I wonder what 2 year is going to give up in the city hall contract to enforce a 'dress code'? As the city turned down a clothing allowance for the city hall workers the last contract? I can say she has been in clear violation of the AFSCME Contract on other labor issues she refuses to recognize and is ignoring. This will cost the taxpayers in many ways. Every 'rule' has it's cost and this one may be the one that will determine IF she runs again. Ties! Sport coats and spit shines for the men, shows her discrimination patterns. How about City Council wear ties too? They affect the public more so than the clerk behind the counter? She could save money by eliminating Thursday evenings and go to a full 8 hour day at city hall. instead she goes public with an issue that is much less important than the taxpayers want addressed. What is next, a hair code? Or make up restrictions? How about she concentrate on filling the labor positions that have been unfilled since she took office? And get back to preforming the summer maintenance on the city before winter stops all building and digging? How about educational requirements and training for her managers? That is in the position requirements of the positions advertised, she should worry how these managers are dragging her down more so than how they are dressed! At last count there are more truck drivers with degrees and licences than there are managers! Where are the Water and Sewer Commissions on their staffing levels? How can they let their responsibilities to oversee these departments be used as a pawn for supporting her DPS temps? The ones without degrees! Odd, isn't it!
Posters on this important news release by the Daily Snooze (of which she has had me banned from commenting by the editor) have got her number. Over educated for the job! In over her head. More concerned with 'Ties' for her employees than sidewalks and roads! Maybe there is a grant out there for 'Dress Codes'.
I have never seen the Mayors Office empty more than this term. after all it is more productive to have your employees sorting through public documents than addressing residents concerns. It is just another game government has introduced, only this time it is presented by the "good ole GIRLS" in charge.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMENTS, and personal opinions!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
GOLD!
There's GOLD in Dem dare piles! I am really surprised that our financially conservative Mayor is not capitalizing on her 'find' in the basement of Shitty Hall.
The History of the city is in those dumpsters. Many residents (who actually own that material) may be willing to pay a price to keep a few of those unimportant documents that the Mayor is declaring 'Trash'.
Where are our councillors and representatives in this venture, protecting our history?
What is NOT getting done as all this 'freetime' suddenly has become available at Shitty Hall? Seems hours and hours have already been accessed by employees that don't have time to collect taxes and preform other essential functions in a manner serving the taxpayers interests. Especially the families that have long histories here that may not be recognised by the few decision makers involved with this project.
Management style? Compatible? We will only know the damage when someone goes through Holiday's Mayoral box when she's gone!
The History of the city is in those dumpsters. Many residents (who actually own that material) may be willing to pay a price to keep a few of those unimportant documents that the Mayor is declaring 'Trash'.
Where are our councillors and representatives in this venture, protecting our history?
What is NOT getting done as all this 'freetime' suddenly has become available at Shitty Hall? Seems hours and hours have already been accessed by employees that don't have time to collect taxes and preform other essential functions in a manner serving the taxpayers interests. Especially the families that have long histories here that may not be recognised by the few decision makers involved with this project.
Management style? Compatible? We will only know the damage when someone goes through Holiday's Mayoral box when she's gone!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Ummmmmm Hiring?
So the Fire Department dispatchers are members of the AFSCME Union. So thare is a position opening up in the department. Why would the Mayor NOTwant a local member of the workforce to be able to transfer into the position? Someone who is qualified and has experiance, knows the city and has waited for years on top of the civil service list. It is called Executive Privledge! The same way recent positions, raises and stipends for doing nothing more than your job have been awarded. No boundries on education or experiance needed. It is about time this issue of hiring local people first was settled. Fairly. A few more new positions for friends will be suggested soon.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Odd train of thought?
Reading this forced parking issue and the many segments of the proposals that need to be agreed upon and implemented to accomplish a city project, I find on Councillor Cronin's Blog a statement that highlights the atmosphere of ignorance of our public officials in their thought patterns. Not to say that Mr. Cronin is ignorant, just uninformed as most public representatives are led astray when counting public debt.
In his reporting he several times refers to the 'City' preforming a portion of work on projects as 'savings'. I fail to grasp this theory. The City creates a budget for labor to maintain the city and it's infrastructure for any given year. Department heads submit their estimates on labor, material and other expenses to preform the tasks that need to be completed to keep our city operational and safe. Now items like these need to be progressive Holiday Dreams and Wishes come along and add the need for additional man hours to 'save' money on what are unfunded projects when council passed the present year's budget. New toys with no yard to play with then in.
Realizing that 40 hours of standard labor per employee (35 for City Hall employees) as the needed labor prior to (take your pick as to the need from clerical to lifting (and purchasing the material too) to 'raising the iron) by adding these sweetening 'deals' has not been planned for the present standard FY operations to complete items like repairing our deplorable sidewalks, for only one infrastructure issue that constantly takes a back seat to the 'Dreams and Wishes' of each and every new Newburyport CEO. Where do the extra 'hours' of paid labor come from? Two main choices are apparent. We fall deeper into infrastructure debt by not adding manpower labor and costs to these seemingly 'free' labor tasks. Or, under the new management we pay excessive amounts of overtime to a very few and select individuals to preform tasks that should be considered as part of the initial presented project plan costs. Expect yet another transfer request to cover the free cash we don't already have in hand. Abusing the laws of overspending in our Snow Overtime Budget now carries year round? To balance the need for free out of contract labor it seems it does.
It doesn't take a financial major to recognize that the reason our city is in such dire financial straights is due to these 'free' project favours that are not balanced in the approved budget. Taking hours away from cleaning your house results in a dirty mess after time away from the real issues. We are so far behind in maintaining our city we are passing our self again to be in the lead with opinions like these from our elected officials.
With the recent stacking of the deck with a crew of uneducated or licensed temporary department managers with 'yes men' will only assure that if you are not politically connected your tax dollar will not be spent on your street or your interests. With no paper trail, anything can be accomplished or 'swept under the rug'! The cost of 'FREE' has proven to be too expensive for us to date and leading the public astray on these types of 'savings' needs correcting up front.
In his reporting he several times refers to the 'City' preforming a portion of work on projects as 'savings'. I fail to grasp this theory. The City creates a budget for labor to maintain the city and it's infrastructure for any given year. Department heads submit their estimates on labor, material and other expenses to preform the tasks that need to be completed to keep our city operational and safe. Now items like these need to be progressive Holiday Dreams and Wishes come along and add the need for additional man hours to 'save' money on what are unfunded projects when council passed the present year's budget. New toys with no yard to play with then in.
Realizing that 40 hours of standard labor per employee (35 for City Hall employees) as the needed labor prior to (take your pick as to the need from clerical to lifting (and purchasing the material too) to 'raising the iron) by adding these sweetening 'deals' has not been planned for the present standard FY operations to complete items like repairing our deplorable sidewalks, for only one infrastructure issue that constantly takes a back seat to the 'Dreams and Wishes' of each and every new Newburyport CEO. Where do the extra 'hours' of paid labor come from? Two main choices are apparent. We fall deeper into infrastructure debt by not adding manpower labor and costs to these seemingly 'free' labor tasks. Or, under the new management we pay excessive amounts of overtime to a very few and select individuals to preform tasks that should be considered as part of the initial presented project plan costs. Expect yet another transfer request to cover the free cash we don't already have in hand. Abusing the laws of overspending in our Snow Overtime Budget now carries year round? To balance the need for free out of contract labor it seems it does.
It doesn't take a financial major to recognize that the reason our city is in such dire financial straights is due to these 'free' project favours that are not balanced in the approved budget. Taking hours away from cleaning your house results in a dirty mess after time away from the real issues. We are so far behind in maintaining our city we are passing our self again to be in the lead with opinions like these from our elected officials.
With the recent stacking of the deck with a crew of uneducated or licensed temporary department managers with 'yes men' will only assure that if you are not politically connected your tax dollar will not be spent on your street or your interests. With no paper trail, anything can be accomplished or 'swept under the rug'! The cost of 'FREE' has proven to be too expensive for us to date and leading the public astray on these types of 'savings' needs correcting up front.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Dreaming of a Holaday.....Nov 2011
I like Paul Breau's comments in the Daily Snooze. If they would let me comment I would support his opinion and then more. They say that Marcone doesn't like my comments so he blocks me out. But in reality, the Daily Snooze gets the story wrong so many times that it cannot be corrected to make real sense at all.
Dan
Dan
Water/ sewer Bills?
Whats with the citywide consumption numbers of what's pumped at the Treatment (Water in) and the cf ft charged ratepayers? Anyone check the city building usages and what it costs to supply old A/C units at the schools? This has been reported before when the city went enterprise and the city was supposed to start paying bills like us all. All I keep hearing is that is is a fair trade off for services rendered by the City Hall.
Then there is the payback of the Plum Island betterment granted favors to so few that has missed two years now. I call it theft, some others that like spending enterprise fund money invested by the ratepayers to support the over taxed social programs by our daydreaming politicians.
Then there is the payback of the Plum Island betterment granted favors to so few that has missed two years now. I call it theft, some others that like spending enterprise fund money invested by the ratepayers to support the over taxed social programs by our daydreaming politicians.
Beer and Whine?
Is there a new policy of serving Beer and While at the Pioneer Park for 'Special Events'? Saw an officer there and Adults (for the most part) during a softball game imbibing. Don't remember seeing a permit pass the system though! I asked around, but could not find the beer tent, just the Whine Room. Taxable income?
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Insurance costs?
Savings seems to be the going mantra in Newburyport these past few years. Even to the point of dropping people off the life insurance program with out their knowledge? I am hearing that some retirees are no longer seeing the deduction for life insurance taken from their checks anymore due to another one of the executive decisions being made at a desk in city hall. I can say that the Sewer Department and Water Department have fought years to keep our department's costs true and it is a time consuming battle to add or subtract employees when they do not know where everybody belongs and the methods change for the accounting so often. Balancing the BC/BS bills for enterprise departments are a REAL BATTLE.
So let us stick it to the retirees yet again. I'm calling all mine and advising they check themselves as the city will never contact them if they have lapsed, again.
So let us stick it to the retirees yet again. I'm calling all mine and advising they check themselves as the city will never contact them if they have lapsed, again.
Transportation and the real costs of choice
With all citizens and their public representatives in office and (almost) each and every city employee well versed in the cost of running our city, why is there a given choice to the temporary DPW manager who is now the permanent acting director of not the DPS but the DPW , as assistant assistants to the deputy running the Water and Sewer Plants have been chosen, as to offering a four wheel drive, diesel truck, equipped with siren and police lights? We (as taxpayers footed the investment in lots of insulation to deaden the road noise from route 95 high speed travel.) Was this a gift from the Sherrifs Department? If so then Why?And why would this temporary assistant to the Directorship need to drive such a vehicel? I would understand the Marshall needing such a ride. Even the Road Foreman on duty 24/7. But a Director in temporary position traveling the most miles of any city employee with city vehicle? A good manager would know this and take action.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Meeting contractual obligations
I have yet to see this city's administration to meet its contractual agreement in effect of keeping our workforce up to date.Ten days from a position being open the process is to begin to fill open positions. Ten days after the position is posted interviews are to be given. The total loss of man hours should be less than 30 days. I suspect that one major reason for this dragging of the feet is to save money on the labor costs of the city. But while saving these costs two things happen. One, work does not get done because of the loss of available man hours and two, the moral of the workforce becomes tainted knowing the administration may look to hire more truck drivers that do not have the proper licences, experience and education to preform in the job. It is called Executive Privilege and it is in violation of an agreed contract. Managers ill equipped in making educated decisions bring the city their own little political workforce that are unprofessional and endanger the safety of our trained workers and citizens. The savings offset the cost of revisiting the work that should have been completed before the politics were reenacted to serve the special interest of the few that are entitled to city services more than us regular taxpayers.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Education required for positions? Not in Newburyport!
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
About the Job
The Town of South Berwick, Maine (population 7,300, 35 square miles and 82 miles of roads), located in the seacoast region of Southern Maine, is seeking a highly-motivated, experienced professional for the position of Public Works Director.
The Director will lead a staff of 15 full- and part-time employees, plus private contractors and on-call staff, and manage operations, construction and maintenance of the Town's solid waste and recycling services, parks and recreation fields, bridges, roads and sidewalks, storm sewers, public buildings, and engineering functions.
The Director also will be responsible for pursuing and attaining funds from state and federal agencies, providing expertise to other boards/departments on public and private development projects, and proactively directing the Town's response to weather and related emergencies.
Must have an extensive knowledge of modern public works management, construction and maintenance methods, and demonstrated supervisory and customer service skills.
Qualifications include a BS in Civil Engineering or related field, 8 years of progressively responsible civil engineering experience, 5 years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Salary range begins at $54,900 with excellent benefits.
Please, no phone inquiries.
Deadline for applications is August 31, 2010.
About the Job
The Town of South Berwick, Maine (population 7,300, 35 square miles and 82 miles of roads), located in the seacoast region of Southern Maine, is seeking a highly-motivated, experienced professional for the position of Public Works Director.
The Director will lead a staff of 15 full- and part-time employees, plus private contractors and on-call staff, and manage operations, construction and maintenance of the Town's solid waste and recycling services, parks and recreation fields, bridges, roads and sidewalks, storm sewers, public buildings, and engineering functions.
The Director also will be responsible for pursuing and attaining funds from state and federal agencies, providing expertise to other boards/departments on public and private development projects, and proactively directing the Town's response to weather and related emergencies.
Must have an extensive knowledge of modern public works management, construction and maintenance methods, and demonstrated supervisory and customer service skills.
Qualifications include a BS in Civil Engineering or related field, 8 years of progressively responsible civil engineering experience, 5 years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Salary range begins at $54,900 with excellent benefits.
Please, no phone inquiries.
Deadline for applications is August 31, 2010.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
How can we let this man lead a city department?
ARTICLE V. DEPARTMENTS*
Directly out of our own municipal ordnance's.........Mr. Furnari cannot meet the basic requirements of the Director of our Department of Public Services due to his lack of education. He shakes a good political hand but lacks the leadership that the defined job description education requires. The girls all like the attention he gives them though, but it just doesn't support his decisions in fields he has unknowns, but does have political appointment to.
What is this Mayor's plans to replace Furnari once Mr. Andrew returns? As Furnari still has not met his promise of attaining a degree from his last three jobs.
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*Cross references: The committee on general government shall be concerned with municipal departments, § 2-34; department of civil defense, § 6-2.
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DIVISION 1. GENERALLY
Secs. 2-316--2-325. Reserved.
DIVISION 2. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT*
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*Cross references: The committee on general government shall be concerned with city finances and municipal departments, § 2-34; responsibilities of the committee on planning and development, § 2-35.
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Sec. 2-326. Office established.
There is hereby established an office of planning and development. All employees of the office of community development shall be employees of the office of planning and development.
(Ord. of 4-13-87, § 19-6)
Sec. 2-327. Jurisdiction.
The jurisdiction of the office of planning and development shall include the duties and responsibilities of the director of planning and development, the planning board, the historical commission and, with the concurrence of the mayor, such other boards, committees commissions, agencies or departments as may from time to time be authorized under city, state or federal law to undertake planning and development activities.
(Ord. of 4-13-87, § 19-7; Ord. of 11-14-88(1))
Sec. 2-328. Office of director established; powers, etc.
(a) There is hereby established the position of director of planning and development.
(b) The department of planning and development shall act in an advisory capacity to the following city boards and/or commissions: Planning board, zoning board of appeals, conservation commission, economic development commission, and any other board or commission that the mayor authorizes the department to assist.
(c) The director of planning and development shall be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. The term of the director shall officially end on January thirty-first following each biennial city election or until a successor is appointed.
(Ord. of 4-13-87, §§ 19-8--19-10; Ord. of 11-14-88(1))
Cross references: Officers and employees, § 2-126 et seq.
Secs. 2-329--2-345. Reserved.
DIVISION 3. POLICE*
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*Editor's note: The current collective bargaining agreements made between the city and the police department should be consulted for specific information.
Cross references: The committee on general government shall be concerned with city finances and municipal departments, § 2-34; responsibilities of committee on public safety, § 2-36; board of health may call upon the police department for aid, § 8-44.
State law references: Police generally, M.G.L.A. c. 147; powers and duties of police officers in cities, M.G.L.A. c. 41, § 96 et seq.
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Sec. 2-346. Composition of regular police department.
The police department of the city shall consist of the following:
(1) City marshal;
(2) Senior lieutenant, administrative assistant to the marshal;
(3) Lieutenant;
(4) Five (5) sergeants;
(5) Twenty-nine (29) police officers.
(Code 1971, § 21-1; Ord. of 7-13-87(1); Ord. of 9-12-88(1); Ord. of 7-14-97)
Sec. 2-347. Membership of reserve police force.
In addition to the regular police force, the police department shall include a reserve force of ten (10) members.
(Code 1971, § 21-2; Ord. of 2-13-78)
Sec. 2-348. Appointment; manner of holding office.
All of the regular members of the police department as well as the reserve force shall be appointed and shall hold office in the manner provided by the laws of this commonwealth.
(Code 1971, § 21-3)
Sec. 2-349. Promotion procedure.
No officer of the regular or reserve police force shall be promoted without first being appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council.
(Code 1971, § 21-4)
Sec. 2-350. Promotions of reserve police officers to the regular force.
(a) No reserve police officer will be promoted to the regular force until the mayor has made such an appointment and the city council has confirmed such appointment.
(b) All selection of the reserve police to be appointed to regular force shall be in accordance to seniority in service.
(Code 1971, § 21-5)
Sec. 2-351. Compensation.
Members of the police department shall receive such compensation as the mayor and city council shall from time to time determine in accordance with applicable federal and state law.
(Code 1971, § 21-6)
Sec. 2-352. Powers and duties of city marshal.
(a) The city marshal shall be the head of the police department and have entire control thereof and assign all police officers or constables when engaged in the service of the city to duty. It shall also be his duty to designate the patrols, hours of service and the vacation period of all members. He shall supervise the keeping of a record with a suitable index of every person arrested, including the name of the arresting officer, the offense charged, the place of birth, the age, height and complexion of the accused and such other description as may be useful for identification purposes. He also shall keep a record of all complaints made by members of the department and the record of the disposition of each case with the circumstances thereof. He shall keep open the records of the department to the inspection of the mayor and city council. He shall annually on the first day of September report in writing to the city council as to the condition of the department with whatever recommendations he deems advisable. Records shall be kept by him of duties performed by the members of the department, of all absences from duty and shall prepare the payroll of the department for presentation to the city auditor.
(b) The city marshal shall see to it that the orders of the city council shall be respected and obeyed by all members of the department and he shall be responsible for the discipline and efficiency thereof. He may establish rules and regulations for the government of the department, such regulations to be subject to the approval of the mayor and city council. He shall be charged with the enforcement and execution of the laws of the commonwealth, city ordinances and the orders of the mayor and city council. At the request of the mayor or city council, he shall cause any claim against the city to be investigated and a report of the findings returned to the city clerk. All defects in the streets of the city coming to his attention shall be forthwith reported to the superintendent of public works and all water leakage to the superintendent of the water department. He shall render service to the various city departments whenever requested by any department head and shall perform whatever other duties are requested of him by the mayor or city council. He shall have charge of all property of the department and cause the same to be kept in good order and in condition for use. He shall cause the police station to be kept in a clean, neat condition and properly lighted and heated.
(Code 1971, § 21-9)
Sec. 2-353. Reserved.
Editor's note: Former § 2-353, relative to duties of the deputy marshal, was deleted pursuant to an ordinance adopted Sept. 11, 1989. The deleted provisions derived from Code 1971, § 21-10.
Sec. 2-354. Duties of lieutenants and sergeants.
The lieutenants and sergeants of the police department shall perform their duties in accordance with the regulations of the department.
(Code 1971, § 21-11)
Sec. 2-355. Duties of police officers.
The police officers in the police department shall have such powers and perform such duties enacted in reference to such office by the laws of this commonwealth. They shall pass from time to time through the streets of the city with a view to remove by prosecution or otherwise, all nuisances, obstructions or impediments therein, and shall perform such other police duties as the mayor and city council shall from time to time determine.
(Code 1971, § 21-12)
Sec. 2-356. Qualification of special police officers.
Before council confirmation of a special police officer, uniformed duty, a candidate must meet the following requirements:
(1) Complete physical examination stating candidate's condition with doctor's certificate.
(2) Have no criminal record excepting minor traffic violations.
(3) Must sign a release of records.
(4) Must have recommendation of city marshal prior to confirmation.
(Ord. of 6-28-76(2))
Sec. 2-357. Mutual aid program for police department.
The City Council of the City of Newburyport accepts M.G.A.A. c. 40, § 8G, authorizing the city marshal to enter into a mutual aid program which states as follows:
A city or town which accepts this section may enter into an agreement with another city or town, or other cities and towns, to provide mutual aid programs for police departments to increase the capability of such departments to protect the lives, safety, and property of the people in the area designated in the agreement. Said agreement may include the furnishing of personal services, supplies, materials, contractual services, and equipment when the resources normally available to any municipality in the agreement are not sufficient to cope with a situation which requires police action.
(Ord. of 3-26-07)
Editor's note: An ordinance adopted March 26, 2007, did not specifically amend the Code. Therefore, such ordinance has been added as § 2-357 at the editor's discretion.
Secs. 2-358--2-360. Reserved.
DIVISION 4. FIRE*
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*Cross references: Responsibilities of committee on public safety, § 2-36.
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Sec. 2-361. Composition.
The fire department shall consist of:
(1) A permanent fire chief;
(2) A deputy chief;
(3) Four (4) permanent lieutenants;
(4) Twenty-eight (28) permanent firefighters and as many call firefighters as the mayor and city council may from time to time determine.
(Code 1971, § 10-15; Ord. of 7-13-87(2))
Sec. 2-362. Fire alarm system.
Among his other duties, the fire chief shall have the control of and responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the fire alarm system of the city.
(Ord. of 8-3-70(2), § 2)
Sec. 2-363. Mutual aid system; approval.
The fire chief is hereby authorized to enter into a mutual aid system with such cities and towns contiguous to the city as he may deem advisable. The agreement shall be subject to the approval of the mayor and city council. In order to comply with this provision, the fire chief is authorized to send city fire apparatus and firefighters to such cities and towns who enter into such mutual aid agreements.
(Code 1971, § 10-22)
Sec. 2-364. Effect of article on rules, orders, ordinances relating to department.
The provisions of this article shall not repeal, affect or change any rule or order in force on January 1, 1989, relating to the fire department, or the officers or members thereof, except as herein specified.
(Code 1971, § 10-23)
DIVISION 5. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES
Sec 2-365. Established.
There shall be established in the City of Newburyport a department of public services consisting of the water department, the sewer department and the department of public works. The department of public services shall be under the direction of department of public services director. There shall also be established a deputy director/director of operations.
(Ord. of 5-21-05, § 1)
Sec. 2-366. Apointment of director.
