CITY MANAGER'S JOB
Printed From: MiddletownUSA.com
Category: Middletown City Government
Forum Name: City Manager
Forum Description: Discuss the city manager administration including all city departments.
URL: http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5695
Printed Date: May 06 2024 at 10:15am
Topic: CITY MANAGER'S JOB
Posted By: Vivian Moon
Subject: CITY MANAGER'S JOB
Date Posted: Apr 23 2014 at 5:59am
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Posted: 5:51 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2014 29 apply for Middletown city manager jobBy http://www.journal-news.com/staff/ed-richter/" rel="nofollow - Ed Richter Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN — Twenty-nine people have submitted their resumes and applications to be the next city manager of Middletown, records obtained Tuesday by the Journal-News show. The applicants represent 14 different states, some coming from as far away as Alaska and Maine. There were also two familiar names in the mix: Doug Adkins, the city’s community revitalization director and Les Landen, the city’s law director. Mayor Lawrence Mulligan said last week that City Council will discuss the candidates in an executive session next Tuesday. From that review, Mulligan expects council to invite three to five applicants to interview for the city’s top administrative job in mid- to late-May. Residents will also be invited to be involved in the hiring process. Mulligan expects to host a town hall forum with the top applicants. He said council must still determine how to gather the community’s input about the applicants. The new city manager is expected to take office by July 1 or earlier, Mulligan said. In addition to Adkins and Landen, the list of applicants includes:
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Replies:
Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Apr 23 2014 at 6:38am
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Well, the list shows some former and current city managers. Shows some private sector individuals. But it also shows Landen and Adkins, which is disturbing in itself. Who's taking bets that Landen and Adkins are included in the five candidates coming out of the "executive sessions"...  ? Think this decision has already been made and we are just seeing the formality of the procedure at this time? If not Landen, Adkins or Lococo, who, being local, has to know how the powers that be manipulate the city manager's position, who would they choose that would be appealing from this list? Whoever is selected, they will have to hit the ground running to get on board with the MMF gameplan and learn to be as submissive as possible in fast time to fit in. Gotta learn to support the "SLOTA" also known as the "Sacred Land of the Arts" downtown too. Landen and Adkins are already pre-prepped for the role. Mulligan, Cohen and the rest of the MMF'ers will be beaming as proud pappas if "ole Les gets it. Lord help this city if either one is chosen for the rest of us. One positive from this, if Landen is selected. We will have, as a city manager, a virtuoso, falsetto, crooner type professional singer in our midst who will be featured on any upcoming "My Town" type productions.  What would we do without a little comedy in our lives?  I, for one, would be bragging to my working buds that the new city manager lives in my neighborhood. How lucky would that be? ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
Posted By: acclaro
Date Posted: Apr 23 2014 at 7:18am
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Did the Journal send McCrabb down there in Greenville for 3 days of live coverage? Whatever happened to the HUD audit, are they ever going to publish their results? ------------- 'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill |
Posted By: over the hill
Date Posted: Apr 23 2014 at 9:45am
| I doubt we will see an "official"statement from HUD. HUD doesn't do statements. Doug and Judy wouldn't want us to know the "back room" deal they made with HUD to keep their buts out of jail. They found wrong doing or why else would HUD move the program out of Middletown's hands. They will probably tell the public they can't comment on the findings as part of their deal. IMO |
Posted By: acclaro
Date Posted: Apr 23 2014 at 9:52am
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Did the city handle the costs for an outside legal firm to represent them, if so....how much?
------------- 'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill |
Posted By: over the hill
Date Posted: Apr 23 2014 at 10:02am
| That's another "number" that will not be forth coming. The city has insurance to cover law suits like this but there may be other lawsuits coming against the city I hear so by the time the city is finished defending itself(however long that takes) I wonder if the insurance company will drop them or surely raise their rates which again cost all the people of Middletown in the long run when all they had to do in the first place was "do the right thing" . IMO |
Posted By: over the hill
Date Posted: Apr 23 2014 at 10:12am
| Oh by the way today is Administrtive Professionals Day. Should we all gather at the city building and hold hands and sing a verse or two of KUMBAYA? |
Posted By: acclaro
Date Posted: Apr 23 2014 at 10:16am
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Lets hope any action comes before a city manager is named. I thought Mr. Adkins focused more on tearing down Middletown, not rebuilding it. Mr. Landen is too invaluable as a constitutional and ordinance scholar.
