Mayor's work hours draw complaints from citizens, city employees

Citizen complaints and city staff comments had the city council members questioning Mayor Joe B. McNeal about his work hours, not for the first time, at the regular council meeting on Monday evening.

The issue was raised by council President Alain Isaac, who remarked that she and other council members had received complaints from citizens that the mayor was not working regular hours at city hall, as required by City Code Section 1-5-3, Work Hours.

"I maintain regular work hours", McNeal replied, "I do that."

Isaac persisted, "I have been here on many Friday afternoons, picking up my city council packet and you haven't been here."

"We have heard from citizens who have been unable to find you in the office," she continued.

Councilman Mark Russell commented that some city employees had questioned him about the mayor's work hours.

"How do we define "regular" work hours and how does that compare to other city employees? The mayor receives a decent compensation, generous vacation time and sick leave allowance. Do we need to change the ordinance... clarify "regular" work hours?" Russell asked.

Councilman Rich Urquidi offered, "I don't have a problem with the ordinance. I think that the mayor puts in appropriate hours."

In his defense, McNeal said, "The mayor is on duty 24 hours a day... I conform to the ordinance. I don't think that I spend any less hours than any other mayor (who has been in office)."

McNeal alluded that the issue had been raised because of the upcoming election campaign where he is seeking re-election to the mayoral office.

"That was not the intent..." Isaac said. There was no further discussion.

Isaac, Urquidi and McNeal were in agreement on the passage of an ordinance giving the council members a pay raise, from $725 to $850 per month.

Both Councilmen Tom Rist and Russell voted against the pay raise but McNeal broke the tie by voting in the affirmative.

There was a lengthy discussion regarding the proposed lease of airport property for a LifeFlight helicopter base, to be developed by Thomas Helicopters, of Gooding.

Company representative Ron Thomas had requested that the council bear the cost of providing the necessary infrastructure such as power, water and sewer for a building that would house crew members at the airport.

Councilman Rist declined saying, "If we did that for you, we would have to do that for everyone. The city does not have the funds to do that."

Thomas, who said that Mountain Home was a "strong contender" to get the facility, did want some assurance in the lease agreement that it would be "guaranteed" renewable, to which council members were agreeable.

Further negotiations are pending before a final decision will be made.

A full house greeted the mayor and council where a public hearing opened the meeting with both announced city council candidates for the upcoming city election, Albert Clement and Geoff Schroeder, in attendance. There were no public comments at the hearing on the 2008 city budget.

There was some discussion regarding the lack of motocross races at Optimist Park. The consensus, based on conversations by some council members with the contractor, was that the contract was signed late in the year and that made it difficult to schedule races. A tentative race is scheduled during Air Force Appreciation Day.

The financial solvency and involvement of an active board of directors was raised for CAM-8 television. President Ian Richardson assured the council that things were going well and that the station would start charging membership fees from users to generate much needed revenue for the station.

In other business, the council:

*Approved a Preliminary Plat for Pippin Heights subdivision.

*Approved a Preliminary Plat for Faith Crossing #2.

*Approved a Preliminary Plat for North Hills Industrial Park.

*Tabled a decision on the Preliminary Plat for Silverstone #3.

*Approved an extension on a CUP for River of Life Family Worship Center.

*Approved Board of Appeals appointments: John Cristobal, Jr., John Bideganeta, and Ed O'Reilly.

*Approved change order #1 for Idaho Sand & Gravel.

*Approved the New City Area of Impact.

*Approved delay of payment of water rights fee for North Hills Industrial Park.

*Tabled delay of payment of water rights fees for Gavin Crossing.

*Approved design review appeal for Progressive Properties.

*Approved purchase of paint sprayer driver for Public Works.

*Approved application for solicitors license for Lightning Advertising.

The next regular council meeting will be held on August 27.