Labor and Economic Development Committee

Agenda

1. Call to Order

   Chair Dorsey called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.

2. Roll Call

   Chair Dorsey introduced the committee members and non-committee members present. A quorum was established. Note: All committee members and non-committee members present attended virtually, except for Chair Dorsey, Vice Chair Engel, and Committee Member Holton Stewart, who attended in Chambers.

3. Pending Legislation
4. 1. A RESOLUTION PURSUANT TO THE CAPITAL AND OPERATING BUDGET ORDINANCES APPROVING THE APPROPRIATION TO FUND THE FOLLOWING NONCOMPETITIVELY NEGOTIATED PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT FOR LOUISVILLE METRO PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELLNESS CONCERNING ALCOHOL AND DRUG COUNSELING SUPPORT AND SUPERVISION SERVICES (HEIDI SOLARZ-KUTZ - $60,000.00).
   Resolution
   Action: recommended for approval

   A motion was made by Committee Member Holton Stewart, seconded by Vice Chair Engel, that this Resolution be recommended for approval. The following spoke to this item: - Taylor Ingram, Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness ("LMPHW") - Chair Dorsey The following was discussed: - Questions were asked regarding why this contract is a noncompetitively negotiated professional service contract versus bidding out the contract -- this is a part-time position that requires certain qualifications and certifications, making it difficult to find a candidate through the usual, competitive bid process - The contractor is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) -- this is essential to LMPHW's services, examples were provided - The contractor has been helping LMPHW serve clients and support their staff for over two years - This position is partially funded by the grant and the other portion of the contract is funded by LMPHW's clinical services - Questions were asked regarding what the contractor's specific qualifications are -- the contractor has a Master's Degree in social work from the University of Louisville and has 13 years of expertise - In the future, the Committee members would like to see this contract go out for full bid - Questions were asked regarding whether the grant specifies Heidi Solarz-Kutz or the licensure -- the grant does specify Heidi Solarz-Kutz, as LMPHW had to write the grant while she was contracted with LMPHW last year - Questions were asked regarding if something was to happen to the contractor, would the grant be lost -- LMPHW would have to go back to the grant liaison and make modifications to the grant and find someone with a comparable licensure and experience - Questions were asked regarding whether the contractor resigned at any time -- the contractor did not resign but did take some time off to care for a family member - Questions were asked regarding how an hourly salary works if the employee needs to take some time off -- the contractor bills LMPHW by the hour so the contractor is only compensated for the time worked The motion carried by a voice vote and the Resolution was sent to the Consent Calendar.

5. Adjournment

   Without objection, Chair Dorsey adjourned the meeting at 3:08 p.m.

6. Note: Items sent to the Consent Calendar or Old Business will be heard before the full Council at the Metro Council meeting on May 19, 2022.
7. page break
8. Clerk(s)

   Olivia Bennett, Assistant Clerk Sonya Harward, Clerk

9. Support Staff

   Paul Rutherford, Jefferson County Attorney's Office