City Council - Human Resources Committee

CHICOPEE CITY COUNCIL HUMAN RESOURCE C OMMITTEE APPROVED 3/3/14 MEMBERS James Tillotson Gary Labrie Gerry Roy Timothy McLellan William Zaskey MINUTES February 24, 2014 The following are the minutes of a public hearing held Monday, February 24, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, Fourth Floor, City Hall Annex, 274 Front Street, 4th floor, Chicopee, MA 01013 Present: Tillotson, Labrie, Roy, McLellan, Zaskey Also Present: Councilor Zygarowski, Councilor Krampits, Councilor Laflamme, Councilor Lamontagne, Scott Szczebak (Human Resource Director), Daniel Garvey (Associate City Solicitor) Meeting called to order at 6:30 PM Item #1: Karen K. Kamienski, position of Library Trustee. Ms. Kamienski stated that she has worked as a school librarian in Chicopee for over 30 years. Councilor Zaskey asked how Ms. Kamienski felt about the branch libraries. Ms. Kamienski replied that prior to the new library being built she utilized the Falls branch library but since the opening of the new facility she no longer utilizes it. She stated that she feels that there is a need for the Fairview branch library and would very much like to see a branch in the Burnett Road area of the City. Councilor Lamontagne asked what Ms. Kamienski would change or improve if she is appointed Library Trustee. Ms. Kamienski replied that she would like to get the most up to date technology available for the library system and outreach to the students. Councilor Tillotson stated that the library should look into some type of ESL program. Motion made by Councilor McLellan to approve. Committee vote 5 – 0 favorable. ITEM #2 Review and select qualified candidates for a formal interview for the position of City Messenger. 1 Scott Szczebak provided the committee members a copy of the job duties and responsibilities, a copy of the advertisement that was published, and copy of the charter. Mr. Szczebak stated that the position was advertised for 30 days. The applications and resumes that he provided Councilor Moreau were separated into three categories (internal candidates, candidates of interest, other candidates). Councilor Tillotson stated that he has spoken with the Mayor regarding this position and was told that he would like to see someone with education, experience, has managed, and someone who might be able to write grants for the department. The position should be filled by someone who is knowledgeable in many areas. Mr. Szczebak stated that this is a very professional position with a wide array of duties from budget preparation, procurement, overseeing vendors and complying with all state regulations. Councilor Tillotson stated that he was hoping that at this meeting the committee could agree on five names to proceed to the next phase. Next letters would be sent to these candidates to see if they are still interested in the position. The committee would then interview these candidates and select one to forward to the Council. Councilor Zaskey stated that he felt that something needs to be done with the title of the position. He further stated that a job description is needed in reviewing candidates. Councilor Labrie stated that he did not have the duties and responsibilities that Mr. Szczebak provided today when he was reviewing the applications to narrow down the search. Councilor Tillotson stated that the Mayor indicated that he would like to the change the title to Director of Maintenance/Messenger. The Mayor does not want to go through a home rule petition because it is a long process. Councilor Laflamme stated that one of the important things that needs to be looked for in a candidate is a construction supervisor license. He stated that there are so many laws and changes to OSHA, etc. He stated that in some cases you need a licensed person on hand or hire a third party. He asked how long this position is for? Mr. Szczebak replied that this position is in the CPA and it is an “at will position”. Daniel Garvey stated that a new ordinance could be created for Director of Maintenance and the City Messenger position could be unfunded. Councilor Labrie asked if that ordinance was passed would the Council lose it’s appointing authority? Daniel Garvey replied that he is waiting for a ruling from the City Solicitor on that matter. Councilor Lamontagne stated that now is the time to modernize the position. Councilor Zygarowski stated that the Director of Maintenance should be doing a lot more than delivering mail. Councilor Roy asked if the Assistant City Messenger position is also being filled. 2 Mr. Szczebak stated that the City Messenger position should be filled first so that he or she could be in on the hiring process of the assistant position. Councilor McLellan stated that he feels that the position should be filled from within. Councilor Tillotson stated that not all things are equal. He stated that he does not feel that all the candidates have the required background for the position. Councilor Roy stated that some of the people have held their positions for 20 years. He felt that it’s a long time that that person could have done something to make himself marketable. Councilor Zaskey stated that he has not had a chance to go through all the applications submitted. He suggested that each committee member narrow down to 10 names and then meet again to discuss. Councilor Laflamme restated that it is critical that the candidate possess a construction supervisor license. Councilor Tillotson stated that he will schedule another meeting to narrow down the search to 5 candidates. Committee vote 5 – 0 favorable. ITEM #3 Minutes – August 28, 2013. Motion made to approve. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 PM. 3