mayor. In accordance with City policy and procedures, the
termination action was then forwarded to the Police Board for full review of the evidence
in the matter. The three members of the Police Board reviewed the evidence and
affirmed the determination to terminate the employee on four counts of insubordination.
The employee chose, as was her right, to appeal the as codified termination to the five
remaining members of Council. These Council members heard the sworn testimony and
evidence including video tape in the matter. They also heard the unsworn statement of
the employee in question. They voted to reverse the termination by a vote of three to
two. With that vote, three members of Council thus overrode the aggregate
determination of five Council members.
While the majority of City Council and this administration are not satisfied with the
determination to reverse the termination decision, the City is completely satisfied with
the correctness of the process and the procedures for Council review and action on such
personnel matters.
A separate and non-related issue is the grievance submitted by the employee in question.
At the December 15, 2010 Council hearing, the un-sworn employee made allegations that
a “cover-up” by the police command staff had occurred. The grievance had been
reviewed and found to be without merit, then returned to the employee stating such. The
employee didn’t file an appeal on the grievance to the Police Board. That appeal period
has since expired.
With regard to the allegations made to Council, the appropriate discipline to the
associated infraction was imposed on the second employee. The decision to discipline
that employee was based upon a department violation because no crime (City, State, or
federal) occurred. This determination followed consultation with the Missouri State
Highway Patrol regarding the incident and the internal personnel inquiry was
subsequently concluded.
“No cover-up or other impropriety occurred. The grievance issue had been resolved and
was not a part of the December 15th hearing” stated Mayor Craig.”
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Mayor’s Weekly Update
December 21, 2010
Councilman Larry Beck, Ward 4, has submitted his resignation from Council. I have
regrettably, accepted his resignation.
No weekly update next week or the week after due to Christmas and New Year’s.
As a reminder, City offices will be closing at 1PM on Thursday December 23rd (24th is
the federal holiday in observance of Christmas and will reopen on Monday December
27th at 8AM. Emergency services will continue throughout the holidays. Please
remember our fire, police, and utility emergency crews who will be working on
Christmas and New Year’s to ensure your safety and uninterrupted utility services.
Please remember our service members who are away from home this time of year
protecting our freedoms.
Please do not drink and drive this Holiday season as the old advertisement use to say:
“The life you save may be your own”. The LPD will have sobriety check points
throughout the City during this period as well as increased road patrols.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years!
Next City Council will be on Monday, December 27th at 7PM in Council Chambers, City
Hall, 401 North Jefferson St. Please do join us.
If you wish to make a comment, ask a question, express a concern, or make an
appointment to speak with me; please feel free to e-mail me at mayor@lebanonmo.org or
call City Hall 417-532-2156 for an appointment.
Respectfully,
CP Craig
Mayor
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