3.7. SR 04-10-2006
City of Elk River
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Agenda Section Meeting Date
Consent A rill0, 2006
Item Description
Promotion of Investi ator Vita to Ser eant
Item Number
3.7.
Prepared by
effre A. Beahen, Chief of Police
Reviewed by
Introduction
Sergeant Tyler has announced his retirement as Investigative Sergeant. His last day is May 19,2006. A
replacement for this position needs to be selected and filled by that date to insure smooth operation of
the investigative daily workload. Selecting the person to be promoted now, allows the current Sergeant
seven weeks to mentor and train the selected party on their new duties and responsibilities.
Discussion
There are two qualified employees for this promotion. Investigator Bryan Vita and Juvenile Officer Eric
Balabon. Investigator Vita is currendy the relief for Sergeant Tyler when Tom is off or away. He has been
assuming the duties of investigative sergeant, assigning cases, supervising daily work and other tasks on
those days when Sgt. Tyler is absent. He has worked in both the juvenile and the investigative
assignments and has been doing investigative work since he was assigned there in 1987, almost twenty
years ago. Balabon has been assigned to the juvenile unit for four years and has not served as a criminal
investigator. Although we could test for the promotion, it is very clear that Vita is the more qualified
candidate for the position. Coupled with that, we have two investigative retirements, one possible medical
retirement and the reassignment of four officers to the investigative unit. Creating stability within the unit
is critical, and established leadership essential to the unit's success. Balabon has agreed to forgo any desire
to be involved in any testing process, and concedes that Vita is the appropriate choice for promotion. I
agree, and ask for the Council's review and approval of the promotion of Investigator Bryan Vita to
Investigative Sergeant effective May 19,2006.
Financial Impact
There is no financial impact. The promotion and assignments are all within the 2006 budget-as we are
replacing existing positions.
Attachments
No attachments.
Action Requested
Approve the promotion of Investigator Vita to the position of Investigative Sergeant effective May 19,
2006.