Last night’s Board & Aldermen/Women meeting was one that shouldn’t have been missed. The DNJ updates us on last night’s vote to allow the mayor to hire and fire employees, a practice that had been stopped under the leadership of former Mayor Mike Webb in 2003. The measure must still pass a second and final reading on June 10th. In attendance at the meeting were protesters from Rutherford County National Action Network who chanted “No justice, no peace” as they exited the meeting.
Outside on the front lawn, former sewer department worker Howard Woody said constantly hearing racist remarks in his department ultimately led to him quitting his job three years ago. “I got tired of the mess. They were using the n-word or would talk about it….”
One of our readers commented that another measure was considered last night,
Resolution #2008-13 – A Resolution to Amend the Personnel Rules and Regulations By Amending the Internet and E-mail Usage Policy and adding a New E-mail Policy
This measure will surely affect the Internet traffic to our own This is LaVergne site. I hope LaV workers can surf during lunch or on breaks (which would honestly be most appropriate) because they often provide insightful, humorous commentary on the inner-workings of the city.
Filed under: City Management, Editorials, Elected Officials, In the News
When I working for the City, the internet usage was determined by the department head. For those working at City Hall, I rarely saw anyone comprising time by being on the internet instead of working.
I’m surprised by the 4-1 Council vote on returning hire and fire authority to the Mayor. Ronnie has been involved in this capacity, but now, he will be the sole authority.
It seems a better alternative would be to have the HR Director provide recommendations to the City Administrator, and then have the City Administrator refer this to the 5-member Council to approve or disapprove
What was the city settlement about?
Any changes with the tax rate for FY 08-09?
Ms. Green’s comments in the DNJ are very amusing to me. What we have employed now in my opinion are buddies and those who possibly know a lot about what’s going on — past & present (therefore secure in their positions) in some positions. If we have a new mayor in 4 years “coming in off the street”, one would hope that that person would staff the City in any position that becomes available to the best of his/her abilities for the good of the City. No politics in City Hall — good one, Sherry!!! Politics have played a part of all the adminstrations in La Vergne for years — including Sherry Green’s. As far as the HR Director — that may be part of our problem now & the reason for some of the lawsuites we are dealing with — with more to come from what I hear. Isn’t is funny that they don’t talk about the settlements at the meetings? After all it’s our tax money they are spending & the citizens need to know about the lawsuites & what it is costing us in my opinion!
Lets give this to the mayor. He is the head honcho over at the city plus I also think if any of the city employees have a PROBLEM they shouldnt feel scared to say something. I just hope the Mayor is going to look into alot of “THINGS” that have been oing on with certain dept! There are things going on like Harrassment that needs to stop!! I dont come by the city hall anymore for I feel that I will be told to keep my mounth shut by ceratain folks and not to comment online. It is my rigt to express my thoughts , it’s called freedom of speech!!
Bearroller — and the lack of freedom of speech is exactly what has caused some of the problems we now have at the city employee level — so many afraid of reporting wrongdoing & problems. It’s time to make some changes.
cee dee,
you are so right. I have commented on many things and I was told last month “What happens at city hall stays at city hall” if there wasnt anything going on then why should I keep hush hush! hmmm..I know alot of things but I am not going to get certain folks into trouble because they told me. they will loose their jobs if I say anything! Which is not right but thats good ole boy governement for ya!!
I just had a thought, yes I know that’s scarey but hey it’s me! Why not have a board of citizens that oversees greivences and firing? Made to see that things in the city are done right. If someone has a complaint then this board would meet and her both sides of the story. It would be made up of 12 members of people from the city of La Vergne. If an employee or citizen has a problem they can bring this to the board and have a hearing with the myor involved. anyone thoughts about this?