02-25-2013 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 11, 2013 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 21 of 24 (9. CITY CLERK RECRUITMENT, Continued) Levang commented that she would take it as a compliment that the Council trusts the City Administrator to be able to do this and that there is staff available. Levang stated there are times when you give people a challenge and they come back with remarkable results. Bremer stated the struggle she has is that she also knew the prior city clerk for many years and that she saw her run in circles in an exempt role where she was not being paid overtime. Bremer expressed concern that the City is being pennywise but pound foolish. Bremer commented whether that will be the case will not be figured out until we go along, but that the City has to be prepared for the answer, at least in the short-term, that it was not a cost savings. If that happens, Bremer stated the Council should not look at it as a criticism of what occurred or the fault of anyone here, but that they need to be prepared for that possibility. Bremer indicated she has been involved in cost saving measures as a business person for many years. In the operation of law, there are very few positions you can do without. With the City at this time and the talent we have, Bremer indicated she felt strongly that the Council needed to replace the city clerk. The replacement person would grow into that position and be a good addition to our group. Bremer commented she is relying on Orono’s city administrator who recommended that the position be filled and that she would like to support that management decision. Bremer stated in her view not all of the tasks will be accomplished, and that if the City does see a downturn in customer service, the Council needs to be mindful of that by prioritizing duties and determine how the transition can be made better. Mattick sated since it is a statutory position, the Council will need to appoint someone to the position. Mattick cautioned the City Council that there may be a lot of things that they don’t know that she did, such as reviewing and signing off on the minutes and keeping the resolution book. Because there are statutory obligations and liabilities with the position, Mattick stated whoever is appointed, he would recommend the City offer some training to them so they understand the full gamut of the duties. Mattick indicated there are also quarterly and semi-annual issues regarding elections and the City needs to make sure that the work load is appropriately shifted. Mattick stated the Council needs to make sure they understand all of the City’s obligations and that when that position is appointed, that person has the appropriate resources available to them. McMillan asked how long he would recommend they should operate with a deputy city clerk. Mattick indicated as short of a time as possible, and that perhaps the motion tonight would be to suspend or cancel the advertisements and then at the next meeting appoint someone to fill that position. Mattick noted Rachel Dodge is currently the deputy city clerk. Printup moved, Levang seconded, to cancel the advertisements for the city clerk position and to identify a staff person to be appointed as city clerk at the next city council meeting. VOTE: Ayes 3, Nays 2, Bremer and Anderson opposed. Item #02 - CC Agenda - 02/25/2013 Approval of Council Minutes 02/11/2013 [Page 21 of 24]