Jared Najjar

The primary discussion focused on the audit for the fiscal year 2021. The closing conference for the audit, which was scheduled for a closed session, was postponed until January to avoid rushing the process, which carried a risk of receiving a significant deficiency finding. The delay will result in a finding for turning the audit in late. Discussion also covered addressing findings related to IT and security documentation. Concerns were raised regarding the impact of audit delays on budget monitoring, especially concerning state grants and matching funds, given current short staffing in the finance department. Staffing updates indicated that interviews are underway to fill vacant positions to improve future compliance timelines.

The meeting included an agenda approval followed by a public hearing regarding alleged code of conduct violations against a Commissioner, stemming from behavior reported during a prior commission meeting on February 13, 2020, and subsequent discussion regarding conduct on February 27, 2020. Several commissioners presented their perspectives on the allegations, including claims of inappropriate communication paths regarding staff performance issues, discussions about personnel matters in public, and accusations of racism and gender bias related to the initial complaint. The presentations involved detailed responses to the specific actions alleged, such as rolling eyes, making facial expressions, and private conversations. The session concluded with the Commission preparing to make a determination and decision regarding the charge of code of conduct against Commissioner V. Linda.

The primary discussion focused on planning the reopening of city offices and services following public health guidelines. Specific attention was given to City Hall, the library, and the recreation center. For City Hall, the proposal involved opening from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday through Friday for general services by appointment only, with municipal court hearings continuing via video conference unless reopening to the public in mid-July. Preparations included installing sanitizing stations throughout city offices based on CDC guidelines, with recommendations to sanitize high-touch surfaces every two hours. For the library, a phased opening was suggested, beginning with allowing only five people inside at a time, focused strictly on checking out and returning books, while avoiding lingering or using computers initially. The recreation center opening was deemed more difficult, with suggestions for a similarly phased approach limited to five people at a time, primarily for elderly walkers, due to concerns about managing capacity limits (like 50% capacity suggested for gyms) and monitoring patron interactions, especially involving children. Discussions also touched upon leveraging online/electronic services and the existing drive-thru window, noting that establishing a proper drive-thru service would require significant construction investment. Guidelines regarding social distancing (six feet separation) and signage to encourage safe practices were emphasized across all reopening considerations.

The commission meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. Following the approval of agenda modifications, the public comments section featured a citizen reminding attendees about virtual cash mobs supporting local businesses, including Paws and Claws Rescue Treasures and the Historic Museum Gift Shop. The consent agenda included the approval of the November 19th commission meeting minutes. New business focused on the approval of an agreement with Bands of Enchantment for a marketing/production project, totaling $60,000. Key discussions involved the upfront payment structure ($48,000 initially) and associated risks, which led to a discussion about potentially securing the payment with a bond, similar to construction bonds. Concerns were also raised regarding the in-kind support from city personnel (police, EMT, fire) being utilized without clearly defined costs in the contract, prompting assurances that current payroll covers regular duties and overtime costs would be tracked if necessary.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and a moment of silence regarding 9/11. Key agenda items included public comments where a representative from the Knights of Columbus addressed rumors of bankruptcy, clarified their new parish-based council status, and stated their intent to donate remaining funds to local community services. The commission approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from various Planning and Zoning and work sessions. A resolution was adopted to approve and submit the 2022 through 2026 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP) to DFA. The commission also approved Amendment Number One to the engineering services agreement with Stantec for the Hoover Tank design, bringing the total contract value to over $243,000 through the bidding phase. Finally, the commission approved the employment contract for the newly hired permanent City Manager, Mr. Mark Martinez, for a two-year term with an annual salary of $80,000.