The mayor shall appoint a director of public services subject to confirmation by the city council. The director of public services shall have such responsibilities and duties as determined by the mayor, and shall have full charge and authority over the employees, equipment, and facilities within the department of public services, ordinance, regulations, and such direction and such policies. During his/her tenure, the director shall hold no other elective or appointive office, nor shall the director engage in any other business or occupation.
(Ord. of 5-21-05, § 2)
Sec. 2-367. Duties of director.
The director of public services shall supervise employees of the department of public services in accordance with the city's personnel ordinances and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. The director shall supervise, direct and be responsible for the efficient administration of all departments and offices within the department of public services.
The director shall keep full and complete records of the department of public services. Such director shall render to the mayor, as often as may be required by said mayor but at least quarterly, a full report of all operations under his/her control during the period reported upon, and annually shall render to the mayor a report of all the operations under his/her control, including but not limited to: a full financial report of all accounts, funds and grants, a work plan with related finance plan for the subsequent fiscal year, and a report on the accomplishments and progress made under the work plan from the preceding fiscal year. Such director from time to time, as required by said mayor, shall make a synopsis of such reports for publication. The director shall have access to all city books, records and documents necessary for the proper performance of the assigned duties and responsibilities.
The director and boards of water and sewer commissioners shall report to the mayor concerning the needs of the city within the scope of his/her duties, and shall annually, in conformity with the requirements established by said mayor, furnish to the mayor a carefully prepared and detailed budget and work plan in writing, including estimates of the appropriations and revenue for department of public services enterprise funds established under M.G.L.A. c. 44, § 53F1/2 required during the next fiscal year for the proper exercise and performance of all said rights and duties.
The director shall be responsible for the preparation of plans and the supervision of work on all department of public services construction, reconstruction, alterations, improvements, and other such projects authorized by the mayor. The director shall be available to offer professional engineering services to other city boards, committees and offices as may be requested. The mayor must authorize any such professional services provided by the director.
The director shall, be responsible for reviewing and approving payment warrants. The director, when any payroll, bill, or other claim against the city is presented, if the same is deemed by the director to be of doubtful validity, excessive in amount, or otherwise contrary to the interests of the city, refer it to the mayor who shall immediately investigate and determine what, if any, payment should be made. Pending such investigation and determination by the mayor, any payment will be withheld.
The director shall perform such other duties consistent with the office as may be required by the ordinances of the city, by the mayor, or by the majority vote of the city council.
(Ord. of 5-21-05, § 3)
Sec. 2-368. Board of water commissioners.
The board of water commissioners shall be a part of the department of public services. Except as expressly provided for in this act, the board of water commissioners shall retain all powers, duties and responsibilities previously vested in said commissioners. The board of water commissioners shall fix such prices and rates for the use of water. The board of water commissioners may grant such abatements from water rates or charges as may be lawful and necessary.
The board of water commissioners shall, subject to the advice and consent of the mayor, set all policies relative to the water supply of the City of Newburyport, while the director shall be responsible for the day to day operations of the department. The board of water commissioners shall, with respect to the director, unless otherwise specifically provided for in this legislation, act in an advisory capacity.
The board of water commissioners shall keep the mayor fully advised as to the needs of the city within the scope of its duties, and shall annually, in conformity with the requirements established by said mayor, and in conjunction with the director of public services, furnish to the mayor a carefully prepared and detailed budget and work plan in writing, including estimates of the appropriations and revenue for the board of water commissioners enterprise funds established under M.G.L.A. c. 44, § 53F1/2 required during the next fiscal year for the proper excise and performance and all said rights and duties.
The board of sewer commissioners shall be part of the department of public services. Except as expressly provided for in this act, the board of sewer commissioners shall retain all powers, duties and responsibilities vested in said commissioners. The board of sewer commissioners may in its discretion prescribe for the users of said sewer system or systems such annual rentals or charges based on the benefits derived therefrom as it may deem proper, subject, however, to such rules and regulations as may be fixed by the vote of the city council. The board of sewer commissioners may grant such abatements from water rates or charges as may be lawful and necessary.
The board of sewer commissioners shall, subject to the advice and consent of the mayor, set all policies relative to construction and operation of a system or systems of sewerage and sewage disposal for the City of Newburyport, while the director shall be responsible for the day to day operation of the department. The board of sewer commissioners shall, with respect to the director, unless otherwise specifically provided for in this act, act in an advisory capacity.
The board of sewer commissioners shall keep the mayor fully advised as to the needs of the city within the scope of its duties, and shall annually, in conformity with the requirements established by said mayor, and in conjunction with the director of public services, furnish to the mayor a carefully prepared and detailed budget and work plan in writing, including estimates of the appropriations and revenue for the board of sewer commissioners enterprise funds established under M.G.L.A. c. 44, § 53F1/2 required during the next fiscal year for the proper exercise and performance of all said rights and duties.
(Ord. of 5-21-05, §§ 4, 5)
Sec. 2-369. Appointment date of director.
Within sixty (60) days from the effective date of this act, the mayor shall appoint a director of public services.
(Ord. of 5-21-05, § 6)
Sec. 2-370. Integration of water works and sewer department.
The employees of the water works and sewer department are integrated into the department of public services. The city shall recognize the years of service of all employees integrated into the department of public services and provide to such employees' rights, compensation and benefits as allowed under the city personnel ordinance or appropriate collective bargaining agreement at levels equivalent to those provided to such employees on the date of this transfer.
(Ord. of 5-21-05, § 7)
Directly out of our own municipal ordnance's.........Mr. Furnari cannot meet the basic requirements of the Director of our Department of Public Services due to his lack of education. He shakes a good political hand but lacks the leadership that the defined job description education requires. The girls all like the attention he gives them though, but it just doesn't support his decisions in fields he has unknowns, but does have political appointment to.
What is this Mayor's plans to replace Furnari once Mr. Andrew returns? As Furnari still has not met his promise of attaining a degree from his last three jobs.
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*Cross references: The committee on general government shall be concerned with municipal departments, § 2-34; department of civil defense, § 6-2.
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DIVISION 1. GENERALLY
Secs. 2-316--2-325. Reserved.
DIVISION 2. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT*
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*Cross references: The committee on general government shall be concerned with city finances and municipal departments, § 2-34; responsibilities of the committee on planning and development, § 2-35.
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Sec. 2-326. Office established.
There is hereby established an office of planning and development. All employees of the office of community development shall be employees of the office of planning and development.
(Ord. of 4-13-87, § 19-6)
Sec. 2-327. Jurisdiction.
The jurisdiction of the office of planning and development shall include the duties and responsibilities of the director of planning and development, the planning board, the historical commission and, with the concurrence of the mayor, such other boards, committees commissions, agencies or departments as may from time to time be authorized under city, state or federal law to undertake planning and development activities.
(Ord. of 4-13-87, § 19-7; Ord. of 11-14-88(1))
Sec. 2-328. Office of director established; powers, etc.
(a) There is hereby established the position of director of planning and development.
(b) The department of planning and development shall act in an advisory capacity to the following city boards and/or commissions: Planning board, zoning board of appeals, conservation commission, economic development commission, and any other board or commission that the mayor authorizes the department to assist.
(c) The director of planning and development shall be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. The term of the director shall officially end on January thirty-first following each biennial city election or until a successor is appointed.
(Ord. of 4-13-87, §§ 19-8--19-10; Ord. of 11-14-88(1))
Cross references: Officers and employees, § 2-126 et seq.
Secs. 2-329--2-345. Reserved.
DIVISION 3. POLICE*
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*Editor's note: The current collective bargaining agreements made between the city and the police department should be consulted for specific information.
Cross references: The committee on general government shall be concerned with city finances and municipal departments, § 2-34; responsibilities of committee on public safety, § 2-36; board of health may call upon the police department for aid, § 8-44.
State law references: Police generally, M.G.L.A. c. 147; powers and duties of police officers in cities, M.G.L.A. c. 41, § 96 et seq.
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Sec. 2-346. Composition of regular police department.
The police department of the city shall consist of the following:
(1) City marshal;
(2) Senior lieutenant, administrative assistant to the marshal;
(3) Lieutenant;
(4) Five (5) sergeants;
(5) Twenty-nine (29) police officers.
(Code 1971, § 21-1; Ord. of 7-13-87(1); Ord. of 9-12-88(1); Ord. of 7-14-97)
Sec. 2-347. Membership of reserve police force.
In addition to the regular police force, the police department shall include a reserve force of ten (10) members.
(Code 1971, § 21-2; Ord. of 2-13-78)
Sec. 2-348. Appointment; manner of holding office.
All of the regular members of the police department as well as the reserve force shall be appointed and shall hold office in the manner provided by the laws of this commonwealth.
(Code 1971, § 21-3)
Sec. 2-349. Promotion procedure.
No officer of the regular or reserve police force shall be promoted without first being appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council.
(Code 1971, § 21-4)
Sec. 2-350. Promotions of reserve police officers to the regular force.
(a) No reserve police officer will be promoted to the regular force until the mayor has made such an appointment and the city council has confirmed such appointment.
(b) All selection of the reserve police to be appointed to regular force shall be in accordance to seniority in service.
(Code 1971, § 21-5)
Sec. 2-351. Compensation.
Members of the police department shall receive such compensation as the mayor and city council shall from time to time determine in accordance with applicable federal and state law.
(Code 1971, § 21-6)
Sec. 2-352. Powers and duties of city marshal.
(a) The city marshal shall be the head of the police department and have entire control thereof and assign all police officers or constables when engaged in the service of the city to duty. It shall also be his duty to designate the patrols, hours of service and the vacation period of all members. He shall supervise the keeping of a record with a suitable index of every person arrested, including the name of the arresting officer, the offense charged, the place of birth, the age, height and complexion of the accused and such other description as may be useful for identification purposes. He also shall keep a record of all complaints made by members of the department and the record of the disposition of each case with the circumstances thereof. He shall keep open the records of the department to the inspection of the mayor and city council. He shall annually on the first day of September report in writing to the city council as to the condition of the department with whatever recommendations he deems advisable. Records shall be kept by him of duties performed by the members of the department, of all absences from duty and shall prepare the payroll of the department for presentation to the city auditor.
(b) The city marshal shall see to it that the orders of the city council shall be respected and obeyed by all members of the department and he shall be responsible for the discipline and efficiency thereof. He may establish rules and regulations for the government of the department, such regulations to be subject to the approval of the mayor and city council. He shall be charged with the enforcement and execution of the laws of the commonwealth, city ordinances and the orders of the mayor and city council. At the request of the mayor or city council, he shall cause any claim against the city to be investigated and a report of the findings returned to the city clerk. All defects in the streets of the city coming to his attention shall be forthwith reported to the superintendent of public works and all water leakage to the superintendent of the water department. He shall render service to the various city departments whenever requested by any department head and shall perform whatever other duties are requested of him by the mayor or city council. He shall have charge of all property of the department and cause the same to be kept in good order and in condition for use. He shall cause the police station to be kept in a clean, neat condition and properly lighted and heated.
(Code 1971, § 21-9)
Sec. 2-353. Reserved.
Editor's note: Former § 2-353, relative to duties of the deputy marshal, was deleted pursuant to an ordinance adopted Sept. 11, 1989. The deleted provisions derived from Code 1971, § 21-10.
Sec. 2-354. Duties of lieutenants and sergeants.
The lieutenants and sergeants of the police department shall perform their duties in accordance with the regulations of the department.
(Code 1971, § 21-11)
Sec. 2-355. Duties of police officers.
The police officers in the police department shall have such powers and perform such duties enacted in reference to such office by the laws of this commonwealth. They shall pass from time to time through the streets of the city with a view to remove by prosecution or otherwise, all nuisances, obstructions or impediments therein, and shall perform such other police duties as the mayor and city council shall from time to time determine.
(Code 1971, § 21-12)
Sec. 2-356. Qualification of special police officers.
Before council confirmation of a special police officer, uniformed duty, a candidate must meet the following requirements:
(1) Complete physical examination stating candidate's condition with doctor's certificate.
(2) Have no criminal record excepting minor traffic violations.
(3) Must sign a release of records.
(4) Must have recommendation of city marshal prior to confirmation.
(Ord. of 6-28-76(2))
Sec. 2-357. Mutual aid program for police department.
The City Council of the City of Newburyport accepts M.G.A.A. c. 40, § 8G, authorizing the city marshal to enter into a mutual aid program which states as follows:
A city or town which accepts this section may enter into an agreement with another city or town, or other cities and towns, to provide mutual aid programs for police departments to increase the capability of such departments to protect the lives, safety, and property of the people in the area designated in the agreement. Said agreement may include the furnishing of personal services, supplies, materials, contractual services, and equipment when the resources normally available to any municipality in the agreement are not sufficient to cope with a situation which requires police action.
(Ord. of 3-26-07)
Editor's note: An ordinance adopted March 26, 2007, did not specifically amend the Code. Therefore, such ordinance has been added as § 2-357 at the editor's discretion.
Secs. 2-358--2-360. Reserved.
DIVISION 4. FIRE*
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*Cross references: Responsibilities of committee on public safety, § 2-36.
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Sec. 2-361. Composition.
The fire department shall consist of:
(1) A permanent fire chief;
(2) A deputy chief;
(3) Four (4) permanent lieutenants;
(4) Twenty-eight (28) permanent firefighters and as many call firefighters as the mayor and city council may from time to time determine.
(Code 1971, § 10-15; Ord. of 7-13-87(2))
Sec. 2-362. Fire alarm system.
Among his other duties, the fire chief shall have the control of and responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the fire alarm system of the city.
(Ord. of 8-3-70(2), § 2)
Sec. 2-363. Mutual aid system; approval.
The fire chief is hereby authorized to enter into a mutual aid system with such cities and towns contiguous to the city as he may deem advisable. The agreement shall be subject to the approval of the mayor and city council. In order to comply with this provision, the fire chief is authorized to send city fire apparatus and firefighters to such cities and towns who enter into such mutual aid agreements.
(Code 1971, § 10-22)
Sec. 2-364. Effect of article on rules, orders, ordinances relating to department.
The provisions of this article shall not repeal, affect or change any rule or order in force on January 1, 1989, relating to the fire department, or the officers or members thereof, except as herein specified.
(Code 1971, § 10-23)
DIVISION 5. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES
Sec 2-365. Established.
There shall be established in the City of Newburyport a department of public services consisting of the water department, the sewer department and the department of public works. The department of public services shall be under the direction of department of public services director. There shall also be established a deputy director/director of operations.
(Ord. of 5-21-05, § 1)
Sec. 2-366. Apointment of director.
The mayor shall appoint a director of public services subject to confirmation by the city council. The director of public services shall have such responsibilities and duties as determined by the mayor, and shall have full charge and authority over the employees, equipment, and facilities within the department of public services, ordinance, regulations, and such direction and such policies. During his/her tenure, the director shall hold no other elective or appointive office, nor shall the director engage in any other business or occupation.
(Ord. of 5-21-05, § 2)
Sec. 2-367. Duties of director.
The director of public services shall supervise employees of the department of public services in accordance with the city's personnel ordinances and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. The director shall supervise, direct and be responsible for the efficient administration of all departments and offices within the department of public services.
The director shall keep full and complete records of the department of public services. Such director shall render to the mayor, as often as may be required by said mayor but at least quarterly, a full report of all operations under his/her control during the period reported upon, and annually shall render to the mayor a report of all the operations under his/her control, including but not limited to: a full financial report of all accounts, funds and grants, a work plan with related finance plan for the subsequent fiscal year, and a report on the accomplishments and progress made under the work plan from the preceding fiscal year. Such director from time to time, as required by said mayor, shall make a synopsis of such reports for publication. The director shall have access to all city books, records and documents necessary for the proper performance of the assigned duties and responsibilities.
The director and boards of water and sewer commissioners shall report to the mayor concerning the needs of the city within the scope of his/her duties, and shall annually, in conformity with the requirements established by said mayor, furnish to the mayor a carefully prepared and detailed budget and work plan in writing, including estimates of the appropriations and revenue for department of public services enterprise funds established under M.G.L.A. c. 44, § 53F1/2 required during the next fiscal year for the proper exercise and performance of all said rights and duties.
The director shall be responsible for the preparation of plans and the supervision of work on all department of public services construction, reconstruction, alterations, improvements, and other such projects authorized by the mayor. The director shall be available to offer professional engineering services to other city boards, committees and offices as may be requested. The mayor must authorize any such professional services provided by the director.
The director shall, be responsible for reviewing and approving payment warrants. The director, when any payroll, bill, or other claim against the city is presented, if the same is deemed by the director to be of doubtful validity, excessive in amount, or otherwise contrary to the interests of the city, refer it to the mayor who shall immediately investigate and determine what, if any, payment should be made. Pending such investigation and determination by the mayor, any payment will be withheld.
The director shall perform such other duties consistent with the office as may be required by the ordinances of the city, by the mayor, or by the majority vote of the city council.
(Ord. of 5-21-05, § 3)
Sec. 2-368. Board of water commissioners.
The board of water commissioners shall be a part of the department of public services. Except as expressly provided for in this act, the board of water commissioners shall retain all powers, duties and responsibilities previously vested in said commissioners. The board of water commissioners shall fix such prices and rates for the use of water. The board of water commissioners may grant such abatements from water rates or charges as may be lawful and necessary.
