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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-22-2018 PEA MinutesCITY OF SEBASTIAN PEA UNION WAGE ARTICLE NEGOTIATION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 22, 2018 Present: AI Boettjer, Staff Representative, Coastal Florida PBA/PEA Union Representative, 810 Fentress Court, Daytona Beach, FL 32117 Paul Carlisle, City Manager, City of Sebastian Ken Killgore, Administrative Services Director, City of Sebastian Cynthia Watson, Human Services Director, City of Sebastian Dan Hainee, Union Representative, Coastal Florida Public Employees Association, City of Sebastian Janet Graham, Technical Writer This is a negotiation meeting of the wage article between the City of Sebastian and the Coastal Florida Public Employees Association, and the parties are present to discuss the wage article for this year. Mr. Boettjer has talked with the members of the Union and Dan Hainee, Union representative. Mr. Boettjer stated that Mr. Hainee has talked extensively with the civilian employees of the City of Sebastian, and the employees were extremely happy with last year's agreement and are hoping the same agreement can be reached this year. He reviewed that last year's agreement was 3%. It was agreed with the City that, if there was any additional funding, the City would make determinations about awarding additional money to employees who had contributed significantly to the City's wellbeing. He reiterated that the Union members/employees were happy with that plan and were also happy with the benefit package from last year. Mr. Carlisle reviewed the work that has been done in order to arrive at this year's budget. He stated that work on the budget began with a huge deficit, and all the department heads and staff came together and provided a balanced budget at the trim rate, which is at the direction of City Council. The administrative staff worked diligently with the insurance agent to obtain a very lucrative reduction in the insurance rates and to provide an upgraded plan for employees for dental coverage and to keep the increase in family care coverage as low as possible. Because of this, the City has been able to continue the bonus incentive program for exemplary employees, which was a positive morale booster last year among the employees. Mr. Killgore stated that the incentive bonus last year went to salaried employees as opposed to exempt employees. Mr. Carlisle stated that the City wants to maintain the benefits package that has been provided in the past, to provide the upgraded dental program, to reduce as much as possible the increased premiums, and to maintain the incentive program. PEA UNION WAGE ARTICLE NEGOTIATION PAGE 2 Minutes of Regular Meeting Mr. Boettjer complimented the past relationship between the Union and the City, and the wish is to continue that relationship. He stated that the Union came in asking for the same rate as last year of 3%, and if the City is agreeing to that amount, the Union can agree to that. Mr. Carlisle clarified that this is contingent upon the Board approving the budget as it is written. He explained that at some point the Board may decide to amend it, but he is not anticipating that. The proposal to City Council is to implement the plan that has been discussed here today. In the meantime, if staff were to be able to add something to the benefit package, etc., that would be looked at. Mr. Boettjer stated that he supports the City on that issue. Mr. Killgore stated that regarding the insurance, it is a reduction in what the City anticipated would have to be paid. Ms. Watson stated the premiums have increased slightly. Mr. Killgore stated the increase was approximately 5%. Mr. Carlisle stated that the increase was initially at 11 %, and the City negotiated it down to 5%, which was very fortunate, and the plan is with the same insurance company. Mr. Carlisle stated that the insurance package for the employees is basically a copay- free, deducible -free insurance program, which is almost unheard of. Mr. Boettjer stated the Union and its representatives recognize the fact that the City has worked very hard to accomplish this plan and deeply appreciate it. Mr. Hainee agreed and stated he has not heard any complaints whatsoever about the proposed new plan. Mr. Boettjer requested that the agreement be drafted and emailed to him, and he can tentatively agree to it. Mr. Hainee inquired about the rates for the dental plan. Ms. Watson stated she sent a letter out as to what those rates will be. She further explained that the employees have the option of purchasing a buy -up plan so that the dental coverage per year per person goes from $1,000.00 to $1,500.00, and the premium would be a few dollars more a month. Mr. Boettjer stated that, for the record, there is agreement among the parties as to the tentative proposal. He will await the written proposal, will sign off on it, and will return it to the City. Mr. Boettjer concluded the meeting at 1:31 p.m.