Reporting Bill Hudson (WCCO)
After just 9 months on the job, Ryan was placed on paid administrative leave while the complaints are investigated.
When Timothy Ryan was sworn in to lead the Osseo police department last May he came with some impressive credentials. Ryan was the chief of police in Millville, Mass. for 19 years. He is also a graduate of the FBI Academy and holds a master's degree in criminal justice.
But for Ryan, it's been a rocky road leading a small police force in the northern Twin Cities suburb.
After just nine months on the job, efforts are being made to force the chief from the department and Friday he was put on paid administrative leave.
Loren Magsam, Osseo's City Attorney, said Ryan was hired with an open ended contract.
"The chief's contract is not for a specific term. It's just a contract, that until its terminated, he's under contract," said Magsam.
Some Osseo city council members and officers of the police department are unimpressed with Ryan's credentials.
In December, 10 members of the department circulated a letter of "no confidence" in the chief at a city council meeting. They alleged in the letter that Chief Ryan is both indecisive and often unavailable to their radio communications.
"Some of the council members expressed that they were concerned that the officers, in an emergency, wouldn't be able to get a hold of the chief fast enough because of not having his radio on him or not being on mobile data terminal or whatever," said Osseo city administrator, Gregory Withers.
On Friday, the chief's patrol car was taken away and brought back to the police department parking lot. A fellow police officer had removed Ryan's service weapon from the squad and brought it into the police station.
After just 9 months on the job, Ryan was placed on paid administrative leave while the complaints are investigated.
"Now depending upon what I come up with over the next couple weeks and ... how the council wants to address the performance evaluation and what they feel is his performance," said Withers.
That will be discussed at the council's next scheduled meeting on March 8.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The Osseo City Council's discussion got a little intense Monday, Feb. 22, during Police Chief Tim Ryan's performance evaluation, but in the end no action was taken.
by Alicia Miller
(Created: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 4:37 PM CST)
Chief Ryan chose to have the review open and not during a closed session.
A separate story on other council matters from this meeting will appear in next week's paper.
The chief's review of his nine-month performance evaluation item started with city administrator Greg Withers reading a memo to the council and audience.
Withers stated, "At the Chief's six-month performance evaluation I had some positive things to say about the chief, but I also had many negative things to say."
He also said, "I have been told by a number of council members that a more open and transparent style of government is desired in Osseo. Let me assure the council, that policy suits the (department chairs) team and the staff just fine. We want the public to know what we are working on and how much work we are doing."
The employee job performance reviews are new to Osseo. Withers said the concept was written into his own employment agreement.
"The words 'probationary period' do not appear anywhere in the employment agreement. Chief Ryan does not have a 'probationary period,' " Withers stated. "He is not on probation. I say this even though the term was used at his last evaluation review when it was said to extend his probation period for another six month and not give him a pay increase at that time. It is my recommendation the council no longer discusses Tim Ryan's employment as being 'probationary.' "
When Withers performed the chief's six month evaluation last November, he did a 360 degree evaluation, which included asking the people the chief works with, works for and supervises, how they would evaluate the chief's performance.
"I was not happy with the Chief's performance Nov. 20, 2009, nor was I happy with the state of affairs in the Police Department and the attitude that was starting to spread throughout the city organization. I did not express this publicly, but I did express it to the council in a closed session as we reviewed the chief's performance evaluation," Withers said.
Withers stated the employee performance evaluation form has two sections - a points rating and an open comment section. In November Withers said his evaluation gave the chief 44 points on a 100-point scale. The 360 degree review gave him 66 points. Withers said the chief's performance for the past three months "awarded him 75 points. That is a 70 percent increase. In February, I am very pleased with his performance."
There are four groups that have influence on the chief's performance, according to Withers. He said these are the City Council/interview committee, city management, supervised police employees and the business owners and community members. "Please do not misunderstand, Timothy Ryan carries the largest share of responsibility for his performance," Withers said. "I have not heard any negative comments on the chief's performance from the business community."
The council appointed the interview committee, which the committee did unanimously recommend Timothy Ryan for the position. The council did unanimously vote to offer the chief's position to Ryan. "The 'unanimous' council decision did not last long as the minority quickly let their views be known. Thus the chief was 'welcomed' into an atmosphere of turmoil," Withers said.
