Item 8BAGENDA ITEM # 8B
AUGUST 25, 2008
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM: Approval of Police Chief Appointment
SUBMITTED BY: Jim Hanson, Ci M
David ompson, Direct of PublicCQY
DATE: August 12, 2008
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this staff report is to request that the Commission approve
the appointment of Michael D. Classey as Chief of Police for the City of
Atlantic Beach. David Thompson is slated to retire as the Public Safety
Director on September 30, 2008. We do not intend to hire anyone to fill
that position. Instead, we propose to fill a position for a Police Chief
which Atlantic Beach has not had for several years. The City Code
Section 2-51 states that "the Chief of Police shall be the head of the Police
Department and shall be appointed and removed by the Director of Public
Safety, subject to the approval of the City Commission. He shall receive
such compensation as determined by the City Commission." Given that
David Thompson will retire as the Public Safety Director on September
30, 2008, a review of Section 2-41 of the City Code is also appropriate. It
reads as follows; "the City Manager, or any other qualified person as
provided herein, shall be the Director of Public Safety, under whose
supervision there shall be a Police Department and a Fire Department."
For the purpose of appointing Michael Classey as Police Chief, both the
City Manager and the Director of Public Safety concur in this
recommendation for Mike Classey to be promoted to Police Chief.
Mike Classey was hired by Atlantic Beach in November of 2006 after an
extensive selection process was conducted to fill the position vacated by
the retirement of John Campbell. There was a nationwide seazch for
qualified candidates who had the experience, education and skills
necessary to become our Police Chief. After the top candidates were
identified, an assessment process was conducted utilizing top staff from
the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, St. Augustine Police
Department and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. These raters choose
Michael Classey as their first choice for the position.
Mr. Classey has over 16 years of law enforcement experience, nine of
which are in positions of command. He received his Bachelors of
AGENDA ITEM # 8B
AUGUST 25, 2008
Administration Degree in Management from Kennesaw State University
in 1987and received a Masters Degree in Public Administration from
Columbus State University in 2004. He is also a graduate of the FBI
National Academy.
Since beginning work for Atlantic Beach in 2006, he has obtained his
Florida law enforcement certification and was originally assigned to
oversee the Patrol Division. Since then he has progressively absorbed
more responsibility including administration of the Communications
Division, the Criminal Investigation and Crime Suppression Units and the
Administration Division. He has reviewed and participated in virtually all
major decisions for the department including planning, disciplinary
actions, training and policy making.
We have had an opportunity to evaluate Mike's work product, work ethic
and his leadership skills. He has made many improvements in the Police
Department during his tenure including enhancing accountability,
restructuring the organization, representing the department at many
functions, and preparing and monitoring the budget. He has also handled
the day-to-day operations of the department for many months. There is no
question in our minds that he is ready, willing and able to do an
outstanding job as Police Chief for the City of Atlantic Beach. For this
reason, Mike Classey has been appointed as Police Chief for Atlantic
Beach effective 10/1/08 subject to approval of the Mayor and
Commission.
BUDGET: We anticipate that Mr. Classey will have a pay raise commensurate with
his promotion following normal city policies resulting in a 12% raise with
a total salary as Police Chief of $85,729 per year plus any merit and
COLA adjustment that other employees receive on October 1St. This
promotion will not increase the number of authorized positions with the
City. The Captain slot will be eliminated.
RECOMMENDATION: We recommend that the Mayor and Commission approve the appointment
of Michael Classey as Police Chief for the City of Atlantic Beach.
ATTACHMENT: None