07-22-74 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JULY 22, 1974 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) Mr. Rollin Farrand, Director of the Department of Public Works, stated that the Assistant Building Commissioner in his previous classification was making $13,700. He stated that the Council had cut the salary to $9,866. Councilman Kopczynski felt that a new position was being created whether or not it was needed. Mr. Farrand stated that this individual would be used for inspection and would provide a carryover. Councilman Kopczynski asked if the Building Commissioner did not have the time to absorb those duties. Mr. Farrand stated that the Building Commissioner had many other duties to perform. He felt that the position of the assistant was definitely needed. Councilman Miller wondered if the assistant was a registered architect, and Mr. Farrand indicated that he was not registered but was working toward that degree. He could not become the Building Commissioner until he was registered, according to Mr. Farrand. Councilman Miller made a motion to strike the position of Assistant Building Commissioner, seconded by Councilman Kopczynski. Mr. Farrand requested that the position be retained and, after a brief discussion, Councilman Miller withdrew his motion to strike the position. Councilman Kopczynski stated that any public building must be designed by a registered engineer or architect and then approved by the state. Councilman Parent asked about the total positions for the Assistant Building Commissioner, and Mr. Farrand stated that there was one position paid out of Redevelopment at $13,700 and one position at approximately $9,000. Councilman Kopczynski stated that the present salary of Assistant Building Commissioner was $9,066. He wondered about the $13,700 figure. He stated that the position was proposed to be raised from $9,066 to $13,700, and the Council desired to raise the salary $800 to $9,866. He stated that those positions that were under Redevelopment were gradually being taken over by the city. Councilman Szymkowiak wondered if the Assistant Building Commissioner would do other work for the city, and Mr. Farrand stated that he would do some supervising of the other inspectors and check on the follow through. Councilman Parent made a motion to amend the salary of the Assistant Building Commissioner to $15,070, seconded by Councilman Szymkowiak. The motion lost. Mr. Farrand then talked about the position of Vehicle Maintenance Manager. He stated that this position involved a great deal, including hiring and firing of personnel. Councilman Miller wondered about the office of Personnel Director if the Vehicle Maintenance Manager was doing some of those duties. Councilman Kopczynski briefly talked about the history of the creation of the Division of Transportation. He felt "some shuffling" had been done. He stated that, before the position was created, the Building Maintenance Manager had supervisory duties. When the new posi- tion was created, these duties were taken over. He wondered what the Building Maintenance Manager did. He stated that his salary remained the same, even though some of his duties and responsi- bilities were eliminated. Councilman Miller stated that, last year, the Vehicle Maintenance Manager was created. He stated that many good points have been made regarding that position. He asked that this be reviewed for one year. Mr. Farrand stated that new personnel had not been hire( to fill the position but that an employee had been promoted. Mr. William Hojnacki, Director of the Department of Human Resources and Economic Development, wondered why the position of Administrative Assistant had been deleted. He stated that this would probably be funded by federal funds. He stated, in his defense, that he does not receive the use of a city vehicle and he had accepted his present position at less money than he had been making. Councilman Szymkowiak could not understand why Mr. Hojnacki had come to work for the city if he had been making more money elsewhere. Councilman Parent stated that the approach of the Council was not to bring out the arguments discussed in caucus. He felt that the Council had compromised a great deal in many areas. Mr. Gene Evans, Executive Secretary of the Civic Planning Association, presented a letter to the Council concerning the salary increases of the regular city employees. He stated that the associa tion did not want the Council to adopt a salary ordinance that could not be administered because of a lack of revenue. He urged the Council to increase salaries within the total additional reven which would also cover supplies, equipment and materials. He concluded that the association was concerned about the fiscal responsibility of the city and was not opposed to salary increases Mr. Lantz stated that the Apprentice Radio Technician position was presently filled, and the Counc had deleted that position. He asked that this be reinstated. Council President Nemeth made a motion to replace the position of Apprentice Radio Technician at $7,656, seconded by Councilman Parent. The motion carried. Mrs. Janet Allen, 125 West Marion Street, suggested that the Council not make the amendments until all the comments had been heard and considered. Chairman Newburn stated that the amendments were being made at the present time so that there could be discussion from the audience. He stated tha in the past few months, the Council had been criticized when the amendments had not been made before comments were heard. Mrs. Louvenia Cain, 1207 West Washington Street, supported the position of Director of Human Resources. She stated that Mr. Hojnacki had done a great deal of work and accomplished much in his position, and she hoped that he would be given an adequate increase. She asked that the scope of services be explained because she felt the position was justified. Councilman Szymkowiak state that his only concern regarding that issue was-why Mr. Hojnacki had left a better paying job to co: to the city and then wanted a bigger increase. Mr. Barcome felt that Mr. Hojnacki was very desery of the proposed increase. He also stated that Mr. Lantz's income had been supplemented by Communi Development, and he hoped the Council would re- consider and approve the salary as proposed by the administration. He spoke very highly of Mr. Lantz and his ability. Council President Nemeth made a motion to amend the salary of the Chief Deputy Controller to $15,500, seconded by Councilman Taylor. The motion carried. Miss Virginia Guthrie, Consultant and member of the Board of Directors of the Civic Planning Association, wondered about the position of Auditor in the Bureau of Water. She stated that she he asked that question when the salary ordinance had been introduced and had never received an answer. Mr. Krueper stated that there were three classifications of Auditor. Councilman Parent made a motion to amend the salary of the Director of Human Resources to $17,000, seconded by Councilman Serge. The motion carried. Councilman Miller stated that the scope of services of the director were well known. He stated that the responsibility of the position has grown substantially, particularly in the area of manpower. Basically, Mr. Hojnacki was supervisin a program which the Council had no control over, in Councilman Miller's opinion. He stated that all programs within the city, whether federal or local, should be approved by the Common Council.