Union opposes chief-demotion deal

By John W. Goodwin Jr.

The association deems the former police chief’s greater pay and benefits unfair.

GIRARD — A deal reached between Frank Bigowsky, former police chief, and city officials — ending a series of hearings regarding the chief’s employment — has not made everyone here happy.

The Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association has filed an unfair-labor-practice charge with the State Employment Relations Board regarding the deal, which was reached in early September.

Under the terms of the agreement with Bigowsky, he agreed to accept a temporary, voluntary reduction to the rank of a patrol officer. The length of the reduction will be limited to how long it takes to fill the chief’s position permanently or Jan. 1, 2009, whichever comes first. During the time he is a patrolman, Bigowsky will be considered an acting captain awaiting formal promotion and receive captain’s pay.

Upon the permanent appointment of a new chief or Jan. 1, 2009, Bigowsky, under the agreement, will be appointed to the position of captain and will not be required to take a competitive promotional exam.

The unfair-labor-practice filing says the deal with Bigowsky is unfair in nature.

“The employer entered into a separate contract with a member of the patrol bargaining unit, which gives him greater pay and benefits than the other members of the unit. The employer has engaged in direct dealing with Patrolman Frank Bigowsky and has bypassed the exclusive representative,” the complaint said.

The city operates with five captains in the police department. Three captains, by way of exam, were promoted earlier this year. Detective Greg Manente was fourth on the list for a promotion and, presumably, next in line when a captain’s position would become available.

Manente would not comment on the situation.

Mayor James Melfi said the city will wait for the complaint to go through the normal review process.

“This will go through the process and if upheld, the former chief may remain as a patrolman with acting captain’s pay,” he said.

Bigowsky was demoted from chief to patrolman after charges he taught private classes while on city time, engaged in conduct that undermines the civil service hiring process and disregarded a valid direct order to meet daily with the mayor. Bigowsky fought the demotion but came to an agreement with the city, putting the issue to rest.

Under terms of the agreement, the city and Bigowsky also agreed to withdraw any complaints filed by either side, and Bigowsky agreed not to seek the position of chief of police in the city again.

jgoodwin@vindy.com