HomeMy WebLinkAboutPersonnel Board - Minutes - 01/19/1999PERSONNEL BOARD MEETING MINUTES
January 19, 1999
12:00 Noon
Council Liaison: Ann Azari
Staff Liaison: Dana Shea -Reid, Interim H.R. Director Telephone: 970/221-6824
Board Chair: Gail Shellberg Telephone: 970/223-6811
A regular meeting of the Personnel Board was held on Tuesday, January 19, 1999 in the Facility
Services conference room.
Board Members Present: Ginny Riley, Gail Shellberg, Jim Swails, Bob Vouk
Board Members Absent: Jim Alderden,
Human Resources Staff Members Present: Dana Shea -Reid and Joan Busch
Other Staff Members Present: Ron Uthmann, Poudre Fire Authority
I. Minutes
The minutes from the November 17, 1998 meeting were approved as written.
I. H.R. Director Selection Process
Dana Shea -Reid reported that interviews for the H.R. Director position were conducted
on January 14 and 15. An executive panel and a panel consisting of other city staff
interviewed selected candidates. There may be another round of interviews with the
Human Resources staff as well as the City Manager. Frank Bruno, Assistant City
Manager will make that decision.
II. Potential Appeal
Dana Shea -Reid notified the Board that a department has preliminarily recommended that
an employee receive a 30-day suspension. The Service Director is reviewing the
recommendation and will have a decision soon. In the event of a suspension, the
employee could appeal this suspension to the Board. The Board will be advised if the
discipline is upheld and if an appeal is filed by the employee.
III. Role of the Personnel Board
Board members discussed their role and how they are being utilized. The function of the
Board is to advise the City Manager on personnel policies or issues and compensation as
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Minutes, January 19, 1999
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well as to hear employee appeals regarding disciplinary actions. Board members
discussed the need to see more in -progress drafts of policies, etc. for their review and
feedback. Ginny Riley recommended that the Board sees drafts of personnel policies
before they are final in order to give feedback. This would keep the Board actively
involved and provide an opportunity for input. Some concern was expressed about the
defined role of the Personnel Board and the expectations of City Council in contrast to
what the Board actually does.
In order for the Board to remain vital and keep members, some issues need to be
addressed. Discussion included some of these points:
• The Board would like to have more participation from the Council liaison. Periodic
visits from the City Manager and the Administrative Services Director would be
helpful.
• The Board agrees that they aren't being fully utilized.
• The Board serves as an advisory board to the City Manager, however, members are
appointed by City Council and have provided feedback to City Council on
compensation issues. The Board would like to establish a dialogue with the City
Manager as well.
• If the Board isn't invited to provide legitimate input on personnel and compensation
issues, then the Board should just convene to hear appeals as required.
• How often should the Board be involved in issues and what kinds?
• Communication with Council and Manager could be improved. If Council expects
input from the Personnel Board, how should it be conveyed?
Board members agreed that after the new City Council members and Mayor are elected, it
would be helpful to discuss the role of the Personnel Board with them and establish what
the Council's expectations are.
Dana Shea -Reid thanked the Board, stating that she has enjoyed working with them and
appreciated their support and input during the pay plan project.
IV. Appointment Expirations
Ginny Riley's term will be up on June 30, 1999 and because of term limitations, she will
not be eligible for reappointment. Ginny was originally appointed in mid-term to fill a
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Minutes, January 19, 1999
Page 3
vacancy and was then appointed for two terms. She has been a member of the Personnel
Board for ten years.
Gail Shellberg's term is also expiring on June 30, 1999 and he has not decided if he will
re -apply. He will announce his decision later.
V. Pay Plan
Dana Shea -Reid explained the final step in the pay plan implementation. In late
December, departments were sent "green bar" computer reports that included all
classified employees' current salaries. Each department made adjustments to individuals'
salaries based on financial calculations developed by the Budget department. These
adjustments or "calibrations" moved the employee's salary from its point in the old pay
plan to a comparable level in the new range --not to exceed 12 percent as established by
the City Manager. These adjustments were made for market only, and did not include
performance increases. The implementation was effective as of January 11.
An "appeal" process is being developed for employees who believe they weren't
calibrated properly in the new pay range.
The Board discussed the costs associated with the implementation and expressed interest
in how the City would budget for pay plan adjustments in 2000.
VI. Other Business
Ginny Riley asked if the City had plans in place to help employees handle Y2K
issues. She reported that the County is working on a program to assist employees in
remaining calm and handling situations that come their way so they in turn can do
their jobs to help citizens.
Dana Shea -Reid advised the Board that some changes have been made to the City's
Personnel Policies and one new policy has been added relating to controlled
substances as required by DOT.
Gail Shellberg stressed the importance of regular attendance of Board members,
particularly in consideration of current issues being discussed as well as potential
appeal hearings. A Board member with a number of scheduling conflicts will be
contacted to inquire about continuing interest in serving on the Personnel Board.
VII. Adjourned
The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m.