Overland in the News: Dumb and Dumber

Just browsing through my Journal and found two stories of interest to all you Overlanders.

First, Overland proposes a Page program for the municipal court. The story talks about how the three court employees are working 12 hours a day. That means lots of overtime, which seems a bit silly. The proposal to lighten the load is to start a Page program for area high school students. But, these kids won't just supplement their work and lessen overtime, the plan is to fire one of the court clerks in favor of these kids. The article states the court is making over $100,000 more per year in increased fines. Surely--with that kind of cash flow in the courts--we can afford to keep the 3 workers, limit or elmiminate the overtime, and institute a page program. What next, replacing the mayor with Ritenour's Student Council President? File this under DUMB.

In the Dumber category, is the not so bright Courtney Cerulo. This friend of Ann Purzner and pal to Owensby is complaining to Journal hack Buck Collier that the city is charging her for a DVD copy of a recent city council meeting. Having some experience in the world of multimedia, the prices quoted by the city are right in line with the local industry. Part of the high cost are the minimums and that only one copy is being made. Usually dozens, if not hundreds, of copies are made which spread the cost among the larger quantities. Surely, some of her ORT or COGG pals have access to Charter cable and could tape a copy for her. Like Cerulo's attacks on Cuminale that just make the prior Public Works administration look bad, this attempt to make the city appear aggregious only serves to make her look--well, not smart.

So there is the Dumb and Dumber. Surely, readers, you have some nomination for Dumbest in recent Overland news.

Competing with the MLS

From yesterday's Post, the city desires to attract new businesses and residents by compiling a database of all available property. Was this the "Peeping Tom" Fitzgerald project? We've already discussed the problems with that. Regardless, don't we think realtors have access to the MLS database and can find Overland properties that ARE truly available?

That aside, I am happy to hear that they realize they have been unduly burdensome on new businesses and folks in the past (see the "Eedie Cuminale story"). Now, THAT is progress!

PW Director Job Posted

From the city's website:

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
Salary range: $62,076.38 to $70,269.65 and includes a generous benefit package.
Send resume and cover letter no later than May 9, 2008 to the Office of the City Administrator, 9119 Lackland Road, Overland, MO 63114.
The City of Overland is an EOE/ADA employer.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Meeting on Monday, 3/24

In case you didn't see, the meeting Monday is at the Community Center. I believe someone said something about a reception to welcome the new CA afterwards. I could have dreamed that, though.

The agenda hasn't been posted yet. I will update this entry once it is posted.

Last Night's CC and Workshop Tonight

First, there is a workshop meeting tonight. The following are possible topics:

OVERLAND REDEVELOPMENT CORP.
HVAC MAINTENANCE CONTRACT
FLOOR COVERING FOR WALKING TRACK
STREET LIGHT-GOTHLAND
FACILITIES AT BROOKS PARK
PARKS GRANT
PARK GUARDS
BATHROOMS AT NORMAN MYERS PARK
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE PARKING
GREEN SPACE AT MIDLAND AND WOODSON
FARMERS MARKET

Not much happened at the meeting last night. All the bills/proposed ordinance passed unanimously and without much debate. Not much brought up on new/old business. Yawner (a good thing) and was home in time for Old Christine.

Officials Say: "I Can't Read"

