Council directs staff to notify council of internal job postings after debate over public works foreman vacancy

The committee considered a Public Works request to seek external candidates for a repair foreman vacancy left by the retirement of a long‑tenured employee. Public Works Superintendent Jim Rossford described the position's duties and the challenge of replacing a worker with trade skills and institutional knowledge.

Councilor Bach Schneider moved that city staff notify the full council and mayor via email of internal job postings that are not required to be approved by council; Councilor Motley supported the motion for discussion. Opponents warned the step might create micromanagement and administrative burdens; supporters said the change would improve awareness. The motion passed 4–2 on roll call.

Rossford and HR staff explained collective‑bargaining rules require internal posting within seven days of a vacancy and a 45‑day window to decide whether to fill. Council then considered a motion to authorize an external posting for the repair foreman (moved by Councilor Johnson), but that motion failed on a roll call vote; instead council voted to move the discussion to the next Committee of the Whole meeting so the topic can be considered in full council and with public visibility.

Ending: Staff said they will circulate internal postings to council by email going forward; the public‑works foreman hiring question will return to a Committee of the Whole for further review, including process, qualifications and impacts of union bumping rules.