Franklin Lakes August 11, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 Mayor declines to endorse chief’s retirement by Frank J. McMahon Franklin Lakes Mayor Maura DeNicola has refused to sign Police Chief Irving Conklin’s severance agreement that was approved by the borough council on July 6. At a recent public council meeting, the mayor said she was not in agreement with the proposed arrangement made by the council regarding the chief’s retirement and rehiring. However, DeNicola’s refusal to sign the severance agreement is symbolic. The police chief officially retired on July 30 with a council approved agreement that will permit him to receive his full retirement income and full medical benefits and provide him with a part-time position as the borough’s director of public safety at a salary of $53,000 per year after the six-month period necessary for him to qualify and be able to work in that position without any impact on his retirement benefits. DeNicola declined to endorse Conklin’s retirement or part time employment agreement, saying, “It is my belief that if the council wants to save money by changing the administration of the police department, an open, public discussion must take place with a focus on public safety for Franklin Lakes citizens. In this arrangement, the council approved the chief’s retirement resolution along with a second resolution to rehire him after a mandatory six-month waiting period as a 20 hour a week part-time employee with a salary of $53,000 and a title of `public safety director. I believe this is $53,000 that the taxpayers do not have to spend. The chief will be well compensated with a pension and lifetime health benefits. This is superfluous spending.” She suggested that, if a public safety director position is the council’s choice, it should have been publicly solicited and other scenarios, including sharing a regional police chief with another town, or the more efficient utilization of current high ranking officers with an internal promotion should have been explored. “I had asked the council to pursue all alternatives, reduce costs, and increase safety before finalizing any deal,” DeNicola emphasized. “They did not. I, therefore, will not sign this agreement.” Councilman William Smith, who negotiated the agreement with Conklin, responded to DeNicola’s statement after the meeting. “Irv Conklin has served the borough for 39 years, providing leadership as chief during a period when the department has provided a consistent high level of service to the residents,” Smith said. “It was not unexpected that the mayor would try to block his return as police director after his retirement. The mayor’s history of an inability to work with borough employees included Chief Conklin. Her treatment of him in person and in the press had justified his refusal to meet with her unless someone else was in the room.” Smith explained that, while searching for a way to reduce expenses, he discussed retirement with Conklin and the chief’s return as police director. He emphasized that Conklin’s willingness to return as police director after retirement would save the borough over $100,000 in salary and still provide the department with a high level of proven leadership. Conklin earned $133,912 per year plus some additional salary benefits such as longevity payments. Smith explained that Conklin was getting close to retirement and, if he did step down, the borough would lose him, so Smith suggested the potential part time position where Conklin could continue to work but not have the same demands on his time. “The borough council unanimously approved his hiring as police director,” Smith said. “The mayor’s refusal to perform her statutory duties and sign an agreement already approved by the council only means it will be signed by the council president.” Conklin began his employment in the borough as a police officer on June 1, 1974 and has continued to serve since that date. The severance agreement describes the chief’s service to the (continued on page 23) MIDLAND PARK Held in the parkand-ride behind Rosario’s Trattoria 29 Central Ave Midland Park Now through October 30th. Market Farmers Every Saturday from 9AM-2PM $1 Off Fresh Mozzarella with this ad