East Dundee police chief removed from position

East Dundee Village President Jerry Bartels has relieved Police Chief Terry Mee of his duties, a decision that could be short-lived if a majority of the village board rejects the move at a special meeting planned for later this week.

In an e-mail Friday afternoon to board members, village staff and legal counsel, Bartels said he released Mee as police chief and named Lt. Michael Blahnik, a department veteran, as acting police chief.

"Per our ongoing executive session discussions regarding staff, I have released Chief Mee of his duties as East Dundee police chief today," Bartels wrote. "As of 4 p.m. today Lt. Michael Blahnik assumed the role of acting police chief."

As a result of the action, Bartels scheduled an executive session meeting for 7 p.m. Friday, July 30, at village hall, 120 Barrington Ave.

Bartels did not immediately return calls for comment.

Trustees said they are waiting to hear Bartels' rationale for removing Mee, and questioned if the village president has the authority to fire or promote appointed officials without the advice and consent of the village board.

"I am looking forward to an explanation as much as anyone," Trustee Lael Miller said. "The only thing I have seen was in the e-mail to trustees."

Although an explanation was not given in the e-mail, some board members said Bartels used the village's faltering financial situation as a reason for removing Mee, who took over as chief in 2006. Mee's salary is $97,344 as chief and Blahnik, who began his career with the department almost 27 years ago, makes $87,048. He was named a lieutenant about nine years ago.

"He is suggesting it is a financial issue, and it isn't," Trustee Jeff Lynam said. "There is nothing financial about it. It is another example of Jerry governing by agenda. The benefit and interest of East Dundee and her residents come second to his agenda."

Lynam said the reasons are baseless.

"There is absolutely no cause," Lynam said. "The only way you can fire someone is for a dereliction of duty, a deficiency of skill set or insubordination. There has been none of that."

Others, though, support the village president in trying to save the village money by trimming from the top ranks.

"We can't go on taxing residents and raising water rates," said Trustee Michael Ruffulo, who called the East Dundee administration "top heavy".

"The mayor has determined that a lieutenant can run this department and save the village $150,000," he said.

Trustees say Bartels likely is using the Illinois Municipal Code that states the village president may remove any officer appointed by the village president on any written charge if the interests of the village demand removal. Those charges must be reported to the village board, which may overturn the decision by a two-thirds vote. In East Dundee, where Bartels casts a vote, five board members must disapprove of the removal to reverse the village president's decision. The officer would then be restored to the office from which he was removed.

Mee, who was recently named a certified chief of police, said his removal as chief came as a surprise.

"This was not something that I had any reason to anticipate," Mee said.

If he is reinstated, Mee said he would return with a "full commitment."