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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-22-2018 PBA Minutes - Not SignedCITY OF SEBASTIAN PBA UNION WAGE ARTICLE NEGOTIATION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 22, 2018 Present: Al 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 Ken McDonough, Union Representative, Sebastian Police Department Jason Mills, Union Representative, Sebastian Police Department Shawn Daley, Union Member, Sebastian Police Department Janet Graham, Technical Writer This is the second meeting regarding union contract negotiations between the City of Sebastian and the Coastal Florida Police Benevolent Association. Mr. Boettjer stated Ken McDonough, Union Representative, will be a late arrival. Mr. Boettjer reviewed that at the first wage article negotiation Mr. McDonough had suggested a 6% increase, and the Union is awaiting the City's counteroffer at this time. Mr. Carlisle reviewed the proposed new budget for the City and stated that staff began with a substantial deficit to the budget. City Council was definite in wanting a rollback rate, and staff and administration were able to get that rollback rate. He stated that Ms. Watson and Mr. Killgore after negotiations with the insurance carrier achieved an increase of only 5% in premiums. When the budget was originally proposed the City had included a much higher rate for the insurance plan. Thus, by obtaining the lower rate, the City was able to offer an upgrade in dental coverage and still retain the employee incentive program. He has directed that the employee incentive program is applicable to staff, not department heads. The new budget includes two school resource officers and two additional full-time officers. These items all contribute to a positive work environment for the Department. He stated that there is currently in the budget a 3% cost -of -living raise. He commented that this is probably the best year to maintain the 3%, as the potential passage of the new homestead exemption rate will present a definite challenge for the City in the coming years. He opined that the City has a good relationship with the Police Department and the officers, and the City wishes to maintain that relationship. Based on the budget proposal at this time, 3% is what the City can offer, and they will try to do better if possible. PBA UNION CONTRACT NEGOTIATION PAGE 2 Minutes of Regular Meeting Mr. Mills stated that the working relationship between the City and the Union is one of the best relationships in the area. He reiterated what a morale booster to the Department the status of the pension plan has become. For the record, Mr. Boettjer described the appreciation that has been stated by the City employees because of the extra money that was given before Christmas and the other adjustments that were made. Mr. Mills made two comments regarding the proposed raise: 1. The Department is limited regarding career opportunities because of the size of the Department. 2. Career opportunities in other departments, for instance Palm Beach County, can start at salaries of approximately $100,000, which is attractive to Sebastian's employees. Those are the reasons why the Union has pushed for a higher base wage. Mr. Carlisle stated that the City took steps this year to reorganize some of the staff regarding overtime, officer advancement, officer training, etc., which added positives to the work environment for the Department. He described the benefits package as being one of the best as compared to other municipalities. (AT THIS TIME KEN MCDONOUGH AND SHAWN DALEY ENTERED THE MEETING.) Mr. Boettjer and Mr. Mills reviewed for Mr. McDonough and Mr. Daley basically what had been discussed prior to their arrival. Mr. McDonough asked for clarification regarding the dental insurance plan, and Ms. Watson explained that the premium for the total insurance plan would be $38.00 a month for the plan including the basic dental coverage and $40.00 a month if the buy -up dental coverage is chosen. Mr. Carlisle also pointed out that, if there is an employee who has done an exemplary job over the year, there are funds in the budget so that the Chief can nominate that employee for a bonus, and this program only applies to hourly employees, not exempt employees. Mr. McDonough inquired as to how it is determined whether an employee is eligible for the bonus. Mr. Carlisle said there must be a documentation outlining how PBA UNION CONTRACT NEGOTIATION PAGE 3 Minutes of Regular Meeting the employee's performance was above and beyond their job description, and that nomination would go through the Chief and then to the City administration. Mr. Boettjer stated it would be in the same manner as last year. General discussion was had expressing examples of "exemplary performance." Mr. McDonough stated the perception that the City is doing much better is why he proposed the 6% raise, and he inquired if the City can go above the 3% figure. Mr. Carlisle explained that the budget planning began with a $1 million deficit, and City Council is adamant about the rollback rate. He added that if things change and the City can do better, they will try. But the 3% is where they are at this time. He reviewed that there was an increase to 39 sworn officers this year, which added to the cost of the budget. Mr. Boettjer asked, if it turns out there are more funds available than are already budgeted, would the City consider a bump -up, and Mr. Carlisle replied that if that is the case, the City would consider a bump -up or an increase in benefits, etc. AT THIS TIME (3:10 P.M.) THE PARTIES WENT OFF THE RECORD IN ORDER FOR THE UNION REPRESENTATIVES TO CAUCUS. BACK ON THE RECORD AT 3:42 P.M. Mr. McDonough asked if the 3% is the City's best offer. Mr. Carlisle stated it is. Mr. McDonough stated that the members of the Union were optimistic that the figure would be more like 4% because of the increase in taxable values and the appearance that the City is financially doing better. He reiterated there were several years when the economic situation was not strong and there were no raises given. He added that the members were very appreciative of the raises and increase in benefits that were given last year, and the fact that some of the surrounding departments have gotten more of an increase is on the minds of the members. Thus, an increase of 4% is something the members would like to have and think they deserve. He will take the proposal of 3% to the membership, but he does not know if they will sign off on it. Mr. Carlisle explained that the 3% is because of the rollback rate. He stated that the City could offer 4% but not be able to sign on any more officers or may have to look at the benefits again. The addition of four more officers as well as the cost of the school resource officers have to be taken into consideration. PBA UNION CONTRACT NEGOTIATION PAGE 4 Minutes of Regular Meeting Mr. Mills stated that there are several officers in the 3- to 9-year range of employment, and for half or more of that time have gotten no raises. So that's something they look at. Mr. Carlisle stated, if they add to the 3%, what would the union want to give up in exchange for the increase. He stated there is only so much money in the budget, and if 4% is mandatory, there will have to be cuts made somewhere in the department's budget to make that money up. He added that, if there is more money available when the budget is finalized, the City would look at increasing the 3%. He added that over the last several years when raises were given, the amounts exceeded the cost of living for that period. Mr. Mills asked why the beginning deficit to the budget was so large. Mr. Carlisle stated there were several requests for new equipment and new projects, and some of those projects and equipment had to be cut because of the deficit. Mr. Boettjer stated they will talk to the membership and see what their position is and see about coming back for more negotiations. Mr. Boettjer concluded the meeting at 3:58 P.M.