HomeMy Public PortalAbout07-20-1987 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RICHMOND,INDIANA,JULY 201987
1 The Common Council of the City of Richmond, Indiana met in regular session July 20 1987 at the hour of
2 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers in said City. President Brookbank presided with the following
3 Councilmembers present: Elstro, Williams, Hankinson, Whitesell, Parker, Hutton, Morris and Theobald.
4 Absent:None. The following business was had to-wit:
5
6 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
7
8 SILENT DEVOTIONS
9
10 APPROVAL OF CORRECTED MINUTES OF JULY 6,1987
11
12 Councilmember Hankinson requested the minutes of the previous meeting be corrected to reflect his
13 attendance at part of the meeting.
14
15 Councilmember Whitesell moved to correct the minutes of July 6, 1987 to reflect the attendance of
16 Councilmember Hankinson during a portion of the meeting, seconded by Councilmember Hankinson and on
17 unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
18
19 Councilmember Morris moved to approve the minute of July 6, 1987 as corrected, seconded by
20 Councilmember Whitesell and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
21
22 COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR
23
24 Mayor Frank H.Waltermann presented a letter from the Department of the Army regarding the naming of the
25 US Army Reserve Center. Mayor said the center is now at its new location and the Department of Army is
26 asking the community to assist in naming the center. They suggested it might be a deceased member of the
27 community with distinguished public service. Mayor Waltermann asked that suggestions be submitted to
28 his office the first week in August so he can forward it to the appropriate person.
29
30 Mayor Waltermann gave the Oath of Office to James R. Kinnett, II and introduced him to the Council. Mr.
31 Kinnett is the new Economic Development Director.
32
33 Mayor Waltermann presented the Council the plaque presented to the City by the President of the United
34 States for the All American City Award. He stated how fortunate Richmond was to have been selected.
35 Mayor Waltermann said the Richmond delegation took the new city bus and were welcomed upon their arrival
36 by Congressman Sharp and his staff. Mayor Waltermann said Nan Halsey received the plaque for the
37 delegation.
38
39 Mayor Waltermann also announced that Dan Mills sister died while Dan was in Washington with the
40 delegation and he personally wanted to thank Dan for his dedication and to extend his sympathy.
41
42 Councilmember Hutton added she enjoyed the trip and the uplifting spirit of the event.
43
44 REPORT FROM BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY
45
46 Councilmember Elstro asked about repair of the C&O railroad tracks on South L, M and N Streets and Mr.
47 Ralph Willis said they were doing some work with the railroad in connection with a siding to a new business
48 and he would investigate getting repairs done.
49
50 Councilmember Williams asked about a business located on West Main Street selling fire works and
51 commented that it had no parking available. He asked why it was approved for a residential area and having
52 no parking available. He said customers are using other businesses' lots in the area and ruining these other
53 businesses. He said this situation needs to be corrected. He said he thought it had to be located in a
54 commercial building in an industrial zone and the off street parking available at this location is just not
55 adequate.
56
57 Mr. Dan Dooley said he had had a conversation with the persons operating the business. Mr. Dooley
58 explained that the existing business was a commercial use with non-conforming use for the off street paring.
59 He said since the new business assumed an existing location it was not required to have the off street
60 parking. Mr. Dooley said if it had been a new building it would have had to furnish parking based on a square
61 footage.
62
63 Councilmember Hutton asked if the business was retail or wholesale and Mr. Dooley said it needs to be retail
64 under the C-2 zoning and they have provided an affidavit that they are retail. Mr. Dooley said they have
65 done an inspection of the stock to verify the retail.
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Common Council Minutes Cont'd
July 20, 1987
Page 2
1 Mr. Dooley said they have also checked with the State Fire Marshall and they are selling Class C Fireworks
2 and the explosive materials are small and not considered hazardous.
3
4 REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES
5
6 PARK BOARD
7
8 Councilmember Hutton announced that a decision had been made by the Park Board to not pursue locating
9 the proposed new SWAG in the South 10th Street Park. She said they are now requesting the public add
10 their input to assist with other possible locations.
11
12 Councilmember Williams suggested they investigate Glen Hills School.
13
14 REPORTS FROM OTHER COUNCIL COMMITTEES
15
16 HUMAN RELATIONS ORDINANCE
17
18 Councilmember Morris reported the Citizen Advisory Committee for the Human Relations Ordinance had met
19 on July 16, 1987 and had not yet reached any consensus. She said they will be meeting in the middle of
20 August for further discussions.
21
22 ORDINANCES
23
24 ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
25
26 Councilmember Morris moved to suspend the rules and read Ordinances No.38,39, 40, 41 and 42-1987 on
27 first reading by title only, seconded by Councilmember Elstro and on unanimous voice vote the motion was
28 carried.
29
30 ORDINANCE NO.38-1987
31
32 The Clerk read on first reading by title only Ordinance No.34-1987-AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER
33 154 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE, BEING ORDINANCE NO. 2325-1968, COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE
34 ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND, INDIANA PROVIDING FOR THE REZONING OF
35 PROPERTY LOCATED AT 317 SOUTH 4TH STREET FROM R-3 ONE-TO-EIGHT FAMILY RESIDENCE
36 DISTRICT TO R-3 SU ONE-TO-EIGHT FAMILY RESIDENCE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT AND AUTHORIZING
37 THE SPECIAL USE OF SAID PROPERTY TO PERMIT THE PLACEMENT OF A CANDLE SHOP AND TAX
38 SERVICE OFFICE.
39
40 President Brookbank announced the ordinance would be assigned to the Plan Commission for advertised
41 public hearing.
42
43 ORDINANCE NO.39-1987
44
45 The Clerk read on first reading by title only Ordinance No. 39-1987 - AN ORDINANCE TO TRANSFER
46 WITHIN THE GENERAL FUND.
47
48 Councilmember Elstro moved to suspend the rules and move Ordinance No. 39-1987 to second reading,
49 seconded by Councilmember Williams and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
50
51 The Clerk read Ordinance No.39-1987 on second reading.
52
53 President Brookbank announced Ordinance No.39-1987 was on public hearing.
54
55 City Controller, Marge Sweet explained the transfer was to cover insurance costs for the City Attorney since
56 he had changed to a family plan.
57
58 There being no further comment, Councilmember Elstro moved for engrossment, seconded by
59 Councilmember Parker and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
60
61 Councilmember Williams moved to suspend the rules and move Ordinance No. 39-1987 to third and final
62 reading and read by title only, seconded by Councilmember Hutton and on unanimous voice vote the motion
63 was carried.
64
65 The Clerk read Ordinance No.39-1987 on third and final reading by title only.
55
Common Council Minutes Cont'd
July 20, 1987
Page 3
1 Ordinance No.39-1987 was adopted on the following call of the roll:
2
3 Ayes: Elstro,Williams, Hankinson,Whitesell, Parker, Hutton, Morris,Theobald and Brookbank (9)
4 Nays: None
5
6 ORDINANCE NO.40-1987
7
8 The Clerk read on first reading by title only Transfer Ordinance No.40-1987-AN ORDINANCE TO TRANSFER
9 WITHIN THE GENERAL FUND.
10
11 Councilmember Morris moved to suspend the rules and move Ordinance No. 36-1987 to second reading,
12 seconded by Councilmember Parker and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
13
14 The Clerk read Ordinance No.40-1987 on second reading.
15
16 President Brookbank announced Ordinance No.40-1987 was on public hearing.
17
18 City Controller, Marge Sweet explained to the Council that the transfer was for the Police Liability and was
19 not a budgeting problem, but rather an increase in rates and was also the only policy available for the
20 insurance. She said that 10,000. of the premium had been paid from the Board of Works account.
21
22 There being no further discussion, Councilmember Elstro moved for engrossment of Ordinance No.40-1987,
23 seconded by Councilmember Whitesell and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
24
25 Councilmember Parker moved to suspend the rules and move Ordinance No. 40-1987 to third and final
26 reading and read by title only, seconded by Councilmember Williams and on unanimous voice vote the motion
27 was carried.
