minfin 09-20-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

provide large-scale vision for the city's tree canopy. Currently a group leader is filling the role, and that individual would be of better use onsite at projects. Director Dillinger noted the administration had interviewed a highly qualified individual for the Streets/Forestry manager position, and he chose not to come due to other reasons. The interaction spurred them to rethink the position and create an attractive salary/benefits package for the position. It also provides incentives for workers to move up in the organization if they acquire the certifications needed for the job. Councilmembers applauded the administration's efforts to focus on the tree canopy. Chairman Bullock made a motion,seconded by Councilmember Litten to recommend Ordinance 22-2020B for adoption by the full Council.All members were in favor. Motion passed. Communication from Director Dillinger regarding amending Section 149.08 Vacations of the Administrative Code. (Referred to Finance 7/19/21) ORDINANCE 29-2021 -AN ORDINANCE to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, amending Section 149.08 Vacations, of the Lakewood Codified Ordinances to grant vacation time to employees who are hired part time to accrue vacation time and to allow for credit for prior service with the State or any political subdivision of the state and to grant vacation time to part-time employees. (1st read and referred to Finance 7/19/21; 2nd reading 9/7/21) Chairman Bullock questioned whether the ordinance was relevant to public safety employees. Director Dillinger answered no and indicated that it was relevant to a prior job candidate having to give up his vacation time after working for another suburb for 20 years. She added that part timers have to go a week without pay if they want to take vacation. She highlighted the Tax Department's reliance on many part timers that keep the office moving. 5 of 8 communities on the west side and Cuyahoga County government provide credit for previous public service. In Lakewood, employees get no vacation within the first year,which can make hiring difficult. The ordinance allows the city some leeway with vacation and could potentially help bring over people working in the private sector. Chairman Bullock was curious to know whether the levels proposed in the ordinance were appropriate and asked what the budget impact would be. Director Dillinger noted the difficulty in putting a number on the proposal, adding that it would impact about 40 part time employees and would be based on how many hours they have worked. Councilmember Litten stated his support for the ordinance and questioned how the proposal has been vetted by the administration to make sure the city can afford it long term.Assistant Director Swallow and Director Dillinger put together the proposal,which was then reviewed by Director Rancatore, involving a great deal of discussion between 2