Police Chief Search
At a glance
- What: the city's recruitment of a permanent Police Chief. Interim Chief Pearson is leading the department meanwhile.
- Where it stands: a resident petition supported one candidate, and on 2026-10-14 the City Manager reported on Police Department and emergency dispatch vacancies. Colonel Jim Baker assists the City Manager with recruitment.
- Next: no decision date appears in the minutes.
Details
- 2026-09-23: Ethan Parke spoke during general business on a petition supporting Michael Philbrick to be the next Police Chief. No Council action.
- 2026-10-08: the City Manager said she would keep consulting Colonel Baker, who also assists with Police Chief recruitment.
- 2026-10-14: the City Manager gave a Police Department and emergency dispatch vacancy report.
Earlier meetings
-
2026-07-08 (item 2026-267): in a Police Department operations update, the City Manager covered the appointment of the Interim Police Chief, recruitment efforts, anticipated overtime costs and regional coordination on staffing shortages (2026-07-08 - City Council). Dave Bellini had raised police staffing, overtime and vacancy savings in public comment.
-
2026-07-08, special meeting (item 2026-282): Councilor Adrienne Gil moved to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for executive search services to recruit a new Police Chief and to approve a budget for incidental travel expenses for candidates; Councilor Sal Alfano seconded; carried unanimously. The minutes give no dollar amount or firm name (2026-07-08 - City Council (special)).
-
2026-08-12: the City Manager reported on the Police Chief recruitment process.
-
2026-08-26: Ethan Parke said he had started a petition supporting Michael Philbrick for the position; Stephen Whitaker also said he felt Mr. Philbrick would be a good choice. The City Manager's report covered the recruitment. No Council action.
-
2026-06-24 (items 2026-249): the City Manager's report covered staffing changes and the interim Police Chief appointment, and executive search services. During general comment Harold McGrath raised the Police Chief's departure (2026-06-24 - City Council).
-
2026-05-27 (item 2026-219): the City Manager spoke briefly on the police chief recruitment process (2026-05-27 - City Council).
Sources
Log
2026-05-27 - City Council
- Brief recruitment mention in the City Manager's report.
2026-06-24 - City Council
- Manager's report on the interim chief appointment and executive search services; no action.
2026-07-08 - City Council (special)
- Executive search contract and candidate travel budget authorized unanimously.
2026-07-08 - City Council
- Manager's update on the interim chief, recruitment and overtime.
2026-08-26 - City Council
- Petition and public comment supporting one candidate; recruitment update.
2026-08-12 - City Council
- Recruitment update in the City Manager's report.
2026-10-14 - City Council
- Vacancy report for the Police Department and emergency dispatch; no action.
2026-10-08 - City Council (special)
- Manager noted Colonel Jim Baker also assists with Police Chief recruitment.
2026-09-23 - City Council
- Petition in support of one candidate presented in public comment.