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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-01/27/1972-RegularI4ci January 27, 1972 MINUTES OF MEETING January 27, 1972 The City Council of the City of Fort Collins met in regular session at 1:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Builidng on Thursday, January 27, 1972. Present: Councilmen Carson, Lopez, Councilwoman Preble, Councilmen Peterson and Fead. Also Present: Tom Coffey, City Manager Arthur E. March, City Attorney Charles Liquin, Director of Public Works Mayor Carson presided. DISPENSING OF MINUTES Motion was made by Councilman Lopez, seconded by Councilwoman Preble, that the reading of the minutes of the last regular meeting held January 20, 1972, be dispensed with. Upon a roll call, all members of the Council voted in the affirmative. AGENDA ITEM 2A PROCLAMATION WHEREAS the Boy Scouts of America, the \ation's largest youth organization, is a partner with over 100,000 othor organizations to offer a program of character development, citizenship traini.ng, and mental and physical fitness; and WHEREAS more than 1.5 millio.: adults now give dedicated vol- unteer service to the present 4.5 rdill-ion boys, young men and young women who are this generation's con ;'i.eution to the future; and WHEREAS the Longs Peak Council, Boy Scouts of America, has contributed materially to the development and growth of this community in the past and offers unparalleled npportunitics for tie future through B01'POWER 176, a long-range plan to deeply involve in Scouting a repre- sentative one-third of all American boys and to make Scouting more rel- evant to the needs and concerns of today's youth; and WHEREAS the Boy Scouts of America and the Longs Peak Council are maintaining their longtime concern for conservation by continuing for the second year Project SOAR (Save Our American Resources) and are launching Operation Reach and action plan related to drug abuse, through which tremendous resources of people, and program can contribute mate- rially toward its ultimate solution; THEREFORE be it Resolved, That, I, Karl E. Carson, in recogni- tion of past achievements and the promise for the future of our community and our nation, do hereby proclaim the period of February 1-29, 1972, as the 62nd Anniversary Celebration of the Boy Scouts of America, and Tuesday, February 8, as Anniversary Day. All citizens, public and private insti- tutions, and business and industrial organizations are urged to join in this observance and to express their appreciation to those volunteer leaders who serve.in the partner institutions and as members of the Longs Peak Council. Done at the City of Fort Collins this 27th day of January, 1972. Karl E. Carson Mayor of Fort Collins Bob Webster, Melvin Johngon and Harold Warren were present representing the Boy Scouts organization. Mr. Warren presented Mayor Carson with a paper weight with the Scout oath. He said 1971 had been a year of achievement, that there was a new operation Reach, relating to drug abuse and prevention of it and thanked the Council for their participation in the Boy Scouts. Mayor Carson said he was very grateful for the paperweight and thought the training of boys very important. l 144 - -, AGENDA ITEM 2B REQUEST FOR SPECIAL EVENTS PERMIT The City Attorney advised the Council that this matter should be acted on due to the short period of time the permit was to be used. This permit was requested by David 0. Lipp, dba DeSillio Coporation at John XXIII Church, University Center, for a Retail Fermented Malt Beverage License. Motion was made by Councilman Fead, seconded by Councilman Lopez, that this license be approved subject to a favorable report by the Police Department. Upon a roll call, all members of the Council voted in the affirmative. AGENDA ITEM 3A ORDINANCE NO. 1, 1972 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AND INCLUDING CERTAIN PROPERTY IN THE RP -PLANNED RESIDENTIAL ZONING CLASSIFICATION The following letter was presented and read at length: Mr. Ray V. Greer 1124 West Prospect Fort Collins, Colorado 80521 26 January 1972 Fort Collins City Council Fort Collins, Colorado 80521 Councilmember: You are hereby formerly requested to postpone your final consideration of the ordinance to rezone the approximate 50 acres at the Southwest corner of Shields and Prospect Streets until such time as the neighboring property owners can be given adequate notice and be granted an opportunity to be heard. Few people read the legal notices. The general text of the local newspaper reported the hearing the evening before the hearing was scheduled, and this was too short for most people to change their plans. Little damage can result from a delay of this final vote; but a great injustice will result if these persons are not permitted to be heard. Very truly yours; /s/ Ray V. Greer City Planner Don Reynolds explained that -he office was