1975 REG MIN AUG 19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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zo7 Members of the City Council. Although it is clearly evident that it is too late this year to undo the damage that has been done, in a highly un- professional process, I will be strongly recommending in the near future corrective measures that will not allow this same type of miscarriage of rights of Council Members to occur again. I believe this to be an absolute necessity if this City is ever again to enjoy or exhibit any kind of honest forthright approach to Its employees and the tax- payers of the City of Colton. I think it is imperative that this type of honesty and objectivity be returned to all future City employer-employee relations. Until such time as this atmosphere is clearly evident then the present feeling of mistrust will continue to exist. I always have and always will, without political motivation, continue to represent all employees in my actions, not just a portion of them. My approach is to deal positively and clearly for anyone and everyone to see on City matters, whether it be employees, private enterprise or citizenry problems. To me, being elected to public office has much more of a meaning than appearing at public functions, attending conventions, shaking hands and making campaign promises. My allegiance is to the employees of this City and to the citizens of this community. My first responsibility is to carry out to the best of my ability duties of my oath of office. I intend to do this as long as the people indicate their continued faith in me. I think the taxpayers are tired of misuse of power and public funds. Power and trust placed in the hands of those who misuse and abuse it are an outright detriment to the freedom and progress of any community. The public is tired of politicians campaign slogans and promises, and who upon being elected, sit back and act as a rubber stamp without inquiry or question until just prior to the next election when they suddenly become the great protector of the citizen's rights and dollars. Not only do these politicians choose to wallow in obscurity and adolescence, but they resent or question the right of those who want to pursue issues or the inequities of what is transpiring. There are those who suggest that inquiry is harmful to the structure of the system. I suggest it should strengthen the system. It should be welcomed and encouraged and utilized as a means of clarifying matters of uncertainty. Premature unauthorized conclusive statements on availability of funds prior to any knowledge of this by the Council led us into the employee and public disfavor we recently experienced. The ensuing aftermath of ill worded reports and misinformational, shrouded conclusions created further confusion. Open and coersive instructions by certain department heads to their management personnel to bring pressure on the Council during negotiations was another clear case of unprofessionalism. My past willingness to accept the reorganization as presented to us a year ago has been demolished. It has been clearly proven to be a failure and we must recognize this. I will not idly stand by and see this failure perpetuated just because it means stepping on a few toes. I have been very concerned over statements made in the Police Association's written reply on salary increases question- ing my integrity and intentions or right as a Councilman to negotiate a fair and equitable wage increase. At no time, in spite of not so secretly leaked misinformation to the contrary, did I ever suggest that the total amount of money allocated would be less than was originally stated. The proper dispensation of it and to whom was my only concern. At no time did I ever cast any aspersions at any member of the Police Association or its representative. I fully respect their right to negotiate the best salary consideration they can. Is it too much to expect the same respect in return? I interpret the substance of the letter as being abusive and maligning in nature and not at all express- ive of the intent of Meet and Confer. I sincerely hope that the letter did not reflect the feelings of the member- ship, but rather the opinion of one flamboyant individual. My position on certain non -association members or management and department head salary increases is based on the salary adjustments made a year ago. During reorganization and Budget Study Sessions last year, large salary adjust- ments were made on specific management positions in addition to 13 per cent increases. Several high -salaried positions were added to already -top-heavy management forces. In one instance, a department head was hired at his final salary range step, which is hardly encouraging or fair to all others, who must systematically prove themselves and be com- pensated accordingly. To me this clearly indicates preferential treatment. Now when I express my concern for the salary of the rank and file employee, I am told that I'm undermining the system and that I should keep quiet and not rock the boat. I believe my position has always been one of fairness as it relates to salaries and working conditions. I do not feel my present position is unfair to anyone when we examine closely the total happenings of the past year and one half. There comes a time when the average man must get his due. From where I stand, that time has come. The silent majority must not be ignored. To the contrary, I feel they must be recognized and appreciated. Solid management is based on an ability to understand the problems and needs of those who work under them. I have been dismayed by the unwillingness of certain of our present management members to give just consideration to their fellow subordinates. The necessary team work that goes into making a cohesive working unit is built on trust of one another and their motives. In view of the attitude exhibited recently by certain management people I feel this badly needed respect has been lost. I have one final observation to make. From now on I would hope that all Department Heads will be allowed to function without threat or intimidation. We pay good salaries for specialized skills, I want them to utilize those skills and for the taxpayers to get their money's worth. I intend to keep a close vigilant eye on matters to see that they do. If this requires that I spend more time meeting my obligation as a Councilman, then I will be happy to do so. To those who say they are unaware or unconcerned about any misdoing, and who will not listen to supposedly unfounded rumors, I suggest they take a slightly less apathetic approach to matters in the future and show genuine concern for the problems of the City. Often what seem to be small insignificant problems that are ignored have a tendency to grow into large crisis. Problems shunted aside do not just disappear. They must be faced and dealt with. The philosophy of see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, should not be the creed of any elected public official. Better that it be I will allow no evil to exist. I sincerely hope that the views I've expressed here are read and made known to everyone. I stand on what I've said and I shall continue to support those views. I will let the public judge my motives and the relative merits of my position on these very important issues. Frank Gonzales Colton City Councilman CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Claim Xavier R. Berver City Attorney Hutton apprised the Council members of the Claim filed by Mr. Xavier R. Berver against the City of Colton, and suggested the Claim be rejected and referred to the insurance carrier. Moved by Councilwoman Spragins, seconded by Councilman Gonzales, to reject Claim of Xavier R. Berver versus the City I f Colton, and refer to the insurance carrier. Unanimous vote. EXECUTIVE SESSION Litigation/Meet and Confer/Personnel The City Council adjourned to Executive Session at 8:40 p. m., on the request of Mayor Huntoon. The City Council AUG 1975