02 City Council (2/10/03) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Regular City Council Meeting February 10, 2003 Page 11 purpose of the contract was and to what the City Council is looking for in a contract, to establish ground rules for somebody that might replace Mr. Malone. He did not see the need for a contract. The city has done exceedingly well with what they have, but if the City Council has got to have a contract, go back to the issues that Mr. Waldrum and Mr. Wilson have brought up. Gary O'Connor, 4505 Choctaw Lane, was present complimenting all of the City Council members for the amount of time that they invest in their jobs. Mr. O'Connor stated that he basically agreed with what the previous two speakers have said. He said that he had lived in Paris for twenty years and during those years there have been multiple situations where employees, city managers and city attorneys, did not follow the wishes of the City Council and it was expensive to get the employees to step down. Mr. O'Connor felt it was important that there be a balance between providing the kind of continuity and at least some degree of job security for a professional to assume one of these management positions, but at the same time, to make it clear that they serve at the will of the City Council. Mr. O'Connor felt a three year contract is overly generous and the fact about all you have to do under this contract is to show up for work and not break any major laws. He thought a higher standard of accountability is in order. Ed Seidle, 1363 Pine Bluff, was present suggesting that the City Council table this matter in order to get a real study done. Mr. Seidle said this was no way to do business, and he was not sure why this has to be rushed through tonight. Mr. Seidle said that when they were doing the survey for the new police building, and those folks came from Dallas to do a study of the City of Paris, the town was found to be growing less than one hundred people in the last ten years. He said the county is growing at a much larger rate and he suggested finding out why. Mr. Seidle again requested the City Council to table this matter. A. W. Clem, Attorney, appeared before the City Council stating that he was asked to take a look at this contract. Mr. Clem said he felt that the public would like time to read these contracts and see what they say, and he would also like a chance to look at the contract.