LV council OKs reorganization

Erin Neff

Tuesday, March 9, 1999 | 10:42 a.m.

Despite public concern and an appearance of racism, the Las Vegas City Council on Thursday approved a reorganization plan that eliminates the job of the city's only black department head.

The council unanimously approved City Manager Virginia Valentine's restructuring plan and an ordinance that eliminates the Department of General Services.

Ralph Shackelford, that department's director, has reportedly been asked to take an unspecified settlement in exchange for his departure from City Hall. Citing the privacy of personnel matters, officials have declined to discuss any settlement or employment offers made to Shackelford.

But that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from churning about unfair treatment.

Pat Davis read the council a letter from Gwen Walker of the Walker African-American Museum & Research Center alleging Shackelford was told he would get a settlement provided he stayed away from the council meeting.

Jerry Lindsay, spokesman for the Nevada Black American Business Group, said he was surprised Shackelford was not treated more "humanely" during the plans to streamline government services and improve efficiency.

"Normally, people are given an opportunity to lateral into another position," said Lindsay, a local real estate agent who is active in the state's only black political action committee. "His alternative was a quick exit from the building and a very meager separation offer."

After the vote, Lindsay said he has been troubled by a perception of racism or racial undertones at City Hall ever since the 1995 defeat of Councilman Frank Hawkins, the last black to serve on the council.

"That was not a professional way to deal with Mr. Shackelford," Lindsay said.

Shackelford has been unavailable for comment.

The reorganization plan has been in the works for 18 months and did not take into consideration any one position or person, according to Councilman Larry Brown.

Rick Anderson, the city's human resources director, said anybody affected by a downsizing plan has the ability to apply for other jobs in the city.

"We try to deal with them fairly and humanely," Anderson said.

He also said the city is still in negotiations with Shackelford.

This phase of the reorganization plan is expected to save $245,000, including Shackelford's salary. In addition to Shackelford's position, only one secretary's job and four vacant positions will be eliminated.

The plan entails moving Vehicle Services and Building Services from General Services to Public Works. Real Estate & Asset Management, Parking Management and Collections, the Downtown Transportation Center, Central Stores Warehouse and Cemetery Operations will move from General Services to the Business Operations Department.

The Graphic Arts/Mail Room will move to Information Technologies; Purchasing/Contracts to Finance/Business Services Department; Ward Liaison staff and the Office of Federal, State and Local Initiatives to the assistant to the city manager.