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1994-02-14 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTESMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, HELD ON FEBRUARY 14, 1994, AT 7:33 P. M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 3519 LIBERTY DRIVE, PEARLAND, TEXAS The meeting was called to order with the following present: Mayor C. V. Coppinger Mayor Pro Tem/Councilmember Joy Colson Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember City Manager City Attorney City Secretary D. A. Miller, Jr. Benny Frank Randy Weber David Smith Paul Grohman Dick Gregg, III Dick Gregg, Jr. Pat Jones Others in attendance: Division Director Richard Burdine, Police Chief Mike Hogg, and City Engineer John Hargrove. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The invocation was given by Councilmember Smith. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Miller. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Councilmember Randy Weber, seconded by Councilmember Benny Frank, that the minutes of the regular meeting of January 24, 1994, be approved as submitted. Motion passed 5 to 0. MAYOR'S ACTIVITY REPORT Mayor Coppinger presented a proclamation to Richard Hollister who has obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. He was accompanied by other members of the Boy Scouts organization. Scout Hollister received a standing ovation. "Jump Rope for Heart Month" was also proclaimed by Mayor Coppinger. The proclamation was received by a representative of the American Heart Association for this area. Members of the Clean Pearland organization presented a check in the amount of $3,000 to the City to be used for landscaping plans for the area around City Hall, Chamber of Commerce and Shadycrest School. Mayor officially congratulated City Secretary Pat Jones for receiving her certification to the Texas Registered Municipal Clerk Association. Mayor informed at the last Infrastructure Meeting, the Committee, which is composed of representatives from the Chamber of Commerce of the Cities of Pearland, Alvin and Manvel, have agreed on delineation of a North Brazoria County Road District. Hopefully, the Commissioner's Court will approve the creation of such a district. The purpose is to get roads/highways in and out of our area, such as the extension of Dixie Farm Road west to 288, a freeway to the Galveston area, and other projects which can't be funded from local funds. Mayor also informed he attended a reception for Gov. Ann Richards, which was held by Clear Lake Economic Development Committee on January 27, 1994; and attended a Chamber Banquet on January 27, where Matt Zepeda and Naomi Taylor were designated Citizens of the Year. He offered congratulations to these individuals. The Mayor advised he attended the Pearland Economic Development Committee Meeting on February 1, 1994 and a Training Program, which was held by Southwestern Bell, on February 3. He called Council's attention to a TML magazine article entitled, Using Public Incentives to Attract and Keep Businesses. One of the goals of the Economic Development Committee is for the City to develop an Incentive Policy. The Mayor also advised he attended four different school functions; the EMS Banquet on February 11; and Community Leadership Council on February 10 with several members of the school board. The question on Single Member Districts was discussed at this meeting. The School Board is currently looking into the question of Single Member Districts to see what all is involved, etc. They have assured us we would be able to piggy -back on any information that they are able to acquire on this subject. Mayor Coppinger asked that Councilmember Smith expound further on this under Council Activity Reports. In conclusion, Mayor Coppinger informed he was having an item placed on the next agenda regarding the taping of Executive Sessions of the meetings. COUNCIL ACTIVITY REPORTS Councilmember Miller reported he attended the Chamber Awards Banquet on January 29. Councilmember Frank reported he, too, attended the Chamber Banquet. Mr. Frank informed he, as being one of the Council's liaison with the School Board, has discussed the subject of Single Member Districts with the School at great length. Mr. Frank stated he was invited to attended a Homeowner's Meeting of the Springfield Subdivision. He also read a letter he received from a citizen in the Springfield Subdivision regarding sewer line complaints (copy of letter in City Secretary's office). Councilmember Weber reported he also attended the Chamber Banquet on January 29; spoke to the Fourth Graders at Lawhon Elementary School on January 31, on City government; attended the Chamber Leadership Council Meeting on February 10, and the E.M.S. Banquet. He referred a letter to the City Manager that he had received regarding the paving of East and West Circle. Mr. Weber stated he had received numerous complaints about the closing of Hatfield Street and reiterated the need for split -phasing traffic lights on F.M. 518. Mr. Weber asked that the Council receive a copy of the City Attorney's billings up to the present time and a copy of the Resolution which adopted the procedures for holding Council meetings. Additionally, Councilmember Weber informed he would be attending the Brazoria County Cities Association this Wednesday; wanted to thank Nydia-Rafols Blair for translating our election resolution in Spanish; and inquired of a bond issue. City Manager Grohman informed we can have a bond issue any time with a capacity of up to $4 million, without any major negative impact. Mr. Weber inquired regarding the City Attorney attending the Park Board meetings. He was advised that the City Attorney was invited to the last meeting since there were some new members on the Park Board who needed clarification of their duties. In conclusion Councilmember Weber brought up the issue of the dismissal of a City employee in the City Secretary's office, the procedure followed in this dismissal, the ramifications associated therewith, that the turmoil stop, the desire that all work together and to get on with *the major business of growing the City. (See correction, pages 237 & 238.) Responding to the Mayor's request in regard to the proposed North Brazoria Road District, Councilmember Smith stated he was Chairman of the Committee to delineate an area suitable for a North Brazoria County Road Bond Issue. The area drawn runs just north of Rosharon, following Chocolate Bayou to its intersection with the Galveston County line. He said the County advised there was over 2 billion taxable assets in this area, which means that a $50 or $60 million Bond Issue would be attainable. This also means that 230 the average homeowner would see an increase in taxes of $12 to $15 a year. Councilmember Smith, as Chairman of the Clear Creek Watershed Committee, advised the FEMA maps were about complete and, hopefully, will be presenting for Council's approval in the very near future. Councilmember Smith stated that he also attended the various functions, banquets and meetings mentioned previously by other members of the Council, as well as the Jump Rope Contest. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Grohman, responding to Councilmember Weber's report, said he would like to talk about management of the City as a whole. He said for the years 1991, 1992 and 1993, there has been an average of 24 people leaving employment of the City. Out of this number, five left against their will. Compare this with statistics for 1990, 37 left employment with 13 against their will. Mr. Grohman stated he upheld the decision to terminate the employee in the City Secretary's office, but acknowledged his mistake in the manner that it was handled. Continuing, he stated he, too, wanted to put an end to all the turmoil, that we were here to do a professional job and not get involved with all the politics. Mr. Grohman stated further, that the practice of employees going to Council needs to stop, as well as the Council adhering to the Charter which states they are to deal solely with the City Manager. In conclusion, City Manager Grohman said he appreciates the comments and that we are here to do a professional and reasonable job and that we are doing a professional job in spite of all the political turmoil. At this point, City Attorney Gregg arrived and was asked by the Mayor to read the following letter dated February 9, 1994 that he received from the Brazoria County District Attorney Jim Mapel: "The Brazoria County Grand Jury has recently completed an investigation into the practices and procedures of the Pearland City Council. This inquiry was made pursuant to complaints received by this office alleging violations of various criminal laws and your own municipal charter. The grand jury reviewed the councils activities from June 1992 to November 1993 regarding the Open Meetings Act, Nepotism and Conflict of Interest laws, as well as Official Misconduct as that law might apply to violations of the City Charter. The grand jury has at this time declined to indict any council members and instead asked that you be made aware of their findings. "Specifically, the grand jury believes that you have not complied with the mandates of the Open Meetings Act. This is a very technical statute that requires strict compliance to certain provision such as time and posting of the agenda, items on the agenda, as well as subject matter and issues that may be discussed in open and executive session. While it is obvious from a reading of the certified records of the council activities that the statute was not complied with, the grand jury was unable to determine the criminal intent, if any, on the part of the council members. It was believed that the non-compliance was due in large measure to a lack of understanding of the law. Therefore, it is the firm recommendation of this office that you ask your city attorney to assume a more active role in your performance of council activities. I have every confidence in your city attorney's ability to guide you through the maze of statutes that must be complied with for the lawful operation of municipal government. "Additionally, the Attorney General's Office, the Brazoria County District Office civil division, and the Brazoria County Law Library all have personnel and materials such as audio and video tapes available to assist you in conducting your council activities. Please make use of these resources as well as your city attorney so this is not a recurring problem. "The people of Texas have spoken and they insist on their right to be informed so that they may make educated and knowledgeable choices as far as government representation is concerned. Strict compliance with the statute in the future will obviate the need for strict scrutiny and enforcement by this office. "With regard to the nepotism and conflict of interest laws, the grand jury found no probable cause to believe those statutes were violated. "Regarding the charter violations alleged, it appears that the charter was not complied with in certain instances, however, since there was no probably cause to believe this was done for economic benefit or harm to any individual the official misconduct statute was not violated. Once again, it might be helpful to consult with your city attorney on these matters. "As previously stated this concludes the grand jury investigation in this matter. Should you have any questions regarding this inquiry please direct them to Assistant District Attorney Tom Selleck and he will endeavor to answer them within the constraints of the law. If you have any questions regarding future business of the council, please direct them to your city attorney and he or she may contact Scott Richardson of the civil division of this office. "Thank you for your time and attention to these matters. Very truly yours, Jim Mapel Criminal District Attorney" Mayor Coppinger inquired of the City Attorney if all of the charges in the investigation of the City Manager were found to be negative. City Attorney, Gregg responded he agreed in substance with all of Mr. Oualline's findings and further investigation in his behalf ended the matters dealing with comp time and the way it was computed. Mayor Coppinger stated he would like to believe that all of this issue is behind us, but inquire of the City Attorney regarding a letter Mr. Gregg received from an attorney, who represents three Councilmembers, asking that Mr. Gregg restudy his decision that it takes four Councilmembers to fire the City Manager. City Attorney responded that the context of this report indicated that while no criminal law was violated, the Open Meeting Law is an important and precise document that states certain things have to be on the agenda in order to discuss them, however, he did indicate that he had received a letter requesting this and he has previously ruled that it is his interpretation of the Charter that it does indeed take four Councilmembers to terminate the City Manager. Mr. Gregg recommends that at some point this issue be put back on another agenda, but that tonight is not appropriate with it having not been put on the agenda. Mayor Coppinger stated that he wants the citizens of this community to be aware of what is going on. CITIZENS 1. Charles McMurray, 5209 Spring Branch Drive. Mr. McMurray thanked Councilmember Frank for attending their Homeowner's Association meeting about their sewer problems. He also thanked Division Director, Richard Burdine for communicating with him and helping with open records request over the past months regarding this issue. Mr. McMurray added that the feedback he has received from citizens is positive and that when they do call the City, they are treated kindly and are responded to, however, the problem still remains and is not being detected. I 231), 1), In conclusion, Mr. McMurray stated that he was pleased to see the issue of Single Member Districts on the agenda and that he is in favor of it. 2. Jeff O'Brien, 3010 Country Club. Mr. O'Brien suggest that City Council trust citizens and former committee members to work with school board committee on the Single Member Districts before voting on the issue. 3. L. B. Lyons, 5013 Apple Springs. Mr. Lyons recognized City Council members for the efforts in getting the citizens involved in their community. Mr. Lyons also spoke about the need for improvement in the sewer plants. He discussed the fact that the citizens of West Side did get involved in contacting HL & P about needing more street lights and they were installed. He suggest that not only should the city pass the ordinance of mud restrictions in the streets, but that the city should charge a city garbage pickup fee to contractors when pulling a building permit. 4.- Grady Allen, Elks Lodge. Mr. Allen left before speaking. 5. Tommy Scott, 2905 Chester. Mr. Scott discussed area drainage around Corrigan South and Willowick subdivisions. DOCKETED PUBLIC HEARINGS: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS ORDINANCE NO. 668, VACATING, CLOSING AND ABANDONING 20' RIGHT-OF- WAY EASEMENT AS RECORDED IN VOLUME 1651 OF DEED RECORDS OF BRAZORIA COUNTY (LONGWOOD PARK SUBDIVISION - PAUL DRIVE) Ordinance No. 668 was read in caption by Mayor Coppinger. Ordinance No. 668 reads in caption as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 668 AN ORDINANCE VACATING, CLOSING AND ABANDONING A CERTAIN 20' RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT AS RECORDED IN VOLUME 1651, PAGES 90 THROUGH 94 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF BRAZORIA COUNTY, TEXAS. It was moved by Councilmember Frank, seconded by Councilmember Weber, that Ordinance No. 668 be passed and approved on its second and final reading. Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Miller, Frank, Colson, Weber, and Smith. Voting "No" - None. Motion passed 5 to 0. NEW BUSINESS RESOLUTION NO. R94-8, ORDERING HOLDING OF REGULAR CITY OFFICERS' ELECTION ON SEVENTH DAY OF MAY, 1994 Resolution No. R94-8 was read in caption by Councilmember Miller. Said Resolution No. R94-8 reads in caption as follows: RESOLUTION NO. R94-8 A RESOLUTION AND ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, ORDERING THE HOLDING OF A REGULAR CITY OFFICERS' ELECTION ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF MAY, 1994, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING TWO MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL IN AND FOR THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS; ESTABLISHING POLLING PLACES; NAMING CLERKS; AND ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES FOR SAID REGULAR CITY OFFICERS' ELECTION. E It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Frank, that Resolution No. R94-8 be passed and approved on its first and only reading. Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Miller, Frank, Colson, Weber, and Smith. Voting "No" - None. Motion passed 5 to 0. RESOLUTION NO. R94-9, APPOINTING PERSONS TO SERVE AT CENTRAL COUNTING STATION FOR REGULAR CITY OFFICERS' ELECTION TO BE HELD ON SEVENTH DAY OF MAY, 1994 Resolution No. R94-9 was read in caption by Councilmember Frank. Said Resolution No. R94-9 reads in caption as follows: RESOLUTION NO. R94-9 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, APPOINTING PERSONS TO SERVE AT THE CENTRAL COUNTING STATION, BRAZORIA COUNTY, TEXAS, FOR THE REGULAR CITY OFFICERS' ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF MAY, 1994. It was moved by Councilmember Frank, seconded by Councilmember Colson, that Resolution No. R94-9 be passed and approved on its first and only reading. Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Smith, Weber, Colson, Frank, and Miller. Voting "No" - None. Motion passed 5 to 0. DISCUSSION OF TIMETABLE AND CALL OF WORKSHOP AND/OR SPECIAL MEETING(S), IF NEEDED, FOR DECISION REGARDING PLACEMENT OF CHARTER AMENDMENTS ON MAY 7, 1994, BALLOT City Manager, Paul Grohman recommends that a workshop be held on February 21, for council to review the charter amendments in question so that there will be sufficient time to place them on the May 7, 1994 ballot. It was moved by Councilmember Frank, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to have a workshop and special meeting on February 22 at 7:00 p.m. for the council members to review charter amendments. Motion passed 5 to 0. AWARD OF BID NO. B94-1, PICKUP TYPE VEHICLES Division Director Richard Burdine presented the bids from area dealers and recommended to Council to go with the low bidder of each item. Council considered bids submitted by Ron Carter, Inc., A. C. Collins Ford, Les Marks Chevrolet, Chuck Miller Ford, and Knapp Chevrolet. Discussion between Councilmembers and Mr. Burdine centered around gasoline powered engines as opposed to diesel. They also discussed the four trucks being replaced by the new ones and the fact that they will be auctioned off. It was moved by Councilmember Weber, seconded by Councilmember Smith, that Item 1 be awarded to Knapp Chevrolet, and that Items 2 and 3 be re -bid for gasoline engines. Motion passed 5 to 0. I 234 EXCUSED ABSENCE FOR COUNCILMEMBER DAVID SMITH FROM REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 24, 1994 It was moved by Councilmember Weber, seconded by Councilmember Colson, that Councilmember David Smith be excused from the regular meeting of January 24, 1994. Motion passed 4 to 0, with Councilmember Smith abstaining. RESOLUTION NO. R94-10, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A LEASE -PURCHASE AGREEMENT TO FINANCE A COMPUTER SYSTEM. Resolution No. R94-10 was read in caption by Mayor Coppinger. Said Resolution No. R94-10 reads in caption as follows: RESOLUTION NO. R94-10 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A LEASE -PURCHASE AGREEMENT TO FINANCE A COMPUTER SYSTEM. Division Director Richard Burdine presented the information on the computer system to Council. Discussion held between Councilmembers and staff centered around the cost of the system, whether to finance or purchase the system outright, the need for the system, and what capabilities the new system has that the present system does not. Chip Collins, Computer Consultant, was called upon to speak and answer questions. It was moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Frank, that the system be purchased outright rather than financed, and that the necessary funds be paid out of reserves. Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Smith, Weber, Colson, Frank, and Miller. Voting "No" - None. Motion passed 5 to 0. DETERMINATION OF PER CALIPER INCH CONTRIBUTION RATE TO PARKS AND THOROUGHFARES LANDSCAPING FUND PURSUANT TO SECTION 20.3(c) OF ORDINANCE NO. 509 Division Director Richard Burdine explained that, based on a survey of area nurseries, the rate of $60 per caliper inch is recommended. He also stated that the ordinance is already adopted and they are only determining the rate. It was moved by Councilmember Frank, seconded by Councilmember Smith, that the rate as presented at $60 per caliper inch be accepted into the records of the City. Motion passed 5 to 0. REVIEW OF PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR UTILITY IMPACT FEE ADOPTION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING AND WORKSHOP DATES Division Director Richard Burdine recommends a date be set for a workshop in order to brief Council of the proposed impact fees. He also suggest that a public hearing date be set. It was moved by Councilmember Weber, seconded by Councilmember Frank, that a workshop for impact fees be on February 24, 1994, at 6:00 p.m. and that a public hearing be set for March 28, 1994, at 6:00 p.m. prior to the regular Council meeting, both being held at City Hall in the Council Chambers. Motion passed 5 to 0. CHANGE IN ORDER OF BUSINESS POSSIBLE REVISION TO CHAPTER 6 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, ANIMALS AND FOWL, ARTICLE I. Larry Howard, 209 Brigadoon, Friendswood requested that the Council consider a change in the restriction on the number of horses per acreage, subject to approval of a Specific Use Permit. Paul Grohman explains that this is strictly to review the ordinance for possible change. It was moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Frank, that the proposed change to Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances be drafted for Council consideration at the next meeting. Motion passed 5 to 0. ORDINANCE NO. 669, ORDINANCE PROVIDING IT TO BE UNLAWFUL TO DEPOSIT SOILS ON CITY STREETS AND PROVIDING A PENALTY FOR VIOLATION THEREOF Ordinance No. 669 was read in caption by Councilmember Colson. Said Ordinance No. 669 reads in caption as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 669 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING IT UNLAWFUL TO DEPOSIT OR ALLOW THE DEPOSITING OF SOILS ONTO PAVED CITY STREETS; PROVIDING FOR ABATEMENT PROCEDURES; PROVIDING A PENALTY OF AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $500.00 FOR EACH DAY OF VIOLATION; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; HAVING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; HAVING A REPEALER CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION, PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilmember Frank asked if the ticket would be issued by the Police Department or would it come through Public Works Department. Division Director Richard Burdine explained that the building r-- inspectors would file a complaint in municipal court. It was moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Frank, that Ordinance No. 669 be passed and approved on its first -and--errly s reading . Voting ye" - Councilmembers Smith, Colson, and Frank. Voting "No" - Councilmembers Weber and Miller. Motion passed 3 to 2. SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICTS DISCUSSION, ETC. It was moved by Councilmember Smith and seconded by Councilmember Weber, that this item be put on future agenda after the school district has done their research. Motion passed 5 to 0. AUTHORIZATION FOR STAFF TO BEGIN CONSIDERATION OF POSSIBLE SITES FOR ANIMAL SHELTER DIRECTION TO STAFF ON YMCA ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY DIRECTION TO STAFF ON HIGH SCHOOL ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY DIRECTION TO STAFF ON HUGHES ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY Mayor Coppinger announced these four items would be considered after Executive Session. OTHER BUSINESS MEETING RECESSED TO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 10:36 P. M. UNDER TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE 236 Mayor Coppinger read from the posted agenda the following topics to be discussed in Executive Session: SECTION 551.072 - DELIBERATION REGARDING REAL PROPERTY - 1) Discussion of site for animal shelter; 2) Discussion of right-of-way for YMCA Road; 3) Discussion of right-of-way for road around high school; and 4) Discussion of right-of-way for Hughes road. MEETING RETURNED TO OPEN SESSION AT 11:35 P. M. Mayor Coppinger signed a certification of those items discussed in Executive Session. NEW BUSINESS: Continued AUTHORIZATION FOR STAFF TO BEGIN CONSIDERATION OF POSSIBLE SITES FOR ANIMAL SHELTER It was moved by Councilmember Frank, seconded by Councilmember Smith that staff be authorized to look into possible sites for animal shelter. Motion passed 5 to 0. DIRECTION TO STAFF ON YMCA ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY It was moved by Councilmember Frank, seconded by Councilmember Weber that staff build the road according to the numbers presented by Division Director Richard Burdine with the right-of-way coming from Mr. Simpson to cover his portion of the cost of the road. Voting "Aye" - Councilmembers Weber and Frank. Voting "No" - Councilmembers Miller and Colson. Councilmember Smith abstained from voting. Voting "Aye" - Mayor Coppinger. Motion passed 3 to 2, with Councilmember Smith abstaining. DIRECTION TO STAFF ON HIGH SCHOOL ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY It was moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Frank, to instruct staff to proceed with the right-of-way acquisition as shown on the proposed map. Motion passed 5 to 0. DIRECTION TO STAFF ON HUGHES ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY It was noted that Councilmember Colson would file a conflict of interest form to abstain from voting on this item. It was also noted that Councilmember Colson did not participate in the Executive Session discussion concerning this item. It was moved by Councilmember Frank, seconded by Councilmember Weber, staff be authorized to proceed with acquiring the right-of-way for the Hughes Road extension with no cost to the city for land purchase. Motion passed 4 to 0, with Councilmember Colson abstaining. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 11:43 P. M. Minutes approved as submitted and/or correct his �' day of A. D., 1994 C. f. Coppinger, Mayor o Te-,,, ATTEST: Pat Jones ity Secretary, TRMC *Correction: Councilmember Weber requested the following statement he had made at the February 14, 1994, meeting be made a part of the minutes in a motion made to approve the minutes as corrected at the Council meeting of February 28, 1994. Mr. Mayor, Council: The Mayor called me one day last week and expressed concern over the firing of the City Secretary's secretary, Sharon Parks and the repercussions. He told me that perhaps I was the most objective and non -biased person in this whole mess and, as such, would be the logical choice to meet with Paul and perhaps even the City Secretary, Pat Jones, over this matter to see if any further negatives could be prevented. I told him that meeting with the City Secretary was not my job, but given the prevailing political climate and situation in our City, and based upon his recommendation, I would talk to the City Manager and see if he would agree to a meeting between Pat Jones, himself, and me. The Mayor and I went on to discuss the situation at some length and we felt that even though Paul was a good manager, it was poor management judgment on his part to have approved the firing of Sharon Parks by Glen Erwin, without any prior knowledge or input by the City Secretary. The Mayor and I felt that it did not speak well for the City Manager, and given the prevailing situation in our City, was not in the best interest of the City as a whole. Vic and I further discussed that Mr. Grohman needed to "slow down a bit, 11 and one of the things he needed to do was adhere to the chain of command principle that he wanted his own employees to follow. In short, if we don't want employees coming up the ladder and around people, we, likewise, do not want someone going down the ladder and around people. Just as Paul wants his employees to follow the chain of command, the Mayor and I felt that Paul should also follow that same chain of command. The Mayor and I agreed that whether or not Mrs. Parks needed to be fired was not the issue. Our concern was and is that Paul operate this City under sound management principles with what we would call a sound "management philosophy." Vic and I agreed that in this case, Paul was "bullheaded." We also concurred that this constant upheaval and turmoil had to be stopped. Mayor Coppinger went on to ask me if I would meet with Paul and see if I couldn't persuade him to "tone down" a bit, for lack of a better term. We also talked about Paul not liking the fact that our City Charter stipulates that Council ratify the hiring and firing of department heads. We were afraid that citizens' perception might be that Mr. Grohman is trying to force the City Secretary to resign by making it extremely difficult for her. Vic then asked me to go ahead and meet with Paul and Pat to see if we couldn't diffuse any more rumors and/or possible negatives which might arise from this situation. I told him that I would. I met with Paul first, told him of the conversation between the Mayor and myself, and the Mayor's suggestion that we meet with Pat. I further told Paul that dealing with the firing of an employee within the City Secretary's office was not my job, and I was not here for that purpose, but based upon: 1. The fact that the Mayor had asked me to meet with him, and 2. Paul's management philosophy and the way he treats City employees is my concern, I had agreed to meet with Paul. I 238 also told Paul that if he didn't want to meet in this fashion, he didn't have to. Well, Paul and I did meet with Pat Jones on Wednesday, February 9th. I likewise told Pat Jones that if, at any time, she did not want to continue with this meeting, she could stop it at any time. I urged them to try for a new beginning. I urged Paul to give Pat the benefit of the doubt, and I urged Pat to give Paul her loyalty and cooperation. I implored them to stop the paranoia and suspicion. One question that came up Wednesday was Paul's practice of requiring employees to write memos about certain councilmembers whenever they come in to City Hall and interact with a City employee. This is a questionable practice in my estimation and might be a question we want to address as to whether or not we can require our employees to "document" every encounter with a councilmember. Friends, I think it is time that all this turmoil stop. I think that it is time for all our City employees to give Mr. Grohman their cooperation. I think it is time for Mr. Grohman to give up his paranoia. It is time for those trying to assassinate Paul's character to stop. It is time for Council to once again work together and provide clear direction to Mr. Grohman and the City. In short, I think it is time that we concentrate on the major business of growing a city. /s/ Randy K. Weber