ARTICLE VIII. OFFICE OF CITY ADMINISTRATOR
SECTION 115.470: OFFICE CREATED
The office of City Administrator for the City of Overland is hereby created. (Ord. No. 2005-40 §1, 8-9-05)
SECTION 115.480: APPOINTMENT AND TERM
The City Administrator shall be appointed by a majority vote of the City Council with the approval of the Mayor. The City Administrator shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority pursuant to Section 77.044, RSMo. (Ord. No. 2005-40 §1, 8-9-05)
SECTION 115.490: EMPLOYMENT AND QUALIFICATIONS
A. The office of the City Administrator shall be a full-time salaried position and the City Administrator shall devote full time to the duties of the office. The City Administrator shall not hold outside employment for remuneration except with the approval and consent of the Mayor and City Council.
B. The City Administrator shall be at least twenty-one (21) years and shall be chosen solely on the basis of education, experience, executive and administrative qualifications. The City Administrator shall hold, as a minimum, a bachelor's degree in public administration or a related field from an accredited university and shall have a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience. The Governing Body may also require that the City Administrator meet other personnel qualifications. (Ord. No. 2005-40 §1, 8-9-05)
SECTION 115.500: OATH OF OFFICE
Before entering upon the duties of the office, the City Administrator shall take and subscribe to an oath of the office before the City Clerk or some other person authorized to administer oaths, that he/she will support the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Missouri, the provisions of all laws of the State of Missouri and the ordinances of the City of Overland and that he/she will faithfully demean himself/herself while in office. (Ord. No. 2005-40 §1, 8-9-05)
SECTION 115.510: BOND
The City Administrator, before entering upon the duties of the office, shall file with the City of Overland a bond in the amount of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00), conditioned upon the faithful and honest performance of his/her duties and the rendering of full and proper accounts to the City for funds and property that shall come into the possession or control of the City Administrator. The cost of such bond shall be paid by the City; however, should the City Administrator be covered by a blanket bond to the same extent, an individual bond shall not be required. (Ord. No. 2005-40 §1, 8-9-05)
SECTION 115.520: DUTIES AND AUTHORITY
The City Administrator shall be responsible for the administration and management of the governmental business, officers and employees and activities of the City subject to the direction and supervision of the Mayor and the City Council. To that end, the City Administrator shall have the duties and authority provided in this Section, as follows:
1. Administrative.
a. Shall appoint all department heads with the approval of the majority of the City Council. The City Administrator shall make all other appointments without the approval of the City Council, except as otherwise prohibited by law or City ordinance. When deemed necessary for the good of the City, the City Administrator may suspend or remove all City employees except department heads without the approval of the City Council. The City Administrator can recommend suspension or removal of department heads to the Council for approval. The City Administrator may authorize any department head who is subject to his/her direction and supervision to exercise those powers with respect to subordinates in that officer's department, office or agency.
b. Shall assist in developing the necessary ordinances and policies for the City to operate effectively and in the public interest and carry out and enforce all lawful policies established by the Mayor and the City Council.
c. Be accountable to the Mayor and the City Council for any actions taken and at all times be subject to the supervision, direction and control of the Mayor subject to review by the City Council.
d. Develop a plan of organization to establish areas of responsibility, lines of authority and formal channels of communication subject to approval by the Mayor and the City Council.
e. Prepare and submit to the Mayor and City Council an annual statement of objectives that will specify targets and timetables for accomplishments consistent with broad goals set forth by the Mayor and City Council.
f. Establish such administrative rules and regulations, not inconsistent with law or established City policy, to provide for delivering effective and efficient services to the City and its residents.
g. Shall investigate and respond to citizen complaints and inquiries.
h. Provide for a sound, stable and realistically economical insurance and bonding program for all aspects of City liability and risk exposure and implement measures to minimize the City's risk exposure.
2. Communications.
a. Provide for regular reports to the Mayor and City Council on all aspects of the City's activities.
b. Facilitate communications and opportunities for involvement between the City and its residents.
c. Inform the public of the purposes, methods and activities of the City government through all available communication vehicles, including news media.
3. Committee liaison.
a. Shall attend all meetings of the City Council, unless excused by the Mayor and all committee meetings of the Council unless excused by the Mayor or Committee Chair.
b. Shall prepare the Council meeting agendas in cooperation with the City Clerk after consultation with the Mayor and City Council members. A proposed agenda for each meeting should be submitted to the Mayor and City Council at least forty-eight (48) hours before the time of the meeting.
c. Shall comply with all requirements of his/her office and the City under the Open Meetings Law, Chapter 610, RSMo.
d. Shall have the authority to appear before and address the City Council at any meeting but may not vote. The City Administrator will receive notice of all special meetings.
e. Serve as liaison between the Mayor and the City Council and the various committees, boards and commissions of the City and their members.
4. City operations and activities.
a. Shall direct and supervise the administration of all departments, offices and agencies of the City except as otherwise provided by City ordinance.
b. Prescribe such rules and regulations as are necessary for the conduct of the City's departments, agencies and offices and revoke, suspend or amend any rule or regulation of any City department, agency or office when such action is determined to be in the best interest of the City.
c. Provide for the maintenance of the physical property and equipment of the City and insure compliance with applicable Federal, State and local legal requirements.
d. Supervise in the manner prescribed by ordinance the purchase of all materials, supplies and equipment for which funds are provided in the budget or appropriated by the City Council, including supervising the preparation of all bid specifications for services and equipment.
e. May delegate any of the responsibilities of the office to an approved subordinate but the City Administrator shall be accountable for proper performance and completion of all assignments.
5. Personnel.
a. Recommend the establishment and maintenance of personnel programs employing sound personnel policies and practices that are internally consistent and externally competitive.
b. Design, prepare and submit for review and adoption by the City Council, personnel procedures, position classifications and compensation schedules for employees covered in the City's personnel program including the preparation of the necessary personnel policy manuals and implement and administer the policy.
c. Promote the organization and continuing development and training of City staff.
d. Define the authority, responsibility and duties as they pertain to each position in the City government and submit it to the City Council for approval.
6. Budgetary. The City Administrator shall be the budget officer of the City of Overland and shall assemble estimates of the financial needs and resources of the City for each ensuing year and plan for the fiscal solvency and security of the City, including the submission of an annual budget to the Mayor and City Council for final approval, that provides for a program of sound fiscal management and includes supporting schedules and analysis.
7. Financial.
a. Supervise and direct the collection and deposit of all taxes and revenues such as, but not limited to, sales, personal property, real estate, gasoline, cigarette and intangible taxes, road and bridge fund revenues, license and permit fees, Federal grants and court costs and fines.
b. Advise the Mayor and City Council on financial condition and future needs of the City, including the anticipated financial impact of proposed ordinances, and make such recommendations as deemed appropriate.
c. Supervise the preparation of a monthly status report covering all departmental operations and City financial conditions.
d. Supervise and coordinate efforts on behalf of the City to obtain financial grants from any sources.
8. Investigations and reporting. Shall have the authority to investigate, examine or inquire into the affairs or operation of any department of the City under his/her jurisdiction and shall report on any condition or fact concerning the City government requested by the Mayor or City Council.
9. Responsibility for City property. Shall have responsibility for all real and personal property owned or maintained by the City. The City Administrator shall have responsibility for all inventories of such property and the upkeep of all such property. Personal property owned by the City may be sold by the City Administrator only with the approval of the Mayor and the City Council. Real property may be sold only when such sale is authorized by ordinance.
10. Record keeping. Shall keep full and accurate records of all actions taken by him/her in the course of his/her duties and shall safely and properly keep all records and papers belonging to the City and entrusted in the City Administrator's care; all such records shall be and remain the property of the City and open to inspections by the Mayor and City Council at all times not inconsistent with the Statutes of the State and the ordinances of the City.
11. Other duties. Perform related duties as required by the Mayor and the City Council not inconsistent with the Statutes of the State and the ordinances of the City. (Ord. No. 2005-40 §1, 8-9-05)
SECTION 115.530: LIMITATION ON DUTIES AND AUTHORITY
At no time shall the duties or authority of the City Administrator supersede the actions of the Mayor and the City Council. (Ord. No. 2005-40 §1, 8-9-05)
SECTION 115.540: RETENTION OF POWERS BY MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
The Mayor and the City Council shall retain all powers given to them by State Statues and all laws governing the City pursuant to Section 77.048, RSMo. (Ord. No. 2005-40 §1, 8-9-05)
SECTION 115.550: INTERFERENCE BY COUNCILMAN PROHIBITED
Neither the City Council nor any of its members shall direct or request the appointment of any person to office or his/her removal from office by the City Administrator or by any of his or her subordinates; or in any way interfere with the appointment or removal of officers or employees of any administrative service of the City. Except for the purpose of inquiry, unless specifically otherwise provided in this Article, the City Council and its members shall deal with the administrative officers and employees solely through the City Administrator and neither the City Council nor any member thereof shall give orders to the subordinates of the City Administrator, either publicly or privately. (Ord. No. 2005-40 §1, 8-9-05)
SECTION 115.560: COMPENSATION AND EVALUATION
A. The City Administrator shall receive such compensation as shall be fixed by resolution. The City Administrator shall be entitled to all benefits which are provided to other officers and employees of the City and to such other benefits as may be provided by ordinance.
B. At least once a year after the appointment of the City Administrator, the Mayor and the City Council shall evaluate the performance of the City Administrator. This evaluation shall be made part of the personnel file of the City Administrator. (Ord. No. 2005-40 §1, 8-9-05)
SECTION 115.570: REMOVAL
The City Administrator may be removed or suspended at will on recommendation of the Mayor with the consent of the majority of the members elected to the City Council or by the two-thirds (2/3) vote of all members elected to the City Council independently of the Mayor's approval or recommendation. (Ord. No. 2005-40 §1, 8-9-05)
SECTION 115.580: ACTING CITY ADMINISTRATOR
A. The City Administrator shall designate in writing, filed with the Mayor and the City Council, a department head to perform the duties of the City Administrator as necessary in the event of his/her temporary absence from the City. The City Officer so selected shall be designated "Acting City Administrator". The Acting City Administrator shall have and perform all of the powers, rights and duties of the City Administrator during such absence but the individual so designated shall receive no additional compensation thereof.
B. In case of the office of City Administrator becomes vacant or if the City Administrator is incapacitated and unable to designate an Acting City Administrator, the Mayor shall appoint, with the approval of the majority of the City Council, a qualified administrative officer to serve as Acting City Administrator until a City Administrator is appointed or the City Administrator is able to resume his/her duties. In no event, shall the Mayor appoint a member of the City Council as Acting City Administrator. At any time, the Mayor with approval of the City Council may revoke such designation and appoint another officer of the City to serve until a City Administrator is appointed or the City Administrator is able to resume his/her duties. (Ord. No. 2005-40 §1, 8-9-05)
SECTION 115.590: MUNICIPAL POLITICAL ACTIVITY PROHIBITED
The City Administrator shall not use official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with any election. While retaining the right to vote as he/she pleases, the City Administrator shall take no active part in any political campaign or lend support to or oppose the candidacy of any person seeking elective office in the City of Overland. (Ord. No. 2005-40 §1, 8-9-05)
SECTION 115.600: EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
The City can enter into an employment agreement with the City Administrator establishing terms and conditions with the approval of the majority of the City Council. (Ord. No. 2005-40 §1, 8-9-05)

