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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/13/1975 MI~UTES February 13, 1975 The two hundred and seventy-fifth regular meeting of the Wheat Ridge was called to order by Mayor pro tem Joseph Donaldson at 7 30 p.m. at 4355 Field Street. Aldermen present were Howard, Calvin Hulsey, Roesener was absent. Joseph Donaldson, Mary Jo Cavarra, Robert Larry Merkl and Louise Turner. Mayor Homer Also attending were City Administrator John Jerman, City Attorney Maurice Fox, City Clerk Elise Brougham, staff and interested citizens. Motion by Alderman Turner "I move that the Minutes of February 6 1975 be tabled one week for consideration." Motion was seconded by Alderman Merkl and passed 6-0. Public Comment was made by Jim McElroy, employee of the Public Works Dept. stated that some of the City Council members and the City Administrator Bnd the Mayor and Personnel Officer have been vindictive to many of the employees of the City. He stated the employees have striven to negotiate through a Committee that was designed to hear grievances uf the employees snd they had asked for recognition and the betterment of all employees. All they got was "a lot of empty talk." They refused to recognize the Committee as an organization. They had tried to settle the problems internally, but the employees were forced to turn to a Union which the City refuses to recognize until they are forced to by law. He stated that all that is accomplished by this action is "a feeling of strife between employee and administrators of this City." Steve Garcia stated he was the national representative of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and that a letter had been sent January 28, 1975 to the City asking for recognition. He stated that Denver and Ft. Collins recognize the union to some degree, and that it is recognized in Lakewood, Aurora, Trinidad, Leadville and Canyon City. He referred to a resolution that the Council had passed in support of collective bargaining, and stated that due to this action that the City should allow all the employees a free choice of representation by means of a secret ballot election. He stated they were interested in all clerical, white and blue collar workers and not the police. He stated 44 employees had signed cards to join. Alderman Turner asked if the Public Works Association was still meeting and Mr. McElroy said "Yes" and he asked if the Council had received all of the Minutes of their meetings. Alderman Turner stated she had received some. Mr. Jerman stated he thought that Council had received all of the Minutes. Phyllis Kramer, employee of the City (Mayor and City Administrator's secretary) stated she felt a great responsibility to her job and that she could represent herself and does not need a union. She stated she had never been contacted to join the union and that some aTIbiguous statements had been made as to the benefits the union would give the employees. Mr. Z.D. Fitts, contractor stated he was objecting to some of the requirements in the 3uilding Code. He said he applied to the Board of Adjustment for a variance to the requirement of a bigger door (for wheelchairs) and a combustion detector and was granted a variance only far the door. He objected to the added cast. He also objected to the use tax that he must pay when he gets a building permit. Mayor pro tem Donaldson stated the matter would be looked into, to see if something could be resolved. MINUTES - Februarv 13, 1975 - Continued -2- Mr. Garcia who had been granted additional time to 5peak 5tated the employees would like an answer in writing by next Thur5day (2/20/75) to let them haV8 an elBction to chose a representative and to recognize their representative to some degree. He stated this was a very serious problem. The City Clerk read a statement from Mayor Roesener stating that no union or other employee organization will be formally recognized as an exclusive bargaining agent. It also stated that the City "stands ready to meet and confer at all times with any employee or any represen- tative designated by employees with respect to matters of employee interest." The statement is attached to the Minutes. Mr. Stanley Hubbell, employee of the Parks Department stated he felt the City didn't need a union if the City would recognize employee problems such as not receiving a cost~ living increase which created low morale. He recommended that committees be established consisting of persons from each department, division etc. which would provide better communication. Appointment of two members to the Mass Transit Committee to fill vacancies was scheduled. No appointments were made. Resolution No. 371 expressing opposition to the conversion of Kipling Street as a limited access freeway was introduced by Alderman Turner and was read. Motion by Alderman Merkl "I move for the adoption of Resolution No. 371." Motion was seconded by Alderman Hulsey. Motion to Amend by Alderman Cavarra "I move that the City of Wheat Ridge request that the feasitility of a highway connection of approximately Y2 mile between 6th Avenue and 1-70 in the vicinity of W. Indiana be studied as an alternative." Motion was seconded by Alderman Turner. Alderman Howard stated he felt the amendment was out of order and had nothing to do with the Resolution. Alderman Turner stated that the DRCOG representative can recommend any changes and/or amendments, and it is appropriate. Mavor pro tem Donaldson ruled THE MOTION TO AMEND OUT OF ORDER. Alderman Howard mentioned that he hoped the resolution would not be misconstrued that the City was in favor of the present configuration o f Kipling north of 1-70. Alderman Cavarra recommended that an amendment deleting the entire section and length of W. 38 Avenue be included since there was con- siderable comment at the time of the amendment that the whole length of W. 38 Avenue was n~ included to be deleted as a principal arterial. Alderman Hulsey felt one thing at a time should be handled, and Alderman Merkl objected to ~atering dow~ the resolution. Question was called and Motion to adopt the Resolution as read passed 6-0. Resolution No. 372 approving the preparation of a retirement plan for all eligible employees was introduced by Alderman Merkl and was read. Motion by Alderman Merkl "I move that Resolution No. 372 be adopted." Motion--was seconded by Alderman Turner and passed 6-0. Resolution No. 373 authorizing funding of a solid waste study of DRCOG and naming a representative from the City was introduced by Alderman furner and was read. MINUTES - February 13, 1975 - Continued -3- Motion by Alderman Merkl "I move that Resolution No. 373 be adopted." Motion was seconded by Alderman Turner. Motion to Amend by Alderman Turner "I move that the Resolution be amended to add the following (at the end of the 6th paragraph) 'to be charged from Account 441.32.'" Motion was seconded by Alderman Cavarra and passed 6-0. Question was called on Amen~dMotion and passed 6-0. Approval of a lease for parking for the police dept. etc. from Denver School of Ghmnastics for Girls was deferred one week. Award of bids for the purchase of concrete steel forms was scheduled. Four companies were invited to bid and only one returned the bid, i.e. King & East Machine Corp. for a price of $4053.37. Motion by Alderman Howard "I move that we don't award the bid for Public Works Project PW-1-7S and instruct the purchasing department to ob- tain additional bids." Motion was seconded by Alderman Turner and tied 3-3. Mr. Jerman suggested that this could be brought back next week with additional information. Award of bid for purchase of office supplies covering a 6 month period was scheduled. Two bids were sought, and Edgewater Typewriter was the low bidder at a price of $3287.50. Some Aldermen stated they felt there was more control etc. and advantage to having a central store place rather having each department store their own supplies. Motion by Alderman Cavarra "I move that we authorize the purchase of office supplies from Edgewater Typewriter in the amount of $3,287.20 to be charged to the fallowing accounts 420.20, 421.20, 423.20, 422.20, 418.20, 419.20, 411.20, 415.20, 417.20, 460.20 and 440.20." Motion was seconded by Alderman Merkl and passed 4-2. Aldermen Turner and Howard voted "nay." Ordinance No. 168 approving and establiShing a retirement plan for eligible city employees was scheduled for second reading. Alderman Merkl introduced the Ordinance and requested that the title be read. The Clerk read the title. Motion by Alderman Merkl "I move that Ordinance No. 168 be adopted on second reading." Motion was seconded by Alderman Turner and MOTION WAS DEFEATED BY A VOTE OF 5-1. Ordinance No. 170 amending Ordinances No. 165 and 157 and 138 to establish a new position classification stockkaper, to change the title of several classifications, decrease the salary ranges for automotive and equipment mencanic I and II, to delete the classes of administrative officer, city attorney, public works maintenance superintendent and accompanying salary ranges, was introduced by Alderman Merkl and was read. Alderman Howard questioned if the Personnel Committee had the ordinance and Mr. Jerman stated they had approved it. Fox recommended that the emergency clause be rewritten. reviewed City Atiorney Mr. Jerman explained that a grievance had been filed by the mechanics because their title of light and heavy equipment operators did not fit their job. The title of mechanics was at a higher step in the ordinance, so the mechanic titles had to be placed at the lower grade to correspond with their current pay. Alderman Turner stated she had brought this up at the time the ordinnce was being adopted and was told it shouldn't be done. Motion by Alderman Howard "I move that Ordinance No. 170 be referred back to this City Council at the March 6, 1975 Study Session." Motion was seconded by Alderman Turner and passed 6-0. Alderman Hulsey requested that the Personnel Committee's recommendation be in writing on the Oninance. MINUTES - February 13, 1975 - Continued -4- Resolution No. 374 pertaining to the zoning on the property of Annexation No.5 (Duaine Richter's property) was introduced by Alderman Merkl and was read. Motion by Alderman Howard "I move that Resolution No. 374 be adopted." Motion was seconded by Alderman Hulsey and passed 6-0. Ordinance No. 171 rezoning the property in Annexation No. 5 to Planned Commercial Development was introduced by Alderman Hulsey and was read. Motion by Alderman Merkl "I move that Ordinance No. 171 be adopted on first reading and be published and posted." Motion was seconded by Alderman Turner and passed 6-0. Motion by Alderman Merkl "I move that the City Administrator be allowed to take his vacation on March 18 through Mall!1 28, 1975." Motion was seconded by Alderman Hulsey and passed 6-0. Mr. Jerman explained a crime statistic report from the Police Dept. had been di~ indicating a decrease in the total crime index down 8.8%. The burglary tributed prevention grant of LEAA reduced residential burglary by at least 5%. Motion by Alderman Turner "I move that Chief Pinson be allowed to attend a conference (sponsored by the Division of Criminal Justice) in Salt Lake City on April 7 through 9th, 1975." Motion was seconded by Alderman Merkl and passed 5-1. Alderman Howard voted "nay." Mr. Jerman brought up a request from Director of Parks Mr. Horton for improvements to the Anderson Buildinq and qrounds as follows 1. Hook up a sink in the multi-purpose rOom so that groups can make coffee etc. more easily. 2. Install a concrete pad and bicycle rack outside the building. 3. Install a split rail fence in front of the building. Several Aldermen requested cost estimates of these projects. Alderman Merkl requested an updated list of the the Citizen Committees. Motion by Alderman Cavarra "I move that the Mayor authorize approval of payment for expenditures of meals (when meeting all day) far the Civil Service Commission and Civil Service Review Board and that food, lodging and transportation for guest members be paid, if needed." Motion was seconded by Alderman Hulsey and passed 6-0. Alderman Merkl requested that at the March 6th Study Session that a discussion of taking the cars home for the detectives be scheduled. City Attorney Fox stated some eldery people had approached him to have their property held in a wildlife type of use only ,to be sa designated in their will. Mr. Fax was directed to pursue this offer. Alderman Howard requested that Mr. James O'Brien receive a certificate of appreciation for his service on the Police Advisory Board. A letter from Colorado Centennial-Bicentennial Commission rejecting the project of Wheat Ridge in its current form was acknowledged. A letter from Wheat Ridge Water District stating the Board had no objection to the Lakewood Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners serving Wheat Ridge residents who were customers of Consolidated was acknowledged. Meeting was adjourned at 10 00 p.m. l --, . ) ) ~b/ K ,'---0-X;' Jhi~La'I'&V li~e Brougfiam, ~ity '. erk I APPROVED ,..- . 1 '~~7\) ~~! I , } I '", I' " , ! , ,---- I Minutes - February 13, 1975 - Continued - Page 5. STATEMENT OF MAYOR HOMER L. ROESENER CONCERNING RECOGNITION OF UNIONS OR EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN CITY GOVERNMENT Due to my unavoidable absence at the City Council meeting February 13, 1975, I wish to have the following statement read and made a matter of public record It is the policy and intention of the City of Wheat Ridge that no union or other employee organization will be formally recognized as an exclusive bargaining agent for City employees or any portion thereof. This position is taken after thorough discussion by the City Council of this matter and is in full accord with existing state and federal law as they pertain to local government jurisdictions. The reason the City is taking this position is that the City believes that all employees should have a free choice with respect to their representation. I wish to emphasize, however, that the City stands ready to meet and confer at all times with any employee or any representative designated by employees with respect to matters of employee interest. It is my belief that such free and open interchange of information and discussion will create the most healthful environment for the resolution of employee problems. This position of the City will be maintained until and unless otherwise required by state law. As Mayor, and on behalf of the City administration, I wish to state that I am willing at any time to meet with any representative but under no circumstances will I recognize them as an exclusive representative nor enter into any agreement unless required by statute to do so. February 13, 1975