"Has he done a good job?"

Again for those of you that don't 'do' Facebook - to keep you in the loop.  I posted the same "Law Director" topic on Facebook.  Someone asked "Has he done a good job?"  My response was:

I feel the answer to that question is subjective. Maybe he meets job requirements by answering legal questions for the City and defending Bay’s lawsuits, in addition to oversight of legislation and code preparation.  Maybe his defense of lawsuits saves us money – maybe it doesn’t, how would we know if the Law Department isn’t submitting an annual report to Council as it is supposed to?  Again, if someone knows where I can find those reports through the years, I want to see them.  What are his performance reviews like?  Is he even subjected to performance reviews, and who reviews him? Is that public record?  If there are no reviews, why?  We have 3 part time people in our Law Department.  Another good question is can the Law Department be reconfigured and/or can someone else do the job as well or better for less?  The town does not have the opportunity to make that decision since this is an appointed position.

Law Director

Since someone else brought up the subject of the Bay Village Law Director here is what I know.  Most of which can be found in City Council Meeting Minutes. 

• 1982 Prior to a position in politics in Bay, the future Law Director tried to break the Cahoon will in order to build a Marina in Cahoon Park.  This venture would include boat docks, restaurants, shops and a causeway. 
• 1986 Ebert becomes a Councilman then is appointed City Law Director and switches from Democrat to Republican; Mayor Sutherland did the same after she became Mayor.  Flashback to the 70’s when Mayor Cowles told an employee that becoming a Republican was a requirement.   This appears to be true. I have to ask: Why?
• 1992 The City tried to break the Cahoon will.  The City took it to court where the suit lasted until 1995.
• 2004 The Mayor hired Kent State Urban Design to plan a shopping area to connect Bay Square with Dover Junction.  The proprietors of the existing shops found out much later that such a plan was being drafted.
• I believe these issues, especially the Cahoon Will, will resurface. I see a recurring theme.  Can anyone else read between the lines?
• Another individual reported a 6 figure salary for the part-time Law Director.  The ordinance for compensation reads  “In addition said Law Director or his law firm shall receive additional compensation at an hourly rate as shall be approved by the Mayor  upon statements duly rendered for services..”  Hourly rate in addition to a salary.  What is the hourly rate?
• The Law Department should be issuing an annual report to City Council.  I've been unable to see that report but if someone can produce it, I'd like to read it. 
• Why isn't the Law Director an elected position?  How was the decision to place it on the ballot blocked?  Were City funds spent to keep it off the ballot?
• It has been proposed that the City hire an HR Consultant.  The person under consideration is the Human Resources Manager for the City of Westlake and an associate at the Law Firm of Seeley, Savidge, Ebert & Gourash.