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Police chief suspended without pay

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Mike Mzyk
WCN Correspondent
November 18, 2008 | 9 comments

ELMENDORF -- Although not in attendance, police Chief A.D. Carroll was the focus of the city council’s Nov. 13 meeting. In the end, council members voted 3-2 in favor of suspending Carroll without pay for three days, followed by a six-month probationary period to address issues pertaining to enforcement of city codes.

Approximately 50 concerned residents attended the meeting in response to an agenda item labeled “ … management of the Police Department, including a potential no confidence vote to remove the Chief of Police.” The consensus among most was they could not understand why the well-respected chief’s management of the department was being called into question in the first place.

Mayor Thomas Hicks said the issue stems from a formal complaint made to his office in regard to animal-control services. The state mandates that governing agencies in counties with populations of more than 7,500 provide animal-control services. Current animal-control services for the city of Elmendorf are contracted with the city of San Antonio.

In short, questions have been raised regarding Carroll’s enforcement of city codes regarding the care of animals as well as other compliance issues such as overgrown lots.

“The bottom line is, codes weren’t being enforced as they should be,” Hicks said. “We need things written up; we need a paper trail in order to follow a process -- warning, citation, municipal court, judgment. Like for weedy lots; if you don’t know the owner, you need to start a paper trail in order to follow the process. Not to be heavy-handed, rather, you’ve got to start somewhere. What we are doing is ultimately trying to protect the health, safety, and welfare of citizens,” Hicks said.

Resident Jesse Garcia said he considers Carroll a good friend who looks out for the people of Elmendorf.

“This past year, I spent 30 days in the hospital, and he took care of my property. I feel safe with him here,” Garcia said. He was concerned the issues with Carroll could be related to his age.

“I don’t know if they’re trying to get rid of him just because he’s old … we need an older man there so that he knows what to do … with a younger one, I don’t think I’ll feel safe,” Garcia said.

Another longtime resident, Ruby Hyatt, was apprehensive that the council was going back to past ways by targeting Carroll.

“He’s been here for so many years, why do you want to get rid of him now?” Hyatt said. “I think he’s a great asset to the city, and he has helped us a lot,” she said. Hyatt voiced concern that Carroll will be another in the long list of police chiefs that the city has “run off.” Hyatt also was concerned that Carroll was being targeted for his age.

Mayor Hicks indicated that Carroll is currently on paid administrative leave and the suspension will start as soon as he is able to contact the chief.

In other issues, David Ellis Brown, president and CEO of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway, announced that representatives from Union Pacific said they have some rail the company is willing to donate to be used for the proposed rail expansion and Railroad Heritage Museum. Brown said it appears transportation will be provided and asked the council to approve storage of the rails. Council approved storage at the Third Street well site by a vote of 5-0.
 


Your Opinions and Comments
 
Veronica  
Las Vegas  
November 21, 2008 10:35am
 
 
Why is this town getting on the Chief for this? Why not get on the people who dump these poor animals out on the side of the road or "accidentally" leave the gate ... Read More Read More
 
 
Cathy  
November 19, 2008 2:47pm
 
 
Since when does the city care about the hundreds of dogs running around the town? I have been walking down Casiano many times and have been approached by 10's of dogs EVERY ... Read More Read More
 
 
Fernando  
El Paso Juarez  
November 19, 2008 1:16pm
 
 
I think the Police Chief is doing an outstanding job at catching dogs and cats and whatever, but I think he should turn in his Badge and be issued a license as a dog catcher, ... Read More Read More
 
 
elmendorf resident  
elmendorf  
November 19, 2008 12:10pm
 
 
you are all right!!!!!! these peple just want to take advantage of there position to do as they please without looking at there own problems , i believe the chief is being ... Read More Read More
 
 
Irma  
November 19, 2008 12:02pm
 
 
The Chief of Police should not out be catching dogs and checking overgrown lawns, that should be the city's responsibility or home owners.
His dept. is in charge of catching ... Read More Read More
 
 
Stephens  
Elmendorf  
November 19, 2008 8:25am
 
 
I agree with David. Why doesn't the city get their $37,000/yr City Administrator to handle this? I only hope the first citation that goes out is to the Mayor himself for ... Read More Read More
 
 
Paul  
Elmendorf  
November 18, 2008 10:27pm
 
 
Seems like they want him to do most of the work and be a dog catcher while everyone else gets raises and recognition in this city.
 
 
David  
NOT ELMENDORF  
November 18, 2008 4:53pm
 
 
Since when does the Chief of Police enforce building codes and animals and overgrown lots and....How much do you all pay this poor old COP?
 
 
slick  
falls city  
November 18, 2008 2:35pm
 
 
the city of elmendorf wants to incorporate butterfield ranch to get additional tax revenue. but its a known fact, in between their petty bickering, that the city can't even ... Read More Read More
 

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