HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-24-13 Personnel & FinancePERSONNEL & FINANCE JUNE 24, 2013 5:33 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Dr. David Varner, Valerie Schey, Karen White, Henry Davis Jr.
Citizen Members Present: Jack Smith
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Oliver Davis, Gavin Ferlic, Derek Dieter
Others Present: Phil St. Clair, Mark Neal, Pat Fenters, Dave Nufer, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, George
King
Agenda: Bill No. 23 -13 Appropriation — New Employee
Bill No. 24 -13 Amend Wages for 2013
Bill No. 25 -13 Amend Wages for 2013
The three items on the agenda of Dr. David Varner's Personnel and Finance Committee all dealt with
adding funding a new position and measurably increasing the salary scale of two others.
Dr. Varner with all committee members present asked Mark Nufer, City Controller to make the
presentations.
The position was for a diversity compliance officer who would work under the Director of Purchasing to
foster minority business participation on contracts to provide goods and services to the city. These bills,
were discussed on June 10th, but could not be voted on until June 24th due to advertising requirements.
Bill 23 -13 would create the position and 24 -13 would fund it for the rest of the year.
Mark Neal and George King explained the purpose and intent of the position as they had on June 10th.
In the Council comment period Henry Davis was critical of the request. He said the position was not
necessary of the city had been serious about increasing minority participation all along. In addition, if a
position was created to monitor progress it should be an independent third party like Trinal. Given the
fact that we already have a contract with them to consult, why don't we let them?
Valerie Schey who asked about the length of the Trinal contract at the June 10th meeting said she was
happy to report our 3 year contract with Trinal was actually a year to year based on funding. She added
the position was created; the council should get regular progress reports.
Karen White said she supports the resolution saying we would be better off having a person "in house"
to work with.
Henry Davis suggested by working with the Human Rights Commission to meet federal and state
mandates we could preclude the need for a new position.
Ultimately Valerie Schey motioned bill 23 -13 creating the position be sent to council favorably. Karen
White seconded and all but Henry Davis supported. Bill 24 -13 funding the position was sent favorably
after a motion by Karen White seconded by Valerie Schey and supported by all except Henry Davis.
The last item on the agenda bill 25 -13 raises the salary level of two positions - Zoo Director and Zoo
Veterinarian. Both the Mayor and the Controller spoke to the necessity of doing this now so these
positions could be filled with good people prior to handing the zoo management over to the Zoological
Society next year.
During public comment Dave Nufer from the Zoological Society underlined the need to have good
people in position for the transition. Citing the inadequate pay levels over her twenty -four (24) years
with the zoo Pat Fenters said the zoo has had seven (7) vets in that twenty -four (24) year period. Phil St.
Clair, Park Superintendent said zoo Directors come and go and it is usually a low salary issue. He said
management of the zoo needs to be stabilized.
After a few more Council comments Henry Davis motioned the bill be sent to full council favorably.
Valerie Schey seconded and all supported.
Dr. Varner adjourned at 6:02 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
ar. a-vii arner. Chairperson
Personnel & Finance Committee