Peabody drops comp time in favor of overtime
The City of Peabody has been wrestling with the problem of compensatory time ("comp" time) for city employees. Employees are granted compensatory time for hours spent on the job above regular work-week hours.
In the past, the city has given employees comp time instead of overtime wages to trim costs. The "comp hours" can be accumulated by the employees, but they must be used before the end of the pay period following the pay period in which they were earned.
The council decided at last week's meeting to do away with the compensatory hours and pay overtime according to the standard labor laws. The council also agreed to count holidays as time worked. Both changes are retroactive to May 19, 2003.
Councilman Gard asked that more than one person review the overtime reported on employee time cards. Mayor Dallke invited the councilman to examine the time cards any time he chose to do so.
'Nuisance' violations
The council discussed three properties in violation of the city nuisance laws. Properties at 411 N. Maple, 309 N. Sycamore, and lots between Poplar and Chestnut and Sixth and Seventh streets were singled out for review. Owners will be notified by the city that they are in violation of the nuisance ordinance.
Late fees
Jim Martin was present at the council meeting to express concern about the late fee on Peabody water bills. Martin felt the percentage was too high. He told the council he sent a bill to the fire department that was not paid for two months.
After discussion, it was decided that Peabody Fire Chief Ronnie Harms would go over Martin's billing invoices and offer suggestions about which should be sent to the city and which should be sent to the Fourth Fire District.
The council did agree to contact area communities and investigate the late fees they charge.
Other concerns
Jim Myers addressed the council. He expressed his appreciation to the city crews removing two "humps" from the bridge south of the city park.
He also asked about whether an ordinance exists that requires homeowners to replace sidewalks they remove. Myers' neighbor took up an old sidewalk and planted the area in grass, interrupting the flow of foot traffic in the 400 block of North Vine. The council agreed to have the clerk research the ordinance.
Another concern is the lack of a lawn at the new duplex at the corner of 4th Street and Vine. Myers said at this late date it is not likely any grass will be planted until fall. In the meantime, heavy rains wash mud and dirt into the street and gutter.
Councilman Gene Schmill volunteered to contact the head of the Peabody Housing Authority to see if a temporary solution could be found to reduce the amount of eroded soil washed into the street.
The council heard employee reports from Darren Pickens and Gary Markham. Markham reported he had cleaned out the ditches behind Indian Guide Terrace and the three blocks south to First Street.
Pickens reported he will have prices for the water tower paint and repair at a future meeting.
He agreed to visit with Kerrie Kirkpatrick about the repair to a water line at her house on Walnut to make sure the work was completed to her satisfaction.
Pickens also informed the council of a leak at 508 Maple and said he plans to dig for the leak this week.
Following the reports from Pickens and Markham, the council voted to go into executive session with the two employees for 15 minutes to discuss personnel matters.
Upon returning to open session, a second executive session was approved and the council spent an additional five minutes with Pickens and Markham. No action was taken on return to open session.
The council discussed the pickup and disposal of dead animals. The city crews remove dead animals from the city's streets and Mayor Randy Dallke will talk with Virginia Skinner of the Peabody Vet Clinic about the disposal of the animals.
Members of the Peabody-Burns Recreation Commission addressed the council regarding the fence at the baseball diamond at the park. The PBRC purchased a temporary fence three years ago. They would like to upgrade the facility with a permanent fence and some amenities which would allow the field to be used to host state and district tournaments.
PBRC will pay for the project if the council approves the plan. Mayor Dallke agreed to meet with Dennis and Darren Pickens, Ray Savage, and Tom Alstrom to get their input and approval. He will discuss the project further with rec chairman Russ Busenitz.
PBRC also thanked the city crews for installing the backboards at the tennis courts.
Councilman Schmill reported on a recommendation he had from a citizen to raise the mill levy to the level necessary to implement a tree trimming schedule on the trees that hang over the streets.
The council agreed it is the wrong time of year to begin a tree trimming project, but will revisit the request in the fall. Bids for tree trimming will be requested from professional trimming companies. After an approximate cost is determined, the council will address funding the project.
The budget for the coming fiscal year was briefly discussed. Councilman Tom Schmidt reported he had finished a preliminary assessment of the majority of funds in an effort to keep expenses at the same level as last year.
City clerk Cindy Harms added that she had learned at a budget seminar that cities should not expect any more local ad valorem tax revenue or city/county revenue sharing monies. These programs account for approximately $22,000 of revenue each year.
In other business, the council:
— will visit with the sales representative about an additional power train and hydraulics warranty for the new backhoe.
— approved the use of the city park from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 28 for the Green Wing event sponsored by Ducks Unlimited of Marion County.
— approved a request from Jeanne Smith to reserve the new shelter house all day on July 5.
— approved a water well permit for Rodney Hague at 808 1/2 Chestnut.
— agreed to put the Graco paint sprayer on next year's budget.
— heard that Nancy Hubble from Inland Paving would visit with the council within the next 30 days regarding her recommendation for street repairs which fall under the council's five- to six-year cycle for planned repairs. The council will budget at least $50,000 a year for the long-term project.
