1/6/2003 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Recreation Commission Meeting January 6, 2003 REPORT OF SAFETY DIRECTOR ?Information to Commission on new Recreation Commissioner Interviews. Mr. Jesse handed out documents pertaining to the new Recreation Commissioner appointment and safety issues at the Recreation Center. Mr. Jesse was concerned about the process of the Recreation Commissioner appointment. There was confusion regarding authority given to the Mayor or the Safety Director or to the Commission, so Mr. Dubelko, the Law Director, was asked to take a look at this matter. Mr. Dubelko advised Mr. Jesse and the Mayor on proper authority. The input of the Personnel and Recreation Departments is critical. Actually, the existing employees at the Recreation Center were asked their opinions in the earliest stages of hiring as to the traits they would appreciate in a new boss. Mr. Dubelko submitted the Memorandum attached as Exhibit "B" and, as far as Mr. Jesse could tell, it is the authority of the Safety Director to appoint a new Commissioner for the Parks and Recreation Department. As such, Mr. Dubelko feels that Section 155.06 should be repealed and will establish legislation to that effect. In the interim, the authority does rest with the Safety Director. Mr. Jesse spoke with the Commission as well as Betsy Drenski, the Rink Supervisor, for input on comfort levels with a Commissioner as regards his/her abilities in a supervisory capacity. Ms. Drenski was very interested and wanted to expand her own levels beyond being involved in the skating programs and felt that, with her experience level, she would like to continue with the Recreation Department’s new Commissioner in learning more about the whole picture of the Complex. Mr. DiSalvo is able to start right away, and the City of North Olmsted is moving forward to get his employment in place as soon as possible. With this in mind, Mr. Jesse moved in support of Ted DiSalvo as the new Commissioner for the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of North Olmsted. Mr. Gareau seconded the Motion and Ms. Hayes asked for discussion among the Members, which ensued as follows: 1)Does the Commission want to act on this Motion before Section 155.06 is repealed? Mr. Jesse indicated that there is current authority; only repeal is in order to see if there is a discrepancy between the Charter and that Ordinance. 2)There appears to have been different practices regarding authority in the past; i.e., not one particular way of submitting to authority. Mr. Jesse suggested that, in past practice, there have been various interpretations of this Ordinance and the Charter as to how they work together. The concern Mr. Jesse had, after discussion with present employees, brought him to Sandy Purper, his tenured secretary, for her opinion. To her recollection, she could never remember the Recreation Commission ever appointing the Commissioner. As far as terminations, those were handled in various ways. Mr. Jesse did not know prior practice regarding either Commissioner. Please note Exhibit B, Page 2, last paragraph and the first paragraph of page 3, regarding removal of the Commissioner. Rather than wait for the Legal Department, hire the Commissioner with the caveat that the Ordinance and Charter become compatible. Mr. Jesse felt that Mr. DiSalvo be hired as soon as possible until the repeal of the Ordinance. His Motion accepting Mr. DiSalvo as Commissioner was then Page 6