MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
JULY 16, 2007
A REGULAR MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held on Monday, July 16, 2007 in the Council Chambers.
Those in attendance included Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, City Councilors Thomas C. Jerram, Rick E. Dalla Valle, Andrew J. Slaiby, Marie P. Soliani, and Drake L. Waldron (arrived at 6:37 p.m.), Corp. Counsel Ernestine Yuille Weaver, Comptroller Alice Proulx, City Engineer Edward Fabbri, Purchasing Agent Shirley King, WPC Administrator Raymond Drew, Data Processing Manager William Hoffman, Personnel Director Thomas Gritt, the city’s Labor Consultant, Atty. Victor Muschell, and the Executive Director of the Housing Authority, Claudia Sweeney. Councilor James F. McKenna was absent.
Mayor Bingham called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m., immediately following a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the City Employees’ Retirement Fund.
MINUTES #090
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held July 2, 2007.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC # 095
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the board voted unanimously to open the meeting to the public.
Samuel Slaiby, Chairman of the Housing Authority, urged the Council to vote in favor of the application to the State DECD for funds under Small Cities to fund a paving and re-paving project for the Housing Authority. This is a project that residents at Willow Gardens have been requesting for years.
Atty. Slaiby noted that approximately five years ago, the Council voted to make the Housing Authority exempt from having to pay for building permits.
Recently, the Building Official asked to have the waiver of the permit fees renewed, which was submitted to the Council and was granted. When the Housing Authority applied for a permit, which was submitted with a certified copy of the Council minutes of the waiver approval (11/04/2002), the Building Official requested a letter from Mayor Bingham stating that it had been approved. Atty. Slaiby thought this was unnecessary, stating a significant amount of time could be saved by eliminating that unnecessary request. The city should strive to review their current procedures in an effort to streamline, save time, and create a more friendly atmosphere.
Councilor Waldron arrived at 6:37 p.m.
Councilor Dalla Valle remembered the Mayor saying the city had no problem issuing the waiver, but wanted to know each time a project is going forward so the Mayor and Council could be abreast of what’s taking place.
CONTRACT: LOCAL 442 #345
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the board voted unanimously to approve the renewal of the Local 442, Council 15, AFSCME Police Department’s successor contract for a three-year term commencing July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2010, per Atty. Muschell’s letter dated July 11, 2007.
Atty. Victor Muschell stated that the wage increase of 4% for each of the three-year contract was negotiated in order to attract new recruits and keep those already on the force. New employees will be limited to one half of the total accumulation of sick leave. Medical insurance costs will increase by $2.00/wk, for each year of the contract.
CONTRACT: LOCAL 818 #510
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the board voted unanimously to approve the renewal of the Local 818 Council 4, AFSCME Supervisor’s contract for a three-year term commencing July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2010, per Atty. Muschell’s letter dated July 5, 2007.
The agreement carries a general wage increase of 3½% for each year of the contract. In addition, the salary for each position will be increased by $1,000.00 for each of the three years of the contract. It was demonstrated to the city that these positions were under par when compared to other towns of similar population in Connecticut. This was an attempt to get our supervisors closer to the average, statewide, and this will also make Torrington more competitive in terms of the job market for the top echelon employees.
Medical insurance coverage will increase for Local 818 employees to 10% of the insurance cost in the second year and 11% in the third year.
The cost to the city will be approximately $150,000.00 to $160,000.00 over the course of the three-year contract.
Councilor Soliani asked if job descriptions, and education were used when comparing other towns of equal size.
Atty. Muschell said they did not research job descriptions for each position from other towns. It was his opinion that the job description for a City Planner, would closely match that of a City Planner in another town. Same with the Tax Assessor, Comptroller, etc. Most towns provide medical coverage, longevity, sick leave, and most of the benefits that we offer, so there won’t be a tremendous amount of difference between towns. He considered the $1,000.00 as a compromise from where the Local started from during their negotiations and they considered this to be a reasonable approach to settling the contract.
CONTRACT: LOCAL 1579 DISPATCHERS #765
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, a discussion took place in regard to the initial Local 1579, Council 4, AFSCME Dispatcher’s contract retroactive from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2009, per Atty. Muschell’s letter dated July 6, 2007.
