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Home My WebLink About07/16/1997 Regular i-" . . . MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD WEDNESDAY, JULY 16,1997 . . The city of Springfield council met in special session in the Springfield City Council Chamber Room, 225 Fifth Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Wednesday, July 16, 1997, at 4:00 p.m., with Mayor Morrisette presiding. ATTENDANCE Present were Mayor Morrisette, Councilors Ballew, Beyer, Burge, Dahlquist, Maine and Shaver. Also present were City Manager Michael Kelly, City Recorder Julie Wilson and members of the staff. BUSINESS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 1. Oregon Public Employees Union (OPEU) Contract Ratification. Human Resources Director Frank Hotchkiss presented the staff report on this issue. Labor negotiations for a successor agreement with OPEU commenced on January 22, 1997 and were complete on July 1, 1997. The city and union have tentatively agreed to a proposed three year contract which has been ratified by the union and membership. Final approval by council is required. The Oregon Public Employees Union represents over half (123 of231) of the city's general service employees. Membership includes employees from all departments. On June 30, 1997, the city's contract with OPEU expired. Negotiations for a successor agreement began in January 1997. Throughout the course of negotiations, council has defined the city's priorities and provided parameters for settlement ona number of issues. In January, council emphasized the need for cost savings and advocated a variety of staff recommended strategies for controlling costs. In addition, council provided specific economic parameters in March for a successor three year contract. Then, on June 30, 1997, council defined parameters for settling unresolved retirement and wage issues. Through negotiations, the city and union have settled 53 language and 21 economic issues. The city and the union have agreed to a number of the recommended cost savings strategies, including a reduced CPI, employee-paid retirement contributions, a modified disability benefit, and tlmployee paid health insurance contributions, including splitting the cost of future rate increases. Based on the resolution of significant language and economic issues, the staff recommends providing a six percent salary increase in the third year of the agreement when the bargaining unit employee commence making a six percent payment to their retirement contribution. In addition, the city is able to offer life insurance and retirement benefits to part-time employees which provides more equitable treatment of employees, and improves the city's ability to hire and retain qualified personnel. C'-. . . . Special Council Meeting July 17,1997 Page 2 The proposed contract provides a cost-of-living increase of2% in the first year, 2% in the second year, and 1 % in year three. The proposed contract cost falls within council's economic parameters as authorized on June 30, 1997. Mr. Hotchkiss discussed the total financial impact. Mr. Hotchkiss responded to a question from Councilor Ballew and explained the fair share option. He also clarified the cliff vesting schedule. Councilor Burge asked if part-time employees were permanent or only filled in as needed. Mr. Hotchkiss explained career employees do hold some part-time permanent positions. Councilor Maine as~ed if employees were provided with information regarding total pay, including benefits. She recommended this information be provided in the future, possibly during the next fiscal year. Councilor Ballew asked about retirement and part-time employees. Mr. Hotchkiss answered questions regarding part-time employee participation in the retirement system. Mr. Hotchkiss and Mayor Morrisette recognized efforts by Paula Guthrie during the negotiation process. Councilor Ballew asked if there were any non-economic changes to the contract. Mr. Hotchkiss said he could go over a few items but none really stood out. He said layoff and recall language was clarified. He also mentioned the bump back language. Councilor Shaver thanked everyone for working together during the negotiation process, especially during difficult budget times. He said employees provide a great service to the city. IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR SHAVER, WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR MAINE, TO APPROVE THE RECOMMENDED OPEU LABOR CONTRACT FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 1997 - JUNE 30, 2000. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST. BUSINESS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY ("-- - . . . - .. , . Special Council Meeting July 17, 1997 Page 3 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 4:25 p.m. Minutes Recorder - Julie Wilson /j{~~~ Mayor Attest: "- ~