delayed by the Thanksgiving hgliday in mailing lettersto residents notifying them of the hearing that was moved from November to December. Mr. Greer, Attorney, was present, representing himself and landowners opposing this zoning. He argued that inadequate notice by the City resulted in no opposition when the matter was brought before Council. He said the land involved had been undeveloped for one year since being sold by C.S.U, and that another weeks delay to allow people to appeal and be heard might remove necessity for a court fight over this issue. He said a petition wBs presented by the people vigorously opposing this zoning and was 100% of the property owners with the exception of one, that he did not recognize the notice of hearing in the paper himself which was on Wednesday, and the hearing was held the following Thursday and requested one weeks delay. Councilman Lopez asked that all the people involved get proper notice, and made a motion to table this until the next Council meeting. This was seconded by Councilman Fead. Mr. Charles Rhoades, the developer, was present stating that it may seem that nothing was being done about this piece of land but they spent months preparing a very comprehensive plan, plus the delay getting before the Planning and Zoning Board., and that adequate notice of these hearings were given, that a delay would be very expensive and that if this/delayed then any other zoning can be delayed. Mayor Carson is expressed concern about a delay, saying he felt that legal advertisements, newspaper stories and signs posted on the land gave adequate notice. Councilwoman Preble said she agreed and felt a delay would set a dangerous precedent. Sue Babcock of 1601 Prospect, was present stating that the residents there were not aware this was happening, that they watched the paper very closely and did not see or did-oetdrgccogize the notice of public hearing, and requested the final reading of this ordina ce e/un i all the adjoining property owners kpew about it. Roll was called resulting as follows: Ayes: Councilman Lopez and Fead. Nayes: Councilman Carson, Councilwoman Preble and Councilman Peterson. The Mayor declared the motion to table defeated. Motion was made by Councilwoman Preble, seconded by Councilman Carson, that Ordinance No. 1, 1972, be passed on second reading. Roll was called resulting as follows: Ayes: Council- man Carson and Councilwoman Preble. Nayes: Councilmen Lopez, Peterson and Fead. The City Attorney stated that they would have to start all over again. Mayor Carson said he did not think it appropriate to start over again and asked if there was any alternative. The City Attorney said they could reconsider both matters again. Councilman Lopqz stated that the reason he asked for a delay of the ordinance was to give the peope a right to voice their opinion. Motion was made by Councilman Lopez, seconded by Councilman Fead, that the!. motion to pass the ordinance on second reading be reconsidered. Roll was called resulting as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Carson, Lopez, Councilwoman Preble, Councilmen Peterson and Fead. Nayes: None. The Mayor declared the motion adopted. Motion was made by Councilwoman Preble, seconded by Councilman Fead, to reconsider the motion to table this ordinance for another week. Roll was called resulting as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Carson, 'Lopez.., Councilwoman Preble, Councilmen Peterson and Fead. Nayes: None. The Mayor declared the motion adopted. Motion was made by Councilman Lopez, seconded by Councilman Fead, that Ordinance No. 1, 1972, be tabled for one week. Roll was called resulting as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Lopez, Peterson and Fead. Nayes: Councilman Carson and Councilwoman Preble. The Mayor declared the motion carried by a majority vote. Councilman Fead said he wanted to apoligize for feeling we needed a delay on this, and said he felt that the legal notice of hearing should indicate in some way, by street or intersection, so that the people can understand them. Councilman Lopez said he just wanted to make sure that all the people are notified. AGENDA ITEM 3B ORDINANCE NO. 2, 1972 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1-15 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO, 1958, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SALARY TO BE PAID THE CITY MANAGER Councilman Lopez commented that he had had a number of calls about the salary of the City Manager. He said that basically he had made a great contribution to the City and the comments he was going to make were nothing against the City Manager but one of the City Government. Motion was made by Councilman Fead, seconded by Councilwoman Preble, that Ordinance No. 2, 1972, be adopted. Councilman Fead stated he had also received many calls concerning this. He said he had made a survey of many cities regarding the