Atty. Muschell noted that this is a new contract as a result of negotiations with the Police unit whereby they agreed to civilian functions in the dispatch office. He explained that benefits typically increase with time; the older the contract, the more benefits it has. The city made it clear to this bargaining unit that they couldn’t expect to get the same benefits that exist in many of the city’s mature contracts.
The pay rate of $14.50 an hour is retroactive to July 1, 2006, then increases to $16.00 per hour on July 1, 2007, and $17.50 on July 1, 2008. The Lead Dispatcher’s rate is $2.00 per hour higher. The dispatchers started at $13.00 an hour, and the Lead Dispatcher starts at $15.00 an hour.
Personnel Director Tom Gritt said they started the dispatchers at a very low rate, and they were told not to expect this kind of increase in the future. The city tried to be competitive in order to fill the positions and Mr. Gritt was certain that these rates were lower than what other towns pay dispatchers.
Atty. Muschell said the issue with a new contract is not so much what the increase is, but what the job is worth. The city negotiated on that basis. It was determined that some places pay a lot more. Police officers start at $25.00 an hour.
Councilor Slaiby inquired about dispatchers’ training.
Chief Milano said most positions in public safety, unlike other fields, come totally unprepared, untrained, unlicensed, uncertified, and they have to make the employee what he is. Dispatchers attend a nine-day program to become state certified public safety dispatchers. They also obtain their NCIC (National Crime Information Center) Certification, 911 Certification and Medical Dispatch Certification.
Chief Milano has faith that this program is better for the city because it will maximize the use of police officers. He understands Councilor Dalla Valle’s concern, but they felt wages had to be comparable to other towns.
Councilor Slaiby asked if there was any consideration of extending the contract to five or six years to eliminate the possibility of being faced with additional10% increases at the bargaining table in the next few years.
Atty. Muschell said the term of a contract can always be a consideration; however, they tend to shy away from longer contracts because it’s too far into the future and it can come back to haunt either the city or the Union. Should they entice the Union to go longer, they would make certain that raises are nailed down. It’s better for the city to renegotiate again after three years and face whatever economics are in existence at that time. Make no mistake that dispatchers will be coming back asking for additional benefits in the future.
Councilor Dalla Valle said he never voted against anything for public safety and was not voting against it in this matter either, but had a problem endorsing a 40% increase over a four-year period.
Councilor Soliani assumed dispatchers weren’t working independently at this point and asked if they worked under the supervision of the shift supervisor.
Chief Milano informed the board that they had dispatchers with prior police experience. In addition to the street supervisor, who monitors what is being dispatched and who goes where, he/she can take corrective action from the field as well. The transition from police to civilian dispatchers has been smooth. A level of confidence has been built so they don’t need a police officer with them. It’s not to say that the program doesn’t have an economic exception to it; however, civilian dispatchers are saving the city money.
VOTE #1390
The Council, with the exception of Councilor Dalla Valle who opposed, voted to approve the initial Local 1579, Council 4, AFSCME Dispatcher’s contract retroactive from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2009, per Atty. Muschell’s letter dated July 6, 2007.
APPEAL: NEDZAT DOBROVAS #1400
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to hear an appeal from Mr. Nedzat Dobrovas’ to waive the Sanitary Sewer Connection Fee in the amount of $7,500.00 for property located at 9 Riverside Avenue.
Mr. Dobrovas said he was the new owner of the property located on the corner of Riverside and Highland Avenue and was being charged for sewer connections that had never been paid. He pointed out that the building has the same square footage as in previous years.
WPC Administrator, Raymond Drew, explained that the property was originally two buildings, and one unit per building. In 2006, the property underwent reconstruction and a certificate of occupancy was issued in building #1 where 3 additional apartments were added. No sewer permit was issued or taken out for the reconstruction. The Engineering Department became aware of the matter and sent Mr. Dobrovas a notice of the required connection fee for the three additional apartment units.
