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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPersonnel Board - Minutes - 03/21/2000PERSONNEL BOARD MINUTES March 21, 2000 12:00 Noon Council Liaison: Ray Martinez, Mayor Staff Liaison: Rick DeLaCastro, Human Resources Director Telephone: 970/221-6845 Board Chair: Jim Swails Telephone: 970/493-1566 A regular meeting of the Personnel Board was held on Tuesday, March 21, 2000 in the Human Resources Department conference room. Board Members Present: Jim Alderden, Gail Shellberg, Jim Swails, Chuck Washington Board Members Excused: Valerie Remington City Staff Present: Rick DeLaCastro, Human Resources Director Joan Busch, Admin Support Supervisor (Recorder) Other Staff Members Present: Ron Uthmann, Poudre Fire Authority I. Minutes/Agenda The minutes from the January 18, 2000 meeting were approved as written. II. Appeal Process Members provided a critique of the Personnel Board Hearing which was held on March 13, 2000. General observations were that the City Attorney's office was well prepared and kept things running smoothly and there were plenty of materials to review ahead of time. It was also helpful to have one person who was involved in the whole disciplinary process give their testimony first before adding other witnesses. Although the setting of the hearing may be informal, the hearing is still formal. Members questioned if the employee really has an idea about what the hearing is like or the atmosphere. Board would like to eliminate a "surprise" factor to give the employee an opportunity to make an informed decision as to whether or not they wish to have an attorney. Suggestion: If the appellant does not have an attorney, it would be helpful to swear in the employee at the very beginning. Concern: Human Resources does not have adequate waiting areas for witnesses. If an employee asks for a continuance, members questioned whether or not there is a date that can be used as a cut-off. In referring to policies, it was determined that it is the Personnel Board Minutes March 21, 2000 Page 2 Presiding Officer's decision whether or not to grant a continuance and the decision should be made at an open meeting. Ron Uthmann announced that Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) is updating their personnel policies, which includes reference to the appeal process. Rick DeLaCastro suggested that it would helpful if PFA's policies were consistent with the City's. IIl. Drug Testing Rick advised the board that the City has implemented pre -employment drug testing and Ron Uthmann announced that PFA was also moving to implement pre -employment drug testing. IV. Compensation Rick reported that Human Resources received funding for a new position of Compensation Administrator. The position has been advertised and selected candidates were interviewed. This person will primarily handle compensation issues for H.R. and the City. A selection will be made soon. H.R. received 28 new classification requests this year which were a result of the new pay plan. After an extensive costing procedure, the City Manager decided to move these employees proportionately from their previous pay grade to their new pay grade. An additional 40 employees are requesting review of their salary assignments. Rick will be meeting with the City Manager to determine how to handle moving these individuals. In the past when employees were reclassified they moved to their new pay grade and then moved up in the grade based on performance. Currently, employees may receive up to a 4% merit increase which implies performance but this really functions as a step increase as almost all employees receive 4%. Discussion continued around issue of pay for performance. Members agreed that a performance system should be in place first and then move to pay for performance. Consensus of the Board was that they support a performance management system with the concern that the process used to set it up is done properly. Members suggested that the goal be defined first and then identify the steps needed to achieve it. One option would be to hire a consultant to give the City an opinion about what the system would look like. Utilizing employee focus groups would also be beneficial. V. Other Ron Uthmann and PFA offered to host the May 16 Personnel Board Meeting. VI. Adjourned There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:40 p.m.