The most notable point of contention during the meeting was the hiring process for Jerry Barbario, who was appointed to several key positions, including city administrator, director of public works, and code enforcement supervisor. Multiple council members expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency and procedural adherence in the appointment process. One council member, identified as the vice chair of the public works committee, voiced frustration over being the last to know about the decision, as the committee had previously voted unanimously to select a different candidate. This member emphasized the need for transparency and due diligence, noting that the appointment seemed to bypass established procedures.

The hiring sparked further debate when it was revealed that the decision to appoint Barbario had been made without consulting the public works committee, which had been involved in selecting a candidate. A council member highlighted the abrupt shift from considering a full-time director to appointing a part-time individual without sufficient consultation. The council member stated, “How can we go from a full-time director of public works to a part-time director with less employees?” This sentiment underscored broader concerns about the impact of such decisions on city operations and service delivery.

A crucial aspect of the discussion involved whether Barbario had completed the necessary application process, as the city operates under civil service rules requiring applications for such positions. The council debated whether the appointment had violated civil service requirements, with members seeking clarification from legal counsel on the procedures that should have been followed.

The debate over Barbario’s appointment also touched on financial implications, as some council members questioned the rationale behind reducing the public works director role from full-time to part-time. There were discussions about the cost savings associated with the appointment, with one member confirming that it would save the city money and maintain a zero tax increase following the recent budget meeting. However, concerns remained about concentrating too much responsibility in one person’s hands and the potential risks to city management and service delivery.

Despite these concerns, the resolution to appoint Barbario ultimately passed, with the mayor emphasizing the urgency of having an administrator to manage city projects and responsibilities. The mayor noted that the city had been without an administrator for 12 years and argued for a more structured administrative framework to alleviate burdens on city hall staff and the council. The mayor also praised Barbario’s qualifications, citing his experience in public works and administration in Hamilton, as well as his previous role as the city’s arborist.

In addition to the hiring debate, the meeting covered various other issues. The council discussed the city’s budget, which includes a zero tax increase for the current year. The budget highlights anticipated surplus funds, with allocations for capital improvements and police vehicle leases. Discussions touched on interest rates for investments, licenses, and grants, with expectations for new grants to be added during the budget cycle.

Community events were also a focal point, with announcements for Cleanup Day on May 3rd and an Easter egg hunt on April 12th. The council discussed the opening of a new business, All Family Connections, which focuses on supporting children with disabilities. Updates on code enforcement and solid waste ordinances were provided, along with plans for Arbor Day celebrations.

Infrastructure updates included discussions on street lighting and paving projects. Concerns about the quality of paving work were raised, with suggestions for a leveling course before final surface paving to avoid future issues. Street lighting maintenance was addressed, with efforts to resolve remaining issues and encourage residents to report outages for public safety.

The council also approved the American Cancer Society’s 53rd bikeathon and addressed various motions for budget appropriations, utility refunds, and grant approvals. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of community contributions and a commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability in city management.