------------- 'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill |
Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Apr 23 2014 at 10:30am
What about the old access to public records law that gives them so many days to produce the documents for public scrutiny? The newspapers use it all the time, don't they? .....or doesn't that apply to fed documents? Can we request a copy if not available through normal channels? Got to be a way to do an end run on this city government if they want to play the old conceal info game, right? ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
over the hill wrote:Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Apr 23 2014 at 10:35am
Good one acclaro..... "Landen, invaluable as a constitutional and ordinance scholar"  Kinda makes the legal stuff up as he goes, depending on the situation, doesn't he? Adkins? Just plain all around bad for the city. Our answer to "Conan the Destroyer". Needs to go back to Mason and stay there. (Note to Doug...take Gilleland with you) ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
Posted By: Vivian Moon
Date Posted: Apr 24 2014 at 9:15am
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Posted By: Vivian Moon
Date Posted: Apr 24 2014 at 9:19am
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Posted By: Vivian Moon
Date Posted: Apr 24 2014 at 9:51am
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Posted By: Vivian Moon
Date Posted: Apr 24 2014 at 9:53am
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Posted By: Vivian Moon
Date Posted: Apr 24 2014 at 10:00am
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Posted By: over the hill
Date Posted: Apr 24 2014 at 10:49am
| Well there you have it. He is lacking on numerous points isn't he. Communicate with public, nope, work with state and federal agencies....compliance, nope, answer city and public inquiries, nope, public relations with community, NOPE How many strikes do you need to see that he doesn't play well with others. |
Posted By: swohio75
Date Posted: Apr 24 2014 at 10:49am
| Given the power of the internet, one with plenty of free time should be able to scope out and research all 29 applicants. |
Posted By: over the hill
Date Posted: Apr 24 2014 at 10:56am
| Both Doug and Judy have broken their oath of office just on the Bank One deal not to mention how many other times. As has Les. |
Posted By: acclaro
Date Posted: Apr 24 2014 at 10:58am
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Assuredly a good point swo75. As city council has failed miserably in undertaking such a daunting task since 2000 to the present.
------------- 'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill |
Posted By: acclaro
Date Posted: Apr 24 2014 at 11:03am
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I add....they certainly have considerable time on their hands. Enjoying the fruitless endeavor to make downtown Middletown an image of Greenville won't be successful. Unless they bring Furman University to replace MUM, and a number of their F500 companies to move, and have their highway system replicated in Middletown. It would be rather expensive to reroute 75, 5 miles west, and 275, 20 miles north. Familiarity can breed contempt.
------------- 'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill |
Posted By: over the hill
Date Posted: Apr 29 2014 at 11:28am
| Well I guess an executive session will be held at 2:00 this afternoon to cut the roster of 29 candidates down to 6. We can only hope Doug or Les is NOT on that final list. I heard there is a petition for Doug. I for one cannot believe they believe all his lies and half truths. He stood in front of council and told them there were no other bids on the Bank One building and that clearly was not the truth. He called them inquiries instead of bids. Do we really want someone that can bend,distort,and spin the truth like he does? Call your council member before 2:00 pm and tell them this is not the kind of person we want. He has already brought law suits to the city and I hear there are more in the near future thanks to him, Judy and Les. This may be our only chance to change the direction we're headed in by getting qualified, truthful people, people with integraity. The clock is ticking! |
Posted By: acclaro
Date Posted: Apr 29 2014 at 12:25pm
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And the nominees are, envelope please. 1. Les Landen. 2. Doug Adkins 3. Anthony Bates, Hudson, Ohio. 4. Jane Howington, Newport, Rhode Island 5. Cathy Davison, Steubenville, Ohio 6. Robert Campbell But Cty Port Authority And the winner is..... No relocation cash, local candidate has edge. And, bonus pts for Miami, UD, or Xavier alum. Is a surgeon needed or a psychiatrist?  ------------- 'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill |
Posted By: swohio75
Date Posted: Apr 29 2014 at 12:57pm
Is the same Campbell referenced in the following article? http://www.journal-news.com/news/news/local/butler-county-port-authority-still-afloat/nfj8R/ |
Posted By: acclaro
Date Posted: Apr 29 2014 at 1:31pm
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swoh75, yes, the same individual. They were concerned he would be unavailable as the MCSD BOE was considering him strongly for treasurer. ------------- 'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill |
Posted By: over the hill
Date Posted: Apr 29 2014 at 1:33pm
| Well you can strke the first two as far truth and integrity are concerned. |
Posted By: Cooper
Date Posted: Apr 29 2014 at 1:53pm
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In Middletown, truth, honesty, character, and achievement are considered a liability, no an asset. Coverup is paramount. Butt kissing also very important consideration,and bowing like Obama does when meeting others. |
Posted By: Iron Man
Date Posted: Apr 29 2014 at 4:40pm
I want to know what we can do as citizens to ensure that the most unqualified and unprofessional candidate is picked? We have a reputation to keep. I'm hoping for a cross between Ron Olson and Bill Becker.  |
Posted By: over the hill
Date Posted: Apr 29 2014 at 4:59pm
| Well Ironman , what you might get is a cross between Les Landen and Doug Adkins. Which is far worse because those two think they know everything about the law even if they have to make it up a long the way which they often do.They think your ignorance of the law is a perfect cover for their bait and switch,bending and just plain blatant disregard for the law. Good luck with that..... |
Posted By: 409
Date Posted: Apr 30 2014 at 5:11pm
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City names five manager finalists MIDDLETOWN — Two familiar names are among the five finalists for the Middletown city manager’s position, the Journal-News has learned. Doug Adkins and Les Landen, the city’s community revitalization manager and law director, respectively, were named two of the five finalists today to replace Judy Gilleland, who is retiring in early June, said Noah Powers, the city’s human resource manager. The city received 29 applicants for the position and the field was narrowed to five, Powers said. The other finalists: Cathy Davison, former city manager, Steubenville, Ohio; Jane Howington, city manager, Newport, R.I.; and Willie Norfleet, city manager, Socorro, Texas. Powers said the candidates will participate in a two-day session on May 16-17. The process will include an open forum in which each candidate will have an opportunity to meet with interested Middletown citizens May 17. Those sessions will begin at 8 a.m. and finish by 1 p.m. In addition, Lawrence Mulligan Jr., the mayor, and city council members will have an opportunity to interview each candidate, and each candidate will tour the city and meet the city staff. ------------- Every morning is the dawn of a new error... |
Posted By: Vivian Moon
Date Posted: Apr 30 2014 at 5:11pm
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Posted: City names five manager finalists Doug
Adkins and Les Landen, the city’s community revitalization manager and law
director, respectively, were named two of the five finalists today to replace
Judy Gilleland, who is retiring in early June, said Noah Powers, the city’s
human resource manager. The city received 29 applicants for the
position and the field was narrowed to five, Powers said. The other finalists: Cathy Davison, former
city manager, Steubenville, Ohio; Jane Howington, city manager, Newport, R.I.;
and Willie Norfleet, city manager, Socorro, Texas. Powers
said the candidates will participate in a two-day session on May 16-17. The
process will include an open forum in which each candidate will have an
opportunity to meet with interested In addition, Lawrence Mulligan Jr., the
mayor, and city council members will have an opportunity to interview each
candidate, and each candidate will tour the city and meet the city staff. |
Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Apr 30 2014 at 7:40pm
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Douggie and Leslie. No surprises here, right? The other three current and former city managers......they don't know it yet, but they better have their track shoes on to learn about the special agendas they will be working under as directed by the inner circle. Other than Douggie and Leslie, they have no clue what is coming at them as to expectations. Poor souls. Not to worry. Think now, that it's a lock for one of our two current jesters? Are the other three dead in the water before they even arrive in the city for the inquisition? If they're smart, after they hear the message and see the condition of the city, they might want to turn around and get back on the plane. For sure, they'll want to leave after they have been here for a year or less. That'll give 'em enough time to soak in the illegal and hidden activities of a failed town development plan. Time to reward one of the two faithful servants with the position. The one left out better not hang the lower lip......they'll be watching for that negative reaction and they certainly don't want to fall out of favor with those that have nurtured their position. Wonder who Judith recommends as her favorite boy? Mulligan will be there to provide input. After all, he's a good decision maker. As a side note.... I see where young college graduate Noah Powers is already a manager. Must be riding the coattails of dad right on up the nepotism ladder. Certainly has put in his time since the college days, hasn't he. Must be a dynamo. Wonder if we'll ever again see a manager actually earn the position working their way up, using time and experience as the criteria. At this rate, he could be a CEO in the private sector by the time he hits 30 if the upward mobility criteria of the city is used. Mercy, a kid in charge of adults. ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
Posted By: over the hill
Date Posted: Apr 30 2014 at 11:37pm
| Well if one of those two get it I think it will be time to call a realtor. What a sad situation. I guess they know who the puppets are. Two despicable people and a despicable council. |
Posted By: acclaro
Date Posted: May 01 2014 at 12:16am
