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Regular Council Meeting June 9, 2014 Page 6 11. Ratify hiring of new public works director. Mr. Godwin said the Public Works Director position had been vacant since January 2013 and earlier in the year the City Council instructed him to initiate hiring a new director. He recommended the appointment of Jerry McDaniels. Council Member Hashmi expressed concern that Mr. McDaniels' qualifications did not fit the qualifications advertised in the job description, because it was posted that a bachelor's degree was a required qualification. He expressed further concern in that some people might not have applied because the qualifications would have eliminated them. Council Member Hashmi said he did not have a problem with Mr. McDaniels, but that the job should be reported. He said he not want to encounter a problem in which the City got in trouble for hiring someone who did not meet the qualifications as posted in the advertisement. Council Member Pickle asked the City Attorney for his opinion. Mr. McIlyar said he had not seen the job description, but that the City Manager did interview other applicants who did not meet the requirements. Mr. Godwin explained it was accepted HR practice to hire on knowledge, skills and work experience rather than education requirements. Council Member Plata inquired of Mr. McDaniels his experience. Mr. McDaniels said he was currently serving as the Interim Public Works Director in Greenville and had been currently serving in that position for one year and gave the City Council his employment history, as well as a list of licenses and certifications. A Motion to ratify the appointment of Jerry McDaniels was made by Council Member Pickle and seconded by Council Member Plata. Motion carried, 5 ayes — 1 nay with Council Member Hashmi casting the dissenting vote. 12. Discuss and act on a contract with Kim Lacey to provide administrative services for the Texas Capital Fund sidewalk replacement project. City Engineer Shawn Napier told City Council this project was for replacement of broken sidewalks on both sides of S. Main Street between Clarksville and Kaufman Streets, the south side of Lamar Avenue, between First and Second Streets and the east side of NW First Street between Bonham and Houston Streets. He said the maximum grant amount of $150,000 was awarded to the City and required a minimum 10% match, but the City's application included a 30% match which earned the City extra points on the application. Mr. Napier said the City's match was $45,000 with the cost of the project estimated at $195,000, which includes a contract fee for administrative serves in the amount of $15,000. A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Hashmi and seconded by Council Member Lancaster. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays. 13. Discuss and act on a contract with Birkhoff, Hendricks & Carter to provide engineering services for the Texas Capital Fund sidewalk replacement project. Mr. Napier said this item was also pertaining to the sidewalk replacement project and the contract fee for engineering services was $24,300.