Officials Say: Overland is Ridiculous

Have you found your Suburban Journal yet in the foot of snow? If not, hunt it down and read this article by our favorite, Buck Collier.

The only issue to be resolved regarding the position appears to be to what degree of authority the administrator will exercise. This won't be clear for some time, officials say.

What kind of organization (city or otherwise) hires someone for a position that pays at least $70,000 without having a clue of what that person's responsibilities and/or authority will entail?

Why do I have a feeling that what was told to Mr McConachie about his duties and what Schnieder and the COGGsters will actually give him are miles apart?

Who are these nameless "officials" and why are they nameless?

CA is hired

According to the City's website, we have hired a guy named Jason McConachie.

McConachie is the current Assistant CA in Des Peres.

City Council Meeting 02/25/2008

Monday's meeting was another short and sweet one. It was overall a fairly boring meeting with the exception of the following gems:

They finally passed a bill to address the complaints about the difficulty driving on Lackland, just past Midland. I was surprised that they made it "no parking, all the time". I thought maybe they would go for 2 hour limits or such. Especially since that parking is used during events at Norman Meyers Park.

There were some changes to the budget. I browsed the ordinance that was posted on the board and there were a few errors (e.g. went from 23,000 to 247,000 in one category). Although changes were made to the copies given to council members, they were not on the copy posted for the public. I realize typos can be made, especially when dealing with lots of numbers as there are in a budget bill. I just wonder how often proposed ordinances that pass are different than what is posted without going through an actual amendment/vote? Especially when such changes are NOT mentioned during the meeting.

The council tabled the proposed ordinances to change the building codes. This was being done by suggestion of Chuck Boone. Thankfully, we have some responsible (read non-rubber stamp) council members who researched this further. Council member Conlon questioned why there were few cities who had adopted the code that we were proposing. It is wise to table this motion and wait to see if we are just ahead of the curve (when does that happen) or if we are doing unnecessary changes for this time.

The rest of the bills/proposed ordinances passed without debate, as they had been discussed in previous meetings and workshops.

Speaking of workshops, the situation with vandalism at Brooks Park was suggested to be discussed in a workshop. That wasn't good enough for Kenny-boy who proceeded to whine and cry about the topic during the meeting instead of waiting until the workshop. Most of his arguing was with Ward 1's Cuminale. After the meeting, Kenny was overheard telling Richard Knode that Owensby will remember this when they want something for their ward. Of course, The Big Kmode did not defend his own ward (Ward 1). Such non defense is surprising considering he is a (non-campaigning) candidate for the seat in Ward 1.

