December 28, 2000

Three interviews were held for position of Police Officer, on Wednesday evening, December 27, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Ludwig, Lowe and Chief Baker were present.

Larry Penn was the first person to he interviewed. Mayor Ludwig spoke to Penn regarding the starting wage of $9.00, since on his application he requested $10. Mayor Ludwig stated after the probation period a 7% increase would be given and on their first anniversary another 7% increase. Penn stated you mean that I would be making the same wages as someone just getting out of the academy. Mayor Ludwig stated yes, since this is what the Council and finance committee had decided on. Penn stated with his years of experience he felt he should receive a higher starting pay. Chief Baker asked if down the road would the City be paying on a different scale for experienced officers. Mayor Ludwig stated he could not say for sure, but he felt this was something the Council would be looking into. Lowe stated he felt the Council would be wanting to look into something different for the wages of officers. Discussion was held on the Council wanting the Officers to live within the City. Mayor Ludwig stated he felt should Penn be hired the Council would not object to him not moving into the City. Chief Baker asked when would the applicants be presented to the Council. Mayor Ludwig stated he would not be present at the next regular Council meeting. Chief Baker suggested having a special meeting with the full Council on January 03, 2001.

Penn asked if he was hired would he be getting a car. Mayor Ludwig stated not right away. Chief Baker stated he could understand Penn’s question because of where he lives and the starting pay being $9.00. Further discussion was held regarding wages. Mayor Ludwig told Penn should he be hired within 2 years and 5 months at the present pay scale he would be making $1 1.07 and hour. Mayor Ludwig asked if his current wages would increase to the amount within the time frame he mentioned. Penn stated he was not sure. They usually give a .20 to .25 cent raise. Penn stated he would get back with Chief Baker before the January 3rd meeting whether or not he could consider the job. Mayor Ludwig asked if there were any more questions. Having nothing further Mayor Ludwig thanked Penn for coming.

The next applicant was Robert Roscher. Discussion was held on how long Roscher lived in Missouri. Roscher stated he was not sure, since he moved to Missouri and then back to California and back to Missouri. Roscher stated he worked for three years for a gentlemen in Madison, Mo before entering the Police academy. Lowe asked why he decided to become a police officer. Roscher stated the majority of his family is in law enforcement, and while in California he worked in a junior police program. Roscher stated ever since then he was wanted to get into law enforcement. Discussion was held regarding the starting pay and increases after probation and first anniversary. Mayor Ludwig asked Roscher if he had any questions regarding the wage. Roscher stated no, he understood the wages from the paper Chief Baker had given him. Lowe stated within 2 years and 5 months Roscher if hired would be making $11.07 an hour. Discussion was held regarding his family. Roscher stated he had a wife and 7 month old baby and was aware there was no school right here in LaGrange. Discussion was held on officers living in the City if there was housing available, if not then finding housing with a 15 minute response. Mayor Ludwig asked Roscher when could he start work. Roscher stated he could start the next day after being notified. Roscher stated he could come up and stay with Shawn Ott, in Canton until he could find something here in LaGrange. Roscher stated he was up here over the weekend looking at houses. Roscher stated his wife and baby would come later after she gave notice to her employer. Chief Baker told Roscher a special Council meeting was going to he held on January 03, 2001 and he should no something by the 4th ofianuary. Mayor Ludwig asked if there were any further questions or if Roscher had any questions. Having nothing further, Mayor Ludwig thanked Roscher for his time.

The final applicant was Shawn Ott. Chief Baker stated at present, Ott was working part time for

Canton police department. According to Chief Baker the plan was once Ott completed his training he would be working full time for Canton, and now this position is no longer available. Discussion was held on the starting wages and benefits. Lowe stated he was impressed with Ott’s grade point average. Ott stated he worked really hard. Discussion was held on Ott wanting to work in LaGrange, was it because of the Casino. Ott stated he really likes the people in this area and wanted to stay. Lowe asked would there be a problem with him moving to LaGrange. Ott stated no. Mayor Ludwig asked if Ott had a family. Ott stated at present he has a wife but there are in the process of getting a divorce. Ott stated he was willing to quit working for Canton, but he would like to give them two weeks notice. Discussion was held regarding Ott already having some work experience with the LaGrange Police Dept, and he like how they worked together. Mayor Ludwig asked Ott if he had any questions. Chief Baker stated there would be a special Council meeting held on January 3rd and Ott should know something by the 4th. Having no further questions, Mayor Ludwig thanked Ott for his time.

Discussion was held on the number of Officers the Council was wanting to hire. Chief Baker stated he would be the only one possibly doing the training and he did not know if he could train both officers at once. Discussion was held on the items for the special Council meeting. Having nothing further, the meeting was adjourn.