Move Qualifications Out

Of Charter, Panel Says

Residency Requirement Remains in Charter

By LIBBY CUDMORE • for www.AllOTSEGO.com

ONEONTA – Mayor Herzig’s ad hoc Charter Review Committee last evening proposed removing the qualifications for the city manager from the charter, putting them in a job description, like all other positions.  That would allow Common Council to change them by a majority vote.

“No other job has their requirements outlined in the charter,” said Committee member and Council member Melissa Nicosia, Second Ward.  “I think the Common Council should determine what the qualifications are based on their needs.  This allows the position to evolve.”

“Who knows what will work 10 years from now?” asked Committee member David Martindale.

Under the current charter, the city manager is required to possess a master’s degree in public administration and three years experience in an executive position.

“The standards are such that people who don’t have that are immediately thrown out of consideration,” said Council member John Rafter, Eighth Ward, who is also on the ad hoc committee.  “In vetting, the council would look for someone who we see would be successful in the position.”

Steve Londner, a member of the original Charter Commission that spent 18 months in 2009-10 crafting the document, said the qualifications were put in the charter as a protection against cronyism.

“The community had a fair bit of concern that the city manager position wouldn’t be staffed by a professional, that it would be some favorite son or daughter elevated to a position with a high salary,” he said.  “Whether or not this needs to remain is for you to recommend to the council.”

Rafter suggested that the qualifications, including a relevant degree, experience and more, be written into a job description, much like others in City Hall.

The residency requirement, however, will stay in the charter.  “It’s important that the city manager have skin in the game,” said former mayor John Nader, who chairs the ad hoc committee.

Nader believes the committee’s next meeting, on Tuesday, Feb. 23, will be its last.   The revisions will then go before Common Council’s new Legislature Committee, and then on to a public hearing and Common Council for a vote.