Majewski called the special meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. for the purpose of discussing litigation against the retirees. I asked if I could comment, and Majewski allowed me to speak.
I asked if the meeting would reconvene in open session later. Klein thought I was asking if there would be a vote taken later. I added that I would also like to know if item 12 from the agenda last Tuesday would be discussed in regards to the city manager’s contract. I believed it was up to Crawford whether the meeting would be open or closed. Klein confirmed that Crawford’s contract would be discussed. It was not known whether the discussion would be open or closed to the public. I said I would just wait in the hallway until after the closed meeting, and started to crochet a pair of slippers. The video broadcast was ended.
At 10:30 p.m., the council took a five minute break before reconvening in open session. Everyone seemed to assume that the meeting would be closed again. It was decided that the video broadcast did not have to be activated. Klein said his motion was provided to the council. Majewski offered to go into closed session for Crawford prior to the resolution being read. Crawford said it would be fine if the meeting stayed open. Allen confirmed that when it comes to employment issues, the meeting can be close at the discretion of the employee.
The resolution had 5 parts; the City of Hamtramck will not renew Crawford’s contract and the council thanks him for his service, he will assist in the transfer to a new city manager, he will not have contact with the MML about the new city manager, and prospective candidates are to be reported to the mayor. It also states that the city manager can have contact with the MML to secure a contract.
Klein said he was happy to bring in Crawford three years ago, but he now sees the city “moving in a different direction” that does not require Crawford’s skill set. He said this was purely a business decision and nothing personal.
Gordon asked about the MML’s charge for executive search services. The MML charges 10% of the salary. For example, the MML would get $10,000 if the new city manager is paid $100,000.
Majewski said it would be best to go with the MML. Otherwise, they would have to do the job description, job postings, and background checks themselves. She said it would be best if the MML handled it. Shulgon said the MML would also narrow down the candidates and make the notifications. Majewski said they would narrow down the candidates with direction from the council.
Klein said last time the list was narrowed to 5 or 6 candidates by a subcommittee, and he does not have the time or resources to conduct a search. Shulgon asked if Klein was suggesting a committee. Klein said he would accept an executive search committee of Majewski, Stackpoole, and Gordon because they are not facing reelection pressures.
Gordon thanked Crawford for his service, and said she didn’t think he did a bad job. She hopes the next city manager will serve more than three years because consistency is needed for the city to get back on track. Shulgon said three years is a standard length for contracts. He added that Crawford can reapply.
Algazali said they had to make a decision, and wished they had talked about it earlier. He was concerned that they needed someone to finish the retirees’ lawsuit. Algazali said he was obviously in the minority, and the presentation by the MML was unexpected to him.
Algazali wanted to set a salary so the MML knows what the city can afford. He doesn’t want the council to be unhappy with the city manager’s contract again. He wished that they could all meet with the MML instead of having a committee. The city is still having financial problems. He won’t vote for a tax increase. Majewski asked if Algazali had a salary range in mind. Algazali said they should look at other cities the same size. Majewski said the MML does that. Algazali pointed out that the MML has an interest in hiring at high salaries because their pay is based on it. He suggested starting on the low end and raising the offer if no candidate is found. Shulgon said that if the resolution before them passes, and the committee formation passes, setting the salary guidelines would be the committee’s responsibility. Klein suggested adding committee formation to the next agenda.
Crawford asked what the item prohibiting him from talking to the MML was designed to accomplish. Most candidates will want to contact the outgoing city manager and will question why they can’t talk to him. Klein motioned to remove that portion of the resolution.
Majewski expected more discussion. The resolution doesn’t give her happiness, but when they hired Crawford they were looking to get out of Act 72. Now, that is accomplished, and the contract is ending. She supported the resolution because the city has different needs than it did 3 years ago, and these needs require a different skill set. It has been a pleasure to work with Crawford, and it has nothing to do with an individual, but what the city needs.
Gordon asked Crawford if he would like to say anything. Crawford declined.
Majewski said the operations of the city will not change until the contract expires. She began to take the vote when Norris, our city clerk, asked if they intended to strike #4, the provision prohibiting Crawford from communicating with the MML. Klein verified that the vote was not called. All voted in favor of striking #4.
The vote was taken on not renewing Crawford’s contract. Algazali and Gordon voted against it, but Solidarity voted for non-renewal and the resolution passed.
Hamtramck Star
Run out of Ypsilanti since 2005
I am glad that four councilmembers understood the situation and voted not to renew the current City Manager’s contract.
Finally, reason rules Council chambers. It is about time.
What the other two on council and members of the public can’t understand is how the majority on council had clearly made up their minds before this meeting was ever scheduled.
An old adage comes to mind, maybe you have heard it, “Be careful of what you ask for, for surely you may get it.”
And, if you feel so strongly about the mayor and council members, that they are corrupt, and so on, then why don’t you and your husband resign your positions.
If I remember right, you were appointed by the mayor to a commission.
And your husband was appointed to ZBA by the city council, with out a dissenting vote–the evil “Solidarity: dominated council.
Do I smell hypocrites upon the web.
You seem very confused. The guy appointed to ZBA is no relation, as Hillary has pointed out on this site multiple times. Hillary does sit on the Weed and Seed committee, but last I checked any resident could volunteer to get involved there. It is completely separate from city government and the council. Neither Hillary nor Steve has any political position here in Hamtramck of which I am aware.
There’s nothing illegal about consensus building over the phone or over coffee. It’s just undemocratic. If a quorum of the council met at Maine Street and discussed city business, that would be a violation of the Open Meetings Act.
When I took my oath as a Historical Commissioner, I swore to uphold the City Charter and the Constitution. I don’t remember swearing allegiance to the mayor, council, or their policies.
Mel: You’re thinking of David Cherry who was appointed to the Hamtramck Plan Commission. Steve was appointed an alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals in June of 2006. I have served as secretary for the Hamtramck Historical Commission since July of 2005.
I guess you miss the point. It is a matter of integrity.
I was not offer an appointment by Zych or TJ, but if I had been, I would have turned them down because I fundamentally disagreed with their style and substance. If I felt that way about Majewski or Solidarity, I would say the same thing though it is unlikely they would ask me. The same with Kwame, Jenny and Bush.
It takes a bit of back bone, and setting aside personal ambition or ego.
So, how can you maintain integrity while accepting the offer to work at the pleasure of people you, obviously, think are curropt or agenda is suspect.
Given you and your husband’s behavior, I should assume that if Bush offered you a position, as unlikely as that might be, you would accept.
Shame. Shame.
Have the courage to do the right thing. Resign.
I’m likely to disagree with some policy or decision made by a mayor or members of city council but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t work together, have a civil debate about each issue, and refrain from personally attacking each-other.
Democracy works much better when everyone participates.
Bill, you’re flat wrong, it takes integrity to stand up and say what you believe is right, *especially* when it goes against the policies of people who are “in charge.”
Volunteering to work for a better Hamtramck for no compensation is a noble endeavor no matter who serves in political office. I know it feels good to think you are making a positive contribution to your fellow citizens. I admire Steve and Hillary for there hard work and obvious high intellect.
In regards to replacing Mr. Crawford , I think he did a good job but was unresponsive to many council orders. He was slow in hiring crossing guards, two police officers, and removing piles of stones from Veterans Park. Recently complaints were made to him about icy intersections and he had nothing to say. I wish him the best in future endeavors.