HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-22-08 Health and Public Safety & Personnel and FinanceHEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE 8~ SEPTEMBER 22, 2008
PERSONNEL AND FINANCE
Committee Members Present: Karen L. White, Chairperson, Health & Public Safety; Ann
Puzzello, Vice-Chairperson, Health & Public Safety; Derek D. Dieter, Henry Davis, Jr., arrived at
4:25 p.m.; Tom LaFountain, Chairperson, Personnel & Finance; David Varner, Vice-Chairperson,
Personnel & Finance; Oliver J. Davis, Member Personnel & Finance
Other Council Members Present: Timothy A. Rouse
Other Council Member's Present: Tom LaFountain; David Varner; Timothy A. Rouse; Oliver
Davis; Citizen Member Don Brubaker
Others Present: Chuck Leone
AGENDA:
BILL NO. 56-08 POLICE BUDGET 2009
BILL NO. 57-08 FIRE BUDGET 2009
Chairperson Karen White of the Health and Public Safety Committee began by explaining the two
public safety compensation bills would be heard jointly by her committee and the Personnel 8~
Finance Committee chaired by Tom LaFountain. Karen would chair the hearing for Bill No. 56-08
dealing with the SBPD while Tom would do the other for the SBFD.
Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney and lead negotiator for the Council began at
Karen's request to summarize the product of a summer long negotiating process between the
Council and the FOP. Kathy indicated because of HEA 1001 there were tight financial constraints
placed on the negotiating teams. Nonetheless, an equitable offer was agreed upon for one year
by both sides and subsequently ratified by the FOP membership. In a nutshell the '09 salaries
will be increased by $2.2% across the board and will raise the uniform allowance by $200.00.
Speaking for the Council Karen White praised both sides for the creative, positive, cooperative
approach to the problem-solving. Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand and City Attorney Chuck Leone
representing the Board of Safety echoed these remarks.
Councilmember Derek Dieter an active FOP member himself asked if any consideration was
given to creating additional police beats, thus putting more officers on the street.
Kathleen Cekanski-Farrd said there were discussions; but this issue was to be decided later in
the "working agreement," not in the salary ordinance.
City Controller Catherine Fanello said the resulting contract fell within the dollar guidelines
necessitated by HEA 1001 in '09.
President Tim Rouse said he had some concerns; but would air them at tonight meeting.
Council Member Oliver J. Davis made a motion to recommend this bill favorably to the full
Council. Council Member Tom LaFountain seconded the motion which carried.
Council Member Karen White again thanked both sides and turned the hearing to Tom
LaFountain, Chairperson, Personnel & Finance Committee to discuss Bill no 57-08, the fire
compensation package resulting from negotiations. He stated that the Firefighters settled for a
1.65% base increase beginning April, 2009 along with a longevity compensation program, not
seen since the early 80's as explained by Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, when
asked by Tom LaFountain to summarize the negotiating process. To help fund these dollars,
firefighters reduced their education reimbursement to 50%.
Chuck Leone praised both sides of the negotiating process for their teamwork.
Karen White asked if the city's hiring freeze would have an effect of the fire departments
minimum manning standards. She was assured (OT) overtime would cover any short-staffing in
the short-term, that is, for the one year life of the contract.
Mayor Luecke thanked all involved in the process particularly the FOP and firefighters.
Council Member Puzzello and Tom LaFountain echoed the Mayor's remarks.
Both Council Members AI "Buddy" Kirsits, and Henry Davis, Jr., arrived only minutes before the
final vote.
Councilmember Oliver J. Davis made a motion to send this bill to the full Council with a favorable
recommendation. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried.
There being no further business to come before the joint committees, Chairperson's White and
LaFountain, adjourned the meeting at 4:28 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Karen L. W ' , Chairperson, H and Public Safety
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Tom L untain, Chairperson, Personnel and Finance