09-22-08 Health and Public Safety & Personnel and Finance

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HEALTH 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