Before taking on the question of how to recruit and retain more police officers, the Menlo Park City Council, at its Sept. 11 meeting, will consider a proposed settlement between the city and three former police officers suing the city on the basis of racial discrimination.
In a closed session meeting at 5 p.m., the council will consider a settlement between three former black officers who allege they were harassed and discriminated against by Sgt. Ron Prickett when working for the city’s police department.
City Attorney Bill McClure said the two sides agreed to a tentative settlement agreement during a meeting on Aug. 31. He would not comment on, or disclose details of, the settlement.
Mr. McClure said if the council approves the settlement during the closed session, Mayor Kelly Fergusson will announce the decision at the beginning of the council meeting, which begins at 5:30 p.m. for a study session on a fire sprinkler ordinance and at 7 p.m. for the regular meeting.
In a lawsuit filed with the San Mateo County Court in October, former officers Keith Butler, Joe Hinkston and Kenneth Clayton allege that Sgt. Prickett “created an intimidating, hostile, abusive and offensive working environment” through a number of actions, including placing white-supremacist images in the workplace and calling their attention to them.
The three officers worked under Sgt. Prickett after he was promoted to patrol sergeant in July 2005.
City Council members have had little to say about the case, often deferring questions to Police Chief Bruce Goitia. Earlier this year, the chief said “outside counsel” has already looked into allegations made by the former officers, and after a six-month investigation, it was determined there were no signs of racism or a hostile work environment in the police department.
A jury trial for the lawsuit is tentatively set to begin Nov. 26.
