7/9/2021 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Special Council Minutes of 7-9-2021 financially. He did state he got a new vactor truck, new rate structure and refurbished the plant. Councilman Glassburn asked about Mr. Limpert's approach to streets. Mr. Limpert stated he started the street rating program. He said he also bought a crack sealer to preserve roads. Councilman Glassburn asked about the difference between the O'Grady and Kennedy administration. Mr. Limpert clarified only the sewer system was broke financially. He also stated street maintenance helps home maintenance. Councilwoman Hemann stated that the Kennedy administration blamed the O'Grady administration and asked for clarification. Mr. Limpert indicated the O'Grady administration reduced debt each year and Director of Finance Copfer agreed. Councilman Brossard stated there were a number of qualified applicants prior to Mr. Limpert being contacted, and asked why had they not been selected. Mayor Kennedy stated after Mr. Gasso withdrew, the City did not want a candidate that need to be trained. Councilwoman Williamson stated Mr. Grasso was interviewed in November, but applicants were not solicited until January. Mayor Kennedy said he could not recall, but Grasso was interviewed with others. Councilwoman Williamson stated it could not be correct based on the timeline. Mayor Kennedy said he didn't know. Councilwoman Hemann stated Councilwoman Williamson was correct and public records indicate the Grasso interview was November and the job was not posted. Councilman Glassburn stressed the current nominee should be the focus, but it was fair to ask the Mayor why he had changed his mind about having a director. Mayor Kennedy stated Mr. Limpert was perfect for the job and that with six months left and a campaign that's all that could work. Councilman Schumann stated Council should approve Mr. Limpert. Councilman Glassburn asked about Mr. Limpert's reduction of staffing as a Director and how Mr. Limpert would act now as the supervisor of 75% of City employees. Mr. Limpert said he didn't plan to reduce staffing but economics dictate what happens. Councilwoman Williamson asked about Mr. Limpert's cost savings at the wastewater treatment plant. Mr. Limpert stated in detail that he made upgrades to the plant to reduce manual labor intensive processes. Councilwoman Williamson asked the Assistant Director of Law about lawsuits at the plant. Mr. O'Malley said he didn't recall about the plant, but recalled the class action suit later. Councilman Glassburn asked about new challenges and different ways of working with the public, specifically citing a survey about Clague Road. Mr. Glassburn stated the administration did not follow the response of the public and asked how Mr. Limpert would handle it. Mr. Limpert cited successful previous projects he oversaw and concerns for financial means. Councilman Glassburn clarified the issue was the public had been given options the city administration could not or would not follow. He said options that cannot be done give false expectations to the public. Councilman Glassburn asked if Mr. Limpert would change the consulting firm for city road projects. Mr. Limpert said he would give his input but he was not seeking to do a revolution. Councilman Glassburn clarified the most recent firm employed had two authors of the study, one of which is a candidate for office at the request of the Mayor. Councilman Glassburn stated this is a conflict on principle and in appearance. Councilman Glassburn asked Mr. Limpert to prevent political candidates or firms from doing work for the city. Mr. Limpert stated he didn't have first-hand knowledge and should not opine. Councilman Glassburn asked about the future of defunct homeowner associations