The WPCA understands that the additional apartments will be using the existing pipe, but with each additional unit comes the additional burden on the infrastructure of the city. The connection fees are designed for the rehabilitation of the infrastructure. Each dwelling unit, by statute is charged $2,500.00. With the addition of the three apartments, Mr. Dobrovas was charged $7,500.00 in connection fees. Mr. Drew denied Mr. Dobrovas’ appeal; therefore, the matter is before the City Council.
Councilor Jerram explained that most apartment buildings in the city probably have just one physical pipe going into the sewer connection; however, the statute requires the fee for the maintenance and operation of the city’s sewer system.
Mr. Dobrovas said he was willing to pay the fee (sewer user charge) but didn’t want to pay the assessment fee. He said no one told him about the sewer connection fee when he purchased the property, and was informed just prior to getting to Certificate of Occupancy. He noted that even though there were more units, the square footage of the building remained the same.
Councilor Jerram stated that the sewer user fee of $170.00 was billed annually in two installments. He asked Mr. Dobrovas if he was saying that he couldn’t afford to pay the $7,500.00 all at once, or monthly over a period of time.
Mr. Dobrovas repeated that he was willing to pay the sewer user fee that’s charged to every unit on a yearly basis, but was opposed to paying the $7,500.00 sewer connection fee.
Councilor Slaiby asked Mr. Dobrovas if he bought the property with the five apartments already in place.
Mr. Dobrovas said he bought the property with the five apartments and nothing was said about having to pay for the sewer connection fees.
Mr. Drew indicated that Mr. Dobrovas finished the reconstruction after he bought the property and that no Certificate of Occupancy was issued prior to the sale of the property. There was no sewer permit issued. A Certificate of Occupancy was issued without a sewer discharge permit being issued, which is inconsistent with the city’s procedures.
MOTION ON APPEAL #1835
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, further discussion took place on whether or not to uphold the Administrator’s decision to deny the appeal from Mr. Nedzat Dobrovas to waive the Sanitary Sewer Connection Fee in the amount of $7,500.00 for property located at 9 Riverside Avenue.
Councilor Dalla Valle said he will be consistent in his vote, as he has been on every other case along this line. He couldn’t penalize anyone who invests their money and turns a piece of blighted property into a showpiece. Whether there’s an ordinance in place or not, it doesn’t mean that everyone has to agree with it.
Councilor Jerram noted that the $2,500.00 per unit is not a penalty, but a statute regulated fee to help us maintain the municipal sewer system.
Councilor Dalla Valle said he knew the charge wasn’t actually a “penalty,” but he personally considered it a “penalty” to charge anyone who puts that kind of money to rehabilitate blighted property.
Councilor Waldron asked if there might be an avenue of mediation.
Mr. Drew explained that the WPCA has the authority to waive the connection fee, and it also has the authority to implement a payment plan over a certain amount of years with simple interest if a connection fee is in excess of $10,000.00.
Councilor Soliani said she thought the fee should remain the same for everyone.
VOTE ON APPEAL #2035
On the previous motion, Councilors Jerram, Slaiby and Soliani voted to uphold the Administrator’s decision to deny the appeal from Mr. Nedzat Dobrovas to waive the Sanitary Sewer Connection Fee in the amount of $7,500.00 for property located at 9 Riverside Avenue. Councilors Dalla Valle and Waldron opposed the motion. On a 3-2 vote, the motion to deny the appeal was upheld.
USE OF CONTINGENCY #2045
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the board voted unanimously to approve the request from the Emergency Management Coordinator to use $19,000.00 from Contingency to purchase various equipment with the remainder of the 2005 Homeland Security funds, and referred it to the Board of Finance. Funds to be reimbursed by the state.
REMOVE OIL TANK #2070
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, a discussion took place in regard to the Board of Safety’s recommendation to authorize the use of $4,650.00 from Contingency to remove an oil tank from the City Hall municipal parking area.
Councilor Soliani asked if the matter could wait until it can be placed in someone’s budget, and if the city knew about this tank prior to May 16th.
Councilor Jerram said the Warner picked up on it, and Councilor Dalla Valle noted that Officer Shopey’s memo said he was notified by the Engineering.
Mayor Bingham suggested tabling the matter to get more information.
