HUBBARD Council raises pay questions

HUBBARD -- The city's assistant engineer won't be paid overtime for touring Pine Lakes Golf Course on Sunday.
Mayor George Praznik told city council Monday the 21/2 hours of overtime won't be paid to Robert Toth after lawmakers questioned it.
"This has got my goat," said Councilman Richard Keenan, D-4th. "I hope this is not paid."
Keenan explained after the meeting that Toth responded to an open invitation by the owner of the golf course to view its development.
Keenan said Toth could have gone anytime during the week, but toured the facility Sunday.
After hearing from lawmakers, Praznik agreed Toth shouldn't be paid.
Keenan broached the issue after Councilwoman Bonnie Viele, D-1st, who chairs council's finance committee, said overtime is a personnel issue and it should be discussed at an open meeting.
Agreeing to discuss it on council floor, Councilmen William Williams and Douglas Rohrer, both D-at large, backed Keenan.
Rohrer said Toth shouldn't be paid overtime for riding a golf cart around the course. Viele said Toth told her the mayor had approved the overtime.
"It's not true," Praznik quickly responded.
The assistant engineer's position is a union job and is eligible for overtime.
In another matter, city resident Jim Bullock complained that the city is not requiring sidewalks in new housing developments.
Bullock said he believes that people are being forced to walk along the street, creating a safety hazard.
Also, Rohrer asked that legislation be prepared for this year's street resurfacing program. About $80,000 will be spent. The 2002 program was canceled because of financial problems.
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