08/26/2002 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Special Council Minutes of 8/26/2002 4. From the Adelphia cable franchise fee, $17,884, and $5,100 from the Mayor's secretary position, for a total of $22,984 to be placed in the Police Staffing line item. This amount will be used by the Police Department, wherever most necessary for safety concerns, to replace auxiliary police positions and six school crossing guards. 5. Remove $2,387 from the Housing Council secretary's position and earmark the money for economic development. (This to be followed at a later time with legislation confirming that the funds are for economic development. It is suggested that the duties of the Housing Council secretary be included in the administrative assistant's job description.) Councilman Nashar suggested that the funds from the hoteUmotel tax be allocated to the General Fund instead of safety equipment. It was agreed that the suggestion merits discussion but cannot be addressed at present as it will need separate legislation. Councilwoman Kasler commented that one of the concerns presented to Council on several occasions was the disposition of the secretary in the Service Department. (Service Garage) It is her understanding, and she warned to clarify that the position remains intact at least through December, and the amendments to the ordinance do not affect that position in any way. Mayor Musial said he felt it would remain intact as the layoff notice had been rescinded and agreed the position is not affected by the amendments. Mayor Musial questioned whether discussion would be entertained with regard to each proposed amendment, and President O'Grady stated that would be the case. Councilman Gareau raised a point of procedural order regarding whether the Mayor could debate a motion on the floor. He suggested the Mayor's concerns be discussed before the motions were made, and the debate after the motions were made and seconded should be limited to the voting members of Council. Law Director Dubelko advised that the Mayor could take part in the discussion of the amendments. Councilwoman Kasler moved that Ordinance 2002-117 be amended by removing $5,100 from the Mayor's secretary line item. The motion was seconded by Councilman Gareau. A lengthy discussion ensued with Council members and the Mayor presenting their differing views on the amendment. Mayor Musial commented that it would be presumed that the Mayor's secretary is a Secretary I position. Employees starting with zero experience in this category for the period of July 1, 2002 through June 30 of 2003 would earn $14.08 per hour. At 2080 hours, that comes to $29,286. He has difficulty in understanding haw Council can reduce the amount of money below that particular level. Mayor Musial said that a general discussion with the directors, they did not push forward with their recommendation. He would place the secretary to the Mayor as a very confidential basis, requiring the ability to have confidence in the individual secretary and to work with that particular individual. He thinks that the Mayor should be given the prerogative to make that decision as to whether or not a person is capable or whether the Mayor is desirous of having the secretary make a certain salary. The salary that was ''""~ chosen is midway in the range, and the young man has done a fine job and exhibits a trait 2