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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPersonnel Committee - Minutes - 11/20/2003Personnel Committee Minutes Thursday, November 20, 2003 Bayfield County Board Room Members Present: Neil Paulson, David Good, John Blahnik, Brett Rondeau Members Absent: Harold Maki Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison, Kris Kavajecz Meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm in the Bayfield County Board Room by Chairman Blahnik. Motion by Paulson second by Rondeau to approve the minutes of the October 30, 2003 Personnel Committee Meeting with a clarification to page one, which identifies that the payout of 60% of accrued sick leave is at retirement. Motion carried to approve the minutes with the change. Discussion and possible action regarding Side-letters for AFSCME union: Abeles-Allison explained that we have not yet received any response from the AFSCME union regarding the proposed side letters. Discussion was held regarding whether to send the side letter regarding the modified wage scale for new employees who elect immediate health insurance coverage to all unions. Discussion and Possible Action regarding Sections VIII through XI of the Bayfield County Policies and Procedures Manual: Section IX-Safety Policy: Abeles-Allison explained that there is a Risk Management Committee, which typically meets on a quarterly basis. This role needs to be more clearly defined and information shared with the board. The committee discussed clarifying the policy to include information on the Risk Management Committee. Clarify that the “Safety Officer” is the County Administrator. Other modifications to the Safety Policy statement in Section IX include: In the first paragraph, Clarify that the County will provide a safe work environment to the degree possible. Remove the word “general” to state that employees will be provided with rules for safe work procedures. In the last paragraph, clarify that departments shall develop additional safety guidelines when necessary. The committee also discussed that there should be, at a minimum, monthly safety meetings or reminders. Section VIII-Solicitation: Clarification of what is and is not acceptable. Discussion regarding what is a “personal product”. This policy should be more clearly defined. Political Activities: Eliminate the words “in general” and state that these activities are permissible or prohibited. Code of Ethics: Item C-Discussion regarding what is construed as a “gift” of value. Change all of the “should’s” to “shall’s” in items A, B and C. The committee discussed that the second paragraph should be more clearly defined. The last paragraph should state “Any violation of this section will result in disciplinary action being taken against the person(s) involved. Update regarding recent employee informational meetings on health care coverage and health care network options: Abeles-Allison shared that all unions have ratified their contracts. A health insurance meeting with employees was held two weeks ago. One issue was of concern: the existing prescription benefit allows for a 90-day prescription through a local pharmacist. The new policy offers 90-day prescription only for mail-order drugs, but not local pharmacies. Abeles-Allison spoke with Kim Hurtz and she has indicated that they prefer to stay with the mail-order, but they will not increase our premium if we choose to offer local 90-day supply due to the misunderstanding with the union. Committee suggested to leave the benefit as it exists today, where employees can receive 90-day supply from local pharmacist, but encourage employees to utilize the mail-order option when they can. County should educate employees as to the benefit of the mail order option. Motion by Paulson second by Good to continue to offer 90-day prescriptions through local pharmacist for single co-pay and to encourage employees to utilize the mail-order option to help reduce costs and long term premium increases. Motion Carried. Discussion and Possible Action regarding membership with LSALMA: Abeles- Allison explained that LSALMA is a labor-management group. This is a program that encourages communication between management and unions. Motion by Paulson, second by Rondeau to authorize membership in the LSALMA organization in 2004 for $250.00. Motion Carried . Abeles-Allison stated that a January 15 date has been set as a tentative date to meet with LSALMA. Paulson, Blahnik, and Rondeau committed to attend the meeting. The committee suggested that the Personnel Committee meeting be set for the same day. Staffing Updates: Sanitarian, Michelle Simone will begin Dec 1. She has POWTS experience. UW Extension Half-Time Secretary: One internal applicant. Interview will be conducted on November 21, 2003. LCC Grant Position: Diane Daulton exploring options for filling this position through a contract rather than by hiring an employee. Ann Holy resigned due to a better employment offer. Blahnik requested that copies of exit interviews be shared with the Personnel Committee when employees leave. Systems Change Coordinator: Human Services Grant Position. 30hrs per week. Will start first week after Thanksgiving. Jail/Dispatch: Currently interviewing and hiring 4 jailers (at least 2 women). Paulson request that they have computer skills. One CCO position to fill. Comment that the hiring process in the Sheriff’s Department is not as strong as it could be. Question regarding notice in the newspaper regarding the UW Extension Nutritionist position. It was explained that this is not a County Employee. Abeles-Allison explained that in a pinch, there is a forestry employee that has heavy equipment experience that may be able to help in the hwy dept. Discussion regarding compensation for Department Heads. There are currently 5 levels that the Department Heads are placed in. Paulson explained that there is not a reclassification process for Department Heads. Wages would be modified only if the job duties changed significantly. Abeles-Allison will provide further information on this topic at a future meeting. Other Items: Good questioned health insurance eligibility for family members if an employee initially only requested single coverage. Abeles-Allison explained that there must be a qualifying event, as identified in the insurance plan, to allow additional persons on the County Health plan. Motion by Paulson, second by Good to adjourn. Motion Carried. Meeting adjourned at 5:25 pm.