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Miami. Administrator Chandler stated that he kept getting <br />contradicting statements from Mr. Hallquist on whether he did or <br />did not -use drugs. <br />Chairman Bird asked if the policies that were applied in this <br />termination were applied any differently or more strictly because <br />of the fact that Jon was a supervisor and because of the fact that <br />his job entails public safety rather than, for example, someone who <br />worked for the Utilities Department as an equipment operator. <br />Administrator Chandler felt that from his perspective, it <br />wasn't, because we do have a strict policy on the use of drugs. He <br />felt it carries it one step further when you are in a public safety <br />position. If Mr. Hallquist had indicated that he had a problem and <br />was willing to seek help, then we would have attempted to assist <br />him in that manner, but he did not do so. <br />Mr. Hallquist interjected that just prior to those meetings, <br />he had family trouble. His children were missing for 3 days due to <br />the storm and he was trying constantly to reach them. That also <br />added to his depression. He was very distraught over the whole <br />thing. He did mention to Mrs. Callahan that he didn't need help <br />for drugs but had considered help for depression but was prevented <br />by the cost factor. He mentioned the same thing to Director Price <br />and then at the meeting he kept telling them that his problem <br />wasn't drug related, it was depression related. <br />Attorney Collins advised that procedurally the only difference <br />in the way Mr. Hallquist was treated is that normally before <br />dismissal you get 5 days written notice of the specific causes. <br />However, when it is an employee who is dismissed for conduct which <br />may be prejudicial to the public interest, that employee can be <br />dismissed immediately with a follow-up within 72 hours, which is <br />what was done in this case. <br />Commissioner Macht asked if Mr. Hallquist was ever offered <br />drug rehabilitation as a condition of continued employment. He <br />also asked if we have a policy where you get one chance. <br />Administrator Chandler advised that our policy is that if an <br />employee admits that he has a substance abuse or alcohol problem <br />and is willing to seek treatment, we work with them where they can <br />take the time off to seek that treatment and retain employment. <br />Mr. Hallquist was made aware that was the policy. <br />Mr. Hallquist stated that he is willing to seek help for his <br />depression and was willing back then, but the only thing that kept <br />him from doing it was the ability to pay for it. He felt that if <br />he had to go into debt again to do that, then so.be it. <br />Commissioner Macht asked who pays for treatment under those <br />conditions, and Administrator Chandler explained that part of the <br />33 <br />L._ FEB 31993 BOOK 88 P,�GE 765 <br />