The board of water commissioners shall, subject to the advice and consent of the mayor, set all policies relative to the water supply of the City of Newburyport, while the director shall be responsible for the day to day operations of the department. The board of water commissioners shall, with respect to the director, unless otherwise specifically provided for in this legislation, act in an advisory capacity.
The board of water commissioners shall keep the mayor fully advised as to the needs of the city within the scope of its duties, and shall annually, in conformity with the requirements established by said mayor, and in conjunction with the director of public services, furnish to the mayor a carefully prepared and detailed budget and work plan in writing, including estimates of the appropriations and revenue for the board of water commissioners enterprise funds established under M.G.L.A. c. 44, § 53F1/2 required during the next fiscal year for the proper excise and performance and all said rights and duties.
The board of sewer commissioners shall be part of the department of public services. Except as expressly provided for in this act, the board of sewer commissioners shall retain all powers, duties and responsibilities vested in said commissioners. The board of sewer commissioners may in its discretion prescribe for the users of said sewer system or systems such annual rentals or charges based on the benefits derived therefrom as it may deem proper, subject, however, to such rules and regulations as may be fixed by the vote of the city council. The board of sewer commissioners may grant such abatements from water rates or charges as may be lawful and necessary.
The board of sewer commissioners shall, subject to the advice and consent of the mayor, set all policies relative to construction and operation of a system or systems of sewerage and sewage disposal for the City of Newburyport, while the director shall be responsible for the day to day operation of the department. The board of sewer commissioners shall, with respect to the director, unless otherwise specifically provided for in this act, act in an advisory capacity.
The board of sewer commissioners shall keep the mayor fully advised as to the needs of the city within the scope of its duties, and shall annually, in conformity with the requirements established by said mayor, and in conjunction with the director of public services, furnish to the mayor a carefully prepared and detailed budget and work plan in writing, including estimates of the appropriations and revenue for the board of sewer commissioners enterprise funds established under M.G.L.A. c. 44, § 53F1/2 required during the next fiscal year for the proper exercise and performance of all said rights and duties.
(Ord. of 5-21-05, §§ 4, 5)
Sec. 2-369. Appointment date of director.
Within sixty (60) days from the effective date of this act, the mayor shall appoint a director of public services.
(Ord. of 5-21-05, § 6)
Sec. 2-370. Integration of water works and sewer department.
The employees of the water works and sewer department are integrated into the department of public services. The city shall recognize the years of service of all employees integrated into the department of public services and provide to such employees' rights, compensation and benefits as allowed under the city personnel ordinance or appropriate collective bargaining agreement at levels equivalent to those provided to such employees on the date of this transfer.
(Ord. of 5-21-05, § 7)
Thursday, August 5, 2010
CHAOS
Even highly educated people need to be told and be recognized when they cannot manage effectively. Especially when they do not have the tools to manage with. Government being the least most controllable personnel management unit due to politics. When one wins an election the assumption that they becomes a 'God' surfaces rather quickly. All good education and common sense seems to follow a path of self indulgence and pride.
I was asked recently what my opinion on the 'New DPS merger and policy' was by a local politician. My answer was of course quick and definitive. "It is a danger to public health and the financial security of our systems". Apparently several of the new temporary (?) managers are in turmoil and the chaos is showing. Tempers are high, confusion is costing the rate and taxpayers even more money and time due to things NOT getting done, due to indecision and inexperience. Stipends are being fought over and the maintenance of the city as a whole is slipping further into disrepair, if that is even possible. The responsibility to observe the results of our daily government falls upon the citizens of Newburyport, and we are failing ourselves in our inaction to direct our city.
I find the recent local topic introduced of questioning reasoning of having the many local Boards and Commissions interesting in the lack of applied laws and regulations. The placement of public oversight in government in question of need to fast track government affairs has been challenged to the point that the public may now be limited to the polls for oversight? Fast tracking by political figures usually comes down to the basic hiring of political opinion rather than proven skills offered in the hiring of specific knowledge. Have we become a one stop, one opinion entity? Where the voters have this vast access to qualified politicians that are experienced in the finer aspects of all public needs and trained in disciplines that assure the proper paths are taken and observed? Protections? Streamlining the public access to government may have other concerns that will limit access to a large population of the taxpayers and ratepayers. Bringing the power of the citizen to opine on politic and mostly undisciplined vote buyers may just be the end of the American way of basic choices and freedoms we own. Observing the path taken by most Americans today, requiring government action in almost every daily decision, we may be lost to our need to be regulated by our own ignorances.
I was asked recently what my opinion on the 'New DPS merger and policy' was by a local politician. My answer was of course quick and definitive. "It is a danger to public health and the financial security of our systems". Apparently several of the new temporary (?) managers are in turmoil and the chaos is showing. Tempers are high, confusion is costing the rate and taxpayers even more money and time due to things NOT getting done, due to indecision and inexperience. Stipends are being fought over and the maintenance of the city as a whole is slipping further into disrepair, if that is even possible. The responsibility to observe the results of our daily government falls upon the citizens of Newburyport, and we are failing ourselves in our inaction to direct our city.
I find the recent local topic introduced of questioning reasoning of having the many local Boards and Commissions interesting in the lack of applied laws and regulations. The placement of public oversight in government in question of need to fast track government affairs has been challenged to the point that the public may now be limited to the polls for oversight? Fast tracking by political figures usually comes down to the basic hiring of political opinion rather than proven skills offered in the hiring of specific knowledge. Have we become a one stop, one opinion entity? Where the voters have this vast access to qualified politicians that are experienced in the finer aspects of all public needs and trained in disciplines that assure the proper paths are taken and observed? Protections? Streamlining the public access to government may have other concerns that will limit access to a large population of the taxpayers and ratepayers. Bringing the power of the citizen to opine on politic and mostly undisciplined vote buyers may just be the end of the American way of basic choices and freedoms we own. Observing the path taken by most Americans today, requiring government action in almost every daily decision, we may be lost to our need to be regulated by our own ignorances.
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