Withers went on the say that two members of the Osseo Police Department were interviewed for the chief position, but where sent letters of rejection just like others not selected. "We could have and we should have done more. I have apologized to the entire department for that mistake. However, one of the candidates still has that letter of rejection hanging on his locker. He is still not over the rejection," Withers said.
Mayor Steve Menth stated, "Hey," but allowed Withers to continue.
"Three members of the department told me that when the former chief was here the three of them ran the department. One of them had been trained by the former chief to take over upon his retirement. These three were now facing an unknown police supervisor from out of state who would become their boss. This had to be stressful," Withers said.
Withers said he believed Ryan was a very qualified, professional police chief. "I report he has had much education and training and relates that to his experiences. Detractors say he is constantly building himself up and putting himself on a pedestal. The fact is he has much more education, training and years of experience than the total Osseo Police Department. That is not bragging. That is a fact," he added.
The police department is currently in the process of having a consultant audit it. Withers said, "The audit will make a very positive impact on the police department and will benefit the city organization immensely. Chief Ryan will then have additional support to implement new or to continue some police practices."
Withers then recommended on the improvement of the chief's performance evaluation that the chief be given the pay increase recommended in the chief's employment agreement.
"I believe his most recent performance evaluation has been terrific," he said. "Performance has greatly improved. The department needs to know the chief is here and in place, that his performance is satisfactory, and the police officers need to know Chief Ryan is in control of the department and has the support of the City Council. Without this there will never be peace in the department and the city organization will continue in unrest."
Councilor Mark Schulz asked previously to have the chief's prior evaluations included for the meeting. Withers said the information was private and he could only look at it if the chief wanted him to.
"You are entitled to have access to it, if you need it to make your decision on this performance evaluation," city attorney Loren Magsam said. "But the access to it has to be private."
Schulz said, "I guess I'm looking for a yes or no answer."
Magsam said Schulz could look at previous evaluation, but he would not be able to make any information public.
Mayor Menth asked if the chief had met all his performance issues since the November evaluation, and Wither said the chief had.
Mayor Menth said it sounded like the chief was killing dead time from November to February. Withers said part of the time he was on vacation break.
Chief Ryan asked if could address that issue.
"In a second," Mayor Menth said.
Mayor Menth said that after six months of employment, the chief took a month of vacation.
Withers said the chief has paid time off, not vacation, and that he approved the chief's PTO.
Schulz asked if the chief had any objections to him looking at his evaluation. Chief Ryan did object, because the council was looking at his past three months.
Councilor Steve Parks said the chief had a positive review and had followed the rules.
Councilor Rick Weber asked why the chief had not logged onto a squad car computer, while on patrol, until Feb. 10.Chief Ryan said officer Mike Smith is in charge of the computers.
"And you are supposed to supervise people that are using this computer?" councilor Weber said.
Councilor Parks said, "He is not a patrol officer. He is a working chief."
Ryan brought forth the performance summary of his evaluation in November. The summary was dated Dec. 16, 2009. The chief left on vacation a few days after to head out of state for two weeks.
Mayor Menth said the chief was at the last evaluation and heard what the council wanted him to do. "Have you thought about resigning," he asked the chief.
Ryan responded no.
Councilor Weber started to make a motion to terminate Chief Ryan, when councilor Parks objected. "If you want to terminate a city employee, you need to give notice to the city. This is a performance evaluation ... it is not a disciplinary hearing," Parks said.
Attorney Magsam said that was correct, the council couldn't fire the chief at this meeting.
Councilor Schulz asked if the council was asked to receive or reject the evaluation. Withers said the council didn't have to do anything if it didn't want to.
Councilor Parks made a motion to accept Withers' evaluation of Chief Ryan and approve the pay increase. No one seconded the motion and it failed.
Councilor Schulz made a motion to adjourn, which overrides any and all previous motions, and the motion was approved.
After the meeting was adjourned, members of the audience and council raised concerns and voices at each other. The words "disgrace" and "embarrassment" from the audience were directed to the council.
