01-25-1989
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CITY OF :EIX3EWATER
MERIT BOARD
25, 1989 7:00 p.m.
CITY HALL
January
MINUTES
Chairman Pro Tempore, Pat DiLeva, called to order a regular meeting of the Merit
Board at 7 :00 p.m. in the conference roan of City Hall on Wednesday evening,
January 25, 1989.
ELEX::TIONS
Mr DiLeva asked for nominations for Chairman. Mrs. Grasberger naninated Harry Jones.
Mr. Keith Denton naninated himself. Mr. Jones moved to close the naninations. Mr. Harry
Jones -.vas elected Chairman 3-1, Mr. Denton voting NO.
Mr. Jones asked for naninations for Vice Chainnan. Mr. DiLeva namnated Mr. Denton
and Mr. Jones naninated Mrs. Grasberger. Mr. DiLeva moved the naninations be
closed. Mrs. Grasberger was elected Vice Chairman 3-1, Mr. Denton voting NO.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
'Ihe minutes of November 16, 1988 were presented for approval ,and approved 3-1, Mrs.
Grasberger voting NO, not having been a member of the Board at that time.
SAFElY REPORT
Mr. DiLeva, Safety Director, moved his safety report be heard at the end of the
Agenda, seconded by Mr. Denton. tvbtion CARRIED 4-0.
MERIT INCREASE REPORTS - November and December, 1988
Mrs. Grasberger asked if the Board took part in this. Mr. Denton believed the report
was for the Board IS infonnation only. Mr. Jones started the discussion regarding the
new job description for Traffic Officer. Mr. Denton moved the Board accept the job
description as presented, seconded by Mr. DiLeva. tvbtion CARRIED 3-1, with Mr. Jones
voting NO.
Mr. Denton moved for diffianc1rrientaf the Merit Board and stated it could be done with
Council permission He recanrnended the City Attorney do whatever was necessary to
start such procedures so as to assure the new Charter Review Canrnittee would not include
the Merit Board when outlining the new City Charter. 'Ihere was a heated discussion
regarding statements made to the press by Mr. Denton. Mr. Jones passed the gavel to
Mrs. Grasberger so he could partake in the discussion. Mr. Jones stated the Merit Board
was enacted by referendum and could not be abolished by City Council. Mrs. Bennington,
Councilwoman, added the union contract also recognized the Board, and it would have to
be taken up during union negotiations.
_ 'Ihe Board stated there was a lack of guidance which made them less prc:ductive in
carrying out their responsibilities. Mrs. Bennington suggeted selecting a date for
a joint meeting with Council, which would also include the City Manager and City /
Attorney. After discussionrn it was agreed the joint meeting should be requested for
February 13th, 1989. Mr. Bennington, of the Lang Developnent and Regulatory Agency
then- stated he would like to take exception to sane statements made by the City
Manager regarding ordinances establishing the Merit Board / and the po,vers of the City
Manager, because by Ordinance, he does not have authority to do so.
Mr. Denton stated that because of the hostile attitude of Mr. Jones, he should be
relieved as chairrran. He asked the Board to consider Mrs. Grasberger for Chairnan. Mrs.
Grasberger stated she hoped what went on at this meeting would not continue. No
further action was taken regarding Mr. Jones. Mr. Wallace Trickey, Screening
Conmittee member, stated he agreed with Mr. Denton and addressed the Board regarding
time he had served on the New Snlyrna Beach Personnel Board.
SAFElY REPORT
Mr. DiLeva, Safety Director, stated all accidents in November and December were
minor. Mr. DiLeva asked the Board if they would be in favor of a Safety meeting
immediately following adjournment of the Merit Board meetings in the future, since
they also serve as the Safety Cornrni ttee, and so moved. Mr. Denton seconded the motion.
tvbtion CARRIED 4-0. 'Ihere being no further business to corne before the Board Mr .
DiLeva moved to adjourn, seconded by HI'. Jones. 'Ihe meeting adjourned at 8 :07 p.m.
Minu tes sOOrni tted by
Dorothy C. Garrity, Secretary
Minutes of the Merit Board Meeting
of January 25, 1989.
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