Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ely council declines an immediate retention contract for building official, requires follow‑up; White Pine Motel occupancy reinstated with inspections
Summary
The council rejected (quashed) a building official retention contract request and directed the Mayor and HR to pursue last‑ditch talks; the Council also reinstated the White Pine Motel business license conditioned on quarterly inspections for one year.
The Ely City Council on Oct. 23 considered a retention package proposed by City Building Official Don Hendrickson and ultimately declined the request as presented, while asking the Mayor and Human Resources director to pursue final retention discussions outside the meeting.
Hendrickson said he was recently offered another job and presented a retention proposal that included pay and contractual terms designed to keep him with the city. He told the Council the request was intended to benefit both the community and the Building Department by stabilizing staff and enabling planned improvements. "I considered it very heavily, and did submit these requests to benefit myself, obviously, but also to benefit the City and the community," Hendrickson said.
Several council members expressed concerns about precedent, enforceability and the appropriate budget process for compensation changes. Councilman Dennis Perea said the approach was a departure from normal practice and suggested HR and the Mayor work within established frameworks. On a motion from Councilman Perea, seconded by Councilwoman Jerri Lynn Williams‑Harper, the Council quashed the retention recommendation and asked the Mayor and HR Director to make final efforts to retain Hendrickson; the motion passed unanimously.
Separately, Building Official Hendrickson reported that the White Pine Motel had met minimum corrective measures after a code‑enforcement abatement and mold remediation. He recommended reinstating the property's business license and occupancy with the condition of quarterly inspections by the Building Department and the Ely Fire Department for one year to ensure continued compliance. Councilwoman Melody Van Camp moved to reinstate the business license with quarterly inspections; Councilman Perea seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
The Council did not adopt a special contract or immediate pay changes at the meeting; any compensation adjustments would require follow‑up through the budget process and council action.