Because the meeting was adjourned without more council discussion, no further action or direction was taken by the council for city staff regarding this item.
(Created: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 4:37 PM CST)
Chief Ryan chose to have the review open and not during a closed session.
A separate story on other council matters from this meeting will appear in next week's paper.
The chief's review of his nine-month performance evaluation item started with city administrator Greg Withers reading a memo to the council and audience.
Withers stated, "At the Chief's six-month performance evaluation I had some positive things to say about the chief, but I also had many negative things to say."
He also said, "I have been told by a number of council members that a more open and transparent style of government is desired in Osseo. Let me assure the council, that policy suits the (department chairs) team and the staff just fine. We want the public to know what we are working on and how much work we are doing."
The employee job performance reviews are new to Osseo. Withers said the concept was written into his own employment agreement.
"The words 'probationary period' do not appear anywhere in the employment agreement. Chief Ryan does not have a 'probationary period,' " Withers stated. "He is not on probation. I say this even though the term was used at his last evaluation review when it was said to extend his probation period for another six month and not give him a pay increase at that time. It is my recommendation the council no longer discusses Tim Ryan's employment as being 'probationary.' "
When Withers performed the chief's six month evaluation last November, he did a 360 degree evaluation, which included asking the people the chief works with, works for and supervises, how they would evaluate the chief's performance.
"I was not happy with the Chief's performance Nov. 20, 2009, nor was I happy with the state of affairs in the Police Department and the attitude that was starting to spread throughout the city organization. I did not express this publicly, but I did express it to the council in a closed session as we reviewed the chief's performance evaluation," Withers said.
Withers stated the employee performance evaluation form has two sections - a points rating and an open comment section. In November Withers said his evaluation gave the chief 44 points on a 100-point scale. The 360 degree review gave him 66 points. Withers said the chief's performance for the past three months "awarded him 75 points. That is a 70 percent increase. In February, I am very pleased with his performance."
There are four groups that have influence on the chief's performance, according to Withers. He said these are the City Council/interview committee, city management, supervised police employees and the business owners and community members. "Please do not misunderstand, Timothy Ryan carries the largest share of responsibility for his performance," Withers said. "I have not heard any negative comments on the chief's performance from the business community."
The council appointed the interview committee, which the committee did unanimously recommend Timothy Ryan for the position. The council did unanimously vote to offer the chief's position to Ryan. "The 'unanimous' council decision did not last long as the minority quickly let their views be known. Thus the chief was 'welcomed' into an atmosphere of turmoil," Withers said.
Withers went on the say that two members of the Osseo Police Department were interviewed for the chief position, but where sent letters of rejection just like others not selected. "We could have and we should have done more. I have apologized to the entire department for that mistake. However, one of the candidates still has that letter of rejection hanging on his locker. He is still not over the rejection," Withers said.
Mayor Steve Menth stated, "Hey," but allowed Withers to continue.
"Three members of the department told me that when the former chief was here the three of them ran the department. One of them had been trained by the former chief to take over upon his retirement. These three were now facing an unknown police supervisor from out of state who would become their boss. This had to be stressful," Withers said.
Withers said he believed Ryan was a very qualified, professional police chief. "I report he has had much education and training and relates that to his experiences. Detractors say he is constantly building himself up and putting himself on a pedestal. The fact is he has much more education, training and years of experience than the total Osseo Police Department. That is not bragging. That is a fact," he added.
The police department is currently in the process of having a consultant audit it. Withers said, "The audit will make a very positive impact on the police department and will benefit the city organization immensely. Chief Ryan will then have additional support to implement new or to continue some police practices."
Withers then recommended on the improvement of the chief's performance evaluation that the chief be given the pay increase recommended in the chief's employment agreement.
"I believe his most recent performance evaluation has been terrific," he said. "Performance has greatly improved. The department needs to know the chief is here and in place, that his performance is satisfactory, and the police officers need to know Chief Ryan is in control of the department and has the support of the City Council. Without this there will never be peace in the department and the city organization will continue in unrest."
Councilor Mark Schulz asked previously to have the chief's prior evaluations included for the meeting. Withers said the information was private and he could only look at it if the chief wanted him to.
"You are entitled to have access to it, if you need it to make your decision on this performance evaluation," city attorney Loren Magsam said. "But the access to it has to be private."
Schulz said, "I guess I'm looking for a yes or no answer."
Magsam said Schulz could look at previous evaluation, but he would not be able to make any information public.
Mayor Menth asked if the chief had met all his performance issues since the November evaluation, and Wither said the chief had.
Mayor Menth said it sounded like the chief was killing dead time from November to February. Withers said part of the time he was on vacation break.
Chief Ryan asked if could address that issue.
"In a second," Mayor Menth said.
Mayor Menth said that after six months of employment, the chief took a month of vacation.
Withers said the chief has paid time off, not vacation, and that he approved the chief's PTO.
Schulz asked if the chief had any objections to him looking at his evaluation. Chief Ryan did object, because the council was looking at his past three months.
Councilor Steve Parks said the chief had a positive review and had followed the rules.
Councilor Rick Weber asked why the chief had not logged onto a squad car computer, while on patrol, until Feb. 10.Chief Ryan said officer Mike Smith is in charge of the computers.
"And you are supposed to supervise people that are using this computer?" councilor Weber said.
Councilor Parks said, "He is not a patrol officer. He is a working chief."
Ryan brought forth the performance summary of his evaluation in November. The summary was dated Dec. 16, 2009. The chief left on vacation a few days after to head out of state for two weeks.
Mayor Menth said the chief was at the last evaluation and heard what the council wanted him to do. "Have you thought about resigning," he asked the chief.
Ryan responded no.
Councilor Weber started to make a motion to terminate Chief Ryan, when councilor Parks objected. "If you want to terminate a city employee, you need to give notice to the city. This is a performance evaluation ... it is not a disciplinary hearing," Parks said.
Attorney Magsam said that was correct, the council couldn't fire the chief at this meeting.
Councilor Schulz asked if the council was asked to receive or reject the evaluation. Withers said the council didn't have to do anything if it didn't want to.
Councilor Parks made a motion to accept Withers' evaluation of Chief Ryan and approve the pay increase. No one seconded the motion and it failed.
Councilor Schulz made a motion to adjourn, which overrides any and all previous motions, and the motion was approved.
After the meeting was adjourned, members of the audience and council raised concerns and voices at each other. The words "disgrace" and "embarrassment" from the audience were directed to the council.
Because the meeting was adjourned without more council discussion, no further action or direction was taken by the council for city staff regarding this item.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Maybe it's me
I'm sitting in my home office watching the folks, who the town contracts, take care of our roads and I have some observations...
And for the record, I have never plowed or sanded a street in my life...
But as I watched this morning you start to wonder...why in the world would you sand before you plow ? If you do that don't you just plow the sand to the side of the road ? Do we pay them by how much sand they use ? Just wonderin
And for the record, I have never plowed or sanded a street in my life...
But as I watched this morning you start to wonder...why in the world would you sand before you plow ? If you do that don't you just plow the sand to the side of the road ? Do we pay them by how much sand they use ? Just wonderin
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Glenn Beck - Current Events & Politics - Soaking the Rich Never Works
If you have never watched Glenn Beck weekdays on Fox News...do yourself a favor...very entertaining. Click on the link below...he's onto something.
Glenn Beck - Current Events & Politics - Soaking the Rich Never Works
Glenn Beck - Current Events & Politics - Soaking the Rich Never Works
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Did Osseo hit the eject button ?
I'm told our population has grown by (1)...many sightings of the ex-chief...is he now the ex-ex-chief ?
Social Security is now running in the red
Shocked - Not
Wonder if 8mil+ unemployed has anything to do with that ?
Wonder if 8mil+ unemployed has anything to do with that ?
Monday, February 8, 2010
Chuck Singleton - Bio
I just found it...Google mail is a little foreign to me...sorry Chuck.
To the residents of Millville,
My name is Charles “Chuck” Singleton and I live at 164 Main Street.
Some of you may know me as Millville’s only Justice of the Peace; some may know me as a Millville Representative on the Blackstone-Millville Regional School Committee, some as the outspoken resident at Board of Selectmen meetings and yet others simply as Frenchie’s Dad.
My wife Debbie and I have lived in Millville since January 20, 2002. We have two children. Our oldest son is Scott and he is currently in military training in San Angelo, TX for the Air National Guard and is a full time Firefighter in Woonsocket RI. Scott was a volunteer Firefighter for Millville starting soon after we moved into Millville and received a great deal of training from the personnel there especially Steve Furno. Steve was instrumental in teaching Scott the ins and outs of the department, its equipment and of course how to fight fires.
Our Youngest son, Brandon, aka “Frenchie”, is a sophomore at BMR. Frenchie is very active in Town and School Sports and is currently playing on the Varsity Basketball Team for the Blackstone-Millville Chargers. Frenchie also played for the Town Basketball League (BMYBL) for many years. He also plays for the BMAA mostly as a Shortstop in the Spring, Summer and Fall Baseball leagues.
As you can see our family is very active and we have grown to really love this town.
Back in April of 2002 I ran for Selectmen after only living in town for 1 year but unfortunately I lost by a couple of hundred votes. Being new in town and not knowing many people yet did not help the cause but my desire to serve the town was present from the beginning. I tried again last year and lost by just … 4 votes, yes that is correct only 4 votes. So I have decided to once again try to serve the town of Millville in a greater capacity and run again for the position of Selectman.
It would be an extreme honor to represent the citizens of Millville in this capacity.
The election season is quickly approaching once again. This year there is one term ending on the Board of Selectmen.
Today I officially announce my candidacy for Board of Selectmen.
If anyone would like to speak to me in regards to this election, has any concerns or would simply like to get to know me better, please feel free to contact me by any of the following methods:
Home 508.883.5771
Cell: 774.292.1686
Email: mlvljp@verizon.net
Respectfully,
Charles “Chuck” Singleton
Candidate for Millville Board of Selectmen
To the residents of Millville,
My name is Charles “Chuck” Singleton and I live at 164 Main Street.
Some of you may know me as Millville’s only Justice of the Peace; some may know me as a Millville Representative on the Blackstone-Millville Regional School Committee, some as the outspoken resident at Board of Selectmen meetings and yet others simply as Frenchie’s Dad.
My wife Debbie and I have lived in Millville since January 20, 2002. We have two children. Our oldest son is Scott and he is currently in military training in San Angelo, TX for the Air National Guard and is a full time Firefighter in Woonsocket RI. Scott was a volunteer Firefighter for Millville starting soon after we moved into Millville and received a great deal of training from the personnel there especially Steve Furno. Steve was instrumental in teaching Scott the ins and outs of the department, its equipment and of course how to fight fires.
Our Youngest son, Brandon, aka “Frenchie”, is a sophomore at BMR. Frenchie is very active in Town and School Sports and is currently playing on the Varsity Basketball Team for the Blackstone-Millville Chargers. Frenchie also played for the Town Basketball League (BMYBL) for many years. He also plays for the BMAA mostly as a Shortstop in the Spring, Summer and Fall Baseball leagues.
As you can see our family is very active and we have grown to really love this town.
Back in April of 2002 I ran for Selectmen after only living in town for 1 year but unfortunately I lost by a couple of hundred votes. Being new in town and not knowing many people yet did not help the cause but my desire to serve the town was present from the beginning. I tried again last year and lost by just … 4 votes, yes that is correct only 4 votes. So I have decided to once again try to serve the town of Millville in a greater capacity and run again for the position of Selectman.
It would be an extreme honor to represent the citizens of Millville in this capacity.
The election season is quickly approaching once again. This year there is one term ending on the Board of Selectmen.
Today I officially announce my candidacy for Board of Selectmen.
If anyone would like to speak to me in regards to this election, has any concerns or would simply like to get to know me better, please feel free to contact me by any of the following methods:
Home 508.883.5771
Cell: 774.292.1686
Email: mlvljp@verizon.net
Respectfully,
Charles “Chuck” Singleton
Candidate for Millville Board of Selectmen
Sarah Palin quote
"This was all part of that hope and change and transparency. Now, a year later, I gotta ask the supporters of all that, 'How's that hopey, changey stuff working out?' "
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