Minutes 01/28/1985 - Laserfiche WebLink

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JO MONDAY JANUARY 28, 1985 and departments would add to the overall performance and productivity of the City administration and operating personnel. This can be accom- plished through serious review of attitudes and employee relations as a part of the overall job performance evaluation of each employee. In addition to the above, the City's employment and job promotion policies and procedures must be fair and equitable to insure that all citizens are given equal employment and promotion opportunites regard- less of race, color, sex or national origin. In an effort to improve employee qualifications needed for growth and advancement, on-the-job training opportunities should be expanded. City Council/City Manager Relationship The Council/Manager form of government as set forth in the City Charter is fairly standard and has generally functioned well for Martinsville. The responsibilities of each are well defined; and, if generally adhered to, there should be very little reason for differences between the Mana- ger and Council as to areas of responsibility. However, more importantly, there must be mutual trust and cooperation between Council and the Mana- ger regarding the overall functions and objectives of City government. There is also a need for understanding regarding the role and relation- ship of department heads to the Manager and Council. The team management concept, which delegates and places direct manage- ment responsibility upon department heads for day-to-day departmental activities and functions, is an effective concept. The department heads should be involved in administrative decision-making and encouraged to attend Council meetings when items are on the agenda that affect their departments. There should be an opportunity for dialogue between the Council/City Manager and the department heads to insure that all the information possible is made available in considering the various issues brought to City Council. A well-informed City Council is better prepared to make crucial decisions affecting the well-being of the City. Generally, requests for information by Councilmen on a day-to-day basis should be made through the City Manager's office. However, there are situations in which it will be expedient for Councilmen to call or visit a department directly to secure information. This should not be cause for concern if done with discretion and if the Manager is kept informed of such situations from either Councilor the department heads. City/County Relations Continued good relations between Martinsville and Henry County are essen- tial to the orderly growth and development of both jurisdictions. The City and County share common problems and goals related to all areas of community life; and, therefore, cooperation is essential to provide the best possible community service to their respective jurisdictions at the lowest possible cost. The recently-approved agreements related to water and sewer facilities will have a far-reaching and long-term positive im- pact upon the area. We need to continue this cooperative effort in other