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• Utilities Committee February 8, 1999 Page 2 Council Member Sniadecki noted that as the Chairperson of the committee, he deemed the issues raised by the Teamsters as important and relevant. He voiced particular concern over the fairness issue raised. He noted that at the beginning of this meeting that it was to be informational and that no official action would be taken. He again noted that he sees the Council as a facilitator in this area especially if the delivery of city services is a concern. He asked Mr. Jankowski to continue. Mr. Jankowski then provided four (4) handouts, namely the January 11, 1999 Memorandum from himself and Cathy Hubbard-Shead addressing "canceled workdays"; June 5, 1998 Economic Proposed Changes to the Teamster Contract; Article 5 entitled "Overtime Standby Operations and Shift Differential"; and a copy of Indiana Code § 35- 44-2-4 entitled "Ghost employment" (copies attached). Mr. Jankowski reviewed each of the handouts briefly. He noted that past practice applies until the new Article 5 took effect on January 1, 1999. In response to a question from Council Member King, Mr. Jankowski noted that since vacation days have an economic value under the contract and since personal days do not, that that is why the Teamsters are restricted to using vacation days. Bill Sniadecki, a Teamster steward, contended that the city's policy for non-Teamster employees is "pyramiding" since they basically are receiving double pay if they showed for work on January 4th, per the January 11, 1999 memorandum. Discussion by other Teamster members on this issue followed. Dr. Varner voiced concern over how the Teamster may have been told that it was a "snow day". He stated that each employee contacted should have been told that it was a"cancelled work day without pay", when called. He further recommended that a policy should be standardized for all departments in the future. Dr. Varner noted that there would be confusion especially since the city may have paid for snow days in the past. Council Member Ujdak inquired into past practice and thought that the ghost employment statute provided may not be applicable to the issues at hand. It was noted that "administrative choice" was followed, however apparently in March of 1998,Teamsters were paid for a snow day and were also paid during the blizzard of 1978. In response to a question raised by Council Member Sniadecki on this issue, several Teamsters noted that they were paid for a snow day in 1998 and also in 1978. They noted that alot of Teamsters reported to work, especially those who hold CDL's and could have been utilized for snow removal efforts. Council Member Sniadecki asked for an update on SEMA and FEMA funds which he understands would pay up to 75 % for costs incurred by the city. Mr. Jankowski noted that SEMA and FEMA funds cannot be used to pay for a regular work day. He further noted that the city provided notice of the cancelled work day via radio and television the evening of January 3rd.