Placement: New Business
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Approval of Proposed Chief of Police Employment Agreement between the City of Port St. Lucie and Leon “Leo” Niemczyk
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Submitted By: Jesus Merejo, City Manager
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a high-performing city government organization.
Executive Summary (General Business): Approval of the proposed Employment Agreement between the City and Leon “Leo” Niemczyk outlining the terms and conditions of employment.
Presentation Information: City staff will be available to answer any questions the Council may have.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve the Employment Agreement.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve the Employment Agreement.
2. Move that the Council provide direction.
Background: After careful consideration, I am pleased to announce the selection of Assistant Chief Leon “Leo” Niemczyk as the Chief of Police for the City of Port St. Lucie. Leo has extensive experience in law enforcement, leadership skills, and a clear commitment to community engagement that make him the ideal candidate for this position. I am confident that he will lead the department with integrity and a focus on enhancing public safety. In the role of Police Chief, Leo will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the police department, developing policies and programs, and fostering relationships within the community. I look forward to his innovative approach and vision for the future of our police department.
Issues/Analysis: I am respectfully requesting the Council’s approval of the proposed Employment Agreement, pursuant to Section 32.71 of the Code of Ordinances which sets forth City regulations concerning the Police Chief (attached for ease). The proposed Employment Agreement is the standard template employment agreement utilized for department directors throughout the City. The key elements of the agreement are as follows: (1) the Chief of Police is an at-will contractual employee; (2) the proposed effective date is November 6, 2024; (3) the term of the agreement will be for a 2-year period. Extensions are automatic unless either party notifies the other of the desire to renegotiate or terminate the agreement on sixty (60) days’ prior written notice; (4) the proposed salary is $211,792.46. Upon successful completion of the probationary period, the salary will increase by 5%; and (5) severance pay of twenty weeks is applicable in instances of termination without cause. In instances of termination with cause, severance pay would not be applicable.
Financial Information: Annual salary of $211,792.46. Upon successful completion of the probationary period, annual salary will increase to $222,382.08.
Special Consideration: Assistant Chief Niemczyk has served the City of Port St. Lucie as a dedicated officer with the Port St. Lucie Police Department since October 2002. Since that time, Leo has served in a variety of roles within the Police Department including, but not limited to, the Neighborhood Policing Bureau, Criminal Investigations Division, and District Support Division. Additionally, in his time with the PSLPD, he founded the Peer Support Team, Critical Incident Stress Management program, and was the first to command the drone/UAV unit. Leo has served in the capacity as Assistant Chief since November 2023. Attached, please find Assistant Chief Niemczyk’s complete bio.
Location of Project: N/A
Attachments:
1. Section 32.71, Port St. Lucie Code of Ordinances.
2. Proposed Employment Agreement.
3. Exhibit A to Employment Agreement - Chief of Police Job Description.
4. Assistant Chief Leo Niemczyk’s bio.
5. Oath of Office.
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 24292-05
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Richard Berrios, City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.