HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.07.2001COUNCIL WORK SESSION
May 7, 2001
4:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Anders, Jordan, Gronen, Getty, Berry, Murphy.
Members absent: Krizek.
Moved by Berry, seconded by Gronen that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Five.
Absent: Krizek, Murphy. Motion carried.
Councilperson Getty stated that the council received information from the Chief Financial
Officer with documentation on city vehicles being driven home by city employees. Department
Heads have requested that a total of 37 vehicles be approved as follow: Police (20), Fire (5),
Street (4), Waste Management (7) and Traffic Operations (1).
Councilperson Jordan asked if a new policy has been implemented. Councilperson Getty stated
that Mayor Rooff sent a letter to all Department Heads informing them that city employees
would no longer be permitted to take city vehicles home, and that any exception to the policy
would need to be approved by the Finance Committee. The Department Heads submitted their
requests to the Finance Committee on April 23, 2001 for an exception to the vehicle policy, and
the requests were forwarded to today's council work session.
Murphy now present at 4:13 p.m.
Councilperson Getty stated that the council has looked at the number of vehicles being driven
home and the costs to the city. Some employees live out of the city, and we pay the cost for gas
for the vehicles being driven home. Councilperson Getty stated he feels this issue should be left
up the Department Head's discretion, and that he feels they will not authorize someone to take a
vehicle home unless it is necessary.
Councilperson Jordan stated he understands that the city is in a budget crisis, but he is concerned
that the council is micro managing the departments. Councilperson Jordan stated he agrees that
the decision as to who should be allowed to take a vehicle home should be left up to the
Department Head. Councilperson Jordan asked how far will this council go, is the council going
to be making the daily decisions, and what is a Department Head for.
Councilperson Anders stated that with school over for the year on June 6, what will the School
Resource Officers be doing. Police Chief Jennings stated that the officers are encouraged to take
vacation during the summer months, and those cars are parked at City Hall. School Resource
Officers on duty during the summer months patrol areas where youth activities are held, such as
the swimming pools, etc. Chief Jennings stated that it is in the Police Department's General
Orders that police personnel cannot use city vehicles for personal business.
Councilperson Gronen stated that he realizes the goal is to save money, and he is in favor of that,
but he does not want the policy to be counter productive. Councilperson Jordan stated that the
council should work on the overall budget and let Department Heads make the day-to-day
decisions. Councilperson Murphy stated he agrees with Councilperson Jordan, that the council
are the policy makers, and he does not want to run the departments.
Councilperson Anders suggested that the city try the new policy until July 1, 2001 and review it
at that time.
Moved by Anders, seconded by Gronen that the following personnel be allowed to take city
vehicles home:
Council Work Session
May 7, 2001
Page 2
Department
Number
of
Vehicles
Staff Allowed To Drive Vehicles Home
Police 13 Police Administration, K9 Unit, and Tri-
County Task Force
Street 2
Waste Management 3
Traffic Operations
Fire Department
1
2
TOTAL 21
Superintendent and One Foreman
Superintendent, One Foreman, One Sewer
Maintenance Worker
One On -Call Worker
Fire Chief and Arson Investigator
Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard.
Councilperson Anders stated he feels this is a good faith effort with the city facing a budget
deficit. Councilperson Anders stated we will try this until July 1, 2001, and if this does not work
the council will review the issue.
Councilperson Jordan asked what is the rationale. Councilperson Jordan stated the city could
just get rid of Department Heads and save a million dollars if the council is going to make all the
decisions.
Chief Jennings stated that excluding the School Resource Officers will generate one and one-half
hours of overtime for each officer, and he feels it is cheaper to leave the policy as it is.
Councilperson Murphy asked is the city spending a dollar to save a dime.
Following comments a vote was taken on the above motion with the following result: Ayes:
Four. Nays: Jordan, Murphy. Absent: Krizek. Motion carried.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Berry, seconded by Anders that the
meeting be adjourned at 4:45 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Krizek. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk