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As the call center continues to expand, the Douglas City Council on Wednesday passed a motion to buy a parking lot for the call center.
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The council also approved a motion to change the regular city council meetings from 4 p.m. to 6p.m. An issue that arose involved the scheduling of the study sessions that were typically held at 2:30 p.m. with the regular meeting held at 4p.m.
During a call to the public, two Douglas residents took issue with the hiring of the assistant city engineer.
David Cavney told the council about the impropriety of hiring the assistant city engineer, especially when he was told about a citywide hiring freeze. He asked if there was some kind of quid pro quo arrangement with the former city manger. The assistant city engineer position pays $46,707.86.
Emilio Garcia also took issue with the hiring.
“Please explain why it had been stated that there would be a hiring freeze because the state of the failing economy, the diminishing revenues to the city, the acceleration of inflation, the verge of a recession,” Garcia said. “In my opinion, there is an obvious disconnect between this stated policy and action taken. You stated you were not going to hire anyone and you did the exact opposite by employing an individual in this position.”
City Manager Curtis Shook said the position was added in 2005 and 2006, so it was not a new position. When the position was advertised, many of the applicants did not meet the minimum requirements. And the one applicant who did meet the requirements and was hired, eventually declined the job offer, Shook said.
Shook said that with all the public works projects coming to fruition, the assistant engineer would be able to help the current Director of Engineering.
In other agenda news, several Veterans of Foreign Wars presented the Douglas City Council with an American flag, which will be flown at Calvary Cemetery.
“This is my way of honoring those that have served, are serving, and will serve in the armed forces of the United States in defense of our country,” said Wilson “Shag” Herbert. Herbert was accompanied by Danny Verdugo, Commander of VFW Post 426 and Ernie Melendez, Quartermaster.
In other action the council approved:
√ Approved third reading of ordinance 08-932, which pertains to the cost of permits for open burning. For residential permits the cost is $10 and for commercial permits the cost is $35. The increase is $5 and $10 respectively.
√ Resolution 08-564, which authorizes the submission of an application for FY 2008 Hope VI Main Street funds.
√ Resolution 08-565, which commits local funds as match for the 2008 Hope VI Main Street grant application.
√ Appointed Ruben Teran as Judge Pro Tempore to the City Municipal Court to preside in matters when the City Magistrate may have a conflict of interest.
Comments
Engineer Grad wrote on Jul 22, 2008 3:18 PM:
http://phoenix.gov/JOBSPECS/cindex.html
The salary range for tucson of 52,000 is for 2 years of experience so with no experience around 48,000 would be reasonable. "
Max wrote on Jul 21, 2008 5:44 PM:
Engineer grad wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:24 AM:
J.R. wrote on Jul 18, 2008 11:06 PM:
Missy wrote on Jul 18, 2008 11:00 PM:
Max wrote on Jul 18, 2008 10:51 PM:
Who in the world, would pay $46,000.00 to an engineer without experience? Oh yeah, Douglas.....
Can we citizens access the hiring documentation for this engineer? It is public record, isn't it?
Can we see the job description she was hired for? "
LeRoy wrote on Jul 18, 2008 10:35 PM:
Douglas Citizen wrote on Jul 18, 2008 1:21 PM:
Tell me what kind of experience other than education does the assistant engineer bring to the table.
As for the parking lot, City owns quite a bit of other parking lots. "
Douglas Citizen Cont wrote on Jul 18, 2008 9:21 AM:
Douglas Citizen wrote on Jul 18, 2008 9:14 AM:
If memory serves me correctly many of you campaigned on the issue that it was time for Douglas to change. The hiring of this individual certainly raises a question in my mind if you meant what you said. The fact that this hiring took place without the position be advertised/posted on the web site and that it was originally left open for 2-3 years in order for the " Chosen One " to finish their education reaks of nepotism and all involved should be dealt with. ? "
t wrote on Jul 17, 2008 5:07 PM: