HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial City Council Minutes 11.14.1995Minutes of the City Council of Laurel
November 14, 1995
A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana, was
held in the Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Chuck Rodgers at 7:00
p.m., on November 14, 1995 for the specific purpose of adopting job descriptions
for specific employees of the City of Laurel classified as non-union.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Gay Easton
John Minch
Lonnie Kellogg
Chuck Dickerson
Ron Marshall
Donna Kilpatrick
Albert Ehrlick
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Bob Graham
The Mayor mentioned that the reason for the meeting this evening is to adopt, by
resolution, certain job descriptions.
The city hired Richard Larsen and Associates over a year ago to review and
prepare job descriptions, both union and non-union. These were never adopted.
The meeting tonight is to adopt the non-union job descriptions. (Clerks Note: A
policy statement and procedures manual was adopted by resolution on September 6,
1994.)
The Personnel Committee minutes of November 7, 1995 were presented and reviewed.
In addition to Richard Larsen's job descriptions, there was one added for
utility superintendent and a maintenance superintendent.
If these job descriptions are adopted, the Personnel Committee recommends that
Mr. Michael be hired as utility superintendent and an in-house bid be opened for
maintenance superintendent.
RESOLUTION NO. R95-48
ADOPTING JOB DESCRIPTIONS FOR SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES
OF T~E CITY OF LAUREL CLASSIFIED AS NON-UNION
Motion by Alderman Marshall that Resolution No. R95-48 be passed and
adopted, seconded by Alderwoman Kilpatrick.
Lonnie Kellogg questioned the ratio of supervisors and employees. There are
approximately 21 or 22 employees who work in water, sewer, and general fund that
would be supervised by three supervisors, which would be about seven employees
for each supervisor. Industry standards are between 15 and 20 for each
supervisory position.
Chuck Rodgers said that in our foremen's positions we have a ratio of 1 to 1 and
1 to 4. Lonnie said that is not correct either, but he hopes that the future
city council takes that into consideration when it comes contract time.
Lonnie also questioned whether the city can afford
$25,000.00. This would give us another policeman,
ambulance going, which this community needs.
another position of around
a police car, or keep the
Chuck Rodgers said that part of the problem in the past was being able to get
the manpower up and going.
Through the survey that took place (Richard Larsen's work on job descriptions,
etc.) it led more and more to the need for more supervision in the work area.
When Jim came on board, he felt that we needed three people working on the
management side. It is felt that this would be a lot better working situation.
By going in-house, if we have someone who takes the position, we could try for
one year and see how things do work. If we have to go out immediately and hire
someone, we may not have the money to do this and then we would go back to the
system we now have.
It is Lonnie's position that we do not need a maintenance superintendent.
Ron said that Jim has mentioned that there needs to be more efficient scheduling
between the water, sewer, garbage, and the general fund, as far as flexibility
of moving employees around. As an example, relief operators at the water and
sewer plants could be used up town~ more then what they are.
Jim said that we initiated a different work schedule and work calendar when he
came on board a year ago. It is beginning to take shape, but it does take close
observation and close supervision to make it work. With the water plant
construction under design and the sewer plant at a point where we may need to
increase capacity, Dave will be very busy the next few years at both plants. We
are just beginning to make progress at the city shop. During the summer
MinUtes of the City Council of Laurel
Page 2
Council Meeting of November 14, 1995
reason that Dave's current position of Assistant Public Works Director needs to
be split into two positions.
At this point in time we are not looking at additional money. We will try to
hire from within the city. Jim feels that it would be a more productive
operation with a three person management team. As far as supervisor-employee
ratio goes, Jim would be supervising two people directly and the two
superintendents would be supervising approximately 22 employees. Jim indicated
that with the multiple department responsibilities~ he doesn't think that the
ratio is out of line. He would be giving technical advice, direction and support
in all departments including his other work associated with the building,
plumbing and planning codes, developers and general administration.
John Minch asked if we are not looking at the additional
in-house, and if someone in-house were to bid it and get it,
not be filled?
$25,000.00 by going
will that position
Jim responded by saying no~ that is not what it means. The union contract is
coming open this next spring and that is when we need to sit down and look at
the whole program of what we need to do and discuss if we need more laborers~
etc. We need to look at the entire city, non-union as well as union. Adopting
the non-union positions is just the first step. There is a possibility that
there may be an increase of one additional person at a later date.
A vote was taken on the motion to pass and adopt Resolution No. R9§-48. Motion
carried 6--1~ with Alderman Kellogg voting "No."
Meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
Donald L. Hackmann, City Clerk
Approved by the Mayor and passed by the City Council of the City of Laurel,
Montana, this 21st day of November, 1995.
Attest:
Donald L. Hackmann, City Clerk
Charles Rodgers, l~ayg)~