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10 <br /> <br /> On motion by Mr. Caravati, seconded by Mr. Lynch, the ordinance entitled "AN <br />ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND REORDAIN ARTICLE III OF CHAPTER 30 <br />(TAXATION) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, 1990, AS <br />AMENDED, BY ADDING A NEW SECTION 30-65.1 RELATING TO THE REAL <br />ESTATE TAX ASSESSMENT OF NEW BUILDINGS SUBSTANTIALLY <br />COMPLETED" was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration. <br /> <br />ORDINANCE: CITY EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION PROGRAM <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell said that the City has used monetary bonuses for at least 20 years <br />and recently discovered that there is a State law requiring an ordinance in order to do so. <br />He requested that Council adopt the ordinance to allow bonuses for outstanding job <br />performance, outstanding customer service, work above and beyond normal <br />responsibilities, cost reduction actions and suggestions, safety practices, and improved <br />productivity. He said it could also be used to provide recruitment bonuses in the Police <br />Department. He said that the program would be governed by administration regulations. <br />He said this is a best practice used by many businesses. He noted that Albemarle County <br />adopted a similar ordinance in February. He said the program would be funded out of <br />existing budgets. He said it promotes a philosophy of excellence. <br /> <br />Mr. Lynch said it seems like a reasonable thing to do. <br /> <br /> Mr. Schilling asked if the City has been in violation of the law for the last couple <br />of years. <br /> <br /> Mr. Brown said that if money was awarded in the form of a bonus the City was <br />technically not in compliance with State law. <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell said that funds were approved and awarded up until a year ago <br />when staff became aware of the law. <br /> <br />Mr. Schilling said he is hearing that yes, we have been in violation. <br /> <br /> Mr. Brown said that Council has publicly granted the City Manager bonuses, and <br />yes, that should have been done by ordinance. <br /> <br />Mr. Schilling asked about ramifications to past actions. <br /> <br />Mr. Brown said there are no sanctions included in the law. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Schilling, Mr. Brown said that he does not <br />think the ordinance has to say that the City Manager has administrative authority. <br /> <br /> Mr. Schilling asked if the City Manager would have authority to make a payment <br />to himself, and Mr. Brown said no. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati said the ramifications are none as he cannot see where they would <br />come from. Mr. Caravati said that "with Council consent" could be added to "regulations <br />approved by the City Manager" if there is concern. <br /> <br /> Mr. Brown said this goes to the working relationship with the City Manager and <br />an issue for Council to decide. He said it is legal to do what Mr. Caravati is suggesting. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown asked where these regulations will be and are there other things in it <br />that Council approves. <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell said they will be in the personnel manual and the only thing in that <br />that Council approves is the pay plan. <br /> <br />Dr. Brown asked if the budget would include funding for the program. <br /> <br /> <br />