Is a root canal easier for some City Council members than a motion in support of Coatesville PD Chief Laufer?

There seems to have been a painful reluctance on the part of some Coatesville City Council members to recognizing the good work of Coatesville Police Chief John Laufer:

Minutes - At the Coatesville City Council Meeting June 26, 2017 

Marie Hess Lawson Vice President of Coatesville City Council led the meeting.

President Arvilla Hunt was not in attendance.

"Chief Laufer thanked his family, Council, staff, the Police Department for the Proclamation. It was a total surprise to him. He stated he cannot do what he does without the dedication all the members of the Police Department, we all work each and every day and pull together.  He thanked everyone for their support in the past 4 1/2 years.  He looks forward to  getting up in the morning and going to work.  Mr. Trio thanked the Chief for his service and stated the Chief has been a great resource to him."

"Mrs. Green explained that Mr. Simpson presented this to Council in appreciation for all that the Chief does. The City Council unanimously support you in your leadership."

“Mr. Simpson asked for a motion of support for the Chief. Mr. Carnes stated the item would need to be added to the agenda. To add to agenda we need more specifics. Mr. Simpson asked for the item to be changed to add as an action item. Ms. Green states she is not understanding what we are adding to the agenda. Is this a Resolution or Proclamation? Mr. Carnes explained it is a motion of support not a Resolution."

"Ms. Lavender-Norris explained that with regard to it being put on the agenda, she is not sitting here to play politics and not here to further no City agenda. The appreciation for the Chief goes without saying. When it comes around to me. I say no." 

"Ms. Green stated does not understand is it a Proclamation or a Resolution. Mr. Carnes explained we just had a proclamation, now we are adding support. The naming is just another name for the same thing. It is just a motion of support for the Chief."

"Vice President Lawson explained the way we vote is only to add to the agenda. *It is no indication that we do or do not support our Chief. “

* Note the lawyerly language. So maybe we “do not support our Chief.”

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“Mr. Simpson made a motion to add action item #5 support for the chief: Mr. Hamrick seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-1. Mrs. Lavender-Norris was the dissenting vote.”

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"Regular Action Items

"1. Receive and consider Resolution of SupportVice President Lawson explained the Resolution of support was originally intent of Mr. Simpson before it was changed to a Proclamation. The name of position was not added due to the surprise for the Chief. When Mr. Simpson asked about the Resolution.  He was told it was deleted from the agenda. Mrs. Lavender-Norris stated we did show our appreciation for the chief, do we need to do this. Mrs. Green was confused on the Resolution versus Proclamation."

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“5. Receive and consider support for the police chief

Ms. Green asked if it was a Resolution. Mr. Carnes explained it is just a motion of support.Mr. Simpson made a motion of support for Police Chief John Laufer, Mr. Hamrick seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-1. Ms. Lavender-Norris was the dissenting vote.”

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Council Comments

"Mrs. Green stated to the Chief that she supports him 100%, She was just a little confused on what they were voting for earlier."

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"Mrs. Jones thanked everyone for attending the meeting. She thanked all the department heads for all you do. Mr. Trio keep up the good work. I have special kudos, roses, guns and everything for Chief Laufer. I can't say enough about him and all his endeavors. I'll continue to sing his praises. She quoted 'What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for other and the world remains and is immortal."

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“Mr. Simpson clarified this is the first time a proclamation has been presented without voting. He asked Mr. Carnes to let him know whether or not we can present a proclamation without a motion. Every Proclamation has been voted for and approved except for today. He was told the Resolution was pulled from the agenda."

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Vice President Lawson thanked everyone for attending the meeting...Chief, I cannot thank you enough for what you do for us residents on a daily basis and the leadership as you can see the guys feed off that and you can see a huge difference in the department. I appreciate you..."

THIS IS THE PROCLAMATION. DID THEY REALLY MEAN IT? IS THIS A DIVERSION?

AS FAR AS I CAN TELL THIS IS THE ONLY PLACE YOU CAN SEE THE PROCLAMATION: