HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-13-29 RESOLUTION NO. R-13-29
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY,
FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE BARGAINING
UNIT OF THE COASTAL FLORIDA POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION
(CFPBA) AND THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1,
2013 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2016; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF
RESOLUTIONS OR PARTS OF RESOLUTION IN CONFLICT HEREWITH;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
WHEREAS, the Coastal Florida Police Benevolent Association (CFPBA) is certified with
the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission as the Bargaining Unit for certain
employees of the City of Sebastian; and
WHEREAS, the City of Sebastian and the CFPBA Bargaining Unit have negotiated a new
agreement supplanting and superseding the prior agreement and covering the period from
October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the PBA Bargaining Unit has voted in favor of ratifying said Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SEBASTIAN, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, as follows:
SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager
to execute the attached Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Sebastian and the
Coastal Florida Police Benevolent Association, as the employment agreement for the bargaining
unit employees for the period from October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2016.
SECTION 2. CONFLICTS. All resolutions or parts of resolutions in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed, including Resolution No. R-11-27.
SECTION 12. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution shall become effective immediately
upon adoption.
The foregoing Resolution was passed for adoption by Council Member
Hill , was seconded by Council Member Wright , and upon being put to
a vote, the vote was as follows:
Mayor Bob McPartlan aye
Vice Mayor Don Wright aye
Councilmember Jerome Adams absent
Councilmember Andrea Coy aye
Councilmember Jim Hill aye
The Mayor thereupon declared this Resolution duly passed and adopted this 9th day
of October , 2013.
CITY OF SEBASTIA LO IDA
By: 4//I -)-01(7,,-big
Bob McPartlan, Mayor
ATTE'4,
Sally A. Mai• MC
City Clerk
Approved as to Form and Content for
Reli e by the City of Sebastian Only:
Robert A. Ginsburg, City A torney
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COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
Between
Cf1Y OF
S[BASTIlkN
HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND
THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA
and
COASTAL FLORIDA POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION, INC.
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Contract Tei-rn From:
October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
AGREEMENT.................................................................................. ............................... 3
PREAMBLE...................................................................................... ..............................4
CHAPTER I — RECOGNITION
Article1
Recognition .................................................................. ...............................
5
Article
2
Organizational Survey ................................................. ...............................
6
Article
3
No Strike or Lockout ................................................... ...............................
7
Article
4
Non - Discrimination ..................................................... ...............................
8
Article
5
Dues Deductions .......................................................... ...............................
9
Article
6
Equal. Employment Opportunity /Affirmative Action .. ...............................
10
Article
7
Labor Management Communications .......................... ...............................
11
Article
8
P.B.A. Representation .:................................................ ...............................
12
Article
9
Bulletin Board .............................................................. ...............................
13
Article
10
Personnel Records ........................................................ ...............................
14
Article
11
Rights of Law Enforcement Officers While Under Investigation ..............
15
Article12
Legal Benefit ................................................................ ...............................
19
CHAPTER II — MANAGEMENT RIGHTS
Article 13 Management Rights ....................................................... .............................20
Article 14 Discipline and Discharge .... ...............................
.......... ...............................
CHAPTER III — RATES OF PAY
Article 15 Rates of Pay ..................... ...............................
Article 16 Temporary Assignment .... ...............................
Article 17 Assignment Pay ............... ...............................
Article 18 Injury Pay and Light Duty Assignments.........
Article 19 Call -Back Pay .................. ...............................
Article 20 On -Call Pay ...................... ...............................
Article 21 Court Appearances ........... ...............................
Article 22 Bereavement Leave .......... ...............................
Article 23 Military Leave .................................................
Article24 Jury Duty .......................... ...............................
Article 25 Voting Time/Political Activity .......................
Article 26 Longevity Pay .................. ...............................
CHAPTER IV — HOURS OF WORK/OVERTIME
............. .............................22
............. .............................24
............. .............................25
............. .............................26
............. .............................27
............. .............................28
............. .............................29
............ ..............................3 0
............. .............................31
............ ..............................3 2
............ ..............................3 3
............. .............................34
Article 27 Basic Workweek and Overtime .... ............................... ..................... ...35
Article28 Holidays ......................................................................... .............................36
CHAPTER V — SENIORITY
Article29 Seniority .. ............................... .................................... .............................37
Article 30 Layoff and Recall ........................................................... .............................38
Article 31 Promotional Examinations ............................................. .............................39
Article 32 Probationary Personnel .................................................. .............................41
CHAPTER VI — LEAVES
Article 33 Vacation Leave .............................................................. .............................42
Article34 Sick Leave ...................................................................... .............................44
Article 35 Personal Leave ............................................................... .............................46
Article 36 Leave of Absence ........................................................... .............................47
CHAPTER VII — GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Article 37 Grievance Procedure ...................................................... .............................48
Article 38 Arbitration ...................................................................... .............................51
Article 39 Performance Rating Review .......................................... .............................53
CHAPTER VIII — HEALTH CARE
Article 40 Group Health Insurance ............................ ............................... ..............54
CHAPTER IX — GENERAL
Article 41 Clothing Maintenance, Equipment and Vehicles .......... .............................55
Article 42 Tuition Payment Plan ..................................................... .............................56
Article 43 Health and Safety ........................................................... .............................58
Article44 Training .......................................................................... .............................59
Article 45 Off -Duty Employment .................................................. .............................60
Article 46 Substance Abuse Testing ............................................... .............................61
Article47 Savings Clause ............................................................... .............................62
Article 48 Duration of Agreement, Dates ......... ...............................
SIGNATUREPAGE .......................................................................... .............................64
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AGREEMENT
Section 1. This Collective Bargaining Agreement ( "Agreement') is entered into by and between the
City of Sebastian, Florida, ( "City" or the "Employer "), and the Coastal Florida Police
Benevolent Association, Inc., ( "P.B.A. "). It is the intent and purpose of this Agreement to
assure sound and mutually beneficial working and economic relationships between the parties
hereto; to provide an orderly, prompt, and peaceful means of resolving disputes involving
interpretation, or application of this. Agreement; and to set forth herein basic and full
agreement between the parties concerning wages, hours, and terms and conditions of
employment.
Section 2. Upon the effective date of this Agreement it shall supersede and supplant that certain
Agreement between the City and P.B.A. dated October 1, 2011 and any supplemental
agreements, thereto or thereunder.
Section 3. Throughout this Agreement, masculine gender pronouns shall be read to include feminine
gender where appropriate.
PREAMBLE
Whereas, the intent and purpose of this Agreement is to maintain and further harmonious and
cooperative labor management relations upon a constructive and sound foundation; and
Whereas, the cornerstone of this foundation is the mutual acceptance and recognition of the rights
and obligations of both parties, in order that the joint responsibilities of the public employer and public
employee to represent the public be fulfilled and the order and uninterrupted. functions of government be
assured; and
Whereas, the City is engaged in furnishing essential public services vital to the health, safety,
protection, comfort, and general well -being of the public, and both parties hereto recognize the need for
continuous and reliable service to the public; and
Whereas, both the City and its employees have a high degree of responsibility to the public and
recognize the need for continuous and reliable service to the public; and
Whereas, since both parties recognize this mutual responsibility, they have entered into this
Agreement as an instrument and means to permit them to fulfill said responsibility;
Now therefore, in consideration of the premises and promises set forth herein and the benefits and
advantages accruing or expected to accrue to the parties hereto and those covered by this Agreement by
reason thereof, said parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
RECOGNITION
The City of Sebastian hereby recognizes the Coastal Florida Police Benevolent Association,
Inc., P.B.A. as the exclusive Bargaining Agent for purposes of collective bargaining with
respect to wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment for all employees in the
Bargaining Unit.
1.2: The Bargaining Unit for which this recognition is accorded is as defined in Certification
Number 1108 granted by the Public Employees Relations Commission on October 3, 1995,
comprised of all full -time permanent Police Officers, and Police Sergeants of the City of
Sebastian. Excluded are Police Chief, Police Captains, and Police Lieutenants, Reserve or
Auxiliary Police of all ranks, managerial, supervisory, or confidential and all other City
employees, as well as, any unclassified employees yet to exist, except those identified above.
1.3: The P.B.A. recognizes the City Manager or representative as the sole representative for the
purpose of collective bargaining.
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ARTICLE 2
ORGANIZATIONAL SURVEY
2.1: The P.B.A. agrees that the City may conduct from time to time organizational climate surveys
of members of the bargaining unit. The purpose of such surveys is to improve the
organizational culture and climate of the various work units and to assist management in
providing a more positive work environment for employees.
2.2: Prior to and upon completion of survey activity, the City agrees to meet and confer with the
duly elected P.B.A. Employee Representatives to discuss survey content.
2.3: The surveys shall not include any reference to the P.B.A. organization or its representatives.
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ARTICLE 3
NO STRIKE OR LOCK OUT
3.1: Strike, as used in this agreement, shall mean the concerted failure of employees to report for
duty; the concerted absence of employees from their positions; the concerted stoppage of work
by employees; the concerted submission of resignations of employees; the concerted
abstinence, in whole or in part, by any group of employees from the full and faithful
performance of their duties of employment with the Employer for the purpose of inducing,
influencing, condoning, or coercing a change in the terms and conditions of employment or the
rights, privileges or obligations of public employment, or participating in a deliberate and
concerted course of conduct which adversely affects the services of the Employer; the
concerted failure of employees to report to work after expiration of a collective bargaining
agreement.
3.2: The PBA recognizes that it and all acting in concert with it shall be liable to the penalties set
forth in Section 447.507, Florida Statutes, in the event of a strike in violation of this Article.
3.3: Members of the P.B.A. shall not engage in any walkout, strike, sit -down, or other interference
with or interruption of police services during the term of this Agreement. The PBA recognizes
that strikes by public employees are prohibited by Article I, Section 6 of the Florida
Constitution and Section 447.505, Florida Statutes. The PBA agrees not to authorize, instigate,
or otherwise support a strike, as defined in Section 1, above and to take all affirmative action's
legally available to prevent or terminate any strike that occurs in contravention of this
commitment.
3.4: The City agrees to accept and abide by all the terms and conditions of this Agreement and
agrees that during the term of this Agreement it will not lock out members of the Bargaining
Unit.
3.5: The City recognizes the right of the P.B.A. to engage in informational picketing as long as such
picketing is done in a lawful manner in accordance with Florida Statutes. The P.B.A. agrees
that there will be no interference with the free and unrestricted right of any City employee to
enter and leave City property.
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ARTICLE 4
NON - DISCRIMINATION
4.1: It is agreed that no employee shall be required as a condition of employment to join or refrain
from joining the P.B.A.
4.2: The City agrees it will not discriminate against, coerce, or intimidate any employee covered by
this Agreement because of membership or non - membership in the P.B.A.
ARTICLE 5
DUES DEDUCTION
5.1: Any member of the bargaining unit covered by this Agreement may authorize a payroll
deduction for the purpose of paying Union dues. Such authorization shall become effective
only upon receipt by the City payroll section of a fully executed Dues Deduction Form (as
authorized) from any employee.
5.2: The P.B.A. will initially notify the City as to the amount of dues. Such notification to the City
will be in writing and from an official of the P.B.A. Changes in Union membership dues will
similarly be certified to the City at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of that
change.
5.3: Dues shall be deducted bi- weekly and thereafter shall be remitted monthly to the P.B.A. as it is
now remitted and shall be accompanied by a list of those employee's names whose dues are
included. Remittance of dues shall occur no later than five days following the last payroll of
each month.
5.4: The effective date for deducting dues shall be the beginning of the pay period following the
date the Dues Deduction Form is signed. The effective date for stopping dues deduction shall
be at the beginning of the pay period thirty (30) days following the date the form is signed.
5.5: The P.B.A. agrees to indemnify and hold harmless against any claims, suits, orders, or
judgments brought or issued against the City based on any payroll deductions of dues as
provided for in this Article.
5.6: The P.B.A. agrees that no employees will collect or attempt to collect dues or assignments at
any time during working hours, other than during break periods or periods before or after duty
hours, on the City's property.
5.7: No deductions shall be made from the pay of any employee for any payroll period in which the
employee's net earnings for that payroll period, after other deductions, are less than the amount
to be deducted.
5.8: The P.B.A. Authorization letter shall be prepared by the P.B.A. and shall be forwarded to the
Administrative Services Department.
5.9: All persons currently on dues deduction shall continue without further authorization.
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ARTICLE 6
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY /AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
6.1: The City and the P.B.A. agree to full and unequivocal cooperation with each other in
eliminating all discrimination and to assure all personnel programs, policies, and assignments
are free from discriminatory practices.
6.2: The parties recognize that it is mutually beneficial to resolve any problem of alleged
discrimination as amicably and expeditiously as possible and agree that each shall make a good
faith effort to settle such dispute informally within the Department before any formal complaint
is filed.
6.3: An Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint may be an allegation of discrimination on
the basis of-
a) race, color, religion, sex, national origin as prohibited by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as
amended, or by applicable state and local law;
b) age as prohibited by the Age Discrimination Act of 1967, as amended, or by applicable
state or local law;
c) sex as prohibited by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, or by applicable
state or local law;
d) recognized physical handicapping conditions as prohibited by the Rehabilitation Act of
` 1973, as amended, or by applicable state or local law;
e) marital status or lawful political affiliation, as prohibited under Federal Law and Florida
- Statutes, or applicable local law.
6.4: In the case of an EEO complaint based on the grounds stated in Section 3 of this Article, the
employee may seek recourse exclusively under applicable statutory procedures, and the
complaint will be processed in accordance with the current and applicable rules and regulations
of the appropriate federal, state, or local agency.
6.5: The P.B.A. agrees to fully support the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. The
P.B.A. shall be included in the negotiation of any future consent decrees that affect the P.B.A.
and its members. The P.B.A. and the City agree to abide by any future court- approved consent
decree to which both parties have consented.
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ARTICLE 7
LABOR MANAGEMENT COMMUNICATIONS
7.1 The City agrees that periodic meetings, mutually agreed upon, between Association
Representatives and the City's employee relations officials will be held to discuss problems and
objectives of mutual concern involving the implementation and administration of this
Agreement. The function of these meetings will be to discuss general matters pertaining to
employee relations. P.B.A representation shall be limited to two (2) Unit Representatives
during Labor Management meetings. The Coastal P.B.A. may bring as many officials as
deemed necessary. Prior to the meeting, both parties agree to identify who will be present.
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ARTICLE 8
P.B.A. REPRESENTATION
8.1: The Employer agrees to recognize elected officers and Union Representatives of the P.B.A.
The Employer agrees that during the terms of this Agreement it will deal only with such
authorized representatives in matters requiring official action by the parties in accordance with
this Agreement.
8.2: P.B.A. shall appoint (2) bargaining unit members for all the units represented by the P.B.A. to
serve as the Unit Representatives for all employees in those units. The Unit Representatives
and the alternate Unit Representatives shall be a City employee on payroll status and shall be
responsible for labor relation activities associated with the administration of this Agreement.
Furthermore, Unit Representatives shall be responsible for the coordinating and processing of
grievances for all the Local Union members, and shall conduct activities to avoid overlapping
or duplicating services of any other union representatives. These activities shall be conducted
without disrupting the work of any City employees who are not directly involved.
8.3: The P.B.A. agrees that Unit Representatives shall not be permitted to leave their assigned duty
stations during working hours without authorization of their Supervisor or the Police Chief.
The P.B.A. agrees to conduct all P.B.A. business outside of normal working hours in order not
to disrupt the work of unit employees. This shall not preclude the grievance procedure from
being conducted during normal working hours.
8.4: The City agrees to allow up to two Unit Representatives of the P.B.A. who are on duty at the
time negotiations take place with the City and the P.B.A., time away from their regular
duties /shift assignments without loss of wages or benefits as long as it does not create a
manpower /shift shortage. This will be done with the knowledge and permission of the Police
Chief or his designee.
8.5: The Employer will maintain job descriptions for job classifications covered by this Agreement
and will notify the P.B.A. of any intent to change such job classifications.
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ARTICLE 9
BULLETIN BOARD
9.1: The City agrees to allow the P.B.A. the use of a bulletin board of reasonable size and
department e-mail for the posting of notices of its official business pertaining to its members
and to unit employees. No scurrilous, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable material will be
posted or e- mailed. Any material, at the discretion of the City that contravenes this provision
shall be ordered removed by the City. Any material so removed, or a copy thereof, shall be
given to the P.B.A. by placing in the P.B.A. representative's inter - office mailbox.
9.2: The bulletin board and/or department e-mail shall be used for the posting of the following:
(1) Notices of P.B.A. recreational and social affairs.
(2) Notices of P.B.A. elections and the results of such elections.
(3) Notices of P.B.A. appointments or other official union business.
(4) Notices of P.B.A. meetings.
Copies of all materials, notices, or announcements shall be submitted to the Police Chief or
designee, before they are posted. All notices shall be signed by a duly authorized P.B.A.
representative. Any other notices, including any notices containing information other than
purpose, date, time, and place, may be posted on the designated P.B.A. bulletin board and/or
delivered by department e-mail only with the approval of the City.
9.3: All costs incidental to the preparation and posting of P.B.A. material will be borne by the
P.B.A. The P.B.A. is responsible for posting and removing approved materials on the
designated bulletin board and for maintaining such bulletin board in an orderly condition.
13.
ARTICLE 10
PERSONNEL RECORDS
10.1: Each employee covered by this Agreement, shall have the right to inspect his official personnel
files, provided however, that such inspection shall take place during working hours at the
location where the official personnel files are kept. There shall be a personnel file maintained
by the City that shall be considered the official personnel file for purposes of personnel actions.
This file shall be maintained by the Administrative Services Director and shall be kept at the
Administrative Services Department, and shall not contain any reference to disciplinary
matters. All disciplinary and internal affair matters shall be maintained at the police department
under the control of the Police Chief or his designee; all copies of disciplinary actions shall be
forwarded to the Administrative Services Director
10.2: The City will have the employee sign for a copy of any adverse action document to be placed in
an employee's personnel file prior to the document being placed into the file. Employees shall
have the right to file a written response to any letter of reprimand or other document that is
placed in the employee's official personnel file as a result of supervisory action or citizen
complaint. Any such written response shall be included in the employee's official personnel
file together with the letter of reprimand or other document against which it is directed. To the
extent permitted by law and in order to protect the privacy and promote the safety of individual
police officers, the City agrees not to directly or indirectly furnish the news media or public
with any employee's home address, telephone number, photograph, and/or personnel records
without the employee's consent.
10.3: The PBA agrees not to directly or indirectly furnish the news media or the public with
personnel records without the consent of the City and the employee, thus mutually agreeing to
the confidentiality of personnel records other than required by law.
10.4: Written reprimands shall not be used when considering subsequent discipline where an officer
has no disciplinary action against him after receiving two (2) or more performance evaluations
from the issuance of the reprimand as long as the same or a similar situation has not occurred.
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ARTICLE 11
RIGHTS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WHILE UNDER
INVESTIGATION, INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS AND OBLIGATIONS
TO THE PUBLIC
11.1: The parties recognize that the security of the City and its Citizens depends to a great extent
upon the manner in which the employees covered by this Agreement perform their various
duties. Further, the parties recognize that the performance of such duties involves the
employees in all manner of contacts and relationships with the public, and out of such contacts
and relationships, questions or complaints may arise concerning the actions of employees
covered by this Agreement. Investigation of such questions and/or complaints must necessarily
be conducted by, or under the direction of, departmental sworn supervisory officials whose
primary concern must be the security of the City and preservation of the public interest.
A. In order to maintain the security of the City and protect the interests of its citizens, the
parties agree that the City must have the unrestricted right to conduct investigations of
citizen complaints and matters of internal security; provided, however, that any
investigative interrogation of any employee covered by this Agreement relative to a
citizen's complaint and/or a matter of internal security shall be conducted under the
following conditions and in accordance with Florida Statute Chapter 112 which is
incorporated herein in its entirety as a part of this agreement (should Florida Statute 112 be
amended during this Agreement, such amendment shall automatically be incorporated
herein):
(1) The interrogation shall be conducted at a reasonable hour, preferably at a time when
the employee is on duty, unless the seriousness of the investigation is of such a
degree that immediate action is required.
(2) The employee under investigation shall be informed of the nature of the investigation
prior to any interrogation and no later than forty-five (45) calendar days after the
investigation is initiated. The employee shall be informed of the names of all
complainants. All identifiable witnesses shall be interviewed, whenever possible,
prior to the beginning of the investigative interview of the accused officer. The
complaint and all witness statements shall be provided to the officer who is the
subject of the complaint prior to the beginning of any investigative interview of that
officer. An officer, after being informed of the right to review witness statements,
may voluntarily waive the provision of this paragraph and provide a voluntary
statement at any time.
(3) The employee under investigation shall be informed of the rank, name, and command
of the officer in charge of the investigation, the interrogation officer, and all persons
present during the interrogation. All questions directed to the employee under
interrogation shall be asked by and through one (1) interrogator during any one
investigative interrogation only, unless specifically waived by the subject officer.
(4) Interrogation sessions shall be for reasonable periods and shall be timed to allow for
such rest periods as are reasonably necessary. All interrogations shall be held at the
headquarters of the Sebastian Police Department.
(5) At the request of the employee under investigation, he /she shall have the right to be
represented by counsel or of any other representative of his/her choice, to be present
at all times during such interrogation.
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(6) The formal interrogation of an employee, including all recess periods, shall be
recorded, and there shall be no unrecorded questions or statement.
(7) If the employee under interrogation is under arrest or is likely to be placed under
arrest as a result of the interrogation, he /she shall be completely informed of all
his/her Miranda and/or Garrity v. N.J. rights prior to the commencement of the
interrogation.
(8) No employee shall be ordered or be able to volunteer to submit to any device
designed to measure the truth of his/her responses during questioning.
(9) During interrogations, the employee shall not be subjected to offensive language or
threats of transfer, dismissal, or other disciplinary actions. The interrogator does not
have the right to make a promise of reward as an inducement to answering questions.
