Minutes - Council - 09/17/1985 - Special

Home

Motion by Councilmember COx to accept the resignation of Mr. Clayton Berg and to not adopt the related resolution regarding accrued vacation, e0mpensatory and sick leave. Further Discussion: Council~ber Cox stated that Mr. Berg's letter of resignation refers to unbearable pressure received frc~ Councilm~mber Cox. Councilmember COx stated that he spends no time at City Hall other than at Council ~etings and his only intent in questioning people is to uphold accountability to the taxpayers. Council~ber Cox stated that he believes there are questionable areas with respect to Mr. Berg's oompensatory and vacation time and there are some particular dates he would like verified prior to adopting a resolution. Gouncil~a~ber Cox noted that this resignation, and Mr. Schnelle's resignation, were fresh items brought to Council and Council did not have a~y time to review the aspects of the resolutions. Councilmember Cox stated that he is requesting an audit of the dates and values specified in the resolution regarding Mr. Berg's resignation; the proposed resolution was certified by the City's Finance Officer, but he is a new e~ployee and not sure of the ra~ifications of that person's certification. Mayor Heitman stated that he is concerned with Item 96 of the proposed resolution (City will not monetarily co~pensate Mr. Berg for oompensatory time earned between 9-17-85 and 10-4-85). Mayor Heit~an stated that he has no problem compensating Mr. Berg as stated in the resolution if an audit proves the figures and dates to be accurate and City ordinance supports the acc~ulation of that time. Mayor Heitman stated that another concern to him is whether or not the procedure for disbursement specified in the resolution is the ~ost beneficial procedure from the City's standpoint. Councilme~ber Cox inquired if the Personnel Committee has reviewed the proposed resolution. Councilwe~ber Reimann replied that the Personnel (lm~ittee has not reviewed the resolution; stated he has no probl~ with the resolution as presented and if doc~ented information is submitted to change what is specified in the resolution prior to Mr. Berg's leaving employ with Ramsey, the terms in the resolution can be adjusted. Councilme~ber Cox stated that Councilme~ber Reimann's suggestion is putting the cart before the horse. Councilme~ber Reimann stated that he can' t see how the dates and figures in the resolution can be changed unless Councilme~ber Cox has something that he has not seen. Mayor Heitman stated that he would adopt the resolution pending an iaudit of dates and figures; should the City go to an outside audit? Councilmember Reimann stated that an audit will not prove anything unless someone has some inforamtion that should be brought forward; in the meantime, this resolution should take it's course. Mr. Berg stated that if Councilme~ber Cox has something to sub, it, he should do it now. Councilm~ber Cox noted that he has received a letter frc~ Mr. Berg requesting that matters concerning him not be addressed at the Council meetings. Council~ber COx stated that as a representative of the taxpayers he should have the opportunity to review the aspects of the resolution. Mr. Berg agreed with Councilme~ber Cox' right to review his payroll records. Mayor Heitman stated that he wants the disbursement method to be in the best interest of the City. Mr. Berg stated that his vacation earned is legitimate and he should have the option to take it in the manner he desires. Mayor Heitman inquired if it isn't appropriate for the City to pay it in the manner the City chooses. Mr. Berg stated that the City does have that option as long as ordinances are not violated. Motion by Mayor Heitman to amend the motion to include that disbursement of those items specified in the resolution will be in a manner that is in September 17, 1985 Page 5 of 11