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CLEAR Temp: 50 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Thursday, November 21, 2002 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend October 9, 2002 Coleman will refuse settlement By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune General Manager Sherrin Coleman on Tuesday said to settle with Rogue Valley Transportation District’s board of directors would only hurt taxpayers. "I will not take any money out of the district," Coleman said. "(A settlement) could mean taking out services or jobs." The RVTD board agreed to give Coleman the opportunity to negotiate a settlement following an executive session — a meeting closed to the public. The offer was made at the recommendation of HR Northwest, said chairwoman Eva Avery. The regional human resources and employee relations consulting firm was hired by the board in August to conduct confidential interviews among staff, board members and Coleman. RVTD has paid more than $6,000 for HR Northwest’s services. The firm also recommended negotiations include Coleman leaving before her contract expires Jan. 1. "That’s usually standard," Avery said of the recommendation. Acting on behalf of the board of directors, RVTD attorney Martial Henault met with Coleman and told her she would be placed on paid administrative leave for 48 hours to think about the offer. Coleman said the possible options for negotiation included a generous severance package, an agreement she would not sue the district, a positive letter of recommendation and a promise that Coleman would not seek employment with RVTD in the future. The board members also indicated they were willing to provide Coleman with the customized van she uses to conduct RVTD business. Coleman is disabled. However, RVTD acquired the van used by Coleman through a federal grant. It’s a publicly owned vehicle that cannot be given to her, Coleman said. Coleman took Thursday and Friday off, and on Monday announced her decision. "No matter what they put on the table, I’m not going to give up my rights," she said. Because HR Northwest was hired through Henault’s office, the report it compiled is confidential and part of the district’s attorney-client privilege, Henault said. "I think it should be public. I’m disgusted by it," said board member Edwin Chapman. Avery said the report will mostly likely be made public in the future. She anticipates the board will meet sometime this month to discuss Coleman’s decision. Chapman, the only board member who supports retaining Coleman, said he disagrees with a settlement negotiation offer. "I don’t think any negotiation should be necessary. If this is really just a simple matter of letting her contract run out, what’s to negotiate?" he asked. Chapman is the only board member not facing the threat of a recall election in late November. Jackson County’s elections office is reviewing recall petition signatures before announcing later this week whether a recall election will be held. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright 1997-2002 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy webmaster feedback A D V E R T I S E R S