Councilor Dalla Valle said we should find out if the tank has been pressure tested to see if any oil has seeped into the ground, because if it has, it will cost more than $4,600.00.
Councilor Soliani said Officer Shopey’s memo said there was still oil in the tank and it wasn’t showing any signs of leakage. That’s why she would like to see it in someone’s budget next year.
MOTION TO TABLE #2145
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the board voted unanimously to table the Board of Safety’s recommendation to authorize the use of $4,650.00 from Contingency to remove an oil tank from the City Hall municipal parking area.
DECD FUNDS UNDER SMALL CITIES #2140
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the board voted unanimously to proceed with the application process to the State DECD for funds under the Small Cities Program to fund a project to re-pave the existing pavement and create a new parking area at Willow Garden, an elderly CT State Housing site.
LICENSED ARBORIST SERVICES #2220
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, a discussion took place in regard to the recommendation from the Purchasing Agent to award the bid entitled “Licensed Arborist Services” to the low bidder, Entire Tree Service, LLC of Winsted, CT.
The superintendent of Parks & Recreation Mark Lavoie said his department is
only equipped to prune ornamentals and small trees. He noted that his department did a city wide inventory of tree work that needed to be done.
Purchasing Agent Shirley King stated that the city had an option to have city employees deliver the wood.
Councilor Soliani said she would like to see an itemized invoice explaining why the city would be charged $12,000.00 to deliver wood.
MOTION TO TABLE #2485
Councilor Dalla Valle made a motion to table the matter. Councilor Soliani seconded the motion. Unanimous.
TABLE BID: TWO PLOW TRUCKS #2500
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to table the recommendation from the Purchasing Agent and the Fleet Manager to award the bid entitled “Two Plow Trucks” to the low bidder, Marola Motor Sales for a total of $244,400.00 until after the July 30th meeting on Vehicle Replacement.
TABLE: THREE LAROCHELLE SNOW PLOWS #2515
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Soliani, the Council voted unanimously to table the recommendation from the Purchasing Agent and the Fleet Manager to award the bid entitled “Three Larochelle Snow Plows” to the solo bidder, Big Sons Equipment Services of Hartford, CT for a total of $24,450.00 until after the July 30th meeting on Vehicle Replacement.
BID: AS400 HARDWARE REPLACEMENT #2530
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation from the Purchasing Agent and the Data Processing Manager to award the bid entitled “AS400 Hardware Replacement” to Data Power Solutions for $65,200.00.
Councilor Dalla Valle requested that the Purchasing Agent include the bid comparison sheets in the paperwork she submits for agenda items.
RE-ALLOCATION OF PRIOR YEAR RESERVES #2590
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Jerram, a discussion took place in regard to the request from the Superintendent of Parks & Recreation to reallocate prior year reserves to updated projects, and refer it to the Board of Finance.
Mr. Lavoie said he discovered approximately $126,000.00 set aside in certain accounts dating back between the years of 2002 and 2006 for projects approved by Council but never spent for one reason or another by prior Superintendents of Parks & Recreation.
Mr. Lavoie felt those dollars would be best spent by attending to the safety issue of pruning trees and removing dead trees throughout the parks. Secondly, it was his belief that fences throughout our park system should be repaired and maintained.
Councilor Soliani asked Mr. Lavoie if he already allocated funds in his budget to take care of those matters.
Mr. Lavoie said he inherited the budget up to this July, and he made a few changes to the five-year capital plan that was presented to this Council. The funds in this year’s capital budget have been scheduled for specific locations.
Councilor Soliani asked Mr. Lavoie if he could decrease his capital budget for this year by the $126,000.00 in found monies.
Mr. Lavoie said his recommendation was for the city to invest in its parks and move forward with these improvements, many of which is safety related.
His opinion was that it would be a mistake not to spend the money that was allocated to certain items which have suffered as a result of not being tended to.
Councilor Soliani was surprised to learn that Mr. Lavoie could use the entire $126,000.00 from previous years as well as his capital budget of $115,000.00 to do things that have been left undone in years past.
