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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-29-2017 PEA MinutesCITY OF SEBASTIAN PEA UNION CONTRACT NEGOTIATION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING August 29, 2017 Present: Al Boettjer, Coastal Florida PEA Union Representative Dan Hainey, City Union Representative Ken Killgore, Administrative Services Director, City of Sebastian Cynthia Watson, Assistant Administrative Services Director/HR Manager, City of Sebastian Al Boettjer brought the meeting to order on August 29, 2017 at 3:13 PM. This is salary negotiation for the Public Employees Association for the City of Sebastian. We are here to discuss wages. The City’s view of what they are able to do and authorized to do is to negotiate and arrange for an increase of up to 3% and not beyond 3%. The City presents itself, this year, with a reserve fund worth between $70,000 and $75,000. The City’s intent of the City for the money is to use it for incentives. A discussion took place on what the incentives would include such as pay ranges, exceptional performance, hiring, education tuition and who could receive the funds. Discussion took place on who could recommend an employee for merit or bonus, etc. Mr. Killgore stated that the City is excited about having the funds. It will permit for something monetary when a person goes above and beyond on a project or shows exceptional performance. It will be used when there are problems recruiting, to increase pay ranges, for education tuition. We can’t presume that there will be another $75,000 next year. Mr. Boettjer asked if there was a change in the Certification process and Mr. Killgore stated that we did make changes in the contract during the last negotiations. Ms. Watson stated that another way the funds could be used was if there happen to be a problem hiring a certain position. She would be able to analyze the market and if wages are higher, change the wage rate to market rate. Mr. Hainey asked if we still get a review and Ms. Watson stated that there are Performance Reviews. However merit increases were voted out of the last contract. Ms. Watson stated that another use for the funds was to recommend a performance increase for an employee. Mr. Killgore stated that if you someone is doing an exceptional job, let Ms. Watson know so she can take care of submitting that person’s name. The intent of the funds is for incentives for the employees. A discussion took place on the percent of the 2017 -2018 wage increases. Mr. Boettjer stated he was proposing a 4% increase for the PEA and the City negotiated it until the 3% was reached. Mr. Boettjer recommended a proposed 4% increase because he feels that the employees are exceptional and that they are dedicated and their salaries levels have not been astronomical. Mr. Boettjer stated that 3% is about average with other cities and counties. Public employees in Brevard County have kept a 3% increase for 3 years however this year they increased their budget and are giving a 3.5 % increase. Indian River County is looking at a 5% in the Sheriff’s office and those that are capped are getting a $1,500 bonus. Mr. Hainey stated that Indian River County employees are getting a 5% increase. Fort Pierce has agreed to a 4% increase. Mr. Killgore and Ms. Watson requested copies of the surveys or contracts to show the 5% increases. Mr. Hainey stated that we could look on line. Mr. Killgore stated that he concurs with Mr. Boettjer that the employees are exceptional. Mr. Boettjer stated that with some of the issues that arose throughout the course of the year, he told them to go see Cindy and they have come back positive. Mr. Boettjer feels that the relationship with the City is a good relationship and the City is looking out for the employees. Mr. Killgore stated a need to discuss five employees over the maximum of the grade. Mr. Boettjer indicated that we don’t want to increase the cap because of the Broadbanding. We agreed that once an employee reaches their maximum rate they receive the % of increase in a bonus. For example if it is a 1% cap then the maxed out employee receives a 2% bonus. Mr. Boettjer asked if employees could receive the bonus quarterly due to taxes. Mr. Killgore agreed. Mr. Killgore stated that bonuses are not in the contract but would be addressed in the amendment to the wage provision of the contract this year. Ms. Watson stated that when you topped out even in the step program, the employee received the bonus. Mr. Boettjer mentioned that the bonus is non- pensionable. The original contract does not state this but it will be stated now. A discussion took place on how the amendment would be written. A discussion took place on the increase of insurance. Ms. Watson stated that the insurance rates for the employees were not increasing and the amount on the cards will remain the same, i.e. $2,500 (Single) and $5,000 (Others). The City is absorbing the increase. Mr. Hainey stated that the employees appreciate the insurance rates staying the same. Mr. Killgore stated we need a day or two to verify what other counties and cities are paying. Mr. Killgore stated that we agree to the incentive portion of the increase. Mr. Boettjer stated the Brevard County employees are receiving a 3.5% increase. However if you make under $30,000 then the employee receives 4% and that includes uniformed. A discussion took place on how wages are calculated for job classifications for Brevard County and the use of an MOU. Mr. Boettjer stated that he and Mr. Hainey accept the 3% increase and the reserves. Mr. Killgore stated he will go to the City Manager with the recommendation and he will draft an amendment to the contract, and he will get it to Mr. Boettjer. Mr. Boettjer will take the amendment to the membership for a vote since Mr. Hainey will be on vacation. The meeting ended at 4:13pm.