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Come now. Why the grim faces, the surprise? There is something put into action about 12-14 years ago. Its called the Becker Rule. When you are approaching retirement, you get city council to bump you into city manager so you get the higher average of salary for the OPERS retirement, stay about three years, and move out. Then, the double dipper gets to come in, like Steve Husemann, that was paid $75,000 for his previous assistant city manager to come in and become city manager. Get with the program, the praise, at least this council only spent $12,000. from the UD individual that moonlights as an executive search coordinator. That is better than Steve H that made the big bucks finding his former assistant to move in. Under the Becker Rule, Les Landen is nearly, if not 60, gets put in as city manager, and then if the rumors someone put on here somewhere, HUD is gone, and Adkins needs a job, he floats into Landen's job. Or, under the Becker Rule, Powers could move up to law director, and Adkins takes his job, while Landen is city manager. Its a perfect move, and perfectly legal, under the Becker Rule. But, doesn't this worry you Middletown? Because under the Becker Rule, with all the movement rather crony in appearance, how can you in a straight face, tell unions and residents you have full intention of cutting firemen and union employees, when you know that isn't true. You just plan on raising taxes, and taking care of all city employees....under the Becker Rule. ------------- 'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill |
Posted By: over the hill
Date Posted: May 01 2014 at 8:55am
| I hope we can see the qualifications of each of these candidates. Be cause Landen has no qualifications none whatsoever in running a city government. Oh wait there's that osmosis thing,I for got. And Adkins there's that character thing that he doesn't have. Yep, that's exactly what council is looking for. I guess I didn't see that clause in the job description that said "will train". |
Posted By: swohio75
Date Posted: May 01 2014 at 11:34am
Steubenville About 15.3% of families and 20.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.2% of those under the age of 18 and 11.0% of those aged 65 and older. Soccorro About 29.3% of families and 32.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 44.4% of those under age 18 and 29.2% of those age 65 or over. Newport About 10.7% of the population were below the poverty line. |
Posted By: acclaro
Date Posted: May 01 2014 at 4:09pm
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Pickerington has to be very low. I took a fast look and Mansfield and Youngstown are more in line with Middletown.
------------- 'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill |
Posted By: swohio75
Date Posted: May 01 2014 at 4:30pm
Was trying to figure out why Howington would want to move from Newport to Middletown, but it appear she has ties the to the area and has been interviewing for other jobs in Ohio. Previously, she worked as the assistant city manager for operations in Dayton, Ohio, and served as city manager of Oxford, Ohio. You can see she is/was a candidate for City Manager for Brunswick, Ohio. She was interviewing last month, but withdrew her candidacy. Ironically, Davison was a candidate (and finalist) for the same position in Brunswick. In fact, she was the initial choice but failed to win majority support from Council. http://www.cleveland.com/medina/index.ssf/2014/04/search_for_brunswick_city_mana.html" rel="nofollow - http://www.cleveland.com/medina/index.ssf/2014/04/search_for_brunswick_city_mana.html
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Posted By: acclaro
Date Posted: May 01 2014 at 4:55pm
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Thank you swohio75. Very useful. It seems many keep plugging away until they find what they desire. I wouldn't view negatively the 4-3 split for the Steubenville former city manager, and the Newport manager seems to want to move back to Ohio. I wonder how that works with OPERS, do they convert one state to another retirement. I think school districts allow that. ------------- 'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill |
Posted By: swohio75
Date Posted: May 01 2014 at 5:14pm
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It's kinda disappointed that Ken Cohen said something about going outside the box and taking a risk with the next city manager. However, I wouldn't think any of these are outside the box or taking a risk (we already know Adkins and Les are risky in a negative way). I would have been ok with Adkins until the whole Bank One deal. That sealed it for me. |
Posted By: over the hill
Date Posted: May 01 2014 at 5:22pm
| If anyone is still thinking of filling a grievance with the state against Les and Doug you need to get it done. It can take 90 days for the investigation . |
Posted By: Miss Kitty
Date Posted: May 02 2014 at 10:51am
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Don't worry, if Doug gets the job, Les will get mad and eat him. |
Posted By: over the hill
Date Posted: May 02 2014 at 11:12am
| The bank one deal is just 1 of many where Doug is concerned. In a city council meeting Dan Picard told Adkins "I don't want ti get in a pi--ing contest with HUD" so where did Adkins lead them, right in to a Federal investigation. He has burdened the city with thousands of dollars for defense most will probably be paid through insurance but then will the insurance cancel or raise prohibitively? His arrogance is his own worst enemy. |
Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: May 05 2014 at 6:06pm
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So--we hired a national search firm(for how many $$?) and only came up with 29 applicants(including a few locals). Council narrows it to five, with the current law director and Community Development director among the five. So--IF one of the two locals is chosen, why did we bother with this search? Why go through the charade? Not saying that either local isn't reputable, however "more of the same" is probably not what MOST of the citizens want imo. Unless no sane person really wants to walk in to this situation? Who really wants to continue like we are going now? Maybe the next public interview process will be very telling. Who chooses who asks them ?s?, and when is this(on TVM?)? |
Posted By: over the hill
Date Posted: May 07 2014 at 1:52pm
| Well the Village of Waynesville may be looking for a village manager. Judy could do this job with her eyes closed. She can do it part time it seems. They only require about 30 hours a week. She can pick up a little extra money and still fulfill her need to be in control of everything. Though it looks like right now she's LOSING control of everything. But what the heck give 'em a call. What do you have to lose? LOL |
Posted By: acclaro
Date Posted: May 07 2014 at 2:31pm
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spiderjohn.....$12,000 to the guy out of UD was chump change compared to Steve Husemann being paid $75,000 to find Judy Gilleland, his former Assistant, in Centerville, to move to city manager job in Middletown. Then Husemann gets another $65,000- $75,000 to be a Director to save Middletown some cash associated with pension payments, the shell game called double dip. I read his review while she worked under him: lots of hard work, but not much showing for the time. Who cares----only about $750,000 of expense for finding a city manager. And....they at least got more than one candidate, associated with the MCSD super, Rasmussen. Progress! Middletown's levies pass because over 50% of its residents make their living off the public service dime. Almost all private sector executives fled, or in process of doing so. You are living in Madison, Wisconsin in Middletown, union haven, and public sector heaven. ------------- 'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill |
Posted By: Vivian Moon
Date Posted: May 07 2014 at 2:53pm
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City Manager Gilleland outlined accomplishments
from Agenda 2008. o Establishment of the City Manager’s Task
Force on Business Retention, a group of business leaders to make retention
visits on the city’s behalf. o o Working with existing businesses on any
opportunity, providing an atmosphere of cooperation and attention to detail. o City Manager engaged in Chamber of
Commerce committees and activities. o Utilizing and integrating the o Open for business statement, promotion,
open during lunch hours and a one stop shop counter in development. o Reorganization of downtown efforts and
streamlining through the Planning Office. o Working with the Community Foundation,
local banks, and with city funds to incentivize investment/property
maintenance. o Working with the Community Foundation to
fund a downtown coordinator to integrate financing, renovation, promotions with
downtown activities and recruitment of appropriate businesses. o o Diversity training planned for entire
city staff, boards/commissions/ council in 2009. o Staff person assigned to Diversity
Committee and efforts throughout the year. o City Managers remains engaged in
community diversity affairs. o Regional meetings with all surrounding
entities. o Efforts ongoing to demolish blighted
housing and pursuing Brownfield grants for commercial and industrial. o Ongoing efforts in housing enforcement on
downtown area and commercial areas. o Realigned building inspection staff to
supplement code enforcement. o In the process of selecting a vendor to
administer the Section 8 housing program. o Ongoing efforts through CDBG,
Neighborhood Stabilization Funds. o Street improvement, citizen-staff-council
committee established to examine and make recommendation. o Overall plan developed for street paving,
specifics of individual street assessment
needed. o $7M in paving being done in 2009 – N.
Breiel, SR 122. o Plan developed for 2009 for basic street
maintenance. o Leveraging grants, state and federal
dollars for street projects. o Council finance subcommittee established. o Staff meetings monthly with financial
advisor to review reports. o Continuous monitoring of revenue
receipts. o Contingency plan established for short,
mid and long term cut backs. o Integration of budget process through
city staff. o Public Safety Committee of Council
meeting quarterly o Capital repairs at Fire Stations o Police Station Painting o Reorganization of city staff –
realignment of duties o Hiring of key personnel o Sun Coke Project o Communication and PR with community, use
of weekly updates, newspaper columns, media coverage and water bill inserts. City Manager
Gilleland also mentioned some other accomplishments that included demolition of
the old hospital and Paychex opening this month. A disappointment that was
mentioned was the Forbe’s article that listed |
Posted By: over the hill
Date Posted: May 07 2014 at 3:22pm
| Well this is 2014,when is all this going to take place? I must have miss something along the way. |
Posted By: Vivian Moon
Date Posted: May 07 2014 at 5:45pm
| .....and I'm still waiting also....and I rest my case |