08-22-12 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Getting back to the secretarial position Dieter asked if it had been requested Dennis said it was; but was not allowed. Dr. Ferlic asked about special event brunches "breaking even." Dennis allowed the Mother's Day Brunch broke even this year with 483 attendees. Mark Neal then took over to present funds #273, #416, and #450. Dieter urged a continued request for Hotel -Motel Tax funding even with the Football Hall of Fame closing this year. Gary Gilot former Director of Public Works, now contracted for $70.00 hr. as a consultant presented Public Works budgets. He followed the same format as other department heads and was assisted by rather recently appointed City Engineer Mike Meecham. Fourteen separate - Public Works budgets or funds were reviewed. The respective department heads were present to answer any specific questions. Gary seemed to raise the ire of Councilmember's when he led off by recommending the creation of a new position, that being Asst. Director of Public Works with a proposed salary of $94,500 yr. Gary described this position as an operations manager type keeping day to day tabs on various departments and projects. This would free the Director to keep an "eye on the horizon," to take a larger visionary view. Many Council questions followed. Oliver Davis wondered who prioritizes street projects. City Engineer Mecham, acknowledged the need for better communication. Tim Scott wondered why the delay in finding a new Public Works Director. Interviews are continuing was the response. Tim also said the condition of the city's infrastructure, streets and sidewalks, says a lot about a community. He added many folks cannot afford to participate in the current curb and sidewalk programs. Henry Davis said a bigger commitment of dollars to infrastructure was needed. Too many dollars from TIF districts he said were being diverted. Henry also said "school zone" markings promised last year were not completed. David Varner, returning to the new position request, wanted a hierarchical chart and job descriptions to justify the request. Dieter added a request for a chart of positions with names of who held them. He also sought more attention to painting yellow curbs and crosswalks. Tim Scott wanted to know if there was any plan to provide curbs and sidewalks to areas of the City that had none. Henry wondered if more could be accomplished hiring small contractors to do the job. He was told by Gary that "prevailing wage" requirements would nullify potential savings. As time wore on only Central Services and Local Road and Streets presentations were completed. Under Central Services, Derek Dieter said the new 800 MHZ radios provided to police officers as mobile units were also needed in police cars for safety reasons.