When: Lancaster City Council committee meeting, held virtually, May 3.
What happened: Council was given a proposal to remove seniority points from the promotion process in the cityâs police and fire bureaus. Council tabled further discussion until late May after the president of the local firefighters union said the move caught members off guard.
Whatâs next: The first reading of the change will be at councilâs May 25 meeting, with a vote in June.
Mayorâs case: The proposed amendment to the Civil Service ordinance would eliminate five points currently earned for seniority during the promotion process. âWe as a community are looking to elevate the very best into leadership positions because these are the folks that are making the day-to-day decisions that are in essence protecting the lives and property ⦠(of) city residents,â Mayor Danene Sorace said. âExtra seniority points â and I understand that this is controversial â i
When: Lancaster City Council meeting, April 5.
What happened: Council was presented with a proposed five-year Community Development Block Grant plan for 2021-25 and annual action plan, which the city is required to submit to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Why it matters: The plans shape the way that much of the money Lancaster receives from HUD ends up being spent. Council was told during its committee meeting that city officials expect to see about $8.37 million in block grant funding over the next five years. Also anticipated is about $710,000 in Emergency Solutions grants, which the city has traditionally used for homeless prevention and emergency shelter.