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Walker’s competence and judgment. Ms. Stuhlman’s entire statement can be found at the end of these minutes. Sally Barker 6341 Washington Ave Ms. Barker stated in full disclosure professionally she is a Labor Employment Lawyer but was not present in that role or representing the firefighters or their union. She was concerned about the deterioration in the relationship with the City’s unions. It first started with a case in 2008 or 2009 when the City took the position it would not allow its police officers to elect a union, despite their constitutional rights to do so, leading to a three to four-year long expensive and predictable losing legal battle. Mr. Barker learned that the firefighters had to get an order from a judge to get to the bargaining table in good faith, which was unusual. The City Council’s role is to have the administrator bargain at the table in good faith and when an agreement has been reached, Council then would approve it. She asked if anyone was concerned, to talk to firefighters, go to the Union labor negotiation to see what is going on and not to blindly pass this resolution. Mr. Kraft stated the firefighters do an excellent job; they have responded to the needs of my families in the past and have done a professional and excellent job in doing so. That is their job and what they are paid to do and they do an excellent job and should be commended for that. Mr. Kraft noted he grew up in a union- town, was a member of the United Steel Workers of America, paid his dues; so he was not unsympathetic to Unions. The way Union’s negotiations should be properly done between the representatives of the Union and the designated bargaining person of the City. He noted as evident by tonight’s speakers, there has been significant lobbying of Council by the Union. Mr. Kraft stated to be clear, Mr. Walker is Council’s bargaining agent that is what this resolution is about Mr. Walker is Council’s bargaining agent by Charter, by law, and by the decision of this Council. He noted this resolution was to make it perfectly clear that Mr. Walker has that authority. Mr. Kraft then read the resolution, which is attached to the end of these minutes. He stated it was not inappropriate for a firefighter to get up here and state their desires in negotiation with Mr. Walker for what they want in their union contract that’s what unions are about, but it is absolutely irresponsible for the firefighters’ union to usurp the authority of the City Council. Mr. Walker is an employee of this Council. The Council decided to hire him and the Council decides on whether or not his is doing a good job. Mr. Kraft said that was not the place of the firefighters union to question Mr. Walker’s competence. He stated he was glad to hear they agree on Mr. Walker’s authority, so that is why this resolution is necessary, it was to clarify what is going on in the negotiations. Mr. Crow stated he was in agreement with this colleague from the first ward, as he too valued all of our City Employee’s. His asked the City Manager if any member on the Council questioned his authority in these negotiations. Mr. Walker replied no; stating during the negotiation with the union they have questioned, if I had the support of Council. Mr. Crow asked his colleagues if Council had ever been put in this situation before, as he was trying to figure out if Council ever had a resolution like this before. Mr. Crow said all members of Council recognize that the City Manager has the ability and authority to negotiate on and thought it placed 15