LETTERS: Mayor answers questions
To the Editor:
Your editorial in the April 2 issue of the Marion County Record, "Free advice," was much appreciated. Sometimes the city's servants, i.e. elected representatives, need to be reminded that listening and responding to the citizens' comments is why they were elected.
I currently am representing the city on the newly organized Marion Economic Development Inc. Your comment about the need for a memorandum of understanding between the city and the organization is just exactly what I have been working for since last fall.
I have investigated at least three agreements that other cities have with such organizations. These agreements do just exactly what you said — spell out what will be expected by all concerned parties. These agreements are needed anytime the taxpayers' revenues are involved, be it through a salary paid to a person or director or through funds used by the organization without the direct authority of the city.
Currently, the council seems to be satisfied with only a change in the job description which states the economic development director will be working with this group. However, the words "working with" may be "supervised by." I'm writing this without having the job description for reference.
I am certainly in favor of an organization made up of busy people volunteering to undertake this task, but I want it to be with the full understanding of both parties as to what the responsibilities of "supervising" a city employee, paid for by taxpayers' revenue, are going to be. This is not spelled out in a job description of an employee.
No ED director hired
Some people have asked if a new economic development director has been hired. No, unfortunately the interviewing of the candidates by the Marion Economic Development Inc. committee did not result in hiring a person for the position. So, the process will be started again. It is my hope the process will be completed in a shorter period of time if candidates are available for interviews.
If this group of candidates did not fulfill the expectations of MEDI, I am glad they did not recommend someone for the sole purpose of getting a person hired.
I also have been asked about the status of the current interim director. Jami Williams signed a six-month contract with the city to help fill in until a new director is hired. The ordinance establishing the position of city administrator spells out several responsibilities in the area of economic development the person in this position is expected to be able to do. Therefore, in my opinion, David Mayfield can fulfill the responsibilities of the director's position until a new director can be hired.
Cleanup week a success
I want to take this opportunity to thank the residents and city crew for their response during cleanup week. I saw a lot of cleaning going on! Let's all try to keep this going throughout the year, too. The crew might be less overwhelmed with the task. I know they had to stop in my alley several times during the week, sometimes in less than favorable weather. Thanks, guys.
Mosquito time will be here soon. If you missed the old tires or containers that will be breeding places for the pests, try to eliminate those hazards. It will save a lot of unpleasant results for everyone.
Downpour exacerbates drainage problems
Some drainage problems have been brought to my attention after the rainfall last week. I had Lake Olson around my house, too. Unfortunately, I think we are seeing the result of not planning ahead before building. The more concrete we put down on the ground eliminates a few more feet of Mother Nature's natural drainage system. The solution is not going to be inexpensive or easy.
Executive sessions protect privacy
I also want to address the issue of how personnel is appointed. According to a city ordinance, the mayor, with the approval of the council, appoints these people. This occurs the first part of April. I'm sure you can understand the problem this creates for newly-elected council members or mayor. These appointed positions are those people you rely on to carry out some important responsibilities.
I didn't look upon this as an easy task last year and this year was no different.
The new council member should know something about the people he is being asked to approve for positions. Since weaknesses as well as strengths of the person to be appointed should be considered, an executive session is needed to keep the privacy of the person discussed. I hope this will be remembered the next time you see an executive session being called to discuss personnel.
Volunteers appreciated
Lastly, I want to give a big thanks to those volunteers lending their talents and time to help around town, especially in the park and at the baseball complex. I hope your efforts will be rewarded by the appreciation of all of us who are enjoying your efforts.
Mary Olson
Mayor, City of Marion
