11/6/2019 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 1 1-6-2019 • Ordinances 2019-90 and 2019-91 were discussed together as they go together, but were voted on separately. Ordinance 2019-90 is an Ordinance amending and re- establishing Chapter 167 of the Administrative Code, entitled "Department of Human Resources" in order to reorganize by removing the Divisions of Aging and Youth and Family Services from the Department and adding the Division of Building. Ordinance 2019-91 is an Ordinance amending and re-establishing Chapter 179 of the Administrative Code, entitled "Department of Planning and Development" in order to (1) rename the Department "The Department of Planning and Community Development"; (2) create a position of Communications Manager; (3) reorganize the Department by adding the Divisions of Aging and Youth and Family Services, and (4) remove the Division of Building from the Department. There was a very good discussion that lasted almost an hour. The majority consensus seemed to be there had been positive changes to the Building Department since it was placed under the Director of Planning & Development's control, the committee hopes this trend will continue under the Director of the Human Resources. The idea of a part-time communication director was welcomed, especially under the Director of Planning & Development who has some expertise in this area. Adding the Division of Aging and Youth and Family Services seems a natural fit for Planning as there is already a lot of interaction between the departments and communications and community outreach is a huge part of it. Both of these Directors are competent and professional leaders and it is expected to go smoothly as they work well together. This helps keep Council's comfort level up that things will go smoothly with these changes. The committee voted to recommend Ordinance 2019-90 to Council 3-0. The committee also voted to recommend Ordinance 2019-91 to Council 3-0 as well. Councilman Schumann asked for a moment of personal privilege. I wanted to mention Gary Porter has passed away. If you guys know Gary, he was a local historian. He was a big volunteer and did a lot of work for the City. He even had an office here at City Hall for a time. He did a lot of research on the cemeteries. He passed away a little over a week ago. Director of Law Gareau said he was going to be asked to be recognized at a later time, but thought he would ask now since Councilman Schumann mentioned Mr. Porter. There are several people here who had the privilege of working with Barb Seman and Fred Seman has passed away. I don't know if you were aware of that. I see the former Finance Director, Councilman and Council President out there, not sure if I missed anybody, that did work with Barb and I hope all of you are aware Barb's husband passed away and calling hours are this Friday. You can certainly find those online. I thought I'd share that with you and ask to keep her family in your prayers. Councilman Limpert asked for a moment of personal privilege. As we know yesterday was Election Day and I want to commend Councilman Kearney and Councilwoman Williamson on a competitive race. I also called candidate Kelly to congratulate him and was hoping to commend him tonight as well. I look forward to seeing him in the near future at Council for his input, collaboration and making the City a better place. Gl