01-03-05 Council Organizational Meeting Minutes

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ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING JANUARY 3, 2005 RE-APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL ATTORNEY – 2005 Council President Pfeifer made a motion to reappoint Ms. Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand for a period of three (3) months as the Council Attorney. Council President Pfeifer indicated that because of insufficient time to discuss and get input from other Councilmembers this three (3) month period could serve as time needed to talk to Councilmember’s and ask them what they would like to see in an attorney and she would also like to spend some time with Ms. Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council President Pfeifer indicated that this appointment would be revisited and voted on again. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion. Councilmember Dieter asked for clarification as to whether the appointment can be made for a period of three (3) months or one (1) year. Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand referred to Municipal Code Section 2-3 (b) that the Council shall choose at its first regular meeting their Council Attorney at said meeting. Councilmember Puzzello stated that she did not have prior knowledge of this action- taking place tonight and does not feel comfortable voting on only a three-month appointment. Councilmember Puzzello stated that it has always been prior practice of the South Bend Common Council to appoint the Council Attorney for a year. Councilmember Varner indicated that he would like to see a friendly amendment to Council President Pfeifer’s motion to make the appointment for one (1) year, and revisit and discuss this appointment at the appropriate time in the fall around November or December. Councilmember Varner withdrew his second motion. Council President Pfeifer stated that with all due respect it is the Presidents responsibility, and duty to appoint the Council Attorney subject to the approval of the Council. She further stated that she would like to exercise her right and appoint her for a period of three months and at the end of three months, bring the appointment up again and vote. Council President Pfeifer stated that the Council would have the right to vote today and again in three months after she has had the opportunity to talk to everyone and get input. Then she would like to talk to Kathy about what people have shared with her. Councilmember Pfeifer stated that it has been tradition to appoint the Council Attorney for a one (1) year period, but she believes that there has been some good tradition and some not so good tradition. Council President Pfeifer stated that she believes that this is a good idea and encourages other President’s in the future to really think things over and not just blindly follow tradition. She also stated that Councilmember Rouse, is newly elected and she would like to bring him up to speed. Council President Pfeifer stated that she would like to keep her motion as stated. Councilmember White asked for clarification from President Pfeifer that her motion was to retain Ms. Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand for a period of three (3) months and to revisit and vote on this appointment again in three (3) months. President Pfeifer reiterated that her motion was to reappoint Ms. Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand for a period of three (3) months as the Council Attorney, and at the end of the three months to vote again on this appointment. Councilmember Kelly seconded the motion. The motion carried by a roll call vote of five (5) ayes (Councilmember’s Kelly, Kuspa, Kirsits, White and Pfeifer); four (4) nays (Councilmember’s Dieter, Puzzello, Varner, Kirsits) UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business to come before the Council at this time. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting was adjourned at 5:22 p.m. ATTEST: ATTEST: ___________________________ _________________________ John Voorde, City Clerk Charlotte Pfeifer, President 2