28
29 The Clerk read Ordinance No.40-1987 on third and final reading by title only.
30
31 Ordinance No.40-1987 was adopted on the following call of the roll:
32
33 Ayes: Elstro,Williams, Hankinson,Whitesell, Parker, Hutton ,Morris,Theobald and Brookbank (9)
34 Nays: None
35
36 ORDINANCE NO.41-1987
37
38 The Clerk read on first reading by title only Transfer Ordinance No.41-1987-AN ORDINANCE TO TRANSFER
39 WITHIN THE GENERAL FUND.
40
41 Councilmember Morris moved to suspend the rules and move Ordinance No. 36-1987 to second reading,
42 seconded by Councilmember Whitesell and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
43
44 The Clerk read Ordinance No.41-1987 on second reading.
45
46 President Brookbank announced Ordinance No.41-1987 was on public hearing.
47
48 City Controller, Marge Sweet explained to the Council the transfer was to cover supplies, including janitorial,
49 for central stores.
50
51 Councilmember Hankinson asked by this was not covered in the budget and Purchasing Director, Rita Stout
52 stated she had not planned the budget last year. She said it should have been increased to maintain like
53 purchases in central stores.
54
55 Councilmember Hankinson asked about the sales in central stores replenishing the budget and Marge Sweet
56 explained the sales to the departments do not just supplement the inventory, but also pay for the operations
57 of the rest of the department.
58
59 Mayor Waltermann said the fund should be established as a service fund so the money does revolve, but it is
60 not set up that way currently.
61
62 Ms. Stout also explained that they do not get back all the funds at once after making a bulk purchase and
63 she is anticipating central stores to grow.
64
65 Councilmember Whitesell commented that it was merely a cash flow problem.
Common Council Minutes Cont'd
July 20, 1987
Page 4
1 There being no further discussion, Councilmember Hankinson moved for engrossment of Ordinance No. 41-
2 1987,seconded by Councilmember Whitesell and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
3
4 Councilmember Whitesell moved to suspend the rules and move Ordinance No. 41-1987 to third and final
5 reading and read by title only, seconded by Councilmember Morris and on unanimous voice vote the motion
6 was carried.
7
8 The Clerk read Ordinance No.41-1987 on third and final reading by title only.
9
10 Ordinance No.41-1987 was adopted on the following call of the roll:
11
12 Ayes: Elstro,Williams, Hankinson,Whitesell, Parker, Hutton ,Morris,Theobald and Brookbank (9)
13 Nays: None
14
15 ORDINANCE NO.42-1987
16
17 The Clerk read on first reading by title only Ordinance No. 42-1987 - AN ORDINANCE RATIFYING THE
18 SALARIES,WAGES AND POSITIONS FOR APPOINTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE RICHMOND
19 SANITARY DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 1988 AND ENDING DECEMBER31,
20 1988 AS ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF SANITARY COMMISSIONERS.
21
22 Councilmember Morris commented that the Mayor requested the Ordinance be held on first reading for
23 further study and so moved to retain Ordinance No. 42-1987 on first reading, seconded by Councilmember
24 Theobald and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
25
26 Councilmember Whitesell asked that the Council could do except pass the resolution of the Sanitary
27 Commissioners ad Mr. Barden explained the Mayor could make recommendations the Council could act
28 upon.
29
30 President Brookbank said they would consider the Ordinance on July 27, 1987 at athe RP&L Service
31 Building immediately following the regular RP&L meeting.
32
33 ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
34
35 APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE NO.35-1987
36
37 The Clerk read Appropriation Ordinance No. 35-1987 on second reading - AN ORDINANCE TO
38 APPROPRIATE WITHIN THE PARK NON-REVERTING FUND.
39
40 Mr. Barden examined the Proof of Publication and found it to be in order. Councilmember Hankinson moved
41 to accept and file the Proof of Publication, seconded by Councilmember Williams and on unanimous voice
42 vote the motion was carried.
43
44 President Brookbank announced the Ordinance was on public hearing.
45
46 Councilmember Whitesell asked for an explanation and Park Superintendent Nancy MacCartney explained it
47 was for the purchase of 1/3 of an acre on Sim Hodgin to complete an area in the Gorge Park. Ms.
