Minutes 12/12/1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1989 The following is a copy of Vice-Mayor Willjams' written communication, dated December 4, 1989, which he addressed individually to his fellow-members of Council and to City Manager Brown, on the subject, '~inority p y ent" as Em lo m , it applies to those departments under the jurisdiction of City Manager Brown: Martinsville has been labeled an "All American City". To my mind, this would indicate that Martinsville citizens of all ethnic groups (all things being equal) have equal opportunities to be employed by this city. I find it difficult to believe - as it would appear when one walks through city hall - that minorities do not seek employment there. Despite the fact that minorities represent approximately thirty-two (32) percent of the population, the percentage of minority employ- ment is minimal, unrepresentative, (and) disgraceful. It appears to me that the city administrators and city councilmen do not believe in equal employment opportunities ..... either that or these officials are not looking. With the exception of the police department (and I wish to commend Chief Roop) and the custodial staff, minority employment does not adequately represent the minority population. It is my impression that the existing atmosphere, the prevailing attitude - something that needs changing - does not encourage or promote the hiring of minorities for city jobs. Therefore, I have asked the members of the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission to visit MartinsVille to observe the situation and (to) advise me of their findings. In the ensuing discussion of Vice-Mayor Williams' communicat'ion, it was revealed that, of 274 employees under the jurisdiction of the City Manager, 28 are black. City Manager Brown also responded to the effect that the best- qualified persons are sought for City employment, that position vacancies are advertised when they can not be filled "from within" through promotions, and that notices of such advertised vacancies are being regularly forwarded to the local chapter of the NAACP and to the Martinsville-Henry County Voters League. Some exceptions to some of the City Manager's foregoing responses were taken by Mr. Bruce Dallas, present at this meeting, who is active in the affairs of both hereinabove-named organizations. Other comments during this discussion dealt with the need to offer ways and means by 'which persons interested in City