(10) During interrogations covered hereunder, questions shall be limited to the
circumstances surrounding the allegations, which are the subject of the investigation.
(11) In the interest of the internal security and fairness to the employee under
investigation (criminal or administrative), the City, employee, and union
representative or agent, insofar as is legally permissible, agree to make no statement
concerning the investigation until such time as the investigation has been completed.
(12) An employee under investigation may obtain a copy of any written statement he /she
has executed.
(13) In all cases wherein an employee is to be interrogated concerning an alleged violation
of the department's Rules and Regulations which, if proven, may result in his/her
dismissal or in some other disciplinary measure, he /she shall be afforded a reasonable
opportunity and facilities to contact and consult privately with an attorney of his/her
choice and a representative of the P.B.A. before being interrogated. However, except
by mutual agreement, the interrogation may be postponed for no more than forty-
eight (48) hours to provide this opportunity.
(14) Any employee may be ordered to submit to a blood test to determine the percentage
of alcohol in his/her blood if the employee appears to be under the influence of
alcohol. Such test may be given if requested by the employee.
(15) No employee will be compelled by the City to speak or testify or be questioned by
any non - governmental agency.
(16) In cases where the City chooses to relieve an employee from duty pending an
investigation, the following conditions shall prevail:
1. The employee will remain on full salary and allowances, and shall not lose any
benefits during this period of time.
2. Should disciplinary action result from the investigation, that period of time in
which the employee was relieved from duty will be included in the disciplinary
action. In the event that an employee has been paid, the employee's accumulated
vacation leave or compensatory time shall be charged as a set -off at the
employee's option.
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(17) During internal investigations, questions shall be limited to the circumstances
surrounding the officer's alleged violation of department rules.
(18) The findings of the internal affairs investigation shall be labeled Sustained (guilty as
charged), Exonerated (act occurred, but was justified), Unfounded (act did not occur),
or Not - Sustained (not guilty). No other terminology may be used.
(19) Only letters of complaints from citizens, which have been sustained in whole or in
part, will be inserted'in an officer's personnel record.
(20) The City shall not discipline any employee without just cause or due process;
however, the City may discharge any probationary employee without just cause or
due process.
(21) Any employee involved in a shooting where injury and/or death occurs, shall not be
compelled to make any oral or written statements. The employee shall be given the
necessary time to consult with his/her attorney prior to any oral or written statements
being requested.
B. In any case where the City believes there is just cause for loss of pay or more serious
disciplinary action the employee and the P.B.A. shall be notified in writing.
C. In the event an employee becomes the subject of a formal departmental or City
investigation arising from a citizen's complaint or allegation, the department or the City,
whichever is appropriate, shall individually notify the employee of the complaint. Upon
conclusion of the formal investigation, the employee will be notified of the disposition of
the complaint.
11.2: Notice of Disciplinary Action — No dismissal, demotion, transfer, reassignment,. or other
personnel action which might result in loss of pay or benefits or which is taken purely as a
punitive measure shall be taken against any law enforcement officer unless such law
enforcement officer is notified of the action and the reason or reasons therefore prior to the
effective date of such action.
11.3: Retaliation for Exercising Rights —No law enforcement officer shall be discharged; disciplined;
demoted; denied promotion, transfer, or reassignment; or otherwise discriminated against in
regard to his/her employment or be threatened with any such treatment by reason of his/her
exercise of the rights granted in this Article.
11.4: If a complaint is brought against a bargaining unit member from any source outside the City's
Police Department and the investigation of the complaint is to result in disciplinary action
against the bargaining unit member, he /she may request the appointment of a Complaint
Review Board within ten (10) working days of notification of discipline identified in 11:2.
A. The Complaint Review Board shall be comprised of three (3) law enforcement officers
from any State, County or Municipal agency within Indian River County. One member
will be selected by the Police Chief, one .by the officer against whom the complaint is
registered and one who shall be selected by the other two members.
B. The Complaint Review Board shall meet promptly to review the complaint that has been
brought, all of the available evidence in the case and an explanation of the case by the
bargaining unit member or their representative. The Board shall make a
recommendation(s) to the Police Chief for whatever action it deems appropriate.
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C. The recommendation(s) of the Complaint Review Board are advisory only and shall not
restrict the Police Chief in making a final decision concerning the disciplinary action, if
any, to be taken, nor shall it restrict the bargaining unit member's right to grieve any
disciplinary action that results from the complaint.
11.5: No bargaining unit member shall be disciplined, except termination or written reprimand, until
such time as the bargaining unit member's grievance appeal (excluding arbitration) of the
discipline is completed or until the time frame for a grievance has expired.
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ARTICLE 12
LEGAL BENEFIT
12.1: The City shall, upon the request of any employee covered by this Agreement and after notice of
the suit against the employee has been given to the Office of the City Attorney, within ten (10)
days after service upon the employee, undertake the defense of that employee against any civil
damage suit in which the Complainant in the suit alleges that the employee was acting within
the scope and course of his/her employment and does not allege that the employee acted in bad
faith, or with malicious purpose or in a manner exhibiting wanton and willful disregard of
human rights, safety, or property.
12.2: The City shall, upon the request of an employee covered by this Agreement and after notice of
the suit against the employee has been timely received by the Office of the City Attorney,
within ten (10) days after service upon the employee, undertake the defense of that employee
against any civil damage suit in which the Complainant in the suit alleges that the employee
was acting within the scope of his/her employment, even if the Complainant also alleges in the
alternative that the employee acted in bad faith, or with malicious purpose or in a manner
exhibiting wanton and willful disregard of human rights, safety, or property. However, in those
cases in which the City has reason to believe that there exists a substantial factual basis for the
allegations in the suit of bad faith, malicious purpose or in actions exhibiting wanton and
willful disregard of human rights, safety, or property, the employee shall be notified that he/she
must provide his/her defense at his/her own expense, and the City shall not be required to either
continue or undertake the defense of the employee.
12.3: In a civil damage suit in which a defense is provided by the City, the City will indemnify that
employee against any judgments, except for punitive damages, rendered in that suit against the
employee as a result of his/her actions which occurred while he /she was acting within the scope
and course of his/her employment, up to the limits specified in 768.28(5), Florida Statutes, as
amended.
12.4: At any time after the City has undertaken the defense of an employee in a civil damage suit, the
employee, at his/her own expense, may, with the permission of the City, hire counsel of his/her
own choice and substitute that counsel, with the consent of the applicable court, for the counsel
provided by the City without affecting the employee's rights to indemnification under Section 3
of this Article.
12.5: The employee agrees to cooperate fully with the City if the City undertakes the defense of the
employee. Failure to cooperate shall relieve the City of its obligation to defend or indemnify
the employee.
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ARTICLE 13
MANAGEMENT RIGHTS
13.1: The P.B.A. agrees that the City has and will continue to retain, whether exercised or not, the
right to operate and manage its affairs in all respects except as modified by other articles of this
Agreement. The rights of the City, through its management officials, shall include but not be
limited to the following:
A. To determine the organization of the City Government.
B. To determine the purpose of each of its constituent departments.
C. To exercise control. and discretion over the organization and efficiency of operations of the
City.
D. To set standards for service to be offered to the public.
E. To manage and direct the employees of the City including the right to assign work and
overtime, and to establish, modify, or change rules and regulations applicable to employees
covered by this Agreement.
F. To hire, examine, classify, promote, train, transfer, and assign, employees in positions with
the City.
G. To suspend, demote, discharge, or take other disciplinary action and impose sanctions for
just cause involving deficiencies in performance and/or deficiencies in conduct.
H. To increase, reduce, change, modify, or alter the composition of the work force, including
the right to relieve employees from duties because of lack of work and/or lack of funds.
I. To determine the location, method, means, and personnel by which operations are to be
conducted, including the right to determine whether goods or services are to be made or
purchased or to be contracted out or subcontracted.
J. To determine the number of employees to be employed by the City.
K. To establish, change, or modify the number, types, and grades of positions or employees
assigned to an organization, department or division thereof, or project.
L. To establish, change, or modify duties, tasks, and responsibilities or requirements within
job classifications that are not terms and conditions of employment in the interest of
efficiency, economy, technological change, or operating requirements.
13.2: The City has the authority and obligation to determine the purpose and mission of the City and
the amount of budget to be adopted by the City Council.
13.3: If, at the sole discretion of the City, it is determined that a civil emergency condition exists
including but not limited to strikes, work stoppages, riots, civil disorders, hurricane conditions,
or similar circumstances, the provisions of this Agreement may be suspended during the time of
the declared emergency, provided that wage rates and insurance shall not be suspended.
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ARTICLE 14
DISCIPLINE AND DISCHARGE
Employees may be disciplined for just cause involving deficiencies in performance and/or deficiencies in
conduct. Employees so disciplined shall be provided with written notice of the basis for such discipline.
Disciplinary action shall be taken in accordance with internal Police Department General Orders.
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ARTICLE 15
RATES OF PAY
15.1: For the first year of this Agreement (October 1, 2013 — September 30, 2014) there shall be no
rate of pay increase for any steps of pay grade 27 and 30.
15.2 For the second year of this Agreement (October 1, 2014 — September 30, 2015), the parties
agree to collectively negotiate a potential change in rate of pay for all steps of pay grade 27 and
30. Any rate of pay negotiated must be duly ratified by both parties.
15.3 For the third year of this Agreement (October 1, 2015 — September 30, 2016), the parties agree
to collectively negotiate a potential change in rate of pay for all steps of pay grade 27 and 30.
Any rate of pay negotiated must be duly ratified by both parties.
15.4: Effective October 1, 2007, Officer's and Sergeant's, who receive State incentive money for
training and education, excluding Corrections courses, will receive an amount from the City up
to $1,560 annually.
15.5: For the purpose of the Agreement, the term anniversary date shall mean the anniversary of an
employee's date of employment or promotion in the bargaining unit. For the purposes of
longevity, the date of hire with the City shall prevail.
15.6: Not available from October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2016. A new police officer without
any demonstrated education, training or experience in that job title, shall be placed at the first
step of the pay plan. This employee shall be eligible for movement to the next step at the
completion of his/her first year of continuous, unbroken employment with the City in his/her
job classification provided that such employee receives at least a satisfactory performance
evaluation upon his/her anniversary date.
15.7: The city reserves the right, based upon a new employee's previous education, training and
experience, to exercise lateral entry and initially place such employee in any of the first four
pay steps that are allocated for the job title of police officer.
15.8: In the event a Police Officer is promoted to the job classification of Sergeant, the promoted
employee shall be entitled to the entry level for Sergeant or a four (4) step increase to the
closest step in the Sergeant's pay grade, whichever is greater.
15.9: Sergeant pay shall not increase above pay grade 30E — Step 20.
15.10: Not available from October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2016. On or after October 1, of
each fiscal year, all bargaining unit members shall advance to the next higher pay step for their
job title upon receipt of an annual evaluation which is at least satisfactory. In the event an
employee's performance is below satisfactory, the City shall inform the employee, in writing,
of his/her specific deficiencies and allow the employee a reasonable time, not to exceed ninety
(90) days, to correct his/her performance. The City shall delay movement of the employee to
the next pay step for his/her job title until such deficiencies are corrected.
15.11: Not available from October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2016. Step increases, as set forth
above, shall continue for the duration of this contract.
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15.12: All investigators shall receive a non - uniformed clothing allowance in a bi- annual amount of
four hundred ($400) dollars payable in two lump sum payments of four hundred ($400) on
October 1st and April 1st of each year. This amount is in addition to the allowance allowed
under Article 41.4. In the event an officer does not remain an Investigator the entire bi -annual
period after receiving his /her clothing allowance, the officer shall repay the City on a pro rata
basis. These allowances shall be paid in a separate check.
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ARTICLE 16
TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT
16.1: The Police Chief or his designee may, in writing, assign a bargaining unit member to a higher
classification for a temporary period. The affected bargaining unit member shall be entitled to
receive a $3.00 an hour increase to their hourly wage for all hours worked, including overtime,
in that higher classification. The provisions of this section shall apply to temporary
assignments to the position of Sergeant only. A bargaining unit member shall not be eligible for
Assignment Pay as provided in Article 17 while they are receiving Temporary Assignment pay
provided in this article.
16.2: Appointment as an investigator is considered duty assignment and not a promotion with the
same provisions as a temporary assignment. The bargaining unit member shall receive one -step
higher than his/her regular rate of pay to their base pay while serving as an investigator. In the
event the bargaining unit member serves as an investigator for three consecutive years or more
and is transferred from that assignment, the member shall retain the one -step increase in their
base rate of pay. Bargaining unit members shall only be eligible for this one step increase, one
time during their employment with the City of Sebastian Police Department.
16.3: Appointment as an Acting Shift Supervisor, in the absence of the Shift Sergeant, is considered a
duty assignment and not a promotion with the same provisions as a temporary assignment. The
bargaining unit member assigned to a specific shift by the Police Chief or his designee will be
issued insignia, to be placed on the sleeve, for each of their issued uniform shirts to indicate the
higher classification. If the bargaining unit member is transferred from Road Patrol or given a
different assignment, then the employee will no longer use the insignia.
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ARTICLE 17
ASSIGNMENT PAY
17.1: A Police Officer assigned the duty position of Field Training Officer (FTO) shall be entitled to
$3.00 per hour additional compensation, including overtime, while actually assigned to a
trainee.
17.2: A Police Officer assigned as an instructor, shall be entitled to $3.00 per hour additional
compensation, including overtime, during the period of providing in -house instruction only.
17.3: A bargaining member shall only be directed to perform one assignment upgrade per hour as
provided in Article(s) 16.1, 17.1 or 17.2; therefore, the bargaining member shall be entitled to
be compensated for one assignment pay upgrade per hour.
ARTICLE 18
INJURY PAY AND LIGHT DUTY ASSIGNMENTS
18.1: Any regular full -time employee who sustains a temporary disability as a result of and arising
out of employment by the City as provided by the Worker's Compensation Law of the State of
Florida, shall, in addition to the benefits payable under the Worker's Compensation Law be
entitled to the following:
A. During the first eighty (80) working days of such disability, the employee shall receive net
supplemental pay based upon his/her net take home pay reduced by the Worker's
Compensation indemnity payment.
B. Thereafter, the employee may utilize any accrued sick or annual leave in order to receive
supplemental pay based upon his/her net take home pay reduced by the Worker's
Compensation indemnity payment until such annual or sick leave is exhausted.
C. Upon exhaustion of all paid leave, the City may, at its discretion, grant an unpaid leave of
absence to the employee for a period not to exceed one year.
18.2: If any employee, due to an on-the-job injury, is temporarily or partially disabled from
performing the duties of his/her classification, but is determined to be able to perform light duty
by a physician designated by the City, the employee may be required to perform such duty or
lose the employment connected disability leave supplemental benefits. Assignment to light
duty shall be considered a temporary assignment, without reduction in pay. Such a
reassignment shall be to other duties commensurate with medical and mental fitness, subject to
availability of suitable work, and the employee's qualifications for the position. However, an
employee shall not be permitted to continue in a light duty position after reaching his/her
maximum medical improvement.
18.3: Any employee who suffers an employment connected injury may be required by the City to be
examined every twenty (20) working days by a medical doctor, specified and provided by the
City, who shall determine the employee's condition and fitness for full or partial return to duty.
18.4: No employee will be entitled to employment connected with disability leave with the benefits
described herein if the injury suffered has been determined to have been the result of intentional
self - infliction or where the disability or illness continues as a result of the employee's failure to
cooperate with medical advice or corrective therapy.
18.5: While receiving employment connected disability benefits, an employee shall be entitled to all
benefits which he /she would normally receive pursuant to his/her employment with the City.
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ARTICLE 19
CALL BACK PAY
19.1: A bargaining unit member, who is called to return to work after completing his/her scheduled
shift and has left the work place of the City, shall be paid at the rate of time and one -half (1-
1/2) the regular rate for hours worked with a minimum of three (3) hours. Travel time shall be
considered time worked.
19.2: A bargaining unit member called back to work who is on authorized leave shall be paid at the
rate of time and one -half (1 -1/2) the regular rate for hours worked with a minimum of three (3)
hours. Such employee shall not be charged for leave for any such hours worked. Travel time
shall be considered time worked.
19.3: The three (3) hours minimum call -back pay shall not apply in those instances wherein the
overtime commences one and one -half (1 -1/2) or fewer hours prior to and runs continuously
into the employee's regular shift; or the employee is called back to work to rectify his/her own
error or omission which cannot wait until the employee's next shift. In such instances, the
employee shall be compensated for the exact hours worked at the appropriate rate.
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ARTICLE 20
ON -CALL PAY
20.1 Designated bargaining unit members required to be on -call shall receive one hour at time and
one -half Monday through Friday, and receive two hours at time and one half Saturday and
Sunday. On -call personnel include one detective, and one MACE Detective. The list will
rotate weekly. The MACE Detective shall only be paid for one on call week per month, unless
directed by their Supervisor. On call hours shall not be considered hours worked for overtime
calculations. This article does not apply to Officers being placed on -call because of emergency
situations, ex. Hurricanes.
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ARTICLE 21
COURT APPEARANCES
21.1: Any bargaining unit employee who is required to appear as a witness resulting from the
performance of his duties with the City shall be entitled to the following:
A. regular pay if called to testify during regularly scheduled hours;
B. a minimum of three (3) hours at one and one -half (1 -1 /2) times the employee's rate of
pay if called to testify outside the employee's regular hours of work.
C. In such cases, the employee will be required to assign the witness fee to the City.
21.2: Time off to respond to a subpoena to appear as a witness in a case unrelated to an employee's
duties as an employee of the City will be at the employee's own expense (vacation or unpaid
leave). Such leave shall not be denied.
21.3: Employees required to attend court while on scheduled vacation may be allowed to substitute
the pay enumerated in Section 1. B. instead of vacation leave for such period provided that the
court appearance meets the requirements of Section 1. of this Article.
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ARTICLE 22
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
22.1: Time Off Provision — When there is a death in a bargaining unit member's immediate family,
that employee shall be granted a Bereavement Leave of a maximum five (5) working days in
order to attend the funeral. Bereavement Leave will not be charged against sick leave,
vacation, compensatory or holiday time.
22.2: The bargaining unit member's immediate family is defined as the employee's spouse, children
(Including Step Children, supported by a marriage certificate), father, mother, brother, sister,
parents -in -law, grandchildren, or grandparents or any relative who is domiciled in the
bargaining unit member's household.
22.3: The City reserves the right to require documentation supporting Bereavement Leave after an
employee returns to work.
22.4: Any absence in excess of five (5) working days in connection with approved Bereavement
Leave will be charged to accrued annual leave or compensatory time, at the employee's option.
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ARTICLE 23
MILITARY LEAVE
23.1: City agrees to grant request for leave of absence with or without pay in accordance with Florida
State Statute 115.07 — Officers and employees' leave of absence for reserve or guard training.
23.2: The bargaining unit member shall be required to submit an order or statement from the
appropriate military commander as evidence of any such duty. Such order or statement must
accompany the form request for Military Leave at least two (2) weeks prior to the date such
leave is desired.
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ARTICLE 24
JURY DUTY
24.1: A permanent full -time bargaining unit member shall be granted time off, not to exceed eighty
(80) hours, at straight time pay for reporting to required jury duty upon presentation to the
bargaining unit member's supervisor of satisfactory evidence that such jury duty is required and
provided the time required for jury duty is the bargaining unit member's normal workday or
work shift. In order to be eligible, the employee must report at least seven (7) calendar days
prior to the date of jury duty to the immediate supervisor on the prescribed leave form with the
summons attached of the need to be absent because of a jury duty requirement.
24.2: Any compensation received by the bargaining unit member for jury duty shall be retained by
the employee; however, a pro rata amount of the jury duty pay received by the bargaining unit
member shall be deducted from the bargaining unit member's regular pay based upon that
portion of the regularly scheduled workday missed by the bargaining unit member. There shall
be no deduction for mileage pay or for the four (4) hour reporting period provided in Section 3
of this Article. A bargaining unit member seeking jury duty leave must substantiate any
compensation received for serving on jury duty by submitting a copy of the check(s) received
or a copy of the receipt(s) for any cash received.
24.3: If a bargaining unit member is released from jury duty within four (4) hours from the time
required to report for such jury duty, the employee shall be required to report for duty on that
date, provided that it is the bargaining unit member's regular work day or shift.
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ARTICLE 25
VOTING TIME/POLITICAL ACTIVITY
25.1: During a primary, general, or special election, a bargaining unit member who is a registered
voter and whose hours of work do not allow sufficient time for voting shall be allowed
necessary time off with pay for this purpose. Where polls are open two hours before and two
hours after the employee's regular scheduled work period, it shall be considered sufficient time
for voting.
25.2: Employees will be allowed to engage in the full range of political activities guaranteed to all
citizens while off duty and not in uniform.
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ARTICLE 26
LONGEVITY PAY
26.1 Longevity pay will be awarded according to the following schedule:
A. Bargaining unit members, after having completed ten (10) years of continuous services
with the City, will receive an increase in their base pay of five (5 %) percent. The. five
percent increase will be added to their base pay the first full payroll period following their
ten -year anniversary date.
B. Bargaining unit members, after having completed fifteen (15) years of continuous services
with the City, will receive an increase in their base pay of five (5 %) percent. The five
percent increase will be added to their base pay the first full payroll period following their
fifteen -year anniversary date.
C. Bargaining unit members, after having completed twenty (20) years of continuous services
with the City, will receive an increase in their base pay of five (5 %) percent. The five
percent increase will be added to their base pay the first full payroll period following their
twenty-year anniversary date.
D. Bargaining unit members, after having completed twenty-five (25) years of continuous
services with the City, will receive an increase in their base pay of seven and one -half
(7.5 %) percent. The seven and one -half percent increase will be added to their base pay the
first full payroll period following their twenty-five -year anniversary date.
E. Said adjustments(s) will be based on the bargaining unit member's original date of hire
regardless of the salary pay step the bargaining unit member is in at the time he or she
attains the required number of years.
F. Bargaining unit members in a part-time or temporary status at the time of their relevant
anniversary date will not be eligible for longevity increases.
G. Those bargaining unit members in- between the longevity periods of ten- to fifteen- years or
from fifteen -years to twenty-years or twenty-years to twenty-five -years shall, upon the
effective date of the contract, receive a one -time five (5 %) percent increase and shall
subsequently be eligible for future longevity increases in accordance with the above.
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ARTICLE 27
BASIC WORKWEEK AND OVERTIME
27.1: Fourteen (14) days shall constitute a normal work period for the bargaining unit members
covered by this Agreement, starting at 12:01 a.m. Sunday and ending at 12:00 midnight on
Saturday fourteen days later. Nothing herein shall guarantee an employee payment for eighty
(80) hours of work in any work period unless the employee actually works eighty (80) hours in
the work period. For the purposes of this Agreement, approved leave shall mean any leave
compensated by the City. The City agrees to provide a minimum 30 -day notice if it is
determined that the current work schedule should be modified. The PBA reserves the right to
negotiate any changes to the work schedule.
27.2: Hours worked in excess of eighty (80) hours in a fourteen (14). day work period shall be
compensated at the rate of time and one -half (1 1/2) of the bargaining unit member's regular,
hourly wage.
27.3: For the purposes of overtime compensation, time spent by a bargaining unit member on
personal leave, annual leave, sick leave, funeral leave, jury leave, military leave, or any other
approved leave with pay shall be considered time worked.
27.4: If any bargaining unit member has accrued overtime and desires to bank compensatory time at
a rate of time and one -half (1 -1/2) rather than be paid for the overtime, the bargaining unit
member shall, prior to the end of the fourteen (14) day work period in which the overtime was
credited, advise his/her supervisor of his/her desire to bank compensatory time in lieu of pay.
27.5: The Division Commanders shall attempt to accommodate the desires of a bargaining unit
member as to the time off desired, work schedules and conditions permitting. If no
compensatory time is requested, then the bargaining unit member shall be paid at the overtime
rate of time and one -half (1 -1/2). Employees may bank up to one hundred and twenty (120)
hours of compensatory time. Any unused time as of September 30'h of each year will be paid to
the employee in the next payroll check.
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ARTICLE 28
HOLIDAYS
28.1: The following shall be paid holidays for regular bargaining unit members:
NEW YEAR'S DAY
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
PRESIDENTS DAY
MEMORIAL DAY
INDEPENDENCE DAY
LABOR DAY
VETERANS DAY
THANKSGIVING DAY
FRIDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING DAY
CHRISTMAS EVE
CHRISTMAS DAY
ONE (1) FLOATING HOLIDAY
28.2: Holidays will be designated as the actual day of the holiday for the purposes of holiday pay.
Employees regularly scheduled to work Monday through Friday may be required to take the
observed, rather than the actual holiday as their designated holiday.
28.3: No regular full -time bargaining unit members shall receive pay for a holiday unless he /she is in
active pay status or actually works his/her normal schedule on the day immediately preceding
and following the day on which the holiday is observed. For purposes of this Article, "active
pay status" means approved sick or annual leave, military leave, jury duty or other approved
leave with pay.
28.4: Regular full -time bargaining unit members who are scheduled and/or required to work on the
actual holiday and who work on that day shall receive one and one -half (1 -1/2) times the
employee's regular hourly wage for each hour worked during the holiday in addition to their
scheduled hours (8 or 10 or 12) as holiday pay for the holiday.
28.5: Bargaining unit members who are not scheduled to work a holiday will receive 8, 10 or 12
hours of pay at straight time, not to be counted for overtime calculation. For example, if an
employee is scheduled Tuesday thru Friday and the holiday falls on Monday, the employee
would receive 8, 10 or 12 hours of straight pay for the holiday. The holiday pay would not be
included as hours worked for the purpose of overtime calculation.
28.6 Bargaining unit members must accumulate at least forty (40) working hours during the fiscal
year to be entitled to the Floating Holiday. Working hours are determined by time actually
present, on City time, including all paid meal and break periods.
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ARTICLE 29
SENIORITY
29.1: The City agrees that seniority shall consist of continuous accumulated paid service to the City.
29.2: Seniority shall be computed from the date of hire and shall accumulate during leaves of absence
due to injury, illness, vacation, or any other leave authorized and approved by the City.
29.3: Vacation periods for each calendar year shall be drawn by bargaining unit members on the
basis of seniority. When a bargaining unit member has selected dates for vacation the dates can
be changed, by mutual agreement, only to accommodate another bargaining unit member with
greater seniority and the request to change by the senior bargaining unit member is made at
least ninety (90) days prior to the first day of the previously scheduled vacation.
29.4: In the event of a vacancy in any department or division, including promotional vacancy,
seniority will be given reasonable consideration but will not be the determining factor.
29.5: Seniority will be given reasonable consideration in the selection of any bargaining unit member
to be sent to any type of schooling but shall not be the determining factor.
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ARTICLE 30
LAYOFF AND RECALL
30.1: Definition — A layoff is a reduction in the number of employees within the Department due to
lack of work, lack of funds, or for any reason other than the acts or delinquencies of the
employee. The City will lay off employees as herein provided.
30.2: Order of Layoff — In the event of a layoff for any reason, bargaining unit members shall be laid
off in inverse order of their seniority in their classification as defined in Article 29, Seniority.
A bargaining unit member to be laid off who has advanced to his/her present classification from
a lower classification in which he /she held a permanent position shall be given a position in the
lower classification within the department. His/her seniority in the lower classification shall be
established according to the date of his/her permanent appointment to that classification
including time accrued at a higher classification.
30.3: Bargaining unit members shall be recalled from layoff according to the seniority in the
classification from which the bargaining unit members were laid off. No new employee shall
be hired in any classification until all bargaining unit members on lay -off status in that
classification have had an opportunity to return to work.
30.4: The City is not obligated to recall bargaining unit member after he /she has been on layoff for a
period of two (2) years.
30.5: Bargaining unit members shall be notified of their recall to work by phone. If direct contact to
the former bargaining unit member is not made, a registered letter will be mailed to their
address of record and he /she shall be given twenty (20) calendar days to return to work. A
recalled bargaining unit member shall notify the employer in writing within ten (10) calendar
days of receipt of the recall letter of his/her intent to return to work.
30.6: A bargaining unit member laid off pursuant to this Article shall be given the opportunity to
continue insurance coverage in existing programs during the lay -off period provided that
premiums for such insurance programs available under the Insurance Policy shall be paid by the
bargaining unit member on a monthly basis in advance of the month due.
30.7: Recall will be at the current rate of pay for the classification but not lower than when the
bargaining unit member was laid off. Upon recall, all credit for salary fringe benefits shall be
restored as of the date of layoff.
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ARTICLE 31
PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATIONS
31.1: Eligibility for Positions within the Bargaining Unit:
Police Sergeant:
Four (4) consecutive years as a City of Sebastian Police Officer from the most recent date
of hire.
31.2: Promotional examinations shall be given when a vacancy for Sergeant exists if there is not a
current eligibility list in effect. The Administrative Services Director or designee shall
administer all promotional examinations for the bargaining unit position of Sergeant.
31.3: Whenever a budgeted vacancy exists for the rank of Sergeant, the City shall promote an
employee to fill such vacancy, within thirty (30) days, from the existing eligibility list. If the
eligibility list has expired or has been exhausted when a Sergeant vacancy occurs, the City shall
establish a new eligibility list within one hundred twenty (120) days. Upon certification of the
new eligibility list, the budgeted Sergeant vacancy shall be filled within thirty (30) days. The
promotional eligibility list shall remain in effect for one (1) year or until the list is exhausted,
whichever comes first.
A. Promotional testing shall consist of a written examination, oral review board and an in-
basket skills assessment.
a. The written exam shall contain no more than 110 multiple- choice questions.
The exam shall be purchased from an outside agency or developed by the Chief
of Police and Administrative Services Department with the review and consent
of the Coastal Florida Police Benevolent Association. The first 100 questions
shall be considered for evaluation for the written portion only. If a (1) question
is successfully challenged and eliminated from the first 100 questions, 101 will
be inserted. If (2) questions are successfully challenged and eliminated,
questions 101 & 102 will be inserted, and so on.
b. The oral review board shall consist of three (3) Lieutenants (or higher) from
other agencies and (1) representatives from the City of Sebastian's Police
Administration. The oral review board shall consist of law enforcement
scenario type questions that shall be approved by the Chief or his designee.
Each candidate shall respond to (5) scenarios. Each scenario shall be rated 1 —
4 by each evaluator. The highest and lowest scores will be thrown out leaving
three scores to be calculated. The three scores shall be averaged and then the
resulting point value multiplied by .25 to obtain the 25% value.
C. The in- basket skills assessment shall be developed based on the actual duties of
a City of Sebastian Police Sergeant. An outside consultant may be utilized to
assist in the development. The skills assessment shall be scored from 0 — 100.
The score will be multiplied by .25 to obtain the 25% value.
B. To move from the written examination to the oral review board and in -basket skills
assessment, the candidate must score at least a 70. The score will be multiplied by .50 to
obtain the 50 % value to be added to the oral review board and in -basket skills
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assessment score. If the candidate scores less than 70 on the written portion, they will be
excluded from the remainder of the promotional process.
31.4: After all testing is complete; all scores will be added together to get an overall total for the
entire promotional examination process. An eligibility list will be established in ranking.
31.5.: The Chief shall select any one of the top three (3) candidates on the eligibility list after
interviewing all three candidates. When considering the top three candidates, the Chief may
consider additional factors such as educational background, years of service to the agency,
experience in special assignments, evaluation and disciplinary history, and other information
that would help determine the best fit for the department's needs.
31.6: Examination and Posting Requirements:
A. Examinations will be posted 90 days in advance.
B. The closing date shall be 30 days from the posting date.
C. The posting shall include the minimum requirements and an informational reading list for
the written exam. Study material will consist of one (1) outside reading / study reference,
in addition to reference to City of Sebastian's Policies and Procedures and Florida State
Statute reference.
31.7: The promotional probationary period shall be six (6) months in duration. The probationary
period can be extended for an additional three (3) months by the Chief with approval from the
Administrative Services Director. The probationary period may be extended further if the
probationary employee is incapacitated because of illness or injury. If an employee promoted
to the position of Sergeant is found unsuited for the work of the position during the
probationary period, he /she shall be reinstated to his/her former position.
M
ARTICLE 32
PROBATIONARY PERSONNEL
32.1: All new employees of the department shall serve a probationary period of one (1) year, which
may be extended for a period not to exceed six (6) months at the Police Chief's discretion,
during which time they shall not be entitled to any seniority or tenure rights but during such
period shall be subject to all the terms and conditions of this agreement.
32.2: Upon completion of said probationary period, employees shall be known as permanent
employees and seniority rights and tenure shall accrue from the commencement of the
probationary period and shall be considered a part of such employee's seniority rights.
32.3: A probationary employee shall have all the rights of the grievance procedure except where said
employee is terminated for failure to satisfactorily complete his /her probation as determined by
the Police Chief.
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33.1:
33.2:
33.3
33.4:
ARTICLE 33
VACATION LEAVE
Eligibility — Only regular full -time employees are eligible for paid annual leave.
Accrual Rate
A. Annual leave is earned on a pro -rata bi- weekly basis. The bi- weekly pay period is
divided over twenty -six (26) pay periods. Full -time bargaining unit members will accrue
annual leave based on their years of service with the agency. To clarify the rate at which
an employee accrues annual leave the following table will be used.
Table # 1:
Continuous Unbroken Years of Service
Length of Service:
Bi- weekly Leave
Accrual Rate Hours Earned
0 Year but less than 5 Years
3.077 hours
80 hours
5 Years but less than 10 Years
4.615 hours
120 hours
10 Years but less than 20 Years
6.153 hours
160 hours
20 Years plus
7.692 hours
200 hours
B. No annual leave may be taken during the first six months of employment.
C. Annual leave accrual rate changes take effect on the bargaining unit member's
anniversary date. For the purposes of this section "anniversary date" shall mean those
one -year increments from the date of employment.
Request for Annual Leave
A. A request for annual leave shall be submitted in writing to the bargaining unit member's
immediate supervisor for signature and will proceed up the chain of command to the Police
Chief.
B. A request for leave shall not be granted if the bargaining unit member has no accrued
balance of annual leave. Annual leave shall not be used in advance of its being earned.
C. The minimum charge against the accrued annual leave balance is one (1) hour. One (1)
hour shall be deducted from a bargaining unit member's accrued leave balance for each
hour, or part thereof that a bargaining unit member is actually absent from his/her duty
station.
D. Annual leave shall not be taken in advance of its approval by the Police Chief or his
designee.
Use of Annual Leave
A. Annual leave may be used for the following reasons:
1. Vacation
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2. Absences from duty for transaction of personal business that cannot be conducted
outside of working hours.
3. Religious holidays not designated as official holidays.
4. Medical leave if sick leave balance has been exhausted.
5. Any other absences not covered by existing leave provisions, at the discretion of
the Police Chief.
B. Any bargaining unit member who becomes sick while on annual leave may substitute
accrued sick leave for annual leave for the period of illness. Upon the request of the
Police Chief or his designee, the bargaining unit member shall supply appropriate
certification from a physician as to the nature and duration of the illness.
C. Bargaining unit members will not be allowed to carry over from one fiscal year to the
next more than two (2) years' worth of accrued annual leave. If during the year the
bargaining unit member accrues more than two (2) years' worth of annual leave, they will
have until the last full payroll period in the fiscal year to bring their time balances down
to the two (2) year maximum. If the bargaining unit member does not bring the time
balance down to the two (2) year maximum by the last full payroll period of each fiscal
year, they will forfeit all hours in excess of the two (2) year maximum carryover. Annual
leave will continue to accrue beyond the limitations set forth above when a Department
Head fails to grant annual leave when requested in writing by an employee under the
provisions of this article. Proper documentation signed by the bargaining unit member's
department head will be forwarded to the Administrative Services Department where it
will be kept on file indicating the reasons for not granting the requested leave.
33.5: Vacation Cash -in:
(a) Bargaining Unit Members will have the option of cashing in up to forty vacation hours
per year if the following requirements are met:
1. The bargaining unit member has a minimum balance of forty (40) hours after the
cash -in.
2. The bargaining unit member took at least forty (40) consecutive annual leave hours
off during the fiscal year. Holiday hours do not count towards the forty (40) hours.
(b) Request for cash -in must be submitted to the Administrative Services Department by the
last full payroll period of each fiscal year. Payment will be made the first paycheck
issued in December.
33.6: Separation from Employment
Upon retirement, resignation, or other separation from the service of the City a regular full -time
bargaining unit member shall be entitled to be paid for the accrued balance of annual leave at
the rate of pay received by the bargaining unit member on the date of separation.
33.7: Annual Leave Buy -Back Prohibition
Bargaining unit members hired on or after October 1, 2011 shall not be eligible for the
provisions of Articles 33.5 and 33.6.
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34.1:
34.2:
34.3:
34.4:
ARTICLE 34
SICK LEAVE
Eligibility — Only regular full -time employees are eligible for sick leave with pay.
Accrual of Sick Leave
A. Regular full -time employees accrue leave at the rate of ninety -six (96) hours per calendar
year. Sick leave will accrue bi- weekly over twenty -six (26) periods. To clarify the rate
at which an employee accrues sick leave the following table will be used.
Table # 1:
Full Time Bargaining Unit Members
Length of Service
Bi- weekly Annual Leave
Accrual Rate Hours Earned
All years of service 3.692 hours 96 hours (12 working days)
B. Sick leave does not accrue while an employee is on leave of absence, leave without pay,
or sick leave, unless the sick leave is the result of injury in the line of duty.
Request for Sick Leave
A. A bargaining unit member who is incapacitated and unable to work shall notify his /her
supervisor prior to the bargaining unit member's scheduled reporting time. The
bargaining unit member shall state the nature of the incapacitation, its expected duration,
and expected period of absence. The bargaining unit member shall repeat this procedure
on each day he /she is unable to report to work, unless excused by the Police Chief or
designee, or if the bargaining unit member has a doctor's note excusing the bargaining
unit member for an extended period of time. The City reserves the right to request the
bargaining unit member go to another physician, at the City's expense, to verify the
length of time needed to be out.
B. A bargaining unit member who is out of work for three (3) or more consecutive days
shall, upon returning to work, submit to his/her supervisor appropriate written
documentation for the sick leave, along with a doctor's note of the illness.
Use of Sick Leave
A. Sick leave may be used for the following reasons:
1. Employee ill health;
2. Maternity;
3. Medical, dental, or optical treatment required during working hours;
4. Quarantine due to exposure to infectious disease;
5. Employee ill health while on annual leave;.
6. In connection with Worker's Compensation;
7. For death in employee's immediate family to extend bereavement leave;
8. Illness of an immediate family member requiring the employee to remain at home
with ill family member.
..
B. Whenever it appears that a bargaining unit member abuses sick leave, such as
consistently using sick leave immediately upon its being accrued or before or after
holidays or scheduled days off, the bargaining unit member shall be required to furnish
proof of the necessity for the claimed absence due to illness. The City reserves the right
to require a physician's certification in all cases of reported illness. Abuse of sick leave
shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
C. Sick leave may not be used for absences due to illness or injury sustained while engaged
in outside employment.
D. Every bargaining unit member entitled to sick leave benefits and who does not take any
sick leave during such yearly period, shall be given one day's pay, which payment made
in the first pay period in December, and, in addition, shall be given his /her birthday off
with pay, subject to the work schedule and at the Police Chiefs approval. If work
requirements do not reasonably permit the bargaining unit member to take off from work
on his/her birthday or if the birthday falls on a holiday or day off, some other mutually
agreeable day near the bargaining unit member's birthday may be taken off with pay.
The day's pay shall consist of the number of hours of Shift assignment that the individual
is currently working and shall not be counted towards overtime pay.
34.5: Separation from Employment:
Upon separation from employment in good standing (resignation or retirement with a two -week
notice or medical separation), a bargaining unit member is eligible to be paid for his/her
accrued balance of sick leave up to a maximum of 600 hours The percentage is as follows:
If separated before completing first year
0%
1 to 5 years of completed service
25%
6 to 10 years of completed service
50%
11 to 20 years of completed service
75%
Over 20 years of completed service
100%
34.6: Sick Leave Buy -Back Prohibition:
Bargaining unit members hired on or after October 1, 2011 shall not be eligible for the
provisions of Article 34.5.
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ARTICLE 35
PERSONAL LEAVE
35.1: Eligibility — Each regular full -time bargaining unit member shall be entitled to twenty -four (24)
working hours of personal leave per year.
A Bargaining unit members must accumulate at least forty (40) working hours during the
fiscal year to be entitled to Personal Leave. Working hours are determined by time
actually present, on City time, including all paid meal and break periods.
.,
ARTICLE 36
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
36.1: An employee may be granted a leave of absence without pay for a period not to exceed one
year for sickness, disability, or other good and sufficient reasons, which are considered to be in
the best interests of the City.
36.2: Such leave shall require the prior approval of the Police Chief and the City Manager.
36.3: Except under unusual circumstances, voluntary separation from the City service in order to
accept employment not in the City service shall be considered as insufficient reason for
approval of a request for leave of absence without pay.
36.4: The leave of absence may be withdrawn by the City Manager, and the employee recalled to
service if the need for the leave no longer exists.
36.5: An employee granted a leave of absence must submit a written statement monthly to the Police
Chief advising his/her status. A copy of this written status report will be forwarded to the City
Manager.
36.6: Failure of any employee to return to duty upon expiration of his leave of absence shall
constitute the resignation of that employee.
36.7: Holidays, sick leave, annual leave, and any other benefits based on time spent in the employ of
the City shall not accrue during a leave of absence, provided however, that the employee may
maintain his health insurance program by paying the total cost of his group insurance program
plus the administrative fee allowed by law. Longevity increases, merit increases, and any other
increases for which the employee may become eligible based, in whole or in part, on length of
service with the City shall not be credited during any period of leave of absence in excess of
thirty (30) days in any one calendar year.
36.8: An employee may return from a leave of absence at the next available opening in his/her
classification. An employee returning from leave of absence shall be paid at the same step of
his salary grade as at the time of commencement of the leave of absence.
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ARTICLE 37
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
37.1: In a mutual effort to provide a harmonious working relationship between the parties to this
Agreement, it is agreed and understood that there will be a procedure for the resolution of
grievances between the parties and that such procedure shall cover grievances involving the
application or interpretation of this Agreement, and grievances involving discharge, suspension,
demotion, or any other adverse personnel action against a member covered by this Agreement.
37.2: Every effort shall be made by the parties to settle every grievance as expeditiously as possible.
Any grievance not answered by Management within the prescribed time limits shall
automatically advance to the next highest step. Should the grieving party fail to observe the
time limits as set forth in the steps of this Article, his/her grievance shall be considered
conclusively abandoned.
37.3: Where a grievance is general in nature, in that it applies to a number of employees rather than a
single employee, or if the grievance is directly between the P.B.A. and the City, such grievance
shall be presented by the P.B.A.'s representative, in writing, directly to the Police Chief, Step 3,
within ten (10) working days of the occurrence of the event(s). If the grievance has not been
settled to the satisfaction of the bargaining unit members, then the grievance may be appealed
to the City Manager, Step 5.
37.4: Grievances shall be presented in the following manner:
Step 1. The bargaining unit member shall present and attempt to resolve any grievance with
the immediate supervisor within ten (10) working days of the occurrence of the
event(s) which gave rise to the grievance or from the date on which the bargaining
unit member became aware of the cause of the complaint. If the event(s) which give
rise to grievance occurred at the time when the bargaining unit member was on
annual leave, sick leave, or other compensated leave, the ten (10) working day period
shall commence running immediately upon return to duty. The first step shall be on
an informal and oral basis; however, the bargaining unit member may have PBA
representation present during the discussion. Within ten (10) working days after the
discussion, the immediate supervisor shall reply to the affected bargaining unit
member, in writing, of the decision.
Step 2. If the grievance has not been resolved to the satisfaction of the bargaining unit
member at Step 1, the grievance may be reduced to writing signed by the bargaining
unit member and presented to the next level of supervisor, the Division Commander,
no later than ten (10) working days after the immediate supervisor's response was
rendered in Step 1. The grievance as specified in writing shall be discussed by and
between the bargaining unit member and P.B.A. representative and the Division
Commander within ten (10) working days after the request for the Step 2 grievance
hearing. The Division Commander shall reply to the affected bargaining unit
member(s) and the P.B.A, in writing, of the decision within ten (10) working days
after the close of the meeting.
Step 3. If the grievance has not been resolved to the satisfaction of the bargaining unit
member at Step 2, the grievance may be appealed to the Police Chief no later than ten
(10) working days after the response was rendered in Step 2. The grievance as
specified in writing shall be discussed by and between the bargaining unit member
and P.B.A. representative and the Police Chief within ten (10) working days after the
48
37.5:
request to move the grievance to Step 3. The Police Chief shall reply to the affected
bargaining unit member(s) and the P.B.A, in writing, of the decision within ten (10)
working days after the close of the meeting.
Step 4. If the grievance has not been settled to the satisfaction of the bargaining unit
member(s) at Step 3, the decision may be appealed by presenting the written
grievance to the Administrative Services Director no later than ten (10) working days
after receipt of the decision of the Police Chief or designee at Step 3. The
Administrative Services Director shall conduct a meeting with the affected
bargaining unit member(s) and a P.B.A. representative within ten (10) working days
after receipt of the appeal and shall reply to the affected bargaining unit member(s)
and the P.B.A, in writing, of the decision within ten (10) working days after the close
of the meeting.
Step 5. If the grievance has not been resolved to the satisfaction of the bargaining unit
member(s) at Step 4, the Administrative Services Director's decision may be
appealed to the City Manager not later than ten (10) working days after receipt of the
Step 4 decision. The City Manager shall meet with the affected bargaining unit
member(s) and a P.B.A. representative within ten (10) working days after receipt of
the grievance and shall reply, in writing, within ten (10) working days after the close
of the meeting.
A. For the limited purpose of this Article, a working day shall be from 8:00 am. to 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, exclusive of holidays observed by the City.
B. The time limits set forth in the grievance procedure above shall be strictly adhered to by
both parties to this agreement but may be lengthened or shortened by mutual agreement
in writing.
C. Representatives of the City and P.B.A. shall acknowledge receipt of grievances by signing
and dating the form when presented or received.
D. Any grievance not advanced by the bargaining unit members) to the next higher step
within the time limits provided shall be considered settled on the basis of the answer most
recently given. If the City does not answer a grievance within the time limits provided,
the bargaining unit member(s) may elect to treat the grievance as denied at that step and
immediately advance the grievance to the next step.
E. No action or matter shall be considered the subject of a grievance unless a written
complaint is made within ten (10) working days of its occurrence or within ten (10)
working days from the time the aggrieved employee(s) became aware or by use of
reasonable diligence should have become aware of the cause for complaint. The City
shall not be subject to any liability for any period more than ten (10) working days prior
to the date the grievance was filed in writing.
F. In the event the grievance involves a group of bargaining unit member(s) who do not have
the same immediate supervisors, the grievance shall first be presented to the Police Chief
as indicated in Step 3 of this procedure. The subsequent steps of the grievance procedure
as outlined in this Article shall then apply.
G. In accordance with State law, the P.B.A. shall not be obligated to process a grievance of a
non - member.
49
H. The P.B.A. shall have the right to file grievances in the third step of the grievance
procedure in any non- disciplinary matter involving the interpretation or application of
this Agreement, provided however, that this right shall be strictly limited to those matters
where the P.B.A. can factually demonstrate:
a. That the matter is covered by a provision of the Agreement; and
b. That the matter involves the interpretation or application of that provision; and
c. The grievance does not seek to add to or subtract from any provision of this
Agreement.
I. In the event that a non - member files a grievance, the P.B.A. is entitled to send a
representative to each step to ensure that the integrity of the Agreement is upheld.
50
ARTICLE 38
ARBITRATION
38.1: If no satisfactory agreement of a grievance has been reached under the procedure in Article 37,
and the grievance or dispute relates to the determination of rights and obligations conferred or
created by this Agreement, and a written request for arbitration is made by the Union within
fifteen (15) working days after the final answer in Step 5 of the grievance procedure, such
dispute shall be submitted for final and binding arbitration in accordance with the following
procedure.
38.2: The City and the P.B.A. shall, within one (1) week of the election by either party to arbitrate,
meet to mutually agree upon an arbitrator. In the event an impartial arbitrator cannot be
mutually agreed upon, the parties may select an arbitrator from a Federal Mediation and
Conciliation Service (FMCS) panel or panels of not less than seven (7) names. In the event that
either party, before striking of names occurs, feels that the panel is unsatisfactory, that party
shall have the right to request one (1) additional panel. Within ten (10) working days of receipt
of the panel, the arbitrator shall thereafter be selected from the panel of arbitrators by alternate
striking of names until one (1) name remains. The party who strikes first shall be determined
by the toss of a coin by the City. The City will promptly notify the arbitrator of the
appointment.
38.3: The arbitration shall be conducted under the rules set forth in this Agreement and shall proceed
as follows:
38.4: Upon notification of appointment, the arbitrator shall communicate with the parties as soon as
practicable to arrange for the date and place of hearing; or, if questions of material fact are not
at issue, to arrange for the joint submission of stipulations of fact and relevant documentation
concerning the grievance.
38.5: If no hearing is to be conducted, each party shall submit to the arbitrator its statement of
position regarding the grievance. Prior to the date of hearing or submission of documents, the
parties shall, jointly or separately, provide the arbitrator with a written statement of the issue or
issues to be resolved in the arbitration proceeding.
38.6: The arbitrator shall have exclusive jurisdiction and authority to resolve grievances as defined in
this Agreement. The arbitrator shall have the authority to issue subpoenas enforceable in any
court of competent jurisdiction and shall administer oaths to all witnesses testifying in any
proceeding.
38.7: The arbitrator shall have no authority to change, amend, add to, subtract from, or otherwise
alter or supplement this Agreement or any part thereof or amendment thereto.
38.8: The arbitrator shall have no power to consider or rule upon any matter which is stated in this
Agreement not subject to arbitration or which is not a grievance as defined in this Agreement or
which not covered by this Agreement.
38.9: Except as provided in Section 3.2, the decision of the arbitrator shall be based solely upon the
evidence and arguments presented by the respective parties in the presence of each other.
38.10: Upon timely notice prior to the scheduling of hearings and when mutually agreed, the
consolidation of one (1) or more grievances based upon similar circumstances for hearing and
resolution before the same arbitrator shall be permitted.
51
38.11: The arbitrator shall render a decision not later than thirty (30) calendar days after the
conclusion of the final hearing. The findings of the arbitrator made in accordance with the
jurisdictional authority under this Agreement shall be final and binding on the parties. The
arbitrator's decision shall be in writing and shall set forth the arbitrator's findings and
conclusions on the issues submitted unless agreed in writing by the parties.
38.12: The party claiming misinterpretation or misapplication of this Agreement shall have the burden
of proving its contention by a preponderance of competent evidence.
38.13: This Agreement constitutes a contract between the parties that shall be interpreted and applied
by the parties and the arbitrator in the same manner as any other contract under the laws of the
State of Florida. The function and purpose of the arbitrator is to determine disputed
interpretations of terms actually found in the Agreement or to determine disputed facts upon
which the application of the Agreement depends. The arbitrator, therefore, shall not have the
authority to change the intent of the parties as determined by generally accepted rules of
contract construction. The arbitrator shall not render any decision, which, in practical or actual
effect, modifies, revises, detracts from, or adds to any of the terms or provisions of this
Agreement.
38.14: The costs for the services of the arbitrator shall be borne by the losing party. The parties shall
bear the costs of their own representatives and witnesses. One (1) P.B.A. representative who is
on duty shall be entitled to attend arbitration hearings at straight time rates. Either party
desiring a transcript of the arbitration hearing shall be responsible for the cost of the transcript
unless otherwise agreed to, in writing, by the parties.
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ARTICLE 39
PERFORMANCE RATING REVIEW
The City and the P.B.A. agree that the Police Department's General Orders governing Performance
Rating Review will be followed for the life of this agreement.
53
ARTICLE 40
GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE
40.1: During the term of this Agreement (October 1, 2013 — September 30, 2016), all full -time
bargaining unit members who participate in the group insurance coverage, agree to pay twenty -
five ($25.00) per month towards the premium for group insurance coverage. The City agrees to
pay the remainder of the premium to provide individual group insurance coverage to all regular
full -time bargaining unit members.
40.2: In the event that the premium rate for dependent group coverage increases, the Employer agrees
to notify the P.B.A. as soon as is practicable. The P.B.A. agrees that the Employer may, at its
discretion, obtain substitute insurance coverage from another carrier or require each covered
bargaining unit member to contribute his/her pro -rata share of the increased premium cost for
dependent coverage, whichever may be applicable. In the event that the carrier increases the
premium rate for dependent group insurance coverage, the parties agree to abide by Sections
40.3 and 40.4 of this article.
40.3: Any bargaining unit member who elects to participate in the group insurance dependent
coverage option plan will pay fifty (50 %) percent of the cost of the premium. The member
shall pay any additional supplemental insurance that is optional coverage to the bargaining unit
member.
40.4: Any bargaining unit member, hired on or after October 1, 2011, who elects to participate in the
group insurance dependent coverage option plan will pay seventy -five (75 %) percent of the
cost of the premium. The member shall pay any additional supplemental insurance that is
optional coverage to the bargaining unit member.
40.5 The City agrees to pay fifty (50 %) of the costs of single coverage group (health only) insurance
for up to two (2) years for qualified bargaining unit members who retire from the City after
being employed by the City for twenty (20) years in a full -time capacity.
54
ARTICLE 41
CLOTHING MAINTENANCE, EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLES
41.1: The present practice of the City's Police Department in regard to furnishing uniforms shall be
continued.
The City will provide the following equipment at no cost to the bargaining unit member: one
(1) hand -held radio to all sworn Officers; four (4) pairs of trousers (additional as needed); four
(4) short- sleeved shirts (additional as needed); one (1) long - sleeved dress shirt; one (1) tie; one
(1) winter /summer jacket; 1 pairs of shoes or boots per year as needed; one (1) sidearm and
ammunition; 2 collar insignias, as needed; one (1) large badge; one (1) rechargeable flashlight;
one (1) hat; one (1) ballistic vest; and, one (1) duty belt and accessories.
41.2: Any bargaining unit member who shall receive breakage, loss or damage to any of above listed
equipment, in the line of duty, shall have such equipment replaced at no charge to the
bargaining unit member.
41.3: Personal equipment which is lost, broken or damaged, in the line of duty, shall be replaced
according to the following schedule; wrist watch, not to exceed replacement cost or $60,
whichever is less; handcuffs at replacement cost; eyeglasses up to $200; and miscellaneous
items not to exceed $100 in the aggregate.
As to all items listed above, each bargaining unit member shall submit a detailed list of such
items, including miscellaneous items, for filing with the Police Chief. Items not listed shall not
be replaced at the cost of the City. When any such item is changed, it is the responsibility of
the bargaining unit member to amend his/her list on file with the Police Chief.
41.4: Each bargaining unit member will receive $45.00 per month for uniform cleaning.
41.5: The City agrees to provide take home vehicles to all bargaining unit members who have
completed their field training program and are operating as solo officers. This vehicle take
home program will be extended to all bargaining unit members who reside within a 20 -mile
radius of the Sebastian Police Department. The Police Chief may waive the 20 -mile
restriction. Police Vehicles assigned to a police officer becomes that officer's responsibility. It
will be that officer's responsibility to maintain that vehicle in a clean and orderly condition and
to ensure that all scheduled or needed maintenance is performed. Each police vehicle shall be
checked by the assigned police officer in accordance with departmental policy prior to each
shift and the check -off log filed with the Shift Commander. Bargaining Unit members will be
denied the use of a city take home vehicle in those instances wherein a member has been found
to have violated a Department policy or due to a shortage of operable vehicles where no pool
cars are available. If the bargaining unit member fails to properly maintain his or her vehicle,
then the Police Chief can suspend the vehicle take home privilege of that member.
If a vehicle driver finds any fault in the vehicle that might constitute a safety hazard, the driver
shall immediately advise his/her Shift Commander. If the Shift Commander agrees, the vehicle
will not be returned to duty until the safety hazard(s) are eliminated.
41.6: Patrol vehicles will contain equipment in accordance with Departmental Policy.
41.7: Ballistic vests will be worn in accordance with departmental policy. Ballistic vests shall be
tailored to each individual officer. An officer may be excused from wearing a ballistic vest for
medical reasons as determined by a physician selected by the City.
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ARTICLE 42
TUITION PAYMENT PLAN
TUITION PAYMENT PLAN: Payment of tuition by the City of Sebastian for approved educational
or training programs will be in conformance with the following:
42.1: Eligibility for Participation in Tuition Payment Plan — All regular full -time bargaining unit
members are eligible for participation in the City's Tuition Payment Plan up to the limit of the
funds available for education. This program is available only to bargaining unit members who
have successfully completed their one -year probationary period.
42.2: Tuition Payment Plan — The City of Sebastian will, upon approval of the Police Chief, the City
Manager, and the City Administrative Services Director, pay tuition of regular full -time
bargaining unit members for any eligible training or educational program/course. An eligible
training or educational program/course is one that, in the judgment of the Administrative
Services Director, the City Manager, and the Police Chief, is directly related to the employee's
current position or to a related higher position, and which will improve performance in a
current position or which constitutes preparation for promotion to related higher
responsibilities. Post graduate (ex. Master's, Doctorate, etc.) programs are not included within
the tuition payment plan.
42.3: Application Procedure — A bargaining unit member desiring to participate in the City's Tuition
Payment Plan shall submit an application fifteen (15) working days in advance to the Police
Chief requesting approval for Plan participation. If the Police Chief recommends the education
program, his recommendation will be forwarded to the Administrative Services Director and
the City Manager for final approval.
42.4: Course Completion — If the employee achieves a grade of "C" or better in a course which is
graded — or if the employee receives a "pass" in a course which is graded on a pass /fail basis —
he /she will submit an official copy of his/her grades along with proof of his/her payment for
tuition, required books, or lab fees to the Police Chief. Reimbursement for tuition shall be
made in accordance with City policy for reimbursements. The employee's personnel record
will be documented with his/her education achievement. Textbooks shall become City property
at the completion of the course and turned over to the Police Chief or his designee.
42.5: Transportation — Transportation under the Tuition Payment Plan shall be at the bargaining unit
member's expense.
42.6: Maximum Reimbursement — The reimbursement shall be available for a maximum total of
twenty-for (24) semester hours or thirty-two (32) quarter hours in any one (1) fiscal year period
for eligible regular bargaining unit members pending budget authorization and availability of
funds. The maximum tuition rate to be reimbursed for participating in the City's Tuition
Payment Plan for college -level courses is that established annually by the State Legislature for
state supported schools. Should an employee select to attend a non -State school, he /she is
responsible for the difference in tuition.
42.7: Service Requirement Bargaining unit members, who are reimbursed for such courses, agree to
remain employed by the City of Sebastian for at least two (2) years after completion of the
course(s). Should an employee leave the City service within two years after completion of the
course(s), he /she is required to return any payments to the City or it will be deducted from
his /her final paycheck.
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42.8: City Mandated Education Courses — If the City requires an employee to attend an educational
course, seminar or conference, the City shall pay tuition, transportation, and meals and lodging
in accordance with the City's Travel Policy.
57
ARTICLE 43
HEALTH & SAFETY
43.1: CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
The City shall provide each employee with vaccination series for Hepatitis at no expense to the
employee.
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ARTICLE 44
TRAINING
44.1: The City agrees to make a good faith effort to promote on-the-job training for the purpose of
improving the performance of employees, aiding employees to equip themselves for
advancement to higher positions and greater responsibilities, and improving the quality of
service rendered to the public.
44.2: Where the City requires any employee to attend supervisory training and/or training in
specialized techniques, the City will make every reasonable effort to facilitate the employee
attending such training during his /her normal working hours. In the event the City is unable to
schedule the employee to attend such training during his/her normal working hours, the
employee shall be required to attend such training during his/her off -duty hours; provided,
however, that the time spent by the employee in such training during his/her off -duty hours
shall be compensated in accordance with Article 27 of this Agreement.
44.3: All sworn officers will be required to train and qualify with their service weapon on a semi-
annual basis. A certified arms instructor shall conduct the training. The City shall furnish all
ammunition and safety equipment. Any employee required to attend such training during
his/her off -duty hours will be compensated in accordance with Article 27 of this Agreement.
44.4: The City may provide the employees with a library of current publications pertaining to Florida
Law Enforcement.
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ARTICLE 45
OFF -DUTY EMPLOYMENT
45.1: Outside Employment shall be controlled by the City's Standard Operating Procedures and
departmental general orders. No City uniform shall be worn or any City equipment used.
A. Per the City of Sebastian's Standard Operating Procedure 3.06 (B), any employee desiring
to pursue outside employment shall submit designated form to the Police Chief for
approval. The Police Chief shall review and respond within a reasonable time period.
•1
ARTICLE 46
SUBSTANCE ABUSE TESTING
46.1: The City and the P.B.A. agree to abide by a Drug Free Workplace as provided for in Florida
Statute.
46.2: An employee subject to drug testing for reasonable suspicion shall be placed on administrative
leave with pay pending the laboratory results of the test.
46.3: On a quarterly basis, bargaining unit members agree to participate in a random drug screening.
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ARTICLE 47
SAVINGS CLAUSE
47.1: If any article or section of this Agreement should be determined to be in conflict with any
existing or subsequently enacted State or Federal legislation or judicial decision, all other
articles and sections of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect with it being
presumed that the intent of the parties herein was to enter into the Agreement without such
invalid portion(s).
47.2: In the event of such determination, the City agrees to notify the P.B.A. of its intent to
implement such change within fifteen (15) days of such notice. The P.B.A. shall have the right
to appeal such determination within thirty (30) days of such notice to the appropriate court.
During the time of such appeal, the City will effect no change in the Agreement until such
appeal has been resolved by the appropriate court within the State or Federal Judicial System.
47.3: In the event of invalidation of any article or section, the parties agree to meet within thirty (30)
days of such determination for the purpose of negotiating a replacement for such article or
section.
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ARTICLE 48
RETIREMENT
48.1 All current benefits under the Sebastian Police Pension Plan shall remain the same for
bargaining unit members hired by the City prior to October 1, 2011. The City shall contribute
to the Plan as required by law to ensure that the Plan is funded on a sound actuarial basis.
48.2 On October 1, 2012, bargaining unit members, who were employed by the City prior to
October 1, 2011, shall increase their contribution to the Sebastian Police Pension Plan to eight
percent (8 %) of their earnings (see Article 49.2).
48.3 All bargaining unit members hired on or after October 1, 2011 shall receive the current
benefits under the Sebastian Police Pension Plan, except the retirement factor shall be two
percent (2 %). The City shall contribute to the Plan as required by law to ensure that the Plan is
funded on a sound actuarial basis.
48.4 Bargaining unit members hired on or after October 1, 2011, shall contribute five percent (5 %)
of their eligible earnings to the Sebastian Police Pension Plan.
48.5 Any payment made to bargaining unit members, pursuant to Articles 33.2, 33.6 and 34.5, for
accrued annual and/or sick leave shall not be used in calculating pension benefits, unless those
hours were accrued prior to October 1, 2011. If a bargaining member accrued annual and/or
sick leave prior to October 1, 2011, those hours shall be calculated into the pension benefit
formula, at the time of separation, in accordance with the following provisions:
A. As part of the pension calculation formula, the bargaining member's rate of pay in effect
on October 1, 2011 shall be the hourly wage factor.
B. As part of the pension calculation formula, provisions from Articles 33 and 34, which
govern maximum annual and/or sick leave accruals, shall be in effect for potential benefit
accruals.
C. Annual and/or sick leave accruals eligible for the pension calculation shall be capped at
an amount equal to eligible accruals as realized by the bargaining member on July
October 1, 2011 or September 6, 2013, which ever is less. Should annual and/or sick
leave accruals decrease below the capped amount, accruals used for the pension
calculation shall not increase and the lower accrual amount will be used in the pension
calculation formula.
D. Exhibit "A" represents the eligible and capped annual and/or sick leave accruals that may
be used in the pension calculation formula. The chart shall be updated on an annual basis
or upon retirement to ensure an accurate pension benefit calculation. Only members
listed in Exhibit "A" shall be eligible to apply accruals in the pension benefit formula.
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ARTICLE 49
DURATION OF AGREEMENT, DATES
49.1 This Agreement shall become effective upon the date of ratification by the parties, and shall
remain in full force and effect until 12:00 midnight on September 30, 2016.
49.2 All terms and conditions last in effect at the expiration of this agreement shall be automatically
renewed from year to year thereafter unless either party has given written notice to the other on
or before July 15'h of any year in which the Agreement may expire.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have set their hands, this day of
12013.
COASTAL FLORIDA
POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION
By:
Vincent L. Cha ion, President r
4 6
By: , ` __�� --
S arcinik, CFPBA Rep
CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA
By*'chelle Morris, olice Chief
Mark Hepfer, CFPBA Rep Debra Krueger, Ad�iinistrative Services
Director
Approved as to form and content:
,f
By:
Robert Ginsburg, City Atf6rriey
Attest:
Sally Maio, MC
City Clerk
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