4.6 SR 06-17-2024City of
Elk -
River
To
City Council
Meeting Date
June 17, 2024
Item Description
Interim Police Chief Designation - Darren
McKernan.
Request for Action
Item Number
4.6
Prepared By
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Cal Portner
Lauren Wipper
Tina Allard
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, an interim pay increase for Captain Darren McKernan for performance as the designated
interim chief of police.
Background/Discussion
Police Chief Ron Nierenhausen retired effective May 31, 2024. The City Council has initiated an executive
recruitment through GovHR USA/MGT.
In the interim, before the replacement chief is on board, the Minnesota Board of Police Officer Standards and
Training (POST) requires a designated chief for POST licensing responsibilities.
The city administrator recommends designating Captain Darren McKernan as interim chief of police. Captain
McKernan meets the minimum qualifications for the designation of chief of police.
The city has typically adjusted the wages of individuals designated for leadership positions to reflect the
additional responsibility, decision -making, and accountability. The rate, historically, has been 10% of current
pay.
Financial Impact
The interim increase can be absorbed in the General Fund in the absence of the budgeted chief of police.
Mission/Policy/Goal
Elk River Mission
Attachments
None
The Elk River Vision
A avelcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community p p W E R E U 6
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
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