Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, December 9, 1993 TAG: 9312090401
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
That was one of the goals Town Council members discussed during a recent retreat.
Town Manager Clay Goodman said he wants 100 town employees trained in total quality management by the end of the year.
"Our goal is to teach employees how to deal with each other, other departments, citizens and other jurisdictions in a way which will reflect well on the town," Goodman said.
Calling garbage collectors, utility workers and others "street-level bureaucrats," Goodman said all town employees should receive some level of customer service training within the next several years.
"TQM involves every level, every person, in understanding that quality services are as important as quality product," said Councilman Joe Bush. "Private industry has been employing TQM techniques, and we need to do this, also."
The town will also look at purchasing computer equipment and programs to link town offices and for tracking and planning jobs.
And, while council said it is not looking to eliminate any jobs in the coming year, it will consider using more part-time employees and private contractors for services once provided by full-time employees.
"In today's society, flexibility is the key to job happiness," Goodman said. He said he feels there are many residents who would like to work for the town on a part-time basis. The town already utilizes contract workers for some tasks.
The town will also look at reducing workers compensation costs through more safety programs.
Other goals for Vinton during 1994 include:
Revamp requirements for testing potential police officers, including restructuring a written test and providing standardized agility and other physical tests.
Review the recycling program for cost effectiveness. Although town trucks will continue to collect recyclable to avoid rising landfill fees, money-saving measures will be studied. Because of the cost of leaf and grass clipping removal, town staff will also look at composting as a way to save money.
Study giving the Vinton War Memorial a face lift in 1994 by landscaping the grounds and improving the building.
Consider redrafting the ordinance for demolition of abandoned and condemned buildings. The cost for demolishing these structures is paid by the town when building owners cannot afford demolition costs.
Reapply for a grant for drainage and storm water improvements in the Midway community. Town officials also will continue to participate in a group studying regional storm-water management.
by CNB