DRAFT – These minutes are not official until approved at the next regular City Council meeting.
City of Bigfork
Absent: None
Also Present: Robin Custer, Dave Waters, Robert Johnson, Caroline Welch, Warren Welch, Gene Rajala, Jim Manske, and Catherine McLynn.
She began the meeting by saying that the first item on the agenda was to discuss the qualified applicants from the second posting of the Superintendent job. Although, there were resumes received, none of the applicants qualified for an interview. She went on to say that one of the applicants from the first posting was still interested in the job, but had turned it down when it was originally offered to him because of the salary. Tendrup suggested negotiating with this applicant to try to come up with an acceptable salary and hours for both parties, as the contract with Mark Maki is coming to an end and the water/sewer permits would need to be covered for the month of September. She suggested offering him $36,500 per year for 32 hours per week – a salaried position with benefits like the position of City Clerk/Treasurer. This way he would be able to pick up a part time job to make up the difference in what he is currently making. Tendrup stated that another alternative would be to contract with NTS at $1200 per month. NTS would spend the required 2-4 hours needed per week to cover the City’s permits. The applicant had stated that he could begin working on September 18th, but that he would be able to come up for the required 4 hours per week before that.
Salmi recommended hiring Dave Waters as a consultant and presented an offer from Waters to the Council. The proposal, in short, stated that Waters could work for the City as a Water/Sewer Operator until someone was hired for the position of Superintendent, and he would also be willing to show the new hire around. Tendrup said that the City needed more than just a consultant, that it definitely needs a Superintendent. Salmi said the City ran just fine before. Tendrup asked Salmi, if that were true, why there wasn’t an excess of funds and why the water and sewer isn’t up to date.
Kacon asked how much schooling is needed to obtain the necessary licenses for a water/sewer operator. Waters answered that it takes 3 years for water and 1 year for wastewater. Kacon also inquired about insurance needed for contractors or consultants. Stevens replied that a certificate of insurance is required by the City from contracted workers providing proof of their workman’s comp. Salmi stated that he would like to ask the hospital how they handle consultants. He went on to say that Waters is local, cheap, and has the necessary licenses. Salmi suggested hiring someone as an apprentice, to be able to pay them a lower wage as they took the classes for the water/sewer licenses.
Motion by Pifher to offer the applicant $36,500 for a minimum of 32 hours with the intent to add Effie’s required hours and dollars, if Effie contracts with Bigfork, seconded by Kacon, with Salmi opposing. Salmi asked about the applicants qualifications. Stevens read the extensive list. Motion passed.
Salmi asked if the applicant can do the job. Tendrup stated that he’s more than qualified, but that’s why the City has a probationary period.
Mayor Tendrup adjourned the meeting at 6:20 pm.
Tranette Stevens
Acting City Clerk
Angie Storlie
City Clerk