06-25-12 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE June 25, 2012 4:46 P.M. Committee Members Present: Karen White, Gavin Ferlic, Dr: David Varner, Henry Davis Other Council: Tim Scott, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Oliver Davis, Valerie Schey, Derek Dieter Others Present: Aladean DeRose, Sheri Miller -Story, Kathleen Cekanski - Farrand, Kevin Allen, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Murray Miller, Mark Neal Agenda: Bill No. 25 -12 — Nepotism Bill No. 20 -12 Whistleblower Bill No. 25 -12 is the bill written to comply with requirements of state law taking effect July 1. During its 2012 session the legislature passed an ethics or "anti- nepotism" bill and required all units of government to do the same under the threat of not having their 2013 budgets approved. The main two issues of the bill prohibit direct supervision of public employees by directly related family members. The other focus would prohibit city employees or their family from profiting from government contracts. City Attorney Aladean DeRose made the presentation to the Council P &F Committee. After brief discussion Gavin Ferlic motioned the bill go to Council favorably. David Varner seconded and all affirmed. Bill No. 20 -12 would amend the City Code to afford city employees "whistleblower" protection. In other words it says no elected official, city employee, or appointed person shall retaliate or threaten to retaliate against anyone for "blowing the whistle" on illegal, unethical, or inappropriate conduct. Henry Davis and Karen White co- sponsored the bill with Henry making the presentation. Henry said in light of recent claims of retaliation by supervising officers on the police department the bill was needed now and should be passed forthwith. David Varner and Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski - Farrand asked for a continuance claiming the bill needed more work. She said she would work with the legal department to submit an improved version of the bill. While spirited discussion followed a motion by David Varner seconded by Gavin Ferlic and supported by a majority continued the bill until the meeting of July 23`d. Under miscellaneous Valerie Schey wondered why the monthly rent for the new location for the Human Rights Commission had apparently gone up since the proposal was last made. She was told there would be a full explanation provided at the budget workshop on Wednesday. With that, in the interest of time, and there being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson Karen White adjourned the meeting at 4:06 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, 5 C- -e- -t-, -� Karen White, Chairperson Personnel & Finance Committee