Minutes - 2002/05/13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council May 13, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 4 Assistant City Administrator Reed explained that the City was in negotiations with Mr. Longville and found that he wanted to be part of the hiring process and the City felt that was a courtesy it wished to extend to Mr. Longville as the new golf course manager. Council Member Marty commented that the Resolution was passed at the first meeting in March to hire two seasonal employees. Nyle Rolfer of 7945 Long Lake Road addressed Council and indicated he had been receiving conflicting information concerning the City not wishing to rehire some retired men to work at the golf course. Mayor Sonterre encouraged Mr. Rolfer to call either him, another Council Member, or the City Administrator to obtain all the facts surrounding the situation. Mayor Sonterre clarified that the hiring process was slowed due to legal action and the hiring of a new manager. Mr. Rolfer indicated he has been golfing in the Silver Fox League for years and the golfers have always been happy with the employees up at the course. Jerry Serfling of 300 South Hartman Road, South St. Paul, AFSCME representative, addressed Council and asked them to have consideration for its older employees, for those that were not called back and for Marge Norquist's health insurance. Mr. Serfling indicated the union feels that the 100 point system is required to be a part of the selection process for hiring not just to obtain an interview. He then said that the hiring of the golf course employees is not part of the lawsuit. Jeremiah Anderson of 9025 Jefferson Street, Blaine addressed Council and said he has hope this matter can be resolved soon. He then commented that there are intelligent people on both sides of the issue and he is puzzled that this has not been resolved already. Mr. Anderson then said it takes a special kind of person to work in a public setting and asked Council to end the strike as quickly as possible. David Jahnke of 8428 Eastwood Road addressed Council and reminded them that several mayors have said that the golf course would not cost the residents any money and now residents are paying for it. Mr. Jahnke then said that he has been a union steward and, in his opinion, nobody wins in a strike because the City expends money for attorney's fees and consultant fees and families have to live on strike pay and employees have to walk picket lines rather than do their job. He then said he would like the strike resolved as quickly as possible to get the employees back to work. Mr. Jahnke commented he does not appreciate having to pay for the golf course and said it was time for something to change up there.