City council reviews personnel, policies
City attorney Mark Wilkerson and his assistant Josh Pollak presented a review of updated "personnel and policy procedures" Monday evening to Peabody City Council.
Council members followed revisions made by Pollak in a "red-lined" version of city policy regarding personnel. Red-lined portions of the policy contained Wilkerson and Pollak's additions and corrections.
After discussion the attorneys agreed to bring a final copy before council members at the Dec. 27 meeting.
Final changes to the city's "personal time off" policy for employees will be added and approved at that time.
Wilkerson also reviewed changes to the "liquor-by-the-drink" ordinance. Corrections to that ordinance also will be ready for council's final approval Dec. 27.
City administrator Jeff Benbrook informed council members the city had received nine applications for the position recently vacated by Ronnie Harms. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.
Council members established minimum criteria to be used in selection of candidates for the job.
Benbrook was instructed to pare down the list of applicants and bring the top selections to the council for an interview.
In other business the council:
— unanimously accepted the strategic plan for Peabody created by Bucher, Willis, and Ratliff.
— heard an update on the sewer project from city engineer Al Reiss.
— heard from Benbrook that all departments are within budget limitations as the calendar year ends.
— was pleased to be notified by its health insurance company that premiums will only increase by five percent this year. In addition, short term disability has been added to the total health packet options at no extra charge.
— heard the city's tax obligation has been trimmed by reclassifying some of the properties. The city will dispute solid waste charges on two properties with unoccupied structures.
— instructed Benbrook to request additional bids to treat the city building for termites.
— appointed Gene Schmill to the position of president of the council.
— agreed to contribute $100 to Marion County Conservation District to help sponsor a workshop on water quality.
— heard that Inland Paving estimates paving the park track will cost between $50,000 and $60,000. Council members agreed not to pursue the project at this time.
— agreed to make the first payment on the new police car before Jan. 1 to save about $1,000 in interest charges.
— heard that Benbrook had drawn up contingency plans for emergency situations that might occur while the city is without one full-time employee.
