Council debates proposed personnel policy that would shift some hiring authority to mayor

Vernon — Council members spent the workshop debating a draft personnel policy that would give the mayor greater operational authority over city employees while leaving ultimate disciplinary appeals to the council.

The policy draft would allow the mayor to recommend hires, manage day-to-day personnel matters and exercise discretion in discipline, with an appeal or grievance process routed to the council. Council members said shifting those responsibilities to the mayor risks concentrating power. "It puts a whole lot more on the mayor," the Chair said, adding that "council still has to be involved in the interviews." (Chair, SEG 051; SEG 148)

Members pressed staff about application handling and interview screening. Staff reported the city has kept applications from the prior six months on file and that council members typically rate applicants so the top-rated candidates are interviewed. "We only call usually 3 people," a staff member said, describing the council prescreening practice. (Staff member, SEG 181)

The council discussed what information should be public. One member said applicants may be deterred if their personnel files are publicly available; another asked whether application windows should expire and suggested a six-month retention period. Staff said they have generally used a six-month window. (Staff member, SEG 205)

Background checks and criminal-history screening drew detailed questions. Council members recommended adding application fields for conviction details (charge, year, county) so the council can verify records. Staff said full background checks (local and national) are feasible but may affect cost and retention. The group also debated whether certain misdemeanors should disqualify candidates and how to handle cases awaiting adjudication. (Council member, SEG 373; Staff member, SEG 346)

Members and staff also discussed pre-employment drug testing and medical marijuana. Staff warned that current tests can show marijuana use weeks after use and may not indicate on-the-job impairment; "I did address medical marijuana in the new policy," a staff member said. Several council members noted testing should be tied to job duties: safety-sensitive jobs like teachers or heavy-equipment operators may justify routine testing. (Staff member, SEG 448; SEG 466)

On process, several members emphasized that any change elevating the mayor’s operational role should be carefully limited and that council review remain part of hiring. Staff committed to revise the application form and incorporate more specific conviction questions and background-check language before the next meeting.

The workshop produced no formal vote on the personnel policy; staff said they would update the application and policy text for future consideration. (Staff member, SEG 616)