Minutes - Council - 04/09/1985 - Special

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Committee had what Mr. Berg claimed to be a closed-door meeting. Councilmember Cox stated that when City employees don' t get what they want, all of a sudden the Personnel Committee isn't such a good thing. Councilmember Cox reiterated that he doesn't think the Personnel Committee is getting any respect. Mr. Schnelle asked Councilm~mber Reimann if he feels that Mr. Schnelle is trying to hoodwink the Personnel Committee. Councilmember Reimann stated that the Personnel Committee was in the process of reviewing salaries when they were served with a cease and desist order and now a union has been formed. Councilm~mber Reimann stated that he too feels that the addition of another ~ployee to City Staff needs to be reviewed; maybe the time to cut back is during probationary employment status rather than trying to cut back after they are permanent hires. Councilmember Reimann stated that it seems to be that Council's hands are tied; Council was elected to do a job and they don't have any rights or say so any more. The subject of the use of City cars, for anything other than City business, as recorded in previous Personnel Committee meeting minutes, came up for discussion and Councilmember Cox asked Mr. Berg where the City car was earlier this evening. Mr. Berg replied that prior to tonight's Council meeting, he used the City car to go to Jimmy B's for a hamburger. Councilm~mber Cox asked Mr. Berg if he went alone to Jimmy B' s. Mr. Berg replied that he went for supper alone. Councilmember Cox asked Mr. Berg if he went to Jimmy B's on City business. Mr. Berg replied that he has Mr. Schnelle's approval to use the City car to go home, or to a nearby restaurant, for supper on the night's his presence is required at a City meeting. Councilmember Cox stated that abuse of City cars, like Christmas shopping at the Coon Rapids Shopping Center, should cease immediately and Mr. Schnelle does not have that perrogative with regards to City cars. Councilm~mber Cox stated that the Personnel Committee is not getting respect; when the Committee said don't use the City cars for anything other than City business, those directions should be followed. Councilmember Cox also stated that he isn't sure that it is appropriate for Mr. Schnelle to represent Staff before a union negotiator considering Mr. Schnelle's position as City Administrator representing Council, a body elected by the people. Councilm~mber COx stated that he thinks there is an effort on the part of City Staff to work around the Personnel Committee. Mr. Schnelle replied that he doesn't feel he worked around the Personnel Committee beyond what the normal duty would be on the day Councilmember Cox is referring to. Councilmember Cox stated that he can site a lot of examples; the five persons serving on Council represent the taxpayers; when the Personnel Committee gives a directive, it is Mr. Schnelle's responsibility to see that it is followed up. Mr. Schnelle stated that any meetings at City Hall are always open until they are adjourned; people cannot be asked to leave in order that the meeting can be continued, which is what happened at a certain Personnel Committee meeting; personally didn't say anything at the time, but City ~mployees did; news media called the City and questioned the instance. Mr. Schnelle questioned what is wrong with his taking his first vacation in seven years. Councilmember COx stated that nobody is disputing Mr. Schnelle's right to a vacation; the point is that the Council agenda did get prepared with 3 supervisory personnel out of the office; maybe the City doesn't need another person added to Staff; and he expects Mr. Schnelle to take his vacation time. Mayor Heitman called for a vote on the motion to table the case of placing City Planner Anne Norris on permanent ~ployee status. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Heitman, Councilmembers Sorteberg, Cox, April 9, 1985 Page 8 of 14