salary of their City Manager and among those cities with a population of 20,000 to 140,000, the average salary was $22,664.00, so did not think we are overpaying that position. Roll was called. Upon an affirmative vote, the Mayor declared the motion adopted. AGENDA ITEM 4A. BIDS - MISCELLANEOUS RECREATION EQUIPMENT Bids have been received and evaluated covering consideration for pur- chase of: Miscellaneous recreation equipment, such as football helmets, shoulder pads; footballs, chin straps, etc. This equipment is used for carrying out the Parks and Recreation Departments football program. A summary of the bids are as follows: BIDDER ITEM QTY. PRICE EA.. EXTENSION Metro Sporting Jerseys 240 Goods Coach Shirt 24 Scorebooks 24 Sargent Baseball Sport Shop Chest Protectors 24 Volleyballs 24 Dave Cooks Football Helmets 100 Shoulder Pads 25 Shoulder Pads 25 Footballs 30 Chin Straps.100 Soft Balls 360 $6.70 $1,608.00 6.25 1SO.00 1.45 34.80 $5.75 $ 138.00 8.45 202.80 $5.85 $ 585.00 5.95 148.75 5.95 8.45 .60 1.916 148.75 253.50 60.00 689.76 AWARD $1,792.80 $ 340.80 $1,885.76 146 January 27, 1972 A complete bid talley with recommendations is attached. Mr. Wes Sargent, Recreation Super- intendent has evaluated the bids and all specifications have been met by the bidders selected. The recommendation is that awards be made as indicated above. Respectfully submitted, /s/ E. M. Kuppinger Purchasing Agent After discussion, motion was made by Councilman Peterson, seconded by Councilman Lopez, that the recommendation of the purchasing Agent be approved. Upon a roll call, all members of the Council voted in the affirmative. AGENDA ITEM 4B BIDS - 44 Transformers of various KVA rat Summary: Mr. John St. John, Associate Engineer, has evaluated the bids and all specifications have been met by the low bidder. The recommendation is that Allis Chalmers, % Utility Equipment Company be awarded the contract in the amount of $1,910.00, and A. B. Chance in the amount of $9,772.00. Respectfully submitted, /s/ E. M. Kuppinger Purchasing Agent Motion was made by Councilman Fead, seconded by Councilman Peterson, that the recommendation of the Purchasing agent be approved. Upon a roll call, all members of the Council voted in the affirmative. AGENDA ITEM 4C BIDS - 30,000 GALLON L.P. GAS FOR WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT Summary of bids: Mr. Ed Hilgenberg, Supt. of WAter & Sewer, has evaluated the bids and all specifications have been met by the low bidder. The recommendation is that Poudre Valley Coop Association be awarded the contract in the amount of $3,423.00. Respectfully submitted, /s/ E. M. Kuppinger Purchasing Agent Motion was made by Councilman Lopez, seconded by Councilwoman Preble, that the recommendation of the Purchasing Agent be accepted. Upon a roll call, all members of the Council voted in the affirmative. AGENDA ITEM 4D BIDS - MOBIL AERIAL LIFT FOR PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT Summary of Bids: A suwmary of the bids are as follows: Total Bid Delivery Winter -Weiss Co. ENTERED A "NO BID" Jacobs Equipment Co. $14,114.50 3 W. after receipt of Chassis Elder Trailer $ Body ENTERED A "NO.BID" . Teague Equipment Co. $14,250.00 45 D. after receipt of Chassis Mr. H. R. Phillips, Director of Parks & Recreation. has evaluated the bids and all specifications have been met by the low bidder. The recommendation is that Jacobs Equipment Company be awarded the contract in the amount of $14,114.50 See attached memo. Respectfully submitted, . M. Kuppinger PurcnAtind Anent 14� January 27, 1972 After discussion, motion-was,made by Councilwoman Preble, seconded by Councilman Peterson, that the recommendation of the Purchasing Agent be accepted. Upon a roll call, all members of the Council voted in the affirmative. AGENDA ITEM 4E BIDS - TURF TRUCKSTER FOR PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT Summary of Bids: A summary of the bids are as follows: Golf Carts, Inc., Cushman Model $1,875.00 Kelly Fox Company, Westcoaster Model 1,595.00 A complete Did Tally Sheet is attached. Mr. 11. R. Phillips, Director of Parks and Recreation and Mr. Neil Johnson have evaluated the bids. Mr. Phillips and his staff are recommending acceptance of the bid entered by Golf Carts, Inc., A copy of Mr. Phillip's letter of recommen- dation is attached. Based on his letter of recommendation, it is being re- quested that Council accept the recommendation and that an award be made to Golf Carts, Inc. in the amount ,of $1,875.00. Respectfully submitted, E. M. Kuppinger Purchasing Agent Councilman Lopez questioned how much the City would benefit from a fleet of Cushman and if they would save money by buying it. T he City Manager stated that the parts are inter- changeable and the Mayor said the Cushman are good and since we already have Cushman, we should continue this line. After discussion, motion was made by Councilman Peterson, seconded