01-11-88 Committee of the Whole - Laserfiche WebLink

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• 4 Department that he did not find opposition from that Department. Councilman Coleman voiced concern regarding the book value of the service revolver and the possibility that their life was almost unlimited if maintained in good condition. He voiced philosophical concerns regarding the bill and stated that perhaps it should be a department policy. he saw it as an item which might impact negotiations and would impact the budgetary procedure. He also voiced strong concern of whether the should be getting into the "handgun giveaway business. " He did note that fire fighters receive a pewter mug badge and key to the City upon their retirement. Councilman Soderberg raised issue with the value of the service revolver both to the City and also to the officer. He favored doing something as a City regarding the dedicated service given by a police officer perhaps by paying better wages and benefits and questioned whether the bill was the proper approach. In response to the above questions, it was noted that the police department has eight additional handguns for service at all times and that 54 officers could retire in 1988. Between six and ten officers retire on a yearly basis from the police deparment. Councilman Neizgodski noted that upon a police officer retiring in good standing, he or she may apply for a lifetime license to carry a handgun. Councilman Slavinskas noted that the bill posed a "double- edged sword. " He, like Councilman Soderberg, stated that officers should be rewarded for their service to the City, however, he received negative feedback from constituents on the bill. He suggested that a nominal amount of money should be considered for the officer to purchase the weapon upon retiring in good standing. Councilwoman Duda questioned the ammunition for the service revolver is special. She was informed that it is not. She also noted that in a poll she took the overwhelming response opposed the proposal. She questioned what other City retirees would want if this was established for the Police Department. She suggested that an officer could purchase it for its appraised value upon retirement. Councilwoman Puzzello stated that the situation is unique and that bill is good for police morale and is a good measure to show the respect of the City for officers who have placed their life on the line for twenty or more years. Councilman Zakrzewski stated that if a figure of approximately $2,000 would be the cost on an annual basis,