Brockport mayor and police
chief to schedule talk about contract

A meeting will be scheduled "shortly" between Brockport's chief of police and Mayor Mort Wexler. "As we discussed and per the resolution (made at the August 15 board meeting) the chief and I will be sitting down to discuss a salary and benefits package," Wexler said.

The meeting is a result of the board's 3-2 decision to revoke Chief Dan Varrenti's 10-year contract with the village. Wexler, Trustees Maria Castaneda and Mary Jo Nayman approved the contract's dissolution while Trustees Carrie Maziarz and David Wagenhauser opposed the move.

The police chief's contract, approved by the previous board of trustees and mayor, was signed in April 2002.

Wexler acknowledged that coming to an agreement will be difficult but he said he ran his campaign on "making village government more affordable" and attempting to renegotiate the contract is one of the first steps.

"I don't know how much wiggle room we have when you talk about civil service law," Wexler said. "But what I want to offer is a compensation package similar to what other chiefs make."

Under civil service law, Wexler said the chief's salary cannot be lowered but village officials will be discussing other parts of the compensation package.

"To rescind the contract wasn't difficult but putting a new package into place could cause a great deal of problems," Wexler said. "But this is something we have to do. At the end of 10 years, this contract could cost the village in excess of $1 million."

When asked about the potential for hefty legal fees - an issue that has long plagued the village - Wexler said, "We can't be afraid to do the right thing just because it might cost us money to get it resolved."

He said he hopes the situation will be resolved quickly.

"We represent the village taxpayers and I hope all five board members realize that," Wexler said. "Some board members say they don't want to spend money to fight the contract but we don't have a magic wand to wave and make it go away."

Wexler hopes the contract discussions won't come to a court battle but said if the chief wants to fight it in court that would be his call. If the contract matter becomes a court matter, Wexler said it will be out of everyone's hands.

"We won't be offering Chief Varrenti anything less than any other chief is getting under civil service law," he said, adding that the chief will remain employed by the village. "The argument here is dollars and benefits - that's what we are talking about - not employment."

Village officials can't be afraid to do the right thing, Wexler said.

"In my mind the contract that exists right now is not the right thing. It's not affordable for the village taxpayers," he said. "I think both sides want an agreement to be reached."

When called for a comment on the contract matter, Varrenti said, "I don't want to say or do anything that could prevent an amicable resolution to this matter."

Wexler said he knows if the contract issue goes before the courts there will be hard feelings in the community and the board will likely be divided on the matter.

"I understand the process and we just have to wait to see what happens next," Wexler said.