FM032399
FINANCE COMMITTEE - CITY OF MUSKEGO
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1999
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Mayor De Angelis. Committee members
Slocomb and Salentine were present. Committee member Sanders was absent. Also present
were Aldermen Chiaverotti, Pionek, and Patterson (arrived during the meeting.), and Deputy
Clerk Blenski.
The Mayor noted that the meeting was noticed in accordance with the Open Meeting Law.
Review of Minutes
Minutes of the March 17, 1999 meeting were accepted with no changes made.
There were no licenses to review.
Unfinished Business
1. Review proposed newly created job description - Deputy Building Director
This item was deferred from the March 17, 1999 meeting. Mayor De Angelis noted that the
purpose of the position and the essential duties and responsibilities are consistent with a
supervisory position. Alderman Slocomb added that part of the purpose of the position is to
provide administrative support by directing the daily operations of the department.
The Mayor explained that under minimum training and experience required, the position
description contains references to a journeyman plumber which may be changed in the future
if the position is filled by an individual with different inspection qualifications. The person who
will fill this position now will perform plumbing inspection duties as well as coordinating
departmental operations. Alderman Pionek stated it should be done generally so it does not
have to be changed. Alderman Patterson arrived.
Alderman Salentine moved to amend the purpose of the position contained in the job
description to include “and coordinates and directs daily operations, assigns tasks, establishes
priorities, allocates personnel and reviews completed work.” Alderman Slocomb seconded;
motion carried. The Mayor stated that once the position is created it is his intention to place Al
Biwer in the position. The grade for the new position is M 4, with the employee’s current
position having a grade of M 2. The Director of Building Department position has a grade of
M 6. The Mayor stated that the employee will receive a 6% increase as his current salary falls
within the midpoint of the M 4 range with the salary for the new position to be $46,300.80.
Alderman Pionek asked if the individual would be considered the department head with the
Mayor responding no. The Mayor stated that the salary is more than the current salaries for
the City Assessor and Clerk-Treasurer positions. Alderman Pionek asked if this was a good
thing since both of those individuals serve as heads of their departments. Alderman Slocomb
stated it is market driven. The Mayor stated there isn’t much that can be done about the going
rate for a plumbing inspector. Currently, the position only makes $1,000 less than the two
specified department heads. The Mayor noted the salary was less than the full director
position. Alderman Pionek asked if it could be said the classification is actually the head of the
department of inspectors. Alderman Slocomb stated it is more of a working leader but without
hiring, firing and disciplinary duties. The Mayor stated that the position will be under the
supervision of the City Engineer. The alternative is to go back to the structure we had before.
The proposal is to have the City Engineer position not be a certified inspector. The individual
will oversee the department but will not coordinate the day-to-day operations. That will be
Finance Committee Minutes Page 2
March 23, 1999
done by the deputy director. The Mayor stated that there has to be additional compensation to
the employee who will now be given supervisory duties. The City has typically given a 6%
increase. Alderman Patterson expressed concern that the individual coordinating the day-to-
day operations would not have hiring and firing capabilities.
The Mayor noted that the City learned that the previous arrangement did not work; there was
too much engineering for the position to direct the day-to-day operations of the department.
He also stated that Mr. Biwer has indicated that additional time will be needed outside of the
8:00 to 4:30 work day for him to get the job done well. The Mayor stated that hiring and firing
responsibilities can be very time consuming and could take too much time away from the other
duties of the position. Discussion continued about what the best departmental structure would
be. Alderman Pionek stated it bothered him that the position would be paid more than the two
department heads. Alderman Salentine moved to recommend creation of the position of
deputy building director. The Mayor stated that the points assigned to the position are 531.
Alderman Slocomb seconded; motion carried.
New Business
1. Discuss vacation carryover - Plan Department Secretary
Alderman Slocomb moved to approve request. Alderman Salentine seconded; motion carried.
2. Discuss retaining special counsel to replace existing counsel for Carity Land Development
and Town of Vernon issues
Alderman Salentine moved to recommend retaining Attorney Steven Hayes and Attorney Tim
Feeley of von Briesen, Purtell & Roper, S.C. to replace Attorney Michael Morse for the issues
as stated. Alderman Slocomb seconded; motion carried.
Voucher Approval
Alderman Salentine moved to recommend approval of General Vouchers in the amount of
$626,140.06, Tax Checks in the amount of $681.97, and Utility Vouchers in the amount of
$116,157.56. Alderman Slocomb seconded; motion carried unanimously.
Alderman Slocomb moved to adjourn at 7:50 p.m. Alderman Salentine seconded; motion
carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jill Blenski, CMC
Deputy Clerk
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