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Police Department Chief McCloud explained the operation of the K-9 patrol and referred to his report distributed to Council. He stated the dog has been very effective in searches and can complete building searches in about 20% of the time required by several officers. Council discussion ensued regarding the K-9 unit. Councilmember Kephart asked for an explanation of the need for sending officers to the P.O.S.T. Officer Survival Course, and if this was the top priority. Chief McCloud stated it was not the top priority but it is a priority. Captain Nelson explained that the reason for the training priority is because of the problems the Police Department has had in arrest procedures and injuries to officers so this school was selected. Councilmember Ke~art advised that P.O.S.T. will conduct the course on-site rather than sending officers to San Luis Obispo. Chief McCloud stated that staff was not aware that they would conduct on-site programs and that P.O.S.T. had not advised the Police Department they would do this. Councilmember Mercer stated he felt Council should not be involved in selecting specific train- ing programs but that it should be left to the discretion of staff. It was moved by Councilmember Kephart to establish a training fund in the Police Department and revenues from P.O.S.T. come back to the department. Councilmember Mercer stated no motion was needed as staff understands what Council wants and that they have said they will account for the training budget. After further discussion, Mr. Brown advised that when the training program is developed staff will present a report to Council. Mr. Brown explained the concept of the civilian training position, and Chief McCloud concurred with the report. It was moved by Councilmember Mercer, and seconded by Councilmember Wood, to add one civilian research and training posi- tion to the Police Department. The roll call vote was as follows: AYES: Councilmen Butler, Kephart, Mercer, Wood, and Mayor Brandes NOES: None ABSENT: None Councilmember Kephart presented his memorandum regarding organization structure and allowed time for Council and staff to read the report. Mr. Brown disagreed with the proposal and commented on each of the points in it. He especially dis- agreed with the proposal to hold the two sergeant positions vacant. He said these positions are key to the functioning of the Police Department and that shifts could not be covered with four positions. He also stated that the promotion process is underway and that it should not be stopped. Councilmember Mercer indicated his displeasure with spending an inordinate amount of time on details rather than addressing major issues of the entire budget that the Council is responsible for. He also stated he did not appreciate the pre- arranged things that some members of the Council were doing. Councilmember Mercer left the meeting at 9:30 P.M. It was moved by Councilmember Kephart, and seconded by Councilmember Butler, instructing staff to prepare a study flattening out the organization of the Police Department and report back to Council within 60-90 days. The roll call vote was as follows: AYES: Councilmen Butler, Kephart, Wood, and Mayor Brandes NOES: None ABSENT: Councilman Mercer 6/11/79