10-09-17 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING October 9, 2017 2017 Common Council meeting. Councilmember John Voorde seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 63-17 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA FIXING MAXIMUM WAGES OF TEAMSTER EMPLOYEES FOR CALENDAR YEARS 2017-2020 Councilmember Karen White, Chair of the Personnel and Finance Committee, reported that they met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation. Jen Hockenhull, City Controller, with offices on the 12th Floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, served as the presenter of this bill. Ms. Hockenhull stated, We are asking you to ratify the 2017-2020 Teamster Agreement. The only difference between what was filed last year and this year is that it includes the longevity that was included in the Teamster contract,however didn't make it in the ordinance that was submitted to the Council last year. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill,proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There were none from the public who wished to speak in favor of this bill. Those from the public wishing to speak in opposition to this bill: Sharon Banicki, 3822 Ford Street, South Bend, IN, stated, If the sheet I've got's correct, you should be proud of yourself. You're giving Teamsters .75%raises while everybody else is taking at least two percent(2%). Way to look out for the little man. Thanks. Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, Since there isn't a representative here and I did sit on this bargaining process with the Teamsters: it was an excellent process in terms of involvement of the Council, the number of meetings,the expertise of the financial staff. The component of longevity was actually something that was creatively put in to address the Teamsters' specific needs for their membership. I liked how nimble we were and how well the process played out, and just the terrific work by both our Board of Works staff—outstanding work—and our financial staff. So, one (1) year after the process, I felt it was important to state that again. Councilmember Tim Scott stated, I would like to say that the Teamsters, with a complete union, ratified that contract, whatever that dollar amount is. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked, Do we need—is there any thought or any need to delay? Or do we just need to move forward, because they don't have a representative here? Does that matter? Councilmember Gavin Ferlic responded, The Teamsters are ratified. Councilmember Davis asked, They're already ratified? Councilmember Ferlic responded, Yes. Councilmember Davis asked, Okay, so, with their ratification—I just want it to be clear for those in the public, including Ms. Banicki—they accepted this agreement themselves? So, it's not that we are trying to put them down in any way. This is what their labor agreement accepted. I wish they were here to voice that concern, but they have done that on record in the past. Councilmember Scott stated, And they were given a four(4) year deal where the two percent (2%)that's here today might not be there tomorrow. Councilmember Tim Scott made a motion to send Bill No. 63-17 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 17