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Council discusses much, makes a few policy changes

Local banks, city will purchase building for industrial park; bids sought for street project

Staff reporter

Marion City Council couldn't agree on much during Monday's meeting but did determine no change of protocol was needed for employees attending out-of-town meetings and employee Christmas bonuses would not be cash.

Councilman Bill Holdeman had requested at the last meeting that two items be placed on this week's agenda for discussion. He wanted input regarding employees attending out-of-town meetings and schools, and how involved the council should be in hiring and firing employees.

"This is the first place I've ever been where an employee tells us what they're doing," Holdeman said. "I would like employees to be in the mode of asking."

He added he wanted to know the cost to attend meetings and schools and the city's benefits of having the employee attend.

When the other council members were asked for input, Jerry Kline said some schools and meetings are set every year.

"(Attendance at) state conventions should be mandatory," he said.

Stacey Collett said he agreed with Holdeman, especially regarding overnight stays.

"I think we're getting back to micromanaging," said Gene Winkler. "Some things need pre-approval but there are some meetings going on all of the time. We don't want employees to have to ask to go to all meetings."

He added he didn't want to spend 20 minutes of meeting time granting permission to attend meetings.

Mayor Martin Tice said the city administrator was hired to manage the employees. The council can set limits. He agreed that cases of abuse should be investigated and added he was not aware of any cases.

Collett then made a motion to require employees to ask permission to attend overnight meetings; Holdeman seconded the motion, but the motion failed, 2-3, with Collett and Holdeman the only ones voting in favor.

Holdeman then moved to the next subject of hiring and firing of employees. He asked if the city allowed the hiring of family members. Tice said the city had a nepotism policy. Collett then read the policy which basically applies to immediate families.

The next topic of discussion was Christmas bonuses for full-time employees. In the past, the city had provided $100 to each full-time employee and each department had budgeted for the expense, said David Mayfield, city administrator. The $100 is taxed which actually costs the city $110 per employee.

Collett suggested purchasing jackets for each employee instead of the cash gift.

"They can get more use out of a jacket than cash," he said.

Winkler disagreed and said employees can always use cash at Christmas time.

Kline then made a motion to give $100 cash bonuses to each full-time employee; Winkler seconded the motion but the motion failed, 2-3, with only Kline and Winkler in favor.

Collett then made a motion to purchase jackets, not to exceed $60 each; Holdeman seconded the motion and the motion passed, 4-1, with Kline voting against.

In other business:

— The three local banks, Tampa State Bank, Central National Bank, and Marion National Bank, will participate together with the city in purchasing a metal building to be constructed in the industrial park.

City attorney Dan Baldwin said Tampa State Bank will take the lead in the project and will contract with Flaming Metal Systems. The city then will lease the building through Tampa State Bank at four percent interest for the first five years.

The agreement will be reviewed by the banks and the council will review the documents at the next meeting.

— The council approve 5-0 the vacation of Spruce Street, located west of Marion County Transfer Station. The county had requested the vacation in order to erect a fence around the perimeter of the property.

The street was not maintained, Baldwin said, and was not used by the city.

— Mayfield was instructed to seek bids for street projects that would begin in the spring.

— The city needs to establish policies and procedures regarding IRS issues, Mayfield reported.

The policy would include information about employees' uniforms, city vehicles being driven home by employees, meal reimbursement, and other issues.

— Street superintendent Marty Fredrickson reported Union Pacific Railroad will not be closing the K-256 (Main Street) crossing as previously noted.

— A 30-minute executive session was called to discuss personnel with Baldwin and Mayfield in attendance.

— The council approved a budgeted transfer of $150,000 from the electric fund to the general fund, and warrants and payroll.

The next council meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 18.

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