They went into executive session to discuss some items with the woman from East-West Gateway. One can only assume that the light at the end of the tunnel is about to shine--or, that a CA should be hired soon.

CA Search Update

Again, TPTB in Overland seem to have Buck Collier on speed dial, but not the various city council members. The Journal has an updated CA search story stating over 30 people have applied for the City Administrator position.


No word on whether Doug Saye was one of the applicants as rumored here.

City Administrator Update

According to an article in the Journal, 20 applications have been received thus far for the CA position.

Any bets on whether the entire city council was aware of this status? Or, is everything filtered to everyone via Buck Collier these days?

Tuesday's Workshop Meeting on the City Adminstrator

I couldn't attend the meeting last night (that pesky job), but did receive the following report from Jim Schmidt. It is posted here with his permission.

Last night in the City Hall council chambers, Julie Stone, from the East-West Gateway Coordinating Council, noted that 6 of the 8 elected officials at the tables were new to the process. Only Ms. Conlon and Mr. May had been through the lesson before. Mr. Owensby called in sick.

Ms. Conlon brought up the item sure to need attention - our Pension. The City Administrator advertisement wording appears ready to roll out. All eight felt that a minimum of a bachelors degree was important (which is in the ordinance anyway) but even more important was a track record of success in dealing with concerns facing Overland.

Ads in trade newletters and magazines, direct contacts to Julie Stone's peers and industry contacts, and online promotion seem to be a strong part of the task, for which EWGCC charges $5000. Julie shared countless examples of nearby cities, listing their populations, budgets and their CA salaries.

• Five weeks campaign will put the deadline for submission about mid January.
• All calls and resumes will go to East-West Gateway, where Julie will help the council weed out the worst.
• Interviews might take four weeks.

Julie told the audience that preservation of the applicant's identities is of extreme importance, and the responsible steps planned to preserve anonymity for them. All but one applicant will not be hired, yet all applicants must preserve the jobs they've considered leaving. When applicant anonymity is needed, the procedure must go into private sessions.

Much of what the team wanted was what Julie Stone called "Eco-Deevo". Nothing was mentioned about a better employees' manual [with a complaint resolution system, a whistle-blowing policy, and written and precise job descriptions],- but HR skills were mentioned as a desireable trait. Lack of a PW director was mentioned and noted. Other competencies required were financial savvy, motivational skills, good communication skills, insights into Missouri laws, regs and statutes, and a sense of humor.

The budget for salary was described as $75,000 to $90,000, Depending On Qualifications. The CA position must have compensation higher than any other city worker, Julie said. Also mentioned was City Halls "archaic" vacation plan, "nothing until a year of service." A modern plan provides accrual of combined vacation days and sick leave, accrued at so many hours each pay period, Julie said. Under the archaic system, a parent is discouraged, if not punished, for keeping a sick child at home. Such a plan is a deterrent, not a benefit. Julie said wise applicants would know better and seek work elsewhere.

CA Arguments

You know I am a girl who likes to broaden my horizons as well as one who likes to keep my finger on the pulse of what is happening. As part of that, I am a regular reader of Tony Messenger of the Springfield News-Leader. This allows me to read about Missouri news without a St. Louis slant.

While on the News-Leader site tonight, I came across the following: "City Should Cast for Top Talent". It gives some good arguments on the case for professional management, including how it is not only worth the salary but worth the money spent on the search.

Will You Tolerate a Watered-Down CA?

Next Monday, November 19, the city is to have a workshop meeting. I assume it will be the one that concentrates on the City Administrator position.

One thing they want to do is review the ordinances. I can only assume this is to water-down the qualifications and/or responsibilities.

Do you want an over-paid office manager or do you want someone who will lead the city foward?

Do you want someone that the people and the city council can hold accountable for what is happening at city hall? Or, do you want just another position filled, with no real meat to the job?

Sometime this week, take the time to write your city council member and let them know how you feel about the CA position?

Oh, by the way....they finally established those city e-mail addys for the council members:

Ward 1
eediecumanale@overlandmo.org
jerrymay@overlandmo.org

Ward 2
marybethconlon@overlandmo.org
jeffoconnell@overlandmo.org

Ward 3
peggykeller@overlandmo.org
kenowensby@overlandmo.org

Ward 4
timjones@overlandmo.org
lesdills@overlandmo.org