THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, April 10, 1996 TAG: 9604100364
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: KILL DEVIL HILLS LENGTH: Medium: 86 lines
Commissioners of this beach community have unanimously approved guidelines governing the hiring of a new police chief, including a provision that the appointee live in Kill Devil Hills.
The town also will explore the possibility of consolidating law enforcement services with neighboring Nags Head.
The residency stipulation could leave the town's assistant chief out of the loop in the search to replace James Gradeless, who will retire in May after 18 years with the police department.
Assistant Chief Mike Harris, a 20-year veteran of the department and a resident of Currituck County, would not be eligible for the post as the town's top cop unless he moves. Harris lives within the 14-mile limit set for police officers.
Commissioners were adamant at Monday night's meeting that the new chief live in town.
``I think it's important for the police chief and fire chief, and the assistant police chief and fire chief, to live in town,'' Mayor Pro Tem E.M. ``Coy'' Harbeson said. ``I don't think that's too much to ask. The people want the chief of police to live in town.''
Harris, however, said the panel should rethink the residency requirement.
``The requirement to live within the town would require me to move my family from their home, transfer my children from their friends and schoolmates, and move my wife farther from her work in Elizabeth City.''
Harris, who began as a patrolman in Kill Devil Hills, said his family settled in Harbinger because it was more affordable.
Under the guidelines adopted Monday night, a five-member committee will be formed to evaluate applicants. The panel will consist of Town Manager Debora Diaz, Administrative Services Director Shawn Murphy, two commission-appointed citizens and a law enforcement specialist named by Diaz.
The possibility of merging departments with Nags Head was praised by former mayor Joseph Deneke, a longtime proponent of consolidation. He said merging the two departments would eliminate unnecessary duplication of services.
He urged the commission to delay hiring a new chief until the consolidation issue can be reviewed.
``I am cognizant of the fact this will require a lengthy study, and I feel the impact statement will address all the unknowns,'' Deneke said. ``The very least that can come out of the study is that you have demonstrated to the town's citizens that every effort to control the spiraling cost of running a government can be kept under control.''
The commission met in closed session for an hour before approving the guidelines. While the hiring process will move forward, the idea of consolidation is not dead.
``We're not shutting any doors,'' Mayor Duncan Wright said.
In a personnel-related matter, commissioners adopted changes in the town's employee policy. Under the new guidelines, employees who come to Kill Devil Hills from other local or state government entities would be able to bring earned sick leave with them to their new post.
``It will make us more attractive to an experienced pool of employees,'' Murphy said. ``It will make us more competitive.''
In other action, the commission voted to hold a public hearing concerning the use of skateboard ramps within the commercial zone. The town's staff recommended approval of the new use with the following conditions:
The ramp must be approved by a North Carolina engineer.
The ramp must meet industry standards.
Times of operation are limited to between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Noise-reduction features should be included in construction.
Owners of the facility must provide verification of liability insurance coverage.
Commissioners expressed concern over safeguards that would prohibit trespassers from using the ramps after hours. The public hearing is set for 7 p.m., April 24.
Other actions:
Also in closed session, the commission discussed legal matters dealing with the East Hayman Boulevard parking situation. The case is under appeal.
The town passed a resolution of support for Project Blue Sky. The effort to bolster beachfront construction standards is spearheaded by the town of Southern Shores.
The board tabled action on the purchase of a new utility vehicle for the fire department.
The board presented a North Carolina League of Municipalities resolution praising former Commissioner James Murphy, who died last year.
The board approved a resolution honoring James Gradeless for his service as chief of police. by CNB