Posted by: Charity_Maness on 09/17/2010 09:01 AM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 03/03/2011 04:09 PM
Expires: 01/01/2015 12:00 AM
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Copper Fire Dismisses Engineer and Director, Becomes Compliant with Dept of Labor ~ By, Charity Maness
At the Copperopolis Fire Protection District Board of Directors meeting held September 16, 2010, it was reported that an Engineer position was terminated; Engineer Hamilton, previously placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation was dismissed. One Paramedic remains on paid administrative leave, following a State investigation of CFPD Paramedic Bryan Santos. ...
Documentation received from Ms. Iljana, Deputy Director EMS Policy, Legislation and External Affairs confirms that Copperopolis Fire Protection District Paramedic Bryan Santos was investigated for “violations of California Health and Safety Code Section 1798.200 (c)(5) [The commission of any fraudulent, dishonest, or corrupt act which is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, and duties of prehospital personnel.] The maximum fine was imposed…assessed fine total in this matter is $2,500.00.” When asked if the Board could verify that the Paramedic on paid administrative leave and the Paramedic investigated by the state EMS Authority were one in the same, the Board had no comment.
The review of CFPD by the Department of Labor has been concluded with findings of 5 employees being underpaid in the total amount for a two year period of $1,782.00, while 2 employees were over paid during that same two year period. The Board has brought the pay of all 5 underpaid employees current, has a correct formula from the Department of Labor to calculate pay, and is now in compliance with the Department of Labor. The Board is not seeking refunds from employees overpaid based on the information that the overpayment max was $89.00 per month
The Board adopted resolution 09-16-10 citing California Government code 1770, in part: An office becomes vacant on the happening of any of the following events before the expiration of the term: (g) His or her ceasing to discharge the duties of his or her office for the period of three consecutive months, except when prevented by sickness, or when absent from the state with the permission required by law. “Director Steven Nelson has failed to discharge the duties of his or her office for the period of three consecutive months, not due to sickness, or absent from the state with the permission required by law. Director Steven Nelson vacated his elected position on September 9, 2010, and said vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the remaining board members pursuant to California Government Code 1780.”
Director Maness stated, “This is not something we do lightly.”
Jerry Andress, retired Volunteer Captain asked, “Are there any grounds to contest it?”
Maness stated, “This was approved by County Council.”
Director Marks added, “Since August of 2009, Director Nelson has attended approximately 34% of the meetings…sits on the negotiating team for the district missing approximately 3 of those meetings. We need a full board, people to help make decisions.”
Citizen Mike Shevlin asked, “What is the intention for Walt?” Director Walt Ball has been ill and unable to attend Board meetings since July 10, 2010.
Director Cheney said, “We will follow up with Walt to see how he is doing. There are exceptions for illness.” Referring to the Government code adopted to relieve Director Nelson of his duties.
The Board, accepting written notice of interest for the vacant Board position, stated they will announce their appointment at the scheduled October 14, 2010 Board of Directors meeting.
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