This Commission Meeting was conducted utilizing Communications Media Technology. Some Staff members were present in the Commission Chambers while others were present via the Zoom application to respect the social distancing guidelines.

 

ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor

Tambra Varnadore, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, Ward 2 (Not Present)

Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2

Sheldon Jones, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1

Brian Williams, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, Ward 3

 

STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney

Xavier Colon, Interim CRA Director (Not Present)

Jim Freeman, City Clerk (Not Present)

Cheryl Miller, Finance Director

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk

Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant

 

STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

   Mayor Bryant called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.

 

 

1.    CITY COMMISSION AGENDA APPROVAL

 

MOTION:                   Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Cornwell seconded

and the motion carried 4-0 to approve the April 25, 2022 Special

City Commission Agenda.

 

2.    PUBLIC COMMENT

 

None

 

 

3.    CONSENT AGENDA

a. Special Function Permit- Sexual Assault Awareness Event

 

 

 

MOTION:                   Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Williams seconded and

the motion carried 4-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by

Staff.

 

Special City Commission Meeting

April 25, 2022

Page 2 of 2

 

4.       Agreement for Building Department Support Services

 

Mr. Rayan explained that as of late last week, JPI Inc., former Building Department Support Services Provider, gave notice that they cannot provide labor going forward. They stated that they cannot fulfill their contract ending June 28,2022. Mr. Rayan’s department contacted MT Causley Inc (MTCI), who has provided services in the past for the City. MTCI is currently doing business with the City of Bushnell. Mr. Rayan is proposing a piggyback contract with MTCI including a few provisions. 

 

Commissioner Jones questioned what will happen if the City is able to hire an in house Building Official. Mr. Rayan responded that there is a termination clause in this agreement. Commissioner Jones expressed his concern with the starting rate of these positions. He stated that the City may have more qualified applicants if the salary was higher. Mr. Rayan reiterated that they have not had many applicants.

 

Commissioner Williams asked Attorney Barnebey what the recourse will be if the previous company wasn’t doing their job. Attorney Barnebey stated that he was not aware of any major issues besides the timeliness of completing jobs. Mr. Rayan stated that administrative work was not being completed. Mr. Barnebey clarified that he believes the question is whether they have completed the work that will result in further payment. Commissioner Williams also expressed that there are a lot of employees in the City that aren’t necessarily paid what they deserve. He wants the Commissioners to remember this topic in the future when the budget is being discussed. Commissioner Williams also stated that he does not want salary increases to happen in just one department. He believes they need to speak with the Department Heads and look at the budget when it is rolled out.

 

Commissioner Smith inquired about the cost of the company they were previously contracted with. Mr. Rayan responded that they paid around $300,000 for two individuals. One was working full time, and one was working part time. Commissioner Smith asked how much a previous applicant wanted to be paid for the position. Mr. Rayan answered approximately $130,000. Commissioner Smith questioned why he wasn’t hired. Mr. Rayan clarified that it isn’t within the current pay grade that is approved by the City. He also went into detail regarding the job description and requirements for the positions. Commissioner Jones clarified what the advertised starting rate is for the open positions.

 

 

          MOTION:                   Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Williams

                                                seconded and the motion carried 4-0 to approve the

                                                piggyback agreement and authorize the Mayor to execute

                                                same.

 

 

     Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 6:31 PM.