Comptroller Alice Proulx added that the $126,000.00 was a result of the turnover of Superintendents of Parks & Recreation over the years. They all had plans to use these monies for capital projects but before they were in place, a new Parks & Recreation Director was hired. It was her understanding that these items needed to be taken care of, but weren’t necessarily part of this year’s budget.
Councilor Dalla Valle explained that Mr. Lavoie was able to budget $115,000.00 in his capital budget for this year, knowing full well that he already had $126,000.00 in encumbered funds. Therefore, he undercut his budget proposal to offset asking the Council for $240,000.00.
Councilor Dalla Valle noted that two items on Mr. Lavoie’s list of items to take care of, the fire doors and backboards, are more than $10,000.00 which will require going out to bid.
VOTE #3165
On the previous motion, the board with the exception of Councilor Soliani who opposed, voted to approve the request from the Superintendent of Parks & Recreation to reallocate prior year reserves to updated projects, and referred it to the Board of Finance.
BID: REFINISH ARMORY GYM FLOOR #3175
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to award the bid entitled “Refinish Armory Gym Floor” to the low bidder, Class A Floors, LLC., contingent upon the Board of Finance’s approval to reallocate prior year reserves to updated projects. (Board of Finance approved the re-allocation of prior years reserves to updated projects on July 17, 2007.)
PAINTING ARMORY GYM WALLS #3265
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Dalla Valle, the Council, after a brief discussion, voted unanimously to accept the Purchasing Agent’s recommendation to award the bid entitled “Painting of Armory Gym Walls” to the low bidder, New England Services, LLC., contingent upon the Board of Finance’s approval to reallocate prior year reserves to updated projects. (Board of Finance approved the re-allocation of prior years reserves to updated projects on July 17, 2007.)
Councilor Dalla Valle pointed out a discrepancy in Mr. Lavoie’s request for $15,000.00 when the bid came in at $12,385.00.
Mr. Lavoie said the bid amount will be the valid amount, and any excess will go back to Contingency.
WEED ROAD PROJECT #3375
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, a discussion took place in regard to the Weed Road Project.
Corporation Counsel Weaver said there was no need to hold a referendum for this project because the budget has a bridge line item to cover bridge repairs, which is more than adequate to cover the city’s 25% share of this project.
City Engineer Edward Fabbri indicated that engineering has been working on a plan to replace the culverts that were washed downstream. Based on the regular scenario of going out to bid, the window of opportunity to get the project done before winter would be lost. His recommendation was to negotiate and create a change order with the contractor who is currently finishing up on Brookside based on the schematic they will send to the DEP. A cost estimate could be established by using the same prices they used on Brookside and by talking to the precast manufacturer to see how much the prefabricated culvert would cost. When DEP comes back in mid-September, the culvert could already be on order and construction could begin in October and be completed before winter. Due to the urgency,
FEMA doesn’t have a problem with this option. If for some reason a fair price can’t be negotiated with the contractor or the DEP doesn’t complete the permitting process, the project could be put out to bid next year.
Councilor Soliani asked if there was anything that could be done on a temporary basis to help the neighbors.
Mayor Bingham said they called the Governor to see if the National Guard could help, but if they do, they have to post a person 24 hours a day and we would bear 25% of the cost.
Councilor Jerram asked Mr. Fabbri if he was asking the Council to waive the bid process so they could start negotiating the work to be done, knowing that the project will be in excess of (sentence unfinished.)
Mr. Fabbri’s suggestion was to waive the bid process and add this work as a change order to a contract we already have with Dayton Construction, which is a prevailing wage rate job, similar in nature to the Weed Road project.
Councilor Jerram asked Mr. Fabbri if this was something the Council needed to vote on at this meeting.
Mr. Fabbri said he was comfortable with the design but not comfortable about when they’ll get a response from the DEP. If they do a negotiation type of change order, they’ll be able to say they have an issue with the permits and that will be factored in. The engineers like the fact that the contractor will be able to have input into the design right now, instead of waiting for the DEP permits.
MOTION #230
Councilor Jerram made a motion to waive the bid process in conjunction with the Weed Road construction project to reflect 75% of the monies being reimbursed by FEMA and 25% to be paid by the local taxpayers. Councilor Soliani seconded the motion.
AMENDED MOTION #270
Councilor Jerram amended his motion to waive the bid process, and to engage the current contractor on the Brookside Avenue project (Dayton Construction) as an extension of their contract in the form of a change order to reconstruct the Weed Road project with 75% of the funds coming from the federal government and 25% of the funds coming from the City of Torrington. Councilor Soliani amended her second.
During the discussion, Councilor Dalla Valle said Mr. Fabbri mentioned that he was waiting to hear about permits for Pinewoods Road.
Mr. Fabbri said the existing culvert on Pinewoods Road is still in place and functioning, so it hasn’t been a high priority on DEP’s list. The DEP has limited resource personnel, and in our discussions with DEP, they indicated that Pinewoods Road is not on the top of their priority list; however, after DEP’s visits to the site and seeing the severity of what we have on Weed Road, the DEP indicated to us that they will make this permit review a top priority.
VOTE #320
The Council voted unanimously to approve the amended motion.
Reopen TO THE PUBLIC #335
On a motion by Councilor Dalla Valle, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to reopen the meeting to the public for “Agenda Items” only.
Atty. Samuel Slaiby said he thought the sewer appeal from Mr. Dobrovas was a simple case where he added three apartments to his existing unit and didn’t want to pay the connection fees. He asked if Mr. Dobrovas bought the property thinking he had five units and that a permit had been applied for before he closed on the purchase.
Councilor Slaiby said the five apartments were not completed and the Certificates of Occupancy had not been issued when Mr. Dobrovas purchased the property.
Mr. Drew said the sewer connection fee is typically paid when a property owner applies for the Certificate of Occupancy after all the work is complete and the building is ready to occupy.
Chris Parker, Republican American, asked for the name of the contractor doing the work on Brookside Avenue. ( Dayton Construction Co.) He also asked how much was budgeted in the bridge repair line item.
Corp. Counsel Weaver said she believed there was $240,000.00 in the budget, and the city’s cost will be approximately $153,000.00.
BUS: DEPT. HEADS #555
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Department Heads.
Purchasing Agent Shirley King asked to add an item to the agenda by 2/3rds vote in regard to overtime for her assistant.
ADD TO AGENDA #580
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Slaiby, the Council voted unanimously to add the item to the agenda by 2/3rds vote.
EXTRA HOURS: PURCHASING #615
Councilor Jerram made a motion to approve Ms. King’s request to use funds not to exceed $750.00 from Contingency for an additional 7.5 hours of overtime pay per week from July 17 to August 7, 2007 to catch up on backlogs, due to a change in personnel. Councilor Waldron seconded the motion.
Councilor Soliani said she was uncomfortable with department heads asking for overtime for whatever reason because they can’t complete their work. She thought extra hours should be incorporated within the budget.
VOTE #820
On the previous motion, the Council, with the exception of Councilor Soliani who opposed, voted to approve Ms. King’s request for funds not to exceed $750.00 from Contingency for overtime in her department. Motion carried.
Ray Drew informed the Council that the DEP has notice of his request for reimbursement up to $147,000.00 for the planning and design of the fats, oil, and grease facility at the treatment plant.
City Clerk Joseph L. Quartiero said he thought it was time for the Council to increase the hours to 35 or 37½ a week for City Hall employees. He noted that there’s only a handful of clerical staff in the entire building who work a 32½ hour work week. The city is a multi-million dollar corporation working part time and it’s time to go back to full time positions at 35 hours a week.
Councilor Soliani felt the increase in hours should be discussed during the budget process rather than at the beginning of a new budget year. She thought Mr. Quartiero should state that part time clerical work in his office is no longer acceptable, and budget for a 35 hour work week. It’s then up to the Council to agree or disagree. She agreed that a 32½ hour work week is no longer acceptable.
BUS: MAYOR & MEMBERS #965
On a motion by Councilor Waldron, seconded by Councilor Jerram, the Council voted unanimously to consider business presented by Mayor Bingham and members of the City Council.
Councilor Dalla Valle pointed out that the Council did raise the hours for one employee in the Parks & Recreation Department during the last budget process.
ADJOURNMENT #1010
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor Waldron, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:30 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CMC
CITY CLERK
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