Plan would allow Darien’s DeVoy to return to work
DARIEN — The Darien Village Board on Monday night could bring fired Police Chief Steve DeVoy back to work.
A draft nine-page agreement would allow DeVoy to work under certain conditions, according to a two-page summary of the agreement written by village attorney Mark Hazelbaker.
The agreement is a compromise that could bring an end to an issue that has split the village since DeVoy was suspended in December, Hazelbaker said.
“The purpose in doing this was to try to walk the edge of a razor in an issue that has been exquisitely painful for the village,” Hazelbaker said.
Highlights of the agreement are, according to Hazelbaker’s summary:
-- DeVoy would forfeit 30 days of pay. His personnel file would reflect that he served an unpaid suspension during that time. An unpaid suspension is the final step before termination.
If DeVoy displayed any performance problems in the next year, the village could seek termination and could bring up the 2009 complaints. After one year, the village could not bring up the 2009 allegations.
-- For the next three years, DeVoy would have no power to impose discipline or change the duties of any subordinates.
-- DeVoy would be trained on subjects that were problematic and led to the “allegations of misconduct.” The subjects could include the limits of wireless surveillance, relationships with co-workers, the police code of ethics and appropriate use of computers.
-- DeVoy would be on a one-year evaluation program. During that time, he would meet regularly with the police committee and others for performance reviews.
-- DeVoy would release the village and all of its officers from all liability for the events that occurred in connection with the charges and these proceedings.
-- DeVoy would not get involved—directly or indirectly—in village politics.
The agreement is a “classic compromise,” Hazelbaker wrote. It places DeVoy on “very thin ice,” but takes into consideration that DeVoy had not been disciplined in the five years he served as chief, he wrote.
“There are some who believe the chief should be fired immediately. There are some who believe the chief should be reinstated without conditions,” Hazelbaker wrote. “The settlement agreement satisfies neither of those points of view.”
Administrator Marc Dennison on Saturday posted a revised version of the agenda that allows for discussion and action on the matter Monday night.
DeVoy said Saturday he had not seen the final copy of the agreement and declined to comment.
DeVoy was suspended with pay after village employees found two surveillance cameras in the police department. While the village studied the legality of the cameras, investigators discovered documents they say indicate DeVoy spent many hours on the job violating the village’s computer policy.
The documents indicate DeVoy had a sexual relationship with a subordinate, investigators said.
The situation has divided neighbors and caused bitter debates within the village board, Hazelbaker wrote.
“The agreement does not represent a triumph for any viewpoint in this unfortunate controversy,” Hazelbaker wrote.
“It does, however, put the burden on the chief to demonstrate his ability to overcome the mistakes made and on the village to come together.”
The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at Darien Village Hall, 24 N. Wisconsin St., Darien.
Sep 25, 2009 at 9 p.m.
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check this out
http://gazettextra.com/weblogs/latest-ne...
Sep 25, 2009 at 10:32 a.m.
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Sorry , "wait until" not "what until"
Sep 25, 2009 at 10:26 a.m.
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And as far as friends go, they will always have my back, as I will there’s. What until this is all said and done and see what happens to your friends. They will be finished with you and never speak to you again. That’s the type of people they are. They will throw you under the bus just like they are going to throw Maltese, Peggy and anyone else involved in the vendetta. So time will tell. By the way I am home for a few days if you need a friend to talk to.
Sep 25, 2009 at 9:59 a.m.
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Hey Josh,
Got a problem with me talk to me. People like you who sit back and tell lies are why we are in this mess. All electrical and plumbing in my basement was installed when I bought the house. All I did was put up wood siding and a ceiling. I checked with Connie Machi and asked if I needed a building permit, she said "no". So before you go around and make false accusations maybe you need to get your facts straight. And as far as me getting a life, I have a great life. Married, kid financially safe. (Oh, and I have friends, lots of them) you should try it. Now run across the street and tell your friends that I am picking on you and maybe they can help in making more accusations against me.
Maybe you’re the one who needs to get a life?
Sep 23, 2009 at 6:07 a.m.
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Hey SPOOk Get a life and look at the facts! Just cause your buddy helped you re-finish your basement without a building permit doesn't mean he's gonna back you up when you need it!
Sep 21, 2009 at 6:59 a.m.
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-- DeVoy would not get involved—directly or indirectly—in village politics. I find this will be impossible for him as he has built and strengthened his relationships with current Board members over the past 10 months
Sep 21, 2009 at 6:56 a.m.
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Where is the benefit in allowing him to work in this village again...he didn't break the rules a little; HE BROKE THE RULES A LOT!!!
Sep 21, 2009 at 6:51 a.m.
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"For the next three years, DeVoy would have no power to impose discipline or change the duties of any subordinates."
Then who has the power? The village board, the police comm.?
Sep 20, 2009 at 9:12 p.m.
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yes I know what you are saying. But what kind of a job is that. And that means that him and others are saying guilty about the porn and such. Also why is he the only one getting heat what about the other involved that not fair.
Sep 20, 2009 at 8:15 p.m.
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Taz,
It would cost the board and Steve a BOATLOAD of $$ to go forward with a hearing! I implore the village board to THINK about this and accept the agreement! Enough is enough!
Just as in a divorce, you want to settle without going to a trial! It's time for the village to settle and move forward with some healing able to take place!
Sep 20, 2009 at 7:51 p.m.
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Delavan......The town board has nothing to do with this situation. The problem is in the Village of Darien and the village has its own board.
Sep 20, 2009 at 7:36 p.m.
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If he does this he is saying he is guilty of all charges. And will have no power just a chair to set in. He says he not guilty.Let the courts fix this mess.He has a right to have a court to decide..
Sep 20, 2009 at 7:19 p.m.
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Look's like the board will have all the power.Devoy you will be stupid if you agree.Sue the town board and make all the rats come out.........
Sep 20, 2009 at 6:40 p.m.
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"-- For the next three years, DeVoy would have no power to impose discipline or change the duties of any subordinates."
Hmmm....might as well change his title from "Chief" to "Honorary Chief"...as in "honorary" anything....all title , no substance.
BUT, if he's willing to accept that...so be it.
Sep 20, 2009 at 4:35 p.m.
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I wish I could have confidence this would end the rigmarole, but I just don't. At least the parties are negotiating like adults to accomplish this step, though, and that's a good step in the right direction.
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