Florence City Council suspends police chief
Staff reporter
Florence City Council members had their hands full Monday evening when residents of the community and members of the media descended on the council meeting.
Even before the tense meeting began, lines were drawn by those waiting outside city hall. The public and media were awaiting the council's decision regarding Florence Police Chief Merlin Stout, who was arrested Friday and charged with two counts of sexual battery.
The council meeting began with the council amending the agenda. Ben Brunson had requested permission to address the council. Mayor John Lehman requested the addition of an executive session to discuss personnel issues upon the arrival of Bob Brookens, city attorney. Council members approved the two additional agenda items.
Following typical city business, Ben Brunson, manager of Johnson's General Store, Florence, spoke to the council.
Brunson stated he and the store's owner, Jay Johnson, decided it would be best for Brunson to address the Florence council and community.
"Everyone in this room and everyone in this town are welcome to come to my store," Brunson began.
He continued he had approached a city council member regarding specific incidents.
Documentation was made, said Brunson, of four separate incidents that revolved around the actions of "one individual" to Brunson's female employees.
"I approached another council member and he didn't know anything about it," said Brunson.
Brunson continued that he gave documentation to the council member who represents his district and the information was handed to the mayor, John Lehman. Brunson said he did not get any response from any council member.
Brunson went on to tell the council that threatening phone calls have been received. He cited four incidents of intimidation by the police chief, adding he could not go to local law enforcement which is why he went to the council members.
"In the future I want to be able to come to any council member and let them know what's going on. If we've got a problem, we want the support of the city," said Brunson.
Randy Mills, council member, said Brookens, (the city attorney) had been contacted. Brunson responded he had contacted Brookens but the attorney did not know anything about it.
Mills added the whole situation was "unfortunate."
Mills suggested "getting on the agenda with a request for executive session to discuss personnel with the council and we'll see if we can help."
Brunson asked Mills if he was aware of the situation. Mills answered, "I'm not at liberty to say."
With Brookens' arrival at 7:45 p.m., the council adjourned to a 30-minute executive session. Following the 30-minute private meeting, another 15-minute session was called. Both sessions were for personnel issues.
Following 45 minutes of executive session, the council reconvened with a motion by Mills.
"I still do not know all of the facts," said Mills. "I don't think any of us knows but I have to stand on principle on this."
Mills moved to suspend police chief Stout for eight days, beginning Feb. 14 and ending Saturday, with pay, followed with a suspension without pay until the March 12 council meeting or a special meeting, if one is called. In addition, Stout would not attend the police training academy to become certified.
The motion was seconded and passed with one negative vote by council member Tim Parmley who did not want Stout to receive a paycheck while suspended.
With the council denying Stout the opportunity to attend the 14-week law enforcement training, it was clear that Stout had failed the KLETC (Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center) exam he took in November 2003.
Officers who fail the exam have one year to attend the training. If Stout does not attend the available training and pass the exam before November 2004, he will not become certified.
Stout's preliminary hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. March 3 in Marion County District Court.
Stout was released Friday on $1,500 bond, and was not available for comment.
