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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPersonnel Board - Minutes - 01/25/2005PERSONNEL BOARD MINUTES January 26, 2005 12:00 P.M. 215 North Mason Conference Room 2-D Council Liaison: Ray Martinez, Mayor Staff Liaison: Rick DeLaCastro, Human Resources Director Board Chair: Valerie Remington Board Members Present: Valerie Remington, James Lyall, Sid Simonson City Staff Present: Rick DeLaCastro, Human Resources Director Darin Atteberry, City Manager Wendy Williams, Interim Administrative Services Director Katey Tarkington, Benefits Administrator Joan Busch, Admin Support Supervisor (Recorder) Others Present: Wynette Cerciello, Human Resources Dir. Larimer County Call to Order Chair Valerie Remington called the meeting to order at 11:55 AM and confirmed that a quorum was present. Election of Board Chair Members discussed selection of Chair and Vice Chair. James Lyall nominated Valerie Remington as Chair. Sid Simonson seconded the nomination. Motion passed unanimously (3-0). Valerie Remington nominated James Lyall for Vice Chair. Sid Simonson seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously (3-0). III. Approval of Minutes James Lyall moved that the minutes of the November 16, 2004, December 15, 2004, December 17, 2004 and December 30, 2004 meetings be approved as written. Sid Simonson seconded. Motion passed unanimously (3-0). IV. Ad hoc Compensation & Benefits Committee Update Referencing the Board's 2005 Work Plan, and its goal to give emphasis to its advisory role regarding employee benefits and recommendations, Rick DeLaCastro distributed a confidential draft document summarizing initial recommendations from the Gallagher report on potential 2006 employee benefits changes. These recommendations are contingent on the City's position on pay for 2006, although City Council agreed that pay and benefits need to be considered together, and it would be inappropriate to continue to freeze pay and impose benefit increases. Rick advised that this is the Board's opportunity to state whether they are in support of these recommendations. Katey Tarkington, Benefits Administrator explained recommendations mostly involve cost shifting. Rick explained that these changes would be not apply to the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) as any benefits changes would need to be addressed through collective Personnel Board Minutes January 25, 2005 Page 2 of 3 bargaining. He also advised that if the repeal of the grocery tax, which will be on the April ballot, is passed then these recommendations could be impacted. James Lyall asked what the City is planning to do for revenue. Rick said that the Council's Finance Committee is addressing this issue. Valerie Remington said it is difficult for her personally to make any recommendations as there are too many variables. She said she thought the City could be more aggressive and more in line with private sector. Katey Tarkington explained that based on survey data, the City is more in line with private sector. She said the City has a rich benefits plan which is in line with private sector, but the monthly premiums probably aren't in line. Valerie Remington said if the City will be giving wage increases then it could possibly increase premiums. She stated that this is a nice benefits plan and employees should be willing to pay for it, but pay and benefits should be considered together. Sid Simonson commented that it appears the City doesn't have much choice and that something has to be done. He asked about the cost of the Wellness Program. Rick explained that a new Wellness Program is being implemented without any incremental cost. It does include an incentive of up to three well days a year for employees who meet all the criteria. Although the program is available to all employees, only employees enrolled in the City's health plan are eligible of the well days. Katey Tarkington distributed information indicating the City's position was relative to wages and market. She explained that Fort Collins is the only entity who hasn't given pay increases for 2004 and 2005. Valerie Remington asked if the Board wanted to draft a statement regarding these recommendations. Members discussed their concern of too many variables such as the grocery tax, collective bargaining and employee pay increases. Members agreed to the following recommendation: Council should look at total compensation with an eye on cost reduction with as small as possible impact to employees. V. Discussion with City Manager Darin Atteberry, City Manager said it was good that the Board is looking at employee pay, and that there may need to be service cuts in order to give employees increases. He explained that pay increases need to be included in the 2006-2007 budget planning. He said that the City is losing some good employees to other entities and that Council is aware of this issue. He said that over the next three to six months there may be some changes within the organization including some reorganization in order to be in a more proactive mode rather than re -active. Darin said he has seen some changes in the open communication with employees. He stated he would also like the Board's feedback in one of the most challenging times for the City. Darin said that if the repeal of the sales tax is passed the City is looking at narrow and deep cuts rather than overall broad cuts. Valerie Remington said that at some point the City has to look at generating revenue. The City's been good at cutting things but at some point the City will get in a downward spiral by cutting programs and services and lose that revenue. Darin responded that Personnel Board Minutes January 25, 2005 Page 3 of 3 most people move here because of the quality of life and that includes services. Valerie said that is true, but businesses also look at the bottom line. , Darin Atteberry expressed his appreciation for the Board's work. He said he received the information on the last employee appeal and either he or Diane Jones, Deputy City Manager will be reviewing the Board's recommendation. VI. Personnel Board Recruitment Rick DeLaCastro distributed copies of applications for three individuals who have applied for the Personnel Board. If the Board has any feedback, please contact either the Mayor Ray Martinez or Councilmember Erick Hamrick. VII. Other Business Rick DeLaCastro advised the Board that there are no potential employee appeals at this time. Vill. Adjourn There being no further business, James Lyall moved that the meeting be adjourned. Sid Simonson seconded. Motion passed unanimously (3-0). Meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m. Approved: /A I&II1 , a- Valerie Remington, Chai