Lewes police grievance set for September hearing

A hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 10, in the grievance filed by the Lewes police union against the city.

Fraternal Order of Police Labor Lodge 22 claims City Manager Ellen Lorraine McCabe breached the union contract when she hand-selected promotional appointees without the support of administrative staff, and that Lewes Police Chief Tom Spell was ordered to secrecy leading up to the email notification.

Lt. James Locklear was promoted to deputy chief, Sgt. Tyrone Woodyard was promoted to operational lieutenant and Cpl. Rick Schiazza was promoted to sergeant. Spell announced the promotions at the June 9 mayor and city council meeting. The union filed the grievance the next day.

Members of Lodge 22 unanimously passed a no confidence vote against McCabe.

Lodge 22 told the Cape Gazette that their news release outlining the grievance speaks for itself and they will not have any further comment.

Both McCabe and Lewes Mayor and City Council released statements that said they cannot comment because the issue involves personnel matters.

Council’s statement expressed support for McCabe and Spell’s ability to continue to lead their staffs.

Both statements said the agreed-to process by which a grievance is resolved will be followed.

Mayor Amy Marasco said the grievance process is now in Stage 3.

She said mayor and city council and the union have mutually agreed to the Sept. 10 hearing at city hall. The hearing is closed to the public and the media.

Marasco said mayor and city council will act as judge and jury.

“[The union] will tell us their view of the whole thing. Then, we’ll take a break. We’ll identify questions we want to ask them. They can answer those questions, but we don’t anticipate it to be an interactive exchange,” she said. “[Mayor and city council] will then have a separate meeting a couple of days later where we actually deliberate in an executive session.”

Marasco said council’s decision is final.

She said it is not clear whether McCabe and Spell will be present during the hearing.

Marasco said she expects mayor and city council will have a separate meeting with McCabe where she can present her side.

Despite having already stated their support for McCabe and Spell, Marasco said mayor and city council will be able to conduct a fair assessment.

“We support our city manager and chief of police, and respect the role the union plays as well,” she said. “We have begun an interview process to meet with officers, managers and staff to better understand and to clarify concerns, as well as to ask for their input on suggested process improvements going forward. I am confident that this fact-finding process will allow for an unbiased and fair review of the activities.”