: Message View
| Date Received: | 6/24/2025 2:41:36 PM |
| To: | citycomm |
| Cc: | Curry, Cynthia W; Nee, Daniel M; Martin, Michele F |
| From: | Graetz, Laura J |
| Subject: | FW: [EXTERNAL] Please Take Action – Parks and Recreation Employee with Conviction History |
| Attachments: | |
| Message: |
Good afternoon Honorable Mayor and Commissioners-
Per the email you received from Ms. Anderson on 6/23/25, please see the response that was provided to her below.
Thank you,
Laura
Laura Graetz | Director of Human Resources Human Resources Department| City of Gainesville desk 352-393-8713 | cell 352-240-2217 email graetzlj@cityofgainesville.org Note: Under Florida public records law, most written communications to or from City officers and employees regarding City business are public records and are available to the public upon request. Your email communications may be subject to public disclosure.
From: Graetz, Laura J
Ms. Anderson-
Thank you for your email regarding Mr. Patterson. We certainly appreciate your concern.
Mr. Patterson has worked for the city since 2022 having met all requirements for employment, including a background check that disclosed one offense committed more than 25 years ago. Mr. Patterson’s background was extensively vetted by our legal team and it was determined that he was eligible to be hired based on the length of time that had transpired since his offense, and interviews with Mr. Patterson and his previous employer, with whom he had more than 17 years of successful employment with in the private sector.
In accordance with departmental operating procedures, Mr. Patterson works as part of a team, alongside at least one other crew member at all times. There are no instances where this position or crew would interact directly with children.
He remains in good standing and has successfully passed all annual performance evaluations to date.
Based on our extensive review of this situation, it’s the City’s position that his continued employment does not pose a risk to our neighbors.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention.
Laura
Laura Graetz | Director of Human Resources Human Resources Department| City of Gainesville desk 352-393-8713 | cell 352-240-2217 email graetzlj@cityofgainesville.org Note: Under Florida public records law, most written communications to or from City officers and employees regarding City business are public records and are available to the public upon request. Your email communications may be subject to public disclosure.
From: Book, Edwin A <BookEA@cityofgainesville.org>
Director,
FYI - Forwarding - handle as appropriate.
EB |