HomeMy WebLinkAboutA008 - Excerpts from October 24, 2006 meeting has agreed to a unique proposition that would greatly benefit the City by mitigating the
organizational trauma that results from the retirement of a long-tenured department head. He
has indicated a willingness to step down as the Department Director as of January 1,2007,but
remain a City employee in a newly created second Assistant Director position until June 30,
2007,to assist in completing a select few high-priority projects.
In order to implement this transition plan,Mr.Schainker said that a new temporary position must
be created; it would be classified as an Assistant Director at Pay Grade 63. The temporary
position would carry none of the supervisory or managerial responsibilities. In addition, it is
requested that the two three-quarter-time Environmental Engineer positions be increased to full-
time for the period of January 1 to June 30, 2007, in order to maintain the productivity of the
administrative work group in the WPC Department during this transition.
Moved by Goodman, seconded by Rice, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 06-427 authorizing a
temporary addition of 1.5 FTE from January I to June 30, 2007.
Roll Call Vote:5-0. Resolution declared adopted unanimously,signed by the Mayor,and hereby
made a portion of these minutes.
COMMENTS: Regarding white-tail deer management,Council Member Popken said that there is
not a lot of area where hunting is now allowed in Emma McCarthy Lee Park. He suggested that
the City Manager look at adjusting the Deer Management Rules for that area. City Manager
Schainker indicated that he could revise the Rules,but he preferred to know the desires of the
Council. He would make the ultimate decision or the issue could be placed on the next regular
meeting agenda,i.e.,October 24,for the Council to officially vote on the changes to the Rules.
Mr. Schainker said that he could tell the Police Chief not to authorize anymore permits until that
time.
Council Member Goodman said that the Council members had come to their conclusion after
a lot of time and effort with, in his opinion, a great deal of rationale behind their decision. He
said that the petition presented tonight shows that there is still a lot of concern, but he doesn't
want the Rules changed until the experts(e.g.,the DNR) and those concerned be brought in to
discuss the issue again.;this might be done through another round-table discussion or at a regular
meeting. Council Member Doll agreed. He said the Rules had been in effect for nine days.
Council Member Popken pointed out that the City Manager has the authority to go before the
Task Force,get input,and adjust the Rules without the Council's involvement. Council Member
Rice concurred, saying that the intent of the Ordinance was to give the City Manager the
freedom to do whatever was needed to keep the deer herd manageable. Mr. Schainker said that
he wanted to have the support of the Task Force or the City Council; there are two sides to this
particular issue.
Mr. Schainker summarized the changes that were being requested by concerned citizens:
1. Eliminate Emma McCarthy Lee Park and Moore Memorial Park from the allowed locations.
2. Change the implementation date due to the concerns about youth sporting events being held
in the parks until November 1.
3. Change the times of day when hunting is allowed.
Council Member Goodman said to talk about the issue again publicly in the near future would
serve two purposes: (1)hear from the experts what the effects of the proposed changes would
be, and (2) to provide more information to more of the public. Council Member Popken
suggested that an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)be generated to inform the public.
City Manager Schainker reiterated that he could direct staff to not issue any additional permits
until after the Council meeting of October 24. He advised that one permit had been issued and
he could not rescind that one.
Council Member Mahayni said that he recalled Emma McCarthy Lee Park being considered the
11
i� ay-o6
park with the second highest deer-per-acre ratio. Now he is hearing a conflict in that data, and
he believes that needs to be addressed. He is concerned about youth sports programs being held
in the parks when hunting is allowed. Council Member Popken preferred to have staff handle
it, rather than having another round-table discussion or an item on the October 24 meeting.
Moved by Mahayni, seconded by Goodman, to place this item on the October 24 agenda for
further public input, bringing back the experts and the Task Force, and confirming data.
Vote on Motion: 3-1-1. Voting aye: Doll, Mahayni, Popken. Voting nay: Goodman.
nn Abstaining: Rice. Motion declared carried.
Moved by Popken,seconded by Rice,referring to the September 28,2006,letter from the Ames
Economic Development Commission, directed staff to place the AEDC presentation on
an upcoming agenda.
• Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried.
Moved by Doll,seconded by Mahayni,to refer to staff the letter from CombiSep dated October
6, 2006.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT:Moved by Goodman,seconded by Popken,to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m.
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor
12