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March 16, 2005
Dear City Employee,
As you may know, the City Charter Commission was appointed by Mayor DeBoer last
summer to consider potential changes to the city charter. We are now beginning to
debate several areas in the charter that may affect your life as a city employee.
This survey is intended to gather your input regarding these issues. Please complete and
return it (enclosed envelope) as soon as possible, so that we can incorporate your
feedback in our committee deliberations.
Thanks so much for your help. If you have questions, you may telephone me at 541-482-
4742, or e-mail me at marshp@students.sou.edu. Or, if you prefer, you can direct your
questions or comments to Ann Seltzer at City Hall, seltzera@ashland.or.us.
Sincerely,
Pam Marsh
Charter Commission Member
Employee Survey – City Charter Issues
I.City Structure
As currently constituted, the Ashland City Charter empowers the Mayor to conduct
administrative responsibilities; specifically, the Mayor is allowed to hire, fire, and
supervise employees (although not all mayors choose to exercise these powers). The
Charter Commission is considering changes that could shift these responsibilities to the
city administrator (manager).
1.Have you ever received direction or instruction from the mayor or a member of
the city council?
If so, how did you feel about that input? Was it helpful or confusing? Did it
reinforce or conflict with your supervisor’s instruction?
2.How are city council goals or policies communicated to you?
3.Do you believe that the current city structure helps, hinders, or has no affect upon
your work?
II.Parks Department
In its current form, the city Parks Department is administered separately from the rest of
the city departments and is under the supervision of the elected Parks Commission.
1.Does the Department’s independence affect your status as a city employee in any
way?
Employee Survey
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2.Do you believe that the current arrangement helps, hinders, or does not affect
your work?
III.City Recorder and Municipal Judge
In our current form, the City Recorder and Municipal Judge are both elected by the
voters; an alternative structure could provide for the appointment of one or both.
1.From your perspective, does the election of one or both of these city officials
affect city operations in any significant way?
2.Do you believe that the current arrangement helps, hinders, or does not affect your
work?
Thank you for your assistance. Please note any general comments or questions
below.