by Councilwoman Preble, that the recommendation of the Purchasing Agent be accepted. Upon a roll call, all members of the Council voted in the affirmative. AGENDA ITEM 4F BIDS ON USED DOZERS FOR LANDFILL Bids were received on Tuesday, December 25th, for the purchase of a used dozer for the Landfill operation. Two bids were received and both machines have been checked over by Mr. Fisch and myself. McCoy Company bid a 1959 Caterpillar D-8 for a base price of $23,500 and with optional equipment for $2,685. The paper proofing of the motor and the heating for the operator were not bid and an additional $800 is required for these items. This makes the total purchase price of this machine $26,985. H.W. Moore Equipment Company bid -on a 1965 International TD 25 with a base price of $29,500 and alternates for $1,870. The motor protection and heat for this machine would run $800, for a total purchase price of $32,170. Tile International machine is newer, however, I feel the Caterpillar machine will do us a good job at the Landfill and the purchase of it will be within the funds budgeted. I would, therefore, recommend awarding this bid to McCoy Company for $26,985. Respectfully submitted, Charles Liquin Director of public Works 148 --- - — - ---January 2.7_,_1972_- After discussion, motion was made by Councilman Fead, seconded by Councilman Peterson, that the recommendation of the Director of Public Works be approved. Upon a roll call, all members of the Council voted in the affirmative. AGENDA ITEM 4G - Deleted AGENDA ITEM 4H REMODELING CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS The City Manager said he had received blue prints and estimates for remodeling of the Council Chambers. He said this will increase the seating capacity from 50 to 103 and can add chairs to make 115, that on numerous times we have needed more space. There would be a tack board on east wall, screen, roll up maps, a built in projector, the Council '�lil sit ir,.an ell, raised another step, and each will have microphone and control their own volume, one speaker and the press will be seated on the east side. He said it was his opinion that this will be a much more efficient Council room. He stated that if this plan is approved, that he will get together with Robb and Brenner, Inc., and come back to the Council to proceed with the bids, that this project will require additional appropriations. Motion was made by Councilman Peterson, seconded by Councilman Fead, that this be approved. Upon a roll call, all members of the Council voted in the affirmative. SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS The City Manager said he had given school crossing guards a lot of thought and had changed his mind on part of this problem. He said he had received Pamphlets from the Triple A in that the Council is Baying for this, and said he recommended to the Council that the City take over the hiring the crossing guards and the City establish a criteria on traffic crossings. He said if there are 250 pedestrians and 800 vehicles in a two hour period, then we should have signal crossing. He said he felt this too high and reduced this by 20%, to 210 pedestrians and 640 vehicles in each of two hours, then reduced it to a 15 minute period in. each of two hour span, that the City should consider a crossing guard where there is a signal crossing. He said he reduced it down to 40% according to uniform traffic recommendations.. thereby cutting it down to 1/2, and recommended that the Council establish this for a criteria for future crossing signals. He recommended that crossing guards be put at Prospect and Shields in the matter of safety, crossing guards at Mulberry and Shields, that it does not quite meet the criteria as have a large number of conflicting turning movements. Recommended crossing guards at Orchard and Taft for elementary school, recommended -uards at Stuart and Stover, no light on Stuart until get to Prospect, that the traffic comes and goes. He recommended putting guards at Laurel and Washington, that the traffic here has a figuration, no gaps and is a dangerous street. He said it has been recommended that the speed limit be reduced for the schools, and recommended that the speed be reduced on Shields, West Elizabeth, and Prospect. He did not recommend this all year, but proposed this be done by putting flashing signals. He said that at Lesher and Barton schools, a amber colored flasing light run by an electric clock from 7 to 9 and from 11 to 1:30, and recommended that the Judge fine a $25.00 minimum on any moving vehicle in these zones. He said it would cost $715.00 to reduce the speed limits and $4,017.00 to put in flashing lights. He said a laison between the School Administration and City Administration to consider any problem so that we may enforce the rules and apply the criteria adopted to them. He said he recommended to the School District that they initiate