CC_Minutes_2013_1209 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday, December 9, 2013 Page 14 Councilmember McGehee clarified that she had not meant "token" as a derogato- ry term; but only recognizing that such a minimal dollar award was not going to change anyone's lifestyle. Public Works Director Schwartz noted that he was unaware of any Departments having $4,000 to work with in any given year; and advised that the range used in his department was form $300 to $2,000 depending on the situation and circum- stances. Parks & Recreation Director Brokke concurred, noting that with the limited amount of dollars available to work with, their department ranged from a low of $200 to a high of$1,200. From a logistical standpoint, Councilmember Laliberte questioned when nomina- tions were done (e.g. year-end or at any time of the year as recognition is given); and whether those funds are allocated to departments evenly or how divided up. Councilmember Laliberte noted that those logistics would provide tighter parame- ters on the program. Interim City Manager Trudgeon advised that the dollar amount was only budgeted on paper, with the amount allocated per department based on the number of em- ployees in each of those departments; with additional dollars at the discretion of Department Heads and the City Manager for anyone recognized within the organ- ization for any non-representative employee. Mr. Trudgeon noted that each De- partment Head did their determinations differently; and could be awarded mid- year or year-end; however, it was typically done at the end of the year. Fire Chief O'Neill concurred with Mr. Trudgeon, noting that the Fire Department makes a determination year-end as to the events of the year and levels of extra participation given by employees; and then puts their nominations in at that point. Councilmember McGehee sought questioned how those nominations are com- pared and by whom. Councilmember McGehee noted that she recalled having heard that there is unevenness among departments and their amount of use. Mr. Trudgeon advised that the nominations are not jointly reviewed, and in the end the City Manager needs to approve them with justification from the Depart- ment Head; usually subsequent to many conversations prior to then. Mr. Trudg- eon noted that Department Heads were more knowledgeable of their employees and their performance; and while being open to a group method, he was unsure of whether it would provide any advantage and may prove more confusing. Mr. Trudgeon opined that if left up to the Department Head and City Manger, use of the program should be more proper and justified; and his intent was to encourage everyone in the organization to make use of it, but in order to retain the validity of