HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/28/1986CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
April 28, 1986
4:00 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Members present: Angel, Budak, Miller, Lichty, Seeber and Wright and
Mayor McKinley. Members absent: Dowie.
The first item of discussion was whether or not the Police Chief and
Fire Chief have the sole authority to appoint persons to their
department. Mayor McKinley indicated that this issue had surfaced
because of the appointment of a Civilian Dispatcher in the Police
Department. The Police Chief had recommended the appointment of an
individual from the certified list; however, the appointment did not
meet the guidelines of the Affirmative Action Plan. The Affirmative
Action Plan states that whenever there is a difference of opinion
between a department head's appointment and the plan, the issue comes
before the Mayor. Several Councilpersons were aware of the problem
and had voiced concern of the authority of the Police Chief to make
appointments.
Hugh Field, City Attorney, stated that the opinion of the City
Attorney is that the City Council has no part in approving
appointments or promotions within the Police and Fire Departments.
He reiterated that this interpretation is the same as had been
rendered by previous City Attorneys. Several Council members
expressed dismay that the Council had no authority in the appointment
of employees within the Police and Fire Department. Particularly,
this was an issue since the Police and Fire Chief's appointments are
solely of the Mayor. Mr. Seeber indicated that the Council had very
little control over said departments. It was indicated that
considerable control is exercised by the Council through the
budgeting process.
Mr. Field indicated that the Civil Service Commission certifies a
list of eligible candidates to the position with the Police or Fire
Chief having the authority to make a selection from the list.
Councilmembers again displayed their displeasure to spending lots of
time at committee meetings, etc. with very little power that they can
exercise in the governmental process.
Larry Burger, Clerk/Auditor, presented a proposed application and
guidelines for beer gardens. Definitions were outlined for permanent
beer gardens, temporary beer gardens, temporary beer gardens (no bar
attached), permanent outdoor cafes, and temporary outdoor cafes.
There was considerable discussion as to whether or not fencing should
be required and the distance of beer gardens from residential uses.
Particular establishments that were discussed were The Jet and
Brinkley's Landing. Mr. Burger stressed that these are only proposed
guidelines and that changes can be made prior to formal action by the
Council. A consensus was not reached on the above items.
With no further business before the Committee, the meeting was
adjourned.
Larry P. Burger
Clerk/Auditor