Solid Waste Division actions taken
A comprehensive investigation by the City of Redding into improper conduct by some Solid Waste Division employees has resulted in disciplinary action against nine employees and “counseling memos” about City policy for 19 others.
The wide-ranging investigation was prompted by allegations that some Solid Waste employees had scavenged items that were discarded at the City Transfer Station on Abernathy Lane. City policy specifically prohibits employees from scavenging removing items from the normal waste stream for personal benefit. The inquiry involved multiple interviews over a span of several weeks, concluding with the disciplinary actions, said Bob Russell, Director of Municipal Utilities.
Larry Miralles, Solid Waste Division Manager, chose to retire, effective June 27, 2008, following allegations that he was paid by a City vendor for assembling waste containers on personal time but did not complete the work. Results of a Redding Police Department investigation were forwarded to the Shasta County District Attorney’s office, which chose not to file charges. The amount in question, $932, was reimbursed. The issue of possible scavenging by employees surfaced during the investigation into Miralles’ activities.
As a result of the investigation into scavenging, one employee has resigned and another has been terminated. One of those employees is now the subject of a Redding Police Department investigation into possible theft of metal that had salvage value. It is estimated the value of the metal is less than $400.
Five employees have received one-week suspensions from the job without pay and a sixth worker received a two-week suspension. Another employee has received notification of demotion. All of the punishments centered on allegations of excessive scavenging of dumped items in violation of City Solid Waste Division policy, Russell said. Such items included discarded hot tubs, televisions and barbecues.
Nineteen additional employees received counseling memos for conduct that involved keeping dumped items for personal use. Items included such things as broken tools, discarded household fans, rags and dumped produce.
The report surrounding the investigation remains confidential at this time and until the employee disciplinary process is completed. At that time, appropriate documents will be released, said City Attorney Rick Duvernay.
Once it became aware of possible improper conduct, the City acted swiftly and decisively to determine if there was any breach of City policy or improper behavior in the Solid Waste Division, said City Manager Kurt Starman. It also has been proactive in ensuring that none occurs in the future. He noted that the Solid Waste Division is under new management and employees have been counseled on City policies relating to scavenging. “The City takes even the slightest breach in proper conduct extremely seriously,” Starman said. “We are satisfied that the actions we have taken are appropriate and will ensure the public’s continued confidence in the Solid Waste Utility.” Starman said the
City was making public the results of the investigation, including the number of employees receiving counseling memos, in the interest of full transparency.
“We have many hardworking, productive employees within the City ranks,” Starman said. “City employees receive fair pay and benefits in return for a fair day’s work. We
expect City employees to perform the work they are paid to do. Anything less is a violation of the public trust and is simply unacceptable.”