a traffic training program in the schools, and that it be put on by the City Police. He said that Bennett Road and Shields thought they should have a guard there, but did not agree, that the traffic is platooned on Shields Street and going north to Beech Street, the traffic lights platoon. At West Elizabeth and Skyline there is a traffic light there and going to put in reduced speed there. At Prospect and Welch Street, Riffenburg School; does not meet any criteria, the pedestrian traffic will build up and cannot recommend that the crossing guards be left there. He said he recommended that the City take over the hiring, paying and training these crossing guards,use the flashing lights, reduction signs and Judge Tobin for fine schedule, he this is more than we have had, that there had never been a child fatality at a school crossing and this was a gigantic step forward, that the traffic patterns be watched and should continue to watch for changes. Sue Babcock spoke approving the recommendations but felt Bennett and Shields should be considered Ken England, President of the Moore PTA, spoke stating that Skyline and Elizabeth Street should be considered, that he had made a survey of these streets and the parents requested a light and guard. LETTER Dear Nayor and City Council Members: As concerned parents whose children must cross West Elizabeth Street to go to and from classes at the Moore Elementary School, we strongly urge and request your continued study and support of the following safety measures: 1. A lower speed limit near all schools in the city._.. V January 27, 1972 2. Warning signs or signals.for motorists approaching the school speed zones. 3. Frequent police patrols of the school areas with violators ticketed and fines imposed. 4. A continuation of the school crossing guards program. N�\EE ADDRESS 'Ce,C,v /edfa 7i �iLd AV - Councilman Lopez said he felt the matter is a step in the right direction but felt the guard and light was needed at Bennett and Shields, also that the youngsters need to have help. The City Manager said he did not agree that a light and guards both are needed there, that he will be bringing a criteria to the Council for your adoption and would.like a little more time to add a criteria for certain conditions to justify lights and guards. After discussion, motion was made by Councilman Lopez, seconded by Councilman Fead, that this matter be approved and the City Manager proceed with his recommendations. Upon a roll call, all members of the Council voted in the affirmative. DISCUSSION - RETIREMENT OF CI`t'Y MANAGER LOPEZ: I feel that we should work to make the transfer of office from one City Manager to another one as smooth as possible. When the administrator knows that he has a deadline, then he resigns himself to it and works for an orderly transfer. I feel that this is something that we in the Council should consider and consider soon-__---___ We shouldn't, wait for the possibility for a man to need to be transferred or need to be let go as a manager. When we set a deadline we also promote an incentive for a good manager to leave a capable and efficient organization and to continue providing administrative services to the city. I feel that we should retire a person when he is still doing a good job because the citizenry deserves a great job in government. I feel, that for the sake of the individual, we should retire him when he's doing a good job, because then he'll have mainly pleasant memories of his job experience. I think we look upon other members of our city staff in the same light -- and we have set 65 as a limit for many of the jobs in the city. But the reason of a definite time for retire- ment implies that this official is not retiring due to pressure from the political arena or suggested pressures of expediency. Other officials of the city are expected to retire at age 65 and its only proper that a city manager be held to the same standards. This also promotes the feeling that all employees are treated'"as equals on*the basis of tenure. Some of our officials must retire at age 60 and some are encouraged to retire at age 55, so we have suite a difference January 27, 1972 in the attitudes we have towards retirement. We must continue to provide an orderly turnover'in the labor market -- nationally we've none on -= since the - Social Security Act -- we've gone under the philosophy that we have to develop an orderly turnover in the labor market. This is one of the basic reasons for a stated retirement age for people that reach age 65. I feel that city government should follow the same procedures that other corporate ---------- Corporations recognize that generally speaking a man is not able to perform as .well at age 65 and beyond as he is at 40 - 50 or 30 - 40 - 50. They recognize that a few high-level administrators have special abilities after age 65 and that they need to be recognized and utilized and they do so by hiring these individuals on a consultant basis for the duration of time needed for other-dti-litie�nd special projects, and I think we should recognize the same kind of talent and utilize them in the same manner. I think we must make sure that we strive to make it possible for all citizens to feel that they are well -received and welcomed at all levels of government. Many citizens that have talked to me have indicated to me that it has become increasingly difficult to affect any kind of change in attitude without a confrontation or bringing in an attorney to help expedite the problem at hand. Some of them are hasty in their judgment, but this is the attitude that many of our citizens have. I think I need to share this with you too -- (I think you realize that I've made this statement before and the people that have been talking with me ) -- ordinarily I receive 3 or 4 calls on an issue to date, as of this moment, I have received 48 calls on this issue. Some of them on my lunch hour when I'd rather not be called, but always received and that's what I was elected for -- to receive calls, and hear from the public. Many of the people calling me are retired people and they express the --same -------- position, the position that I am taking and they express that support in terms of trying to make it possible for whatever man has the office of City Manager to recognize some of the benefits of retirement like they do. They don't consider retirement as really putting somebody up on a shelf and saying "you quit living." Several business people called me and expressed support -- the calls that I have received have been overwhelmingly supportive. Most of my calls have been from working people calling to express support for setting a target date for retirement and a limit after age 65. In that they live with this particular limit and they feel that all people who are hired by the city should do the same thing. Therefore, I would ask the City Attorney to prepare whatever document is necessary to expedite or to bring this to the attention of the Council for proper action.. CARSON: I would like to make a comment in this matter. I have received, I think, only two telephone calls in this matter and have talked to a number of business people and of the telephone calls one Surported the position that we now hold in the City as far as the tenure of the city manager is concerned and the other _supported the present_ ----- ----- on_ All those that I have talked with have 151 Januaf_y 27_,_1.972 I have a high respect for Councilman Lopez and appreciate some of his arguments for establishing a definite retirement date for the city manager. I strongly believe, however, that with his proposal I will not at this point be part of a plan to establish a precedent of mandatory retirement at age 65 for the city manager, city attorney, or a municipal judge. All appointees of the Council = v_e_ jt The administration and management of the city government of the City of Fort Collins is a complicated and difficult business. No one can or ever will please all citizens whether it be the present City Manager or his successor. The usefulness of a man in this position is best evaluated by the people he serves, the public, and more directly as the Charter requires, the City Council. I too would support the philosophy that a man should retire before -he reaches a point of declining efficiency and effectiveness. But I do not subscribe to the philosophy that this is age 65. It may be 45 or it may be 75. I will not be locked in to a fixed position. I do not believe that in the best interests of any _such_position---- to do so. I was the only present member of this Council serving at the time Mr. Coffey was appointed to this position. We were in a difficult and somewhat chaotic situation at that time and we needed a man with experience and maturity. Mr. Coffey fitted this need and it is my firm belief that he has performed his duties effectively and efficiently. He has made mistakes and I wager he will make one or two more. However, the City of Fort Collins has made significant strides and significant progress during his service as city manager. The accomplishments of record speak for themselves. I too believe in a transition period for retirement of a City Manager and turning the responsibilities to a new man. At this point in time, however, I do not believe the best interests of the City would be served by setting a retirement date. The Council should and will continuously evaluate the performance of the City Manager and at any future date and in Council's judgment the time has come for change, then it should and will be done, next month, next fall, next year or whenever. I propose that this Council go on record as supporting this position, indicating by so doing that we firmly believe that the administration of our government can best be served. CARSON: There are