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Reactr
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Posted: Wed Apr 23rd, 2008 05:00 am |
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Mike Woodard has posted another outstanding analysis. All Surprise regulations should be followed when considering and recruiting for the subject position. If the council creates a position for the sake of convenience , they are perpetuating what so many voters detested of the old gang. Validate the entire need. Why has the activity been going on for over 3 months with no job description? These job description sheets are ordinarily written by an HR technician. Ditto salary surveys.
Somebody needs to get off dead center and let the full council and the public in on the plan.Better to address the whole thing before the fact than after. The enlightened call that problem avoidance- a technique highly desirable in a new city manager.
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spincycle
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Posted: Wed Apr 23rd, 2008 03:06 am |
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razenkn wrote:
Again, you are wrong Spin. They don't advertise salary on any position more than the base salary to the highest salary. This particular position has been exaggerated into a political ball so someone within the City decided to post this position with the benefit add ons. No other position has been advertised that way. That was my point. Sorry it was over your head Spin.
"Political Ball"?? Whatever..
As I said before, some of us know how the system works, now it's being made public for ALL to see.
Unauthorized hiring practices will be tolerated by some and not tolerated by others.
Last edited on Wed Apr 23rd, 2008 03:11 am by spincycle
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razenkn
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Posted: Wed Apr 23rd, 2008 02:48 am |
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Again, you are wrong Spin. They don't advertise salary on any position more than the base salary to the highest salary. This particular position has been exaggerated into a political ball so someone within the City decided to post this position with the benefit add ons. No other position has been advertised that way. That was my point. Sorry it was over your head Spin.
Last edited on Wed Apr 23rd, 2008 02:49 am by razenkn
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spincycle
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Posted: Wed Apr 23rd, 2008 02:08 am |
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razenkn wrote: To allow the angry candidates who lost this election to set this agenda is simply a wasted effort. It would also seem that someone in the City sent out some exaggerated numbers perhaps to undermine this effort or out of ignorance, but how many positions are advertised to include the dollar amount of benefits? None that I know of, therefore this information would be some serious misinformation and I say allow the process to take it's course.
Why do you insist that "angry candidates" have anything to do with this? It's getting old and it's just idiotic of you to bring it up over and over and over again!
Nobody sent out "exaggerated" numbers. Anyone, with half a brain, could take the proposed salary and add in city benefits to come up with a ballpark figure of compensation.
Some of us know how certain folks land jobs in city government. This process just confirms it to the rest of the community. 
Last edited on Wed Apr 23rd, 2008 02:08 am by spincycle
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razenkn
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Posted: Wed Apr 23rd, 2008 01:50 am |
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The Council is well within their rights to request whatever assistance they deem necessary to move our City forward. The salary will be determined fairly by the CM and HR so give them the space to do their jobs and let's move on.
To allow the angry candidates who lost this election to set this agenda is simply a wasted effort. It would also seem that someone in the City sent out some exaggerated numbers perhaps to undermine this effort or out of ignorance, but how many positions are advertised to include the dollar amount of benefits? None that I know of, therefore this information would be some serious misinformation and I say allow the process to take it's course.
Last edited on Wed Apr 23rd, 2008 01:51 am by razenkn
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mike woodard
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Posted: Wed Apr 23rd, 2008 01:09 am |
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surprisemotherof2 wrote:
There will always be those who look for the bumps in the road instead of looking forward to the destination of travel.
OR
Look beyond the obstacles to see the possibilities
In this particular case there may be obstacles that will need to be surmounted by the council working as a team.
The main areas they need to concur on in my opinion include:
Achieving the development of a job description, detailing the specifics of the job duties to be performed by this position, without embellishments or specific candidates in mind. What will the position do to enhance the "polish and presentability and professionlism" of the City of Surprise, that is not being done with current staff.
How will this position function within the city's current framework as outlined in the municipal code of the city, the recently adopted ethics policy and the organizational chart and functionality of the city.
The hiring process must be maintained within the Human Resources Dept. without any further influence from elected city officials, as required by the municipal code and the ethics policy. This in itself is a stumbling block the council wii have to overcome, as reported by Tony in the Az. Republic article, preferences have been named, and if the person IS the best candidate they should not be automatically eliminated.
I bring this forward NOT because I necessarily object to the position of Assistant to the Council and Mayor (the term Chief of Staff is a bit highfalutin and needs to go), but because of my concern about the manner in which things are done. Typically a determination of need is made, then a job description is developed, based on the need and requirements, the position is analyzed for functionality and reportability (in other words where does it fit in the organizational structure). A fair market salary structure is assigned and lastly the job is posted for recruiting. There is a process to be followed that maintins the integrity of all involved. The process should be a tool rather than a hinderance.
Look beyond the obstacles, to see the possibilities.
Last edited on Wed Apr 23rd, 2008 01:19 am by mike woodard
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surprisemotherof2
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Posted: Tue Apr 22nd, 2008 08:54 pm |
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rvukanovich wrote: One thing that was accomplished early by this Mayor and Council was to form a team that would not comment or answer questions on issues that were controversial.
Some of the controversial issues were the pay scale for their assistant, how the Interum City Manager was hired including pay & benefits, the inability in hiring a City Manager or a Community Development Director and the large amount of money spent for the redesign of the City Hall.
There will always be those who look for the bumps in the road instead of looking forward to the destination of travel.
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spincycle
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Posted: Tue Apr 22nd, 2008 07:47 pm |
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Tony, thank you for giving us the whole story. It probably could've been very easy to just breeze over this issue.
From the AZ Rep-
____________________________________________________________________
Surprise Leaders Haggle of '09 Spending:
Chief of staff debated
Friday's longest debate focused on the creation of a "chief of staff" position designed to benefit the City Council and mayor. The position, formerly known as the assistant to the mayor and council, is estimated to cost $135,200 per year when factoring in salary, benefits and other costs associated with bringing on a new employee. The salary is not yet finalized and could affect that budgeted amount. The expected salary range is $61,500 to $102,500.
Mayor Lyn Truitt first suggested the position and led council efforts to hire lobbyist Miryam Gutier to fill the post on a trial basis. She wraps up a temporary six-month contract on June 30.
But Truitt's hope has always been for the position to become permanent. Truitt argues that it is vital to his mission to bring "polish, and professionalism and stability" to City Council operations.
"We started right at the beginning (in January) finding a person that can connect us to people anywhere in the state and at the federal level," Truitt said of Gutier. "We need to have those connections so that we can be at the table, and trust me, we are being noticed for that particular position."
But Councilmen Richard Alton and John Longabaugh both said their constituents have expressed concern about the position.
Longabaugh, who has a human resources background, said he personally shared the concern that Gutier's name is continually used in conjunction with the full-time position. Longabaugh stressed the need for a formal, fair job search to fill the position permanently.
Truitt said it would be hard to find someone as qualified as Gutier.
Alton said he was having trouble gauging the functionality of the job. Rather than "chief of staff," he suggested calling the position "the assistant to the mayor."
"I do think the mayor uses this function, this job, quite heavily," Alton said. "This function should be accountable (to) and work in association with the mayor."
But Councilman Joe Johnson said he had already seen a benefit and received ample assistance from Gutier.
The issue is still under review, and city staff will return to the council with a more detailed job description and salary comparisons from cities that already have such a position.
_____________________________________________________________________
I see that Goodyear is currently recruiting for a similar position. Top step salary is $85,271.
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/goodyear/default.cfm
Attachment: PHP476BE80147E11.jpg (Downloaded 31 times) Last edited on Tue Apr 22nd, 2008 07:52 pm by spincycle
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Reactr
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Posted: Sun Apr 20th, 2008 03:58 am |
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| The council completed a two day budget workshop today. Very well organized and conducted. The lead staff and various department heads made excellent initial presentations and responded to requests for additional or clarificational data from a very informed perspective. This workshop represented a visible manifestation of the committment to a new day for Surprise theme espoused by the group assuming office after January 1, 2008. This group certainly includes Skip Hall.
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rvukanovich
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Posted: Thu Apr 10th, 2008 04:16 am |
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Since Mayor Lyn TRuitt has taken office the cities web site has certainly improved.
If you haven't used it lately, try it, you'll like it.
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rvukanovich
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Posted: Mon Mar 31st, 2008 08:22 pm |
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Razenka wrote
This council saw an opportunity to bring on some expert personnel and did what they could do to expedite the process instead of waiting until July to begin work. They did everything within lawful boundaries and the CM determined the salary according to his criteria.
Are you implying that the out going CM set the wages for the Interim City Manager, if so where did his criteria come from and what was it based on?
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rvukanovich
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Posted: Sun Mar 30th, 2008 04:15 am |
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| Lets give the Mayor & Council credit for their accomplishments.
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rvukanovich
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Posted: Wed Mar 26th, 2008 12:33 am |
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| Being out of town, hopefully by your posting's, I can keep abreast of what has been accomplished by the Mayor and Council.
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rvukanovich
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Posted: Tue Mar 18th, 2008 05:11 pm |
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By having the Mayor's Note Book, Mayor Lyn Truitt has accomplished a way to address issues, comments and the activities of a Mayor.
Mayor's Notebook March 12, 2008
His explanation of his village concept in my opinion was well done and addressed what was said in the newspaper.
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razenkn
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Posted: Sun Mar 16th, 2008 06:24 pm |
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rvukanovich wrote:
Some of the controversial issues were the pay scale for their assistant, how the Interum City Manager was hired including pay & benefits, the inability in hiring a City Manager or a Community Development Director and the large amount of money spent for the redesign of the City Hall.
Time to move on BV. This council saw an opportunity to bring on some expert personnel and did what they could do to expedite the process instead of waiting until July to begin work. They did everything within lawful boundaries and the CM determined the salary according to his criteria.
To continue to make something out of nothing is very detrimental to our City and you should know better. It only became controversial because some of the sore losers in the campaign wanted it to be so they could attempt to use it against the new council. It isn't working. We are getting really tired of hearing it. If you have a case that something "illegal" took place, let's hear it. What we don't want to hear is how "you would have done it". We don't care.
The Interim CM is receiving the same pay scale as the outgoing CM, nothing changed. The only difference is he got full benefits and she has a couple. Would it be better BV to not have anyone running the City, then you could harass this council even more because NOTHING would ever get accomplished. You and others continue to place them in a no win situation and the public is getting sick of it. The election is now officially over. Get over it.
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Milo
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Posted: Sun Mar 16th, 2008 05:35 pm |
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I agree with Reactr 100%. FINALLY, we may have people of trust and professionalism to lead Surprise in the correct direction. The past Council did some good things, yes, but prohibited us from moving forward because of their lack of professionalism. Our new Council appear to be working as a team and not fighting each other and the people as in the past.
Good management listens but does not always have to respond vcanovich. Get the hint brother....they don't want to hear from you! You were and are way to negative to be a force in the future development of this fine city. Good luck to you in your other endeavors.
Milo
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rvukanovich
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Posted: Sun Mar 16th, 2008 04:38 pm |
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One thing that was accomplished early by this Mayor and Council was to form a team that would not comment or answer questions on issues that were controversial.
Some of the controversial issues were the pay scale for their assistant, how the Interum City Manager was hired including pay & benefits, the inability in hiring a City Manager or a Community Development Director and the large amount of money spent for the redesign of the City Hall.
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Reactr
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Posted: Sat Mar 15th, 2008 04:40 am |
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The Council has conducted orderly meetings, with comments directed to the subject at hand. They held a two day work session to identify goals. Senior staff were active participants. The scope and magnitude of various needs and opportunites was very impressive. Several new council members have already exhibited an ability to recognize proposals and present incisive questions before casting a vote. No new council member has initiated any action designed to appropriate tax dollars for personal benefit. Automobile reimbursement for the total council has almost vanshied. Mayor Truitt has itemized his trips. Foro refused, but her propensity to act in a questionable manner has been terminated by the informed voters in District 6. Councilman Williams initiated action to determine if resources are available to assist stressed homeowners. Council is attempting to resolve the HOA water billing in a manner that will not jepordize any stakeholder. Council inherited a vacancy left when Scott Chesney left. For all practical purposes, Council also came on board with a lame duck City Manager. Senior staffers- and other dedicated employees- have kept the ship move forward in a positive manner.
The addition of highly qualified Skip Hall will reinforce the proven ability of Richard Alton to initiate and monitor financial matters confronting the city.
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spincycle
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Posted: Thu Mar 13th, 2008 03:43 am |
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They hired an aide (what is she really doing?) that is costing the taxpayers $8900+ a month. They hired an interim CM. Is she on the job yet??
Keep up the great work, guys!
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rvukanovich
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Posted: Thu Mar 13th, 2008 02:01 am |
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The readers of newszap.com should post comments on the good things that the Mayor & Council are doing. Doing this, will be supportive of the Team.
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