HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.22.2002COUNCIL WORK SESSION
January 22, 2002
4:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Berry, Welper, Clark, Jordan, Hurley, Getty, Greenwood.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Berry that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Greenwood. Motion carried.
Lou Cutwright, Building Official/Maintenance Administrator, reviewed the proposal to furnish
administrative and professional assistance for Black Hawk County Building Maintenance. Mr.
Cutwright reported that he received communication from the Mayor's office to look at the job
description of the building maintenance for Black Hawk County, and he indicated to Mayor
Rooff that he felt a joint effort could work and that this was good chance to consolidate with
Black Hawk County. Mr. Cutwright met with the Black Hawk Personnel office and supplied
them with his resume, and then he met with Maggie Stewart and Barbara Leestamper. Mr.
Cutwright stated that he had discussions with Ms. Stewart and Ms. Leestamper how a joint
supervisor would benefit Black Hawk County. Mr. Cutwright stated he met with Brian Quirk
and talked about leaving the existing staff and that someone from that staff would be appointed
to assist in the day-to-day operations. Mr. Cutwright stated that the proposal is for him to
provide administrative supervision. Mr. Cutwright stated that he has written a 28E Agreement,
which has not been submitted to Black Hawk County. Mr. Cutwright stated that Black Hawk
County's maintenance has a 24 person staff and five buildings. Mr. Cutwright stated he feels he
can handle the additional duties.
Councilperson Getty stated that this is a six month trial, and after five months the Black Hawk
County Board of Supervisors will review the services provided by the city, and if approved they
will negotiate a 12 month contract for continued services. Councilperson Getty commented that
the city has tried in the past to work with Black Hawk County to share the costs for Personnel
staff, and that hasn't work, maybe this will be the first step. Councilperson Getty stated he feels
this is a good thing.
Councilperson Jordan stated he totally supports this joint effort and asked Mr. Cutwright if he
has enough time to devote to the additional work. Mr. Cutwright responded that he believes he
can handle the additional duties, and that the six month trail will give everyone enough time to
look at what he is doing. If this does not work, we can terminate the agreement.
Mr. Greenwood now present at 4:21 p.m.
Mr. Cutwright stated that the contract presumes he will spend approximately 15 hours per week
and some Saturdays providing the administrative services to Black Hawk County. Mr. Cutwright
reported under his proposal, Black Hawk County would compensate the city on a bi-weekly
schedule at a cost of $676.44, including FICA, IPERS, etc. This amount would basically cover
the additional salary for Mr. Cutwright. Mr. Cutwright stated he was willing to try this for six
months at that salary.
Councilperson Jordan asked if Black Hawk County would allow Mr. Cutwright to implement
cost -savings measures, such as combing positions, etc. Mr. Cutwright responded at this time, the
Board of Supervisors want two autonomous building maintenance departments, but hopefully we
will do some sharing down the road which will save cost for both entities.
Councilperson Hurley stated he supports this, and that it is a move in the right direction. Mr.
Hurley stated his concern would be what this would do to Mr. Cutwright with the additional
duties.
Councilperson Clark stated that a few weeks ago Mr. Cutwright asked for authorization to pay
for a consultant to look at the city's roof because he did not have the time to perform that type of
work. Councilperson Clark stated this is a huge undertaking, and he can't imagine the job only
requiring 15 hours per week. Mr. Cutwright responded that he asked for the consultant on the
roof project because he does not have expertise in roofing. Mr. Cutwright commented that when
Council Work Session
January 22, 2002
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the cities of Waterloo and Cedar Falls combined the duties of the Director many asked how one
person could handle both jobs. Mr. Cutwright stated he feels he can get the work done in the
amount of time he allotted.
Councilperson Hurley stated the benchmark will be if city buildings suffer. Councilperson
Hurley stated that in the spirit of cooperation he supports this proposal. Councilperson Hurley
commended Mr. Cutwright, but he has some concerns as to whether Mr. Cutwright will have the
time and asked if he will burn out with the additional duties.
Councilperson Getty noted that the agreement may be terminated by either party upon a thirty
days written notice. Councilperson Jordan asked that the City Attorney review the proposed
agreement.
Councilperson Clark asked if the council needs to meet with the Board of Supervisors, and Mr.
Cutwright responded that Mayor Rooff has been working with them.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Berry, seconded by Hurley that the
meeting be adjourned at 4:31 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk