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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.18.2002 (2)COUNCIL WORK SESSION February 18, 2002 5:00 p.m. Council Chambers Members present: Mayor Rooff, Berry, Welper, Greenwood, Clark, Jordan, Hurley. Members absent: Getty. Moved by Jordan, seconded by Hurley that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Motion carried. The 28E Agreement with Black Hawk County to provide building maintenance administrative services was reviewed. The agreement is for a six month period to provide administrative and professional services for building maintenance for structures owned or occupied by Black Hawk County. Mayor Rooff commented that the amount of $8,000.00 to provide the building administrative services is an amount proposed by Black Hawk County, but that the council makes the decision on compensation. Louis Cutwright, Building Official, stated that in early October 2001 he received a confidential memorandum from Mayor Rooff with information regarding providing these services to Black Hawk County. The Black Hawk County Supervisors were interested in pursuing a joint agreement with the city as Dick Buchanan was retiring. Mr. Cutwright stated he visited with Mayor Rooff and informed the Mayor that he felt he could handle this work since administrative duties would not take a lot of his time. Mr. Cutwright then interviewed with Tom Pounds, Black Hawk County Personnel Director. A week later Mr. Pounds asked Mr. Cutwright to meet with Black Hawk County Supervisors Maggie Stewart and Barb Leestamper. The meeting was held, and they talked about a lot of things. Mr. Cutwright was asked what compensation he would need, and he informed them he would need $15,000 on an annual basis. A week later Mr. Pounds set up a meeting with Brian Quirk, Chairperson of the Black Hawk County Supervisors, and again Mr. Cutwright gave him the $17,000.00 which included FICA and IPERS. A 28E Agreement was brought before the council at a work session. Mr. Cutwright stated he would be willing to accept $4,000.00 for the six month period, with the remainder retained by the city. After the six month period, the contract will be re -negotiated and that would be the time to negotiate the salary, with the idea of looking at a 60/40 percent or 70/30 percent split on Mr. Cutwright's salary. Mr. Cutwright stated that at this time he does not feel that dollars should be a part of the decision to approve the agreement, but whether the city is interested in working with Black Hawk County. Mayor Rooff stated that city first approached Black Hawk County about sharing a Personnel Director, and that after Dick Buchanan retired, Black Hawk County contacted him and said this could be a better opportunity. Mr. Cutwright reported that he feels he will need to work 10 to 15 hours per week to fulfill the contract with Black Hawk County, and that last week he worked about 1 Y2 to 13/4 hours per day on county maintenance. Councilperson Hurley commented that Mr. Cutwright works 40 hours per week for the city and now he has a second job and should get compensated for it. Councilperson Hurley stated he does not know what kind of leverage the city will have in five months. Mr. Cutwright stated that the city reserves the right to cancel the contract with a 30-day written notice. Mr. Cutwright commented this is a test, and why not see if this is going to work. If the agreement works, the city has the chance to negotiate after six months. Councilperson Berry stated that this agreement does not benefit the city, except this is an opportunity for the city and Black Hawk County to work together. Councilperson Berry commented that she is all for working together but would hope that the city has more input on the compensation. Council Work Session February 18, 2002 Page 2 Councilperson Greenwood stated he does not want Mr. Cutwright to come out on the short -end, and that he worries about him being able to get his job done and burn out. Councilperson Welper stated that maybe this is an opportunity to benefit our citizens and not look at the pay for the job. Councilperson Clark stated that if Mr. Cutwright devotes his hours with the city and then devotes hours to the other job, that is fine. If Mr. Cutwright is wearing two hats, the city should decide on an equitable financial result for both parties. Councilperson Clark stated that he opposes the agreement as it is right now. Councilperson Clark stated he thinks Mr. Cutwright is capable, and that it is a good idea, but he would like to negotiate the agreement with the county. Councilperson Jordan stated that he believes that both sides have good points. Every city taxpayer is a county taxpayer so the agreement benefits all taxpayers. Councilperson Jordan stated he feels if the council approves the agreement, it will leave the door open to inform Black Hawk County of the issues in six months. Mr. Cutwright stated that he has seen the county's maintenance budget for FY03 and $69,000.00 has been budgeted for this position. Mr. Cutwright asked the council to give the agreement a chance to work on a temporary basis, and after six months negotiate the salary. Councilperson Hurley stated that we will receive $8,000 at the risk the city's maintenance will be neglected. Councilperson Hurley stated he will reluctantly support the agreement. Councilperson Greenwood, Welper and Berry stated they would support the agreement. Mr. Cutwright stated that the city will lose nothing as the council has a base line of performance to look at, and if he does not get the job done, the council can use that base line. Mayor Rooff stated that along with reviewing the agreement, the city should look at Mr. Cutwright's job requirements. Mayor Rooff reported that the city already does building inspection and zoning for Black Hawk County, along with inspections for LaPorte City. Mayor Rooff commented that it is unfortunate that we are settling on $8,000, but this will bring us together. Mayor Rooff stated that Mr. Cutwright will be compensated $4,000, and he understands if the agreement is not renewed in July, he will lose the $4,000. Councilperson Hurley commented that the city seeks cooperation with any entity, but the council needs to address the issues. With no further business before the council, it was moved by Hurley, seconded by Berry that the meeting be adjourned at 5:23 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Motion carried. Nancy Eckert City Clerk