12191963 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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adjourned regular meeting, december 19, 1963, page three 15, I I Mr. Gutierrez stated he did not agree with the City Attorney. He further expressed the opinion that whoever talked at the hearing should be under oath. Alderman Stokes reminded Mr. Gutierrez that the Police Department was not on trial; that Mr. White had requested a hearing. An exchange of comments between Councilmen and Mr. Gutierrez ensued. Alderman Stokes said he could not countenance a personnel matter being turned into a public spectacle; it was. simply a question of whether Mr. White had been properly fired by a Department Head, and that was the sole subject the Council was to deal with at the December 19 meeting. Further comments between the Council and Mr. Gutierrez were exchanged. Mr. White's counsel expressed the opinion that the matter of Mr. White's dismissal had been settled before the hearing. was set. The Mayor attempted to bring the meeting back to the subject, and read aloud Chief Dial's charges against Mr. White, quoting in part from a letter written by Chief Dial to City Manager Fuller on December 1, 19631 ....... caused dissension in the department; has been insubordinate to his department head;... in general lowered employee morale to a dangerous level." The City Attorney said; "This body is here to hear Mr. White's defense against those charges." Mr. Gutierrez saidl "Mr. Mayor, I am not going to let Mr. White answer those charges unless Dial and McArdle are here. I challenge Dial and McArdle to take a lie detector test, because someone is lying. Mr. White is prepared to take a lie detector test. We deny every charge," I Upon being questioned, Mr. White said: "Yes, sir. I agreed to take a polygraph test". The Mayor asked Mr. White directly: "Mr. White, are you denying all charges, and will you take a polygraph test?" Mr. White answeredl "Yes, sir." The Mayor told Mr. White's counsel that the Council would like a signed copy of Mr. White's counter-charges against Chief Dial and other personnel of the City, Mr. Gutierrez replied; "That is what we want to do but we will not answer any questions unless Dial and McArdle are here". Dr. Pool took exception to a statement made earlier in the meeting by Mr. Gutierrez, Mr. White's counsel: "This gentleman made an unfair charge: that this was decided before the hearing opened. I've never been into a meeting in my life with my mind made up. I have not heard enough to make up my mind". Mr. Gutierrez replied; "Dr. Pool, what I said was not intended for you". Alderman Stokes moved that Mr. White's termination by Chief Dial, as of November 30, be sustained by the Council. Alderman Ruiz seconded the motion. Alderman Moore moved to table the motion. There was no second. Alderman Stokes offered to withdraw his motion, with consent of the seconder. Alderman Ruiz assented, and the motion to sustain Chief Dial's action was withdrawn by the maker. I Alderman Stokes moved that final decision on Mr. White's dismissal be taken under advisement by the Council, pending an investigation by the Council of the charges and countercharges, to the fullest extent possible. Alderman Moore seconded the motion, and on roll call the following vote was recorded: AYE: Moore, Pool, Ruiz, Stokes NAY; None The Mayor declared the motion carried, and informed Mr. White that the hearing would be continued until a full investigation was made. ::L :::t: ;;... ':!l '-'I tE7r