Making the hiring procedure of all municipal employees the same for all departments is to be voted on at Thursday night’s Mayor & Council meeting.
Ordinance 2557 was proposed – in large part – to put an end to the practice of the Department of Public Works (DPW) being the only department to have its non-management employees interviewed by the governing body. Currently, all departments other than the DPW are interviewed and vetted by their respective department heads. The governing body via a committee interview candidates for the DPW.
This ordinance will have candidates for department heads are still interviewed by the governing body. Other prospective staff-level personnel “shall be solicited, interviewed and otherwise vetted by the head of the department within which the individual may be appointed.”
The department head will them provide a written recommendation, along with supporting documentation, to the governing body. Mayor & Council will still make the final decision and appointment through a written resolution but will not be involved in the interviewing or reviewing of said applicants.
The bill explicitly states “Members of the governing body shall have no direct involvement in the vetting of staff-level employees, including the interview of prospective employees.”
Mayor & Council will still be able to consult with department heads about matters of budget, organization, efficiency, and operation.
Finally, the proposed law will prohibit the listing of sitting members of the governing body, department heads, or other municipal employees as professional references for employment.
The public hearing and vote on Ordinance 2557 are to occur during the 7 p.m. December 20th municipal meeting located at 110 East Westfield Avenue.
A copy of RP Ordinance 2557 is available below:
Download RP Ordinance 2557