48 MacCartney said the price wa 685.00 and will be paid for from the Park Non-Reverting fund.
49
50 There being no further discussion, Councilmember Hankinson moved for engrossment of Ordinance No.35-
51 1987, seconded by Councilmember Elstro and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
52
53 Councilmember Elstro moved to suspend the rules and move Ordinance No. 35-1987 to third and final
54 reading and read by title only, seconded by Councilmember Whitesell and on unanimous voice vote the
55 motion was carried.
56
57 The Clerk read Ordinance No.35-1987 on third and final reading by title only.
58
59 Ordinance No.35-1987 was adopted on the following call of the roll:
60
61 Ayes: Elstro,Williams, Hankinson,Whitesell, Parker, Hutton ,Morris,Theobald and Brookbank (9)
62 Nays: None
63
64 AMENDED ORDINANCE NO.37-1987
65
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Common Council Minutes Cont'd
July 20, 1987
Page 5
1 The Clerk read on second reading by title only Amended Ordinance No.37-1987-AN ORDINANCE SETTING
2 TOTAL REGULAR WAGES AND POSITIONS FOR APPOINTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY
3 OF RICHMOND, INDIANA EXCEPT FOR MEMBERS OF THE POLICE AND FIRE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
4 UNITS, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 1988 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1988,
5 APPROVING THE ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION TO CERTAIN APPOINTED OFFICIALS OF THE CITY, ,
6 WHO PREFORM SERVICES FOR THE CITY, OTHER THAN GOVERNMENTAL, WHICH SERVICES ARE
7 CONNECTED WITH THE OPERATION OF THE MUNICIPALLY OWNED UTILITY OR FUNCTIONS.
8
9 President Brookbank announced Amended Ordinance No.37-1987 was on public hearing.
10
11 Councilmember Morris made the following comments:
12
13 The Clerical and Labor positions contained within the 1988 Salary Ordinance have been reduced in number
14 from the 1987 Salary Ordinance. To retrain replacements would cost, as per employment standards,
15 including benefits on a starting salary of 11,138. would be 7,169. This includes 5,569 in six months
16 downtime expense plus 1,600. in benefits. Additionally supervisory time for a police major making 28,222
17 would be 25%for the first two months as opposed to a normal 10%supervisory time costing an additional
18 471. The position of Special Investigation Secretary was vacant for 1 and 1/2 months after creation. Fifteen
19 people were interviewed and three qualified applicants refused the job because of salary. The Office
20 Manager position for the Park Department was advertised twice before a qualified applicant was hired. Four
21 applicants rejected the job based on salary.
22
23 As private sector positions expand,the situation will worsen.
24
25 Most positions are still not at midpoint. These salaries were so low at implementation of the personnel policy,
26 the City could not afford to bring them to their lowest point.
27
28 Positions funded by grants come from federal and state appropriations which are lump sum moneys. If these
29 funds are not used by the City of Richmond the money does not revert back to the general fund of the State
30 or Federal treasury, but it rolls over, i.e it will go to Kokomo.
31 Any cuts in grant positions will not reduce the national debt by one cent or save any taxpayer anywhere.
32
33 The lowliest of salaries result in the lowliest increases.
34
35 The bottom line of the cuts that could be made given a 10% feeling is 57,498., without the Horticulturist
36 position the reductions in salaries is 37,498. With two positions of Promenade Maintenance not being filled
37 in the Park that makes the reductions in salaries 15,096.00. Savings to the tax levy amount to 4,843.00
38 which is .0027 cents on the tax levy. Savings to Grant positions amount to 1,040., savings to Off Street
39 Parking amount to 1,744., savings to Public Transit amount to 1,662., savings to Airport fund amount to
40 4,072. and savings to Sanitary District amount to 1,732. making a total savings of 10,250. in other sources
41 of revenue.
42
43 Councilmember Morris asked the Council to reconsider any proposed cuts and consider the costs of training
44 versus the costs of keeping trained employees.
45
46 Councilmember Whitesell moved to make a technical amendment in the Police Department, line item Majors
47 and to set the salaries at 28,222, seconded by Councilmember Hutton and on unanimous voice vote the
48 motion was carried.
49
50 Councilmember Morris also asked the Council take time to look at the handout comparing the Civil City
51 salaries with the Sanitary District and Richmond Power and Light.
52
53 Councilmember Whitesell said that Ordinance 37-1987 as presented showed considerable work and effort
54 and it was one more step forward in establishing equitable salaries for city employees. He said he admired
55 the good intentions, but it still needs to be compared to acceptable community standards. He said he
56 supports the overall plan, but proposes there be a 10%maximum placed on all increases except in cases of
57 substantial job changes. He said he will later recommend a proposal to reduce salaries not to exceed the
58 10%maximum increase over the prior year salary.
59
60 President Brookbank read the following letter from Mr. William McDermott, prior Director of Economic
61 Development:
62
63 During the past almost three years, Susan Murray has served as executive secretary for the department. In
64 this capacity, she has performed the difficult task of handling the entire function of the office on numerous
65 occasions.
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Common Council Minutes Cont'd
July 20, 1987
Page 6
1 Given her growth during this period,and the critical nature of the work, it is my opinion,she, and the position,
2 are not compensated accordingly.
3
4 The Common Council is currently reviewing salaries for the 1988 fiscal year, so it is appropriate that they be
5 made aware of this situation. Ms. Murray's current salary is$13,000. per year and, in my estimation,should
6 be at least$16,000.with a maximum of$20,000.for future growth.
7
8 I am hopeful that the Board will recommend this to Common Council as I shall do by way of this letter.
9 Should there be questions on this matter, please contact me at any time.
10
11 /s/ William J. McDermott, CID
12
13 Speaking for Ordinance No. 37-1987 was Ms. Delphia Sue Roberson, Director of Administrative Services.
14 Ms. Roberson asked the Council to keep in mind that a firm was hired to establish the personnel system to
15 set up equitable pay through positions descriptions and all positions have been properly factored. She said
16 the COMOT family was the only one changed to be upgraded due to the very low pay involved in
17 consideration of the local market and the Ordinance as proposed corrects inadequacies in pay for city
18 employees created by the Common Council in past years.
19
20 Chief Joseph Nimitz spoke to the Council on behalf of the COMOT positions within the Police Department.
21 He asked the Council to look fairly on all COMOT positions and not allow such discrepencies to continue
22 among the various department of the City. He said the COMOT personnel in the Police Department will be
23 assuming additional duties with the advent of 9-1-1 and he asked the support of the Council for those
24 positions.
25
26 Park Superintendent Nancy MacCartney informed the Council the Park budget, as proposed, brings
27 positions to mid point except in the highest level positions,which are still not a mid point. She said the total
28 increase in the Parks represents less than a 4% increase over the prior year. Ms. MacCartney commented
29 that the 51,000. in Temporary Help was an incorrect figure.
30
31 Ms. MacCartney also spoke for the new position of Horticulturist and the fact there is no adequate personnel
32 to handle the tree problem within the City.
33
34 Councilmember Williams asked how many minorities were hired with the temporary help money and Ms.
35 MacCartney replied there were 60 persons hired along with SPEDY employees. Ms. MacCartney said she
36 was unable to give a break down on numbers of minorities since all her employees were persons, but that
37 she has hired more full time black employees than ever before in the Park system and would gladly get the
38 records on the part time employees.
39
40 Ken Barden,City Attorney,told Council he was speaking in favor of the Ordinance as presented. Mr. Barden
41 said at first he was disappointed with the Ordinance, but after looking at the philosophy involved, he felt it
42 make like positions equitable. He said the next step in the progression toward a true merit system for
43 employees will probably be mandated in the next few years and this Ordinance provides for fair and equitable
44 pay in like positions. Mr. Barden said the 10%proposal will only continue to create a gap in the pays for like
45 positions.
46
47 Rita Stout, Purchasing Director, told the Council that when she was hired she was informed of the personnel
48 system and it is very similar to the one used at Ball State University. She said her worry is having to replace
49 personnel with the funds available. She said her original requests had also been slashed by the Mayor in the
50 establishment of this system and she supported it.
51
52 Janet McFarland, Transit Manager, informed the Council she was speaking in favor of the Ordinance as a
53 whole and felt it was fair to all city employees. She said she has gone through seven maintenance personnel
54 in three and one half years due to the pay on the position and they now have a persons working that takes
55 pride in the job. She said she hopes Common Council would look at the jobs and not personalities.
56
57 Ms. McFarland also informed the Council that grant funds not spent do not reduce any tax rates anywhere,
58 but rather are returned to the State to be given to other communities in the form of carryover funds.
59
60 Mona Rodefeld, Plan Commission representative to the Street Tree Commission, told the Council she was
61 speaking in support of the Horticulturist position. She said the Street Tree Commission has looked into how
62 to take care of street trees and even though they are receiving great cooperation from various City
63 departments,the Commission themselves do not know anything about street trees, except they want pretty
64 streets. She said they also have no budget and after investigation are working under a recommendation
65 from Purdue University to hire a landscape horticulturist that could be used for all street and park trees. Ms.
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Common Council Minutes Cont'd
July 20, 1987
Page 7
1
2 Rodefeld stated that the trees in the City are dying and the Park trees are also starting to die and someone
3 must be involved that knows how to take care of them.
4
5 Ms. Rodefeld said she would also like to comment Mr. Hillard for leaving places in new sidewalks for trees to
6 be planted in the downtown area.
7
8 RECESS AND RECONVENE OF COMMON COUNCIL
9
10 Upon request the Common Council took a brief recess.
11
12 Mr. William Hillard, Street Commissioner, told the Council that he had not intended to speak, but he felt he
13 needed to let the Council know that the COMOT and LTC classifications do the work in the City and need
14 support. He said he had gone over the information on the ordinance and felt it was the fairest salary
15 ordinance presented in his seventeen years with the City.
16
17 Lois Stikeleather and Dorothy Barber, Information Clerks with the Police Department, told the Council their
18 positions are now assuming more responsibility with the 9-1-1 and they will be required to do even more with
19 the addition of a computer in the department.
20
21 Debra Miller, Detective Secretary in the Police Department, informed the Council she was appalled the
22 COMOT II and III positions did not make more money. She said that the COMOT positions in the Civil City
23 made less than COMOT III positions in the Sanitary District and asked why the difference was allowed when
24 the jobs were all factored the same. She said she has heard good arguments tonight and feel the civilian
25 employees in the Police Department have been treated like step children in the past as the lowest paid
26 employees. She said this ordinance brings them to the pay other employees make.
27
28 Kathy Skinner, Traffic Secretary, informed the Council about additional responsibilities being assumed by
29 the Police Department, including the phone calls, complaints and more persons to deal with.
30
31 John Breese, Special Services Manager with the Park Department, said he had worked for the City almost 20
32 years and started at a salary of 6,000. He stated he has men working under him making 5.56 an hour an
33 does not feel the Mayor's salary ordinance is unreasonable. He said persons making a decent living take
34 pride in their work and the City needed dedicated employees.
35
36 Sandra Suman, Human Services Coordinator, asked the Council to support the position of Bookkeeper in the
37 Clerk's Human Service Department as proposed. She told the Council of some of the additional duties along
38 with the superior job being done by the Information and Referral services in serving greater numbers of
39 people than like agencies in Dayton. She also reinforced the fact that grant funds not applied for or used
40 locally do not reduce the federal deficit or tax rates, but rather are used in other communities as carry over.
41
42 Paul Hedges, Airport Manager, spoke to the Council in favor of the ordinance, but requested the Council to
43 reduce some of the salaries as set in his department since the Airport must generate the funds before they
44 can be spent.
45
46 Curtis Kirkman,General Grounds Foreman with the Park Department, informed the Council that the Parks are
47 not a nine to five operation. He said when the public plays the Park employees work and they need to be paid
48 a decent wage. He also spoke about the need to keep qualified equipment operators in the Park. Mr.
