03/02/2010 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 03-02-2010 ,~ revenues and income are down. There is unanimous agreement in regards to that fact. One need to only look at the newspapers and evaluate our economy to know that cities across Ohio are suffering. There are basically two things that a city can do. They can decrease their expenses, and this is being done by the Administration in the City of North Olmsted by asking unions for concessions amongst other things -consolidation department heads and eliminating directors. The other thing that I don't hear anybody suggesting, and I would like to hear if someone is opposed to this, whether or not they're in favor of reducing the income tax credit. That would be a way to solve this. We could reduce the credit and raise revenues because that's another way. But, I don't hear anybody suggesting that, and I think that's a good idea that no one suggests that. That is not something that I would ever countenance and certainly not under these circumstances. I think it's also important to keep in mind what role the Council has. We are not negotiators. We don't sit at the table. Our role is defined by law, and I believe that our first and foremost concern has to the residents' best interest. That does come into play with regards their overall safety. I don't believe it's my role to suggest to the firefighters' union that you accept the Fact Finder's report. Just like it wouldn't be my role to suggest you reject it. It's not my position. You do-what you choose to do and your membership chooses what they choose to do based on their own merit. The city does have to have a balanced budget. In Mayor Kennedy's words, we have to move forward and the timing is quite unfortunate. I really don't like this particular aspect of being a Council person, but we're not hired to be popular. We're hired to make tough choices. We're not to insinuate ourselves in the negotiation process. Everybody knows my favoritism for the Police Department. I would have loved to gone into negotiations and advocate for the Police Department just like I would for you folks. It's not a question of whether you are paid what you deserve or what you earn or what you're worth. It's just a city function of government. The Fact Finder's report in the very first page -and again, I'm not advocating acceptance of any Fact Finder's report -but, the management of the government/by the city Administration; the objective is maintaining acceptable level of services to its citizens in areas of police, fire, streets, recreation and all other related responsibilities. There's only so much of .the pie that we can give out to the police and the fire. It's unfortunate that these hard economic times that we come to this, but that just the fact of the matter. There really isn't anyone to point any fingers of blame at. I support awell-trained and well-equipped safety force. That's not the issue. It is my fondest hope that somewhere between now and the 31S` the sides can meet and reconcile this issue and move forward with the city's best interest taken into consideration. It matters to me that six out of our seven unions have accepted an agreement with the city. I'm not advocating that you take the Fact Finder's report. But, it should be noted that our police officers had to swallow a painful pill. So did the AFSCME unions and so did the other unions in the city. It's difficult, but my bottom line for voting yes on this in terms of suspension and as well as on the merits is the city needs a balanced budget, and it's not my role to insinuate when or if the Mayor will meet with you folks to settle this particular issue. Roll Call continued: Williamson, yes; Orlowski, no; Barker, yes with comment. 2010-29 is a tool, a tool for the Administration. This tool can be used and it may not be used. With that being said, all bargaining, non-bargaining and elected officials have sacrificed with no raises, give-backs and concessions to help balance this budget. Have you? All citizens of North Olmsted have probably sacrificed in one way or another with 11