Golf Manor Village executive committee hears police chief will retire; committee moves to executive session

Golf Manor Village’s executive committee was told on Nov. 10 that Police Chief Campbell has announced his retirement, effective Dec. 5, and members voted to enter executive session to discuss employment matters.

Eric, a village staff member, told the committee, “Chief Campbell has announced his retirement effect of December 5.” He said he has reached out to the neighboring jurisdiction of Amberly Village and to Chief Walz, who leads the Hamilton County Police Association, to learn recommended processes for posting the chief’s job and to assemble a panel of other police chiefs to assist with recommendations and interviews. “I have a meeting with him this week, and I will have an update for you for that at the next council meeting,” Eric said.

The announcement followed routine business. The presiding officer opened the executive committee, the group approved the meeting agenda and minutes from the Oct. 20 session, and then discussed whether the chief’s personnel matter belonged before the executive committee or full council. The presiding officer noted that the chief’s personnel matter was characterized as an administrative item at the previous council meeting and not an executive committee agenda item.

On the hiring process, Eric said council members are welcome to participate on any interview panel but that final details and levels of participation had not been set. He told the committee he expects to report back at the next full council meeting with recommended steps and who would participate.

Shortly after the update, the presiding officer moved that the committee enter executive session “to discuss employment of a public employee.” The motion was seconded and the committee took a roll-call vote. The roll call recorded affirmative votes for Mister Fisher, Doctor Fisher, Miss Grimer, Mister Smith and Miss Mayo, after which the presiding officer announced the motion carried and the committee proceeded to executive session.

No formal hiring decisions or candidate names were reported in the public portion of the meeting. The committee’s next public update on the chief’s replacement is expected at the next full council meeting, when staff said it will provide details on the posting, panel makeup and any opportunities for council participation.