HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-16 Board of Selectmen Executive Session Packet2010 HhR °4 PM T- 39 Town Selectmen Town Mall 16 Lowell Street Reading, Ma 01867 Dear Town Selectmen, I am writing to make you aware of an ongoing situation that is deeply affecting the morale of police officers within the Reading Police Department. As you know, most police officers are facing a 10 percent cut in wages as a result of the reduction in Quinn Bill education incentive payments. (So far, the Town has refused to fully fund the Quinn Bill). Many officers are understandably concerned about maintaining their standard of living for their family. . Several Reading Police Officers have sought a lateral transfer to the Cambridge Police Department. The City of Cambridge provides benefits and wages that are very attractive compared to the Town of Reading: READING CAMBRIDGE TOP STEP (1) $68,369 $84,000 QUINN BILL Not fully funded/possible rescission FuU/Guaranteed The six Reading Police Officers seeking a transfer don't necessarily want to leave the Reading Police Department. Many reside in this Town and have close ties to the community but, this is simply too good of an opportunity to pass up. Given the current situation of the Quinn bill between the Patrolman's Association and the Town, the Association feels that anyone seeking to better their life for their family should be afforded the opportunity to do so. Unfortunately, Chief Cormier and the Town Manager have told us that they refuse to grant permission for anyone to transfer to the Cambridge Police Department. We feel that our members are being treated unfairly. In the past, the Town has allowed many people to leave the Department to better themselves. In one case, a Reading Police Officer's wife just . lost her job, making him now the only provider for the family. We think it is unfair for the Town to expect this officer to take a major pay cut and basically prevent him from taking an opportunity to provide for his family? In the past, the Town has told our Association that that if we don't like it here we can leave. Well, it appears this is not the case anymore as officers really don't have that option. �a� Again, the Association feels that police officers are being treated unfairly and we wish to speak to you directly to see if the concerns of our members can be addressed. Thank you for your attentionI and we look forward to speaking you as soon as possible. Since , MCOP Local #191 Reading Police Patrolman's Association President -Chris Picco Vice - President -Ian Nelson Treasurer -Chris Voegelin Secretary - Michael Fitzgerald Sgt at Arms -Derek Holmes