two positions -- are there other comments? FEAD: I'd like to make a few -- first of all I too have received a number of calls concerning Mr. Coffey's retirement with one possible exception. Those advocating his retirement were not at all concerned with his age. They did disagree with some of his decis ons and it was more or less the same sort of thing we all encounter from time to time where disagreement is concerned. I take issue with Councilman Lopez's comparison of the City Manager's job with that of other city employees, because we do have a civil service system which provides tenure -for most of our city employees. That'certaihly is not true with the I- 0 2 " appointees of the Council -- as the mayor pointed out, they serve at our pleasure and can be dismissed on reasonable notice. As to retirement age, I've known a number of people who retired w thout always going off the payroll as early as 40 or 45. I've also seen a. few who have performed very well until their late 70's. It's my opinion that forced retirement of capable people at any given age is a shameful waste of our human resources. In my short term in office, I've felt that Mr. Coffey has done a good job as city manager. Noa I've only been here a little under a year -- it's quite conceivable that a year from now I won't feel that same way, however, my professional collegues with the city have reinforced my opinion in this matter to date, and I certainly don't feel that I am at this time prepared to adopt any inflexible position regarding forced retirement. PETERSON: I would like to commend Tom Coffey for the job he has done in the past, the job he's doing now. And I for one am in favor of giving him a vote of confidence and I believe---------- CARSON: Several people who are under the Personnel Rules can be extended in their employment by approval of the city manager and I believe the Council. The city Manager is hired year to year and he has no tenure -- he is hired for no specific period. He can be given notice tomorrow that he has sixty days to vacate the office. It has been this way since the Charter was adopted, this is the way the City Manager is hired, but other employees, yes, can be Pet-ired,. PETERSON: I just want to give a vote of confidence at this time. PREQLE: I think it is a form of discrimination to force --------------------- FeQPle_tQ_retire._being_a_�Qman,_I_also_feei_a_discriminatiQa-------and so I recognize that often talents and abilities are wasted because of this. And we are doing the same thing with many of our older citizens by forcing them into retirement, and it is certainly not realistic to think that a person who is doing a good job at 64 and suddenly one day he is no longer able to carry on in the manner he has been before. I think that any position should be given on the basis of a person's individual merit and ability irregardless of age, sex, or color or any other discriminating factor. We all have individual differences in any of our physical characteristics -- we walk at a different age, we talk at a different age, and we also age at a different age. And this is what needs to be considered in making a decision in matters such as this. CARSON: Any other comments? LOPEZ: I think it is the man(rr and the way of looking at things and I have never been under the illusion that a man had to be of a certain age in order to be effective. In order to be a good worker, I realize that there are some people that retire at 20, some of them that retire ------------------------maybe. 6� 150 January. 27, 1972 I am completely aware of that, but all I'm ----- blter—ested----------- in promoting this statement to you is that somehow we must find a way to make the transfer of one administration to another one more orderly. I know that waiting until something is "rotten in Denmark" or until the public feels that there is "something rotten in Denmark", or until you have a confrontation with people that come up here and tell us that we have to retire somebody, that we're doing a disservice to that individual and we're doing a disservice to government. We're living in an age where we have to make all of our citizenry realize that we are concerned with their wishes and that we are willing to work towards orderly transfer of government whenever we have it in our power to do so. FEAD: I would agree with the need for orderly transfer of government. I think the Mayor's statement also covers that. My personal feeling is that I would like to move that we go on record as adopting the Mayor's statement. PETERSON: Second. CARSON: Motion has been made and properly seconded. Any further comments? QUESTION: CARSON: Yes LOPEZ: No PREBLE: Yes PETERSON: Yes FEAD: Yes ADJOURNMENT Motion was made.,by Councilwoman Preble, seconded by Councilman Fead, that the Council adjourn. Upon a roll call, all members of the Council voted in txe affirmative and the Council adjourned. Mayor ATTEST: