By Donna Westfall – May 19, 2016 – At Monday nights, May 16th, Crescent City, City Council meeting, Linda Lever, was approved as the new Finance Director. The last one resigned and followed former City Manager, Gene Palazzo, to the City of Gault. The City has been advertising the position since February 12th. Ms. Lever has been the City’s accountant and stepped up to the plate when asked to apply for the Finance Director position.
Ms. Lever will start out at $78,183 plus benefits, 40 hours of administrative leave to attend evening and weekend meetings and other events that require City representation. In addition, she will be able to receive a MERIT INCREASE at the sole discretion of the City Manager in recognition of accomplishments and objectives and excellent performance.
Um….. does anyone else think that the new Finance Director’s accomplishments should be aired to the public BEFORE a merit increase is given? Reminds me of Merit Bonuses given for exemplary service. I recall former Public Works Director, Jim Barnts, got a merit bonus during the wastewater treatment plant project fiasco.
Crescent City Municipal Code provides for the City Manager to appoint a department head with Council approval.
The council voted 5-0 to approve Ms. Lever for the position.
She looks and sounds like she’s well qualified and conscientious. Good luck to our new Finance Director.
Each time a Committee member, Department Head, Or group of “Authorities” are referred to in their official capacity I wonder, “what are the requirements for that specific position?”
I always assumed committee member “so and so” or Planning Director for the city of Crescent City had some type of education, knowledge, or years of working experience to satisfy requirements to act as a consultant. Mr. Councilman Rich E., who just retired after serving on the city council and the Planning Commission for years, suggested I apply to be on the planning commission. I told him I doubt that I would qualify, my experience was in medicine and education. I was amazed at his response. He said you did not have to have any experience. There were no specific qualifications. You just had to live in Crescent City or Del Norte County. I asked if you had to be a high school graduate? To me this is amazing, he did not think so! I find it curious that he immediately moved to another county after all those years planning and serving this county! Kelley S., former mayor moved to another county after retiring from the city council.
I noticed the Director of planning was replaced by Michelle Rambo, a college graduate with a degree in engineering, was let go due to lack of finances after she finished a report on Jim Barnst low income, non-profit, private business venture. Ms. Rambo offered an incentive for a developer to enjoy all of the HUD vouchers for title 8 clients, a waiver on density zoning, low interest loans and grants and maybe revenue bonds to be paid by the home owners’ property taxes. This was offered in exchange for developing the property.
The Grand Jury made reference to the legality of Mr. Barnst’ form 700, conflict of interest, and his years of denial about his development plans and partnerships.
There was a squabble among the supervisors about the legality of the director of health and development moving to Santa Barbara and keeping his position as director for the past 2 years. Gitlin was the only supervisor opposed to this arrangement.
The Triplicate requested to see a copy of the 3 candidates applications for City Manager. (THEIR INTERVIEWS and NAMES WERE KEPT SECRET FROM THE PUBLIC) Martha Rice denied the TRIPLICATES’ request!
No Donna! You are not the only one who thinks that the new Finance Director’s accomplishments should be aired to the public BEFORE a merit increase is given?
I DON’T THINK THERE IS ANY REASON TO GIVE MERIT PAY. YOU WORK FOR A SALARY OR WAGE.
I think there should be a forensic audit on every dollar they have touched.
I also see the necessity to have every public meeting on video with a life time prison sentence for anyone who alters or erases the content. And absolutely No Behind Closed Door Meetings Allowed. And anyone refusing to sign documents with their name printed under their signature along with the date in black ink will be fired, that includes first time offenders, thode claiming ignorance, and acts of God.
Drug testing should be required and no ETOH (alcohol) while on duty.
There needs to be an initiative that all accounting is open to the public via internet.
I’m sick of hearing how poor this county is from the supervisors as they stretch their greedy hands to grab any money they can their self dealing hands on.
THEIR MAIN GOAL IS TO KEEP THE PEOPLE POOR SO THEY CAN EMBEZZLE THE GRANT MONEY.
KEEP GITLIN AND GET RID OF THE REST.
MAKE SURE THE ELECTIONS ARE NOT FIXED.
and the city wonders why it is broke….??? champagne diet on a water budget..no pun intended…