Council to Discuss Hiring Freeze Proposal

Arnold City Council members will hold a special meeting, prior to the council’s work session, on Thursday to discuss Ward 2 Councilman Jim Edwards’ suggestion of city hiring freeze for the upcoming budget year.

Edwards made the motion during the City Council meeting Thursday at City Hall, at 2101 Jeffco Blvd.

Ward 3 Councilman Phil Amato said he would support Edwards’ motion if Edwards amended the motion by requiring Arnold department leaders, such as City Administrator Matt Unrein and Arnold Police Chief Robert Shockey, to appear before the council and explain the need for a new employee during the next budget year.

Ward 1 Councilman Doris Borgelt questioned the validity of Edwards' motion because the issue was not on the council’s agenda.

Edwards raised the issue during the council’s time allotted for new ideas.

The spending of city money must be on the council’s agenda and posted for the public at least 24 hours prior to the meeting, according to Missouri’s Open Meetings Law.

Since the motion discussed freezing expenses, Edwards said the motion did not need to be on the agenda.

City Attorney Bob Sweeney said he was uncomfortable with the Council discussing the motion at Thursday's meeting because councilmen needed to consider payments to contractors who could be affected by the proposed hiring freeze.

“There are a few issues that the council must discuss formally,” Sweeney said to council members.

Unrein said, during the meeting, that the proposed hiring freeze motion could affect public safety by limiting his ability to hire lifeguards.

Amato withdrew his support, and Edwards withdrew the motion for a hiring freeze.

The council, however, scheduled a 6 p.m. meeting to discuss this issue of a proposed hiring freeze prior to its regularly scheduled 7 p.m. work session on Thursday at City Hall.