49 Kirkman also informed Councilmember Williams of the numbers of minorities that had been hired within the
50 Park system.
51
52 Earl Sharp, President of the Park Board,said he had heard and seen a lot of people and most of them work
53 hard and are paid little. He said he has been inspired by the Park employees and the City will get what they
54 pay for.
55
56 John Lindley, Mechanic at the Park Department,said he has been a twelve year employee and was speaking
57 in favor of the Ordinance. He told the Council percentage increases only make it harder to bring the
58 positions to comparative levels. He said Park employees have historically been the lowest paid and this
59 ordinance looks at all the positions and brings them equal.
60
61 Leslie Hall, SWAG Director, told the Council that the persons working at SWAC work for very little, but are
62 dedicated employees. She said the program has grown so much and the responsibilities have increased the
63 employees need paid accordingly. She also commented on the turn over in employees due to the low pay.
64
65 Mayor Frank H. Waltermann asked total support of the Ordinance. He informed the Council that 142,049.00
of funds appropriated for salaries last year had not been spent and they do not necessarily spend all
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Common Council Minutes Cont'd
July 20, 1987
Page 8
1
2 appropriated money. He guaranteed the Council funds would also be returned from the proposed ordinance.
3 Mayor Waltermann also told the employees in attendance that the salaries established in the ordinance set
4 out the maximum salary that can be paid in the position, and not necessarily what they will be paid unless
5 they earn the full amount.
6
7 Councilmember Elstro commented that even though funds revert back to the general fund, the City is on a
8 frozen tax levy.
9
10 Councilmember Williams commented on salaries being offset by the capital equipment budget and what
11 happens when the City no longer can afford to put money in capital equipment. He said dollars should be
12 - spent for the reason appropriated. He also commented on the fact that if the ordinance is defeated the
13 salaries revert to the 87 level. Councilmember Williams stated that councilmember are also dedicated and
14 underpaid. He said whatever the Council does,some will be not be satisfied.
15
16 Mayor Waltermann said they would only be reducing the capital equipment by 250,000. and the funds have
17 yet to be appropriated for that purpose. He also explained about Cumulative Capital Development Funds to
18 offset the lesser amount requested in capital equipment. Mayor Waltermann said the full amount of 500,000.
19 will still be requested for capital equipment and will be cut if necessary when the City goes through State Tax
20 Board hearings.
21
22 Councilmember Hankinson moved for engrossment of Amended Ordinance No. 37-1987, seconded by
23 Councilmember Morris and on a voice vote the motion was adopted.
24
25 Councilmember Morris moved to suspend the rules and move Amended Ordinance No.37-1987 to third and
26 final reading and read by title only. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hutton and failed with
27 Councilmember Whitesell voting no.
28
29 Discussion was held by the Council on how to amend the Ordinance on third and final reading and if they
30 wanted to reconsider the engrossment.
31
32 Councilmember Parker stated he felt the Council acted hastily and would fine it undesirable to not give
33 property consideration to the ordinance and have it defeated.
34
35 Councilmember Whitesell stated he agreed that the Council acted in haste.
36
37 Councilmember Elstro commented he felt the Ordinance was in trouble.
38
39 After consideration, Mr. Barden stated that the Council rules allow ordinances to committed and recommitted
40 at the pleasure of the Council and it would take a simple majority to recommit the ordinance back to second
41 reading.
42
43 Councilmember Hankinson moved to recommit Amended Ordinance No. 37-1987 to second reading,
44 seconded by Councilmember Williams and on a call of the roll the motion was carried.
45
46 Ayes: Elstro,Williams, Hankinson,Whitesell, Parker,Theobald and Brookbank (7)
47 Nays: Hutton and Morris (2)
48
49 President Brookbank set July 22, 1987 at 7:00 PM as the date and time for a special meeting of the Common
50 Council to consider Amended Ordinance No.37-1987 on second reading.
51
52 ADJOURNMENT
53
54 There being no further business, on a motion duly made, seconded and passed,the meeting was adjourned.
55
56
57
58
59 Jane R. Brookbank, President
60
61 ATTEST:
62 Mary Merchanthouse, City Clerk
63
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65