DISCUSSION ITEM
SPONSOR: City Council President Ann Hill
SUBJECT:
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CITY COUNCIL BUDGET
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SUMMARY:
At the March 7, 2022, Agenda Conference, and item was brought forward regarding the hiring of Yvette McLellan as Council Staff with the title of Special Assistant to the Council Executive. At that time, Council voted to pull the item and to conduct a discussion at the upcoming business meeting (workshop). Below you will find the summary from the original item:
Section 4.02(a)(6) of the City Charter states in part:
The City Council shall establish an Office of the City Council and shall have as its staff the following who shall be responsible to the City Council through the President of the Council:
(e) Other Staff. The City Council may create and fill other staff positions for the purpose of assisting it in the performance of its legislative function.
Currently the City Council has, as their staff the following: a Council Executive (Don Kraher), Executive Assistant (Elaine Mager), Council Assistant (Sonja Gaines) and a part-time Strategic Budget Planner (Melanie Kruszona).
A prospect has presented itself whereby the City Council has an opportunity to hire Yvette McLellan. Yvette has some 35 years of experience with the city, coming up through the ranks to her current position of Deputy Finance Director. Having worked on the Administration (Executive) side of the equation during our current form of government, she is seeking a change with a desire to work for City Council.
It is proposed that City Council hire Yvette under Section 4.02(a)(6)(e) - other - and title her as Special Assistant to the Council Executive. The intent is to have Yvette assist the Council Executive with the entering of Granicus Items, reviewing administration items for completeness to ensure that City Council has the information necessary to make an informed decision, assist with research for Council Members, assisting in development of policies desired by Council as well as assisting Council’s current staff. Yvette has a wealth of experience that will fit into any category and will allow her the freedom to assist where needed. This will allow the Council Executive more available time to research items for City Council, assist in the development of ordinances for legal review, take a more in depth and detailed review of current policies, many of which are antiquated and to help better assist in the overview of council activities and desires.
Further delineated, with Yvette’s vast knowledge of the budget and budget process, and given that one of City Council’s Charter enumerated powers is “to adopt the annual budget and all other appropriations necessary for efficient City government.” City Charter Section 4.02(a)(2), Yvette’s experience could be invaluable to City Council.
Finally, I have made some adjustments, based on the conversation, to the job description for the position.
PRIOR ACTION:
March 7, 2022 - City Council voted to pull the item regarding the hiring of Yvette McLellan as Council Staff.
November 45, 2012 - Charter Amendment passed via referendum vote requiring City Council to establish the office of the City Council, thereby authorizing Council to hire their own staff.
STAFF CONTACT:
Don Kraher, Council Executive
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Yvette McLellan Resume
2) Special Assistant to the Council Executive Job Description
PRESENTATION: No