The special meeting of the Slater City Council was called to order by Mayor Rick Rewerts at 7:30 P.M. on June 27, 2007, at City Hall 105 Greene St., Slater, Iowa. The roll being called the following Council members were present as follows: Dave Cook, Louise O’Donnell, Gene Staples, and Don Schick. Electronic- Mark Pritchard. Others in attendance were Public Works Director LaDonna Chriswell and Colin Chriswell.

LaDonna Chriswell continued discussion about the recruitment for the vacancy in public works. She gave an overview of each candidate and responded to questions. She reviewed the professional requirements of the City’s current water and sewer utilities and pool facility. She also spoke to pesticide application requirements.

The Staff presented a spreadsheet summarizing how the 2008 budget calculations were achieved for the salary line items in each fund. It also projected how much money was available in the salary line items based on the Council’s proposed salary resolution.

After due consideration and discussion the Public Works Director indicated that she would like to recommend a local candidate. A discussion ensued regarding how remunerations for certification were handled in the past. The history is undocumented. The question was posed as to whether Slater differentiates, for example, Operator I and II positions, so some upward mobility is defined for employee growth and measurable achievements. This does not exist at this time. Concern was expressed about a new hire making more than an employee with seniority especially without a comprehensive pay plan in place.

After a lengthy discussion, it was moved by Pritchard and seconded by Staples to offer the candidate $14.00 to start and $1.00 per hour more for each certification successfully achieved as Water Operator I and Wastewater Operator I. Council Member Schick declared a conflict and declined from all votes. The roll being called the following members voted: Yes: Pritchard and Staples. No: Cook and O’Donnell. The motion failed.

It was moved by Cook and seconded by O’Donnell to offer the candidate $15.00 per hour and not address the certification until a policy could be developed. The members voted: Yes: Cook and O’Donnell. No: Pritchard and Staples. The motion failed.

It was moved by O’Donnell to offer the candidate $15.00 per hour plus $1.00 per certification achieved in the next year only. It died for lack of a second.

It was moved by Cook and seconded by O’Donnell to offer the candidate $15.00 per hour plus $.50 per certification with no time limit. The members voted: Yes: Cook and O’Donnell. No: Staples and Pritchard. The motion failed.

It was moved by Staples and seconded by Pritchard to postpone consideration of the matter until the 7-16-07 meeting. The member voted: Yes: Staples, Pritchard, and Cook. No: O’Donnell. The motion carried.

It was moved by Pritchard and seconded by O’Donnell to approve the closing of the following streets on July 3^rd and 4^th: Tama from Main to 4^th both sides; Benton between 3^rd and 4^th; 4^th street between Tama and Benton; and to designate 3^rd and Benton for handicap parking. The members voted: Yes: All. No: None. The motion carried.

It was moved by Staples and seconded by Schick to adjourn at 9:40 P.M., the motion carried and the meeting adjourned.