COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES - 4/1/1998
CITY OF MUSKEGO (Approved)
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
APRIL 1, 1998
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Mayor De Angelis. Committee of the
Whole members present were Aldermen D’Acquisto (arrived at 7:45 p.m.), Patterson
(arrived at 7:15), Pionek, Salentine, Sanders, Slocomb and Woodard. Chief Johnson,
Bart Gethmann, and Fred Washa were also present.
The Mayor reported that the meeting was noticed in accordance with the Open Meeting
Law.
Alderman Salentine moved for approval of the minutes of the 2/5/98 meeting.
Alderman Slocomb seconded; motion carried.
No. 8 - Police Department Reorganization
Chief Johnson appeared before the Committee to discuss the reorganization of the
Police Department. He noted that a formal presentation was made at the February 24
Council meeting. The Chief summarized the proposed changes. No new personnel
will be added. Existing position descriptions, responsibilities, and titles will be changed
to allow the department to operate more efficiently. The annual cost of this change will
be an increase of $8,000 - $10,000. The 1998 budget contains $8,000 for the
reorganization. The Mayor noted that a resolution will be placed on the agenda of the
April 14 Council to authorize the change in the strength of the department.
No. 7 - Discuss Land/Location for Community Center
Alderman Slocomb stated at the last Parks & Recreation Board meeting a motion was
adopted to remove the Parkland site from consideration for a community center. It
appears the Board wants to retain the area for green space. He outlined information
provided by Clerk-Treasurer Jean Marenda regarding the land. A title search would
have to be done to officially check any restrictions on the use of the land. The Mayor
questioned if there is interest on the part of the aldermen to pursue. Alderman Sanders
would like to pursue. Alderman Slocomb noted there are numerous questions about
whether this site can even handle all of the hard surfaces and buildings proposed.
Alderman Salentine stated she favors the site and agrees with Alderman Sanders and
would like to proceed. Alderman Patterson questioned if there were other sites that
could be considered. Alderman Slocomb responded not centrally located. He is
concerned about relinquishing park property for this purpose. The Mayor noted that
park property is to be used for recreational purposes and this would be used for that
purpose. Alderman Pionek asked how many acres are we talking about for the site,
excluding the basin. Mr. Washa stated about four and one half acres. Alderman
Pionek favors the purchase of another parcel and the preservation of this site as park
land. He also noted that the site allows no room for growth and expansion and he does
not believe the site is large enough. He recommends looking at land on Woods Road,
west of the high school. Alderman Slocomb suggested another area for consideration
could be along the Moorland Road corridor. Alderman Woodard stated she supported
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April 1, 1998 Page 2
having the title search done. Alderman D’Acquisto stated he supported allocating
funds for the title search with the qualification that it is for research only, and does not
imply any definitive choice on the City’s part. Alderman D’Acquisto moved to spend the
funds ($250) to conduct the title search on the Parkland site. Alderman Slocomb
seconded reiterating the restriction Alderman D’Acquisto’s previously noted. Motion
carried unanimously.
The Mayor read the notice of closed sessions.
Alderman Salentine moved to convene into closed session pursuant to §19.85(1)(c)
Considering employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data of
any public employe over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises
responsibility, more specifically employee compensation and classification. Alderman
D’Acquisto seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
The Committee reconvened into open session.
Item No. 1 - Review Position Description, Proposed Ordinance, and Advertising
for City Engineer
Mayor noted that a revised position description has been distributed. The Mayor
identified the changes made in the revision. Alderman Pionek requested time to review
prior to next Council meeting. The Mayor also stated that the City Attorney has
provided recommended changes to the proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 1.10 of
the Municipal Code. There was discussion regarding the reference to the retention of
records in the office of the City Clerk. The Mayor noted that is directed by state statute.
Discussion also took place regarding where this employee will be located due to the
lack of space. Further discussion to occur at the April 14 Council meeting.
The Mayor noted that the Clerk requested that Item No. 4 regarding job descriptions
and Item No. 10 regarding attendance at Council meetings be deferred to allow her to
attend to discuss.
Item No. 5 - Building Naming Criteria
The Committee discussed establishing naming criteria. Alderman Slocomb believes
the adoption of an ordinance would be the best way to accomplish. Alderman
D’Acquisto agreed; it will spell out the criteria. An ordinance will take more thought and
work to create and amend. The Committee determined that the renaming could be for
either a living or deceased individual for a 100-year period.
Item No. 9 - Warner Cable Telephone Solicitations
The Mayor noted that the Clerk provided information regarding marketing techniques
used by a firm Warner Cable hired to promote its channel guide. He stated that
Warner has discontinued the promotion and has agreed to refund money to anyone
who received the guide and never wanted it. Alderman Slocomb complimented Warner
for doing so noting that the techniques used were not illegal.
Item No. 11- General Liability Medical Expense Coverage
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April 1, 1998 Page 3
The Mayor noted the cost of the additional premium is $489. Alderman Sanders asked
if other communities carry this. The Mayor responded very few. He noted that the cost
was low because the City did not have any claim experience established. Alderman
Slocomb moved to add coverage for $489. Alderman Salentine seconded. The Mayor
noted this issue will go to the Finance Committee. Alderman Sanders asked if
information could be obtained from other cities or school districts that have had this
type of coverage and have a history of claim experience. The Mayor noted that it will
be obtained for the Finance Committee meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Alderman Salentine stated that Item No. 2 and Item No. 3 regarding the fire
departments should be deferred.
The Mayor noted that there will be changes made to several job descriptions. The
Mayor stated that the job descriptions of Clerk-Treasurer and Finance Director were
created prior to the employees actually working in the positions. They will be reviewed
and changes made where needed. He also stated that now that the City has a
Recording Secretary, the job description of his Administrative Assistant also needs to
be changed. The Mayor stated that all the job descriptions will be sent to the Finance
Committee for final review. Some aldermen requested that the final review be done by
the Committee of the Whole. The Mayor stated that the Finance Committee has
historically dealt with all personnel issues; the Committee of the Whole can review and
make a recommendation to the Finance Committee.
Item No. 6 - Economic Development Grant
Alderman Pionek stated he placed this item on the agenda because there are many
grants available and people are not aware of that. It was also noted that grants can be
department specific. The department heads need to be involved and complete the
applications. Alderman Pionek suggested a position that could research grants part
time and handle human resource issues part time. The Mayor stated grant research
could be part of the job description of an individual in an Economic Development
position.
Alderman D’Acquisto moved to adjourn at 10:00 p.m. Alderman Pionek seconded,
motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Jill Blenski, CMC
Deputy City Clerk