HomeMy WebLinkAboutPersonnel Committee - Minutes - 12/7/2013Minutes of the
Bayfield County Personnel Committee Meeting
4:00 PM, December 7, 2013
County Board Room, Bayfield County Courthouse, Washburn, WI
Members Present: Brett Rondeau, John Bennett, Shawn Miller, William Bussey, Neil Schultz
Others Present: County Administrator Mark Abeles-Allison, Kristine Kavajecz-Confidential
Secretary, Dennis Pocernich, Harold Maki (5:15), Dee Kittleson (5:15), Linda Ovaska
Rondeau called the meeting to order at 4:00pm.
Motion Bussey, Miller to approve the November 7, 2013 Personnel Committee minutes. Motion
Carried. Schultz commented on the second paragraph of the second page. Clarification of his
comments: An employee’s spouse, if they have insurance available through their employer,
should not be allowed to take county insurance.
Wage Study: Abeles-Allison explained the documents included with the packet. Directions from
the committee in the past were reviewed:
No reduction of wage for any existing employees.
New employees to generally start at 80% of the mid-point with flexibility to start an employee at
a higher wage if justified. Suggestion was made to start employees at 85% instead of 80% with
the thought that we want to attract the best applicants.
Motion Bussey, Bennett to start new employees at 85% of the midpoint.
Motion Miller, Schultz to amend the motion to start new employees at 80% of the midpoint.
Discussion regarding starting wage levels. Amended motion carried (3-2). Original motion (as
amended to 80% level). Motion Carried (4-1).
Discussion regarding how an employee moves through the 5 quintiles. This topic is addressed
under the “Pay Adjustments” section of the proposed wage manual. Movement through the wage
levels would require review by the Department Head and County Administrator. Pay Plan &
Adjustments document, General guidelines, second sub-bullet addresses that a wage level
adjustment is not automatic, but will be considered. Suggestion from the committee is to remove
the word “effective” and just indicate “considered”.
Discussion on length of time for a new employee to get to the mid-point. 4-years is proposed in
the document.
Motion Bussey, Bennett to bring new employees to the mid-point after 2-years of employment.
Further discussion. Motion Failed (3-2).
Multiple levels within a position (ie Clerk I, II, III; Social Worker I, II, III) are proposed to be
retained. Review of proposed requirements at a level before becoming eligible for the next wage
level.
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Schultz requested a review of Level I, II, III job descriptions to evaluate the differences and
determine whether the different levels are necessary. Job Descriptions will be sent to the
committee members.
Discussion on indexing the wage scale annually. Discussion on when a new employee would be
eligible for wage increases (January 1 or anniversary date). Proposal includes increases on the
anniversary date for the first 4 years, then on January 1 each year after that.
Position Level Questions:
Custodian from Level 19 to 14. The Custodian does more technical work than a standard
cleaning person (heating, plumbing, electrical).
Highway Equipment Operator from Level 12 to 13. This move was proposed to bring the
Equipment Operators in line with the Mechanics. The wage study comparables actually show the
Equipment Operator at a higher wage level than Mechanics. Abeles-Allison suggested moving
the Equipment Operators back to Level 12. Lengthy discussion was held regarding the
appropriate level for Equipment Operators.
Maki and Kittleson joined the meeting at 5:15pm
Concensus of the committee is to set the midpoint for Equipment Operator on the schedule at
$20.10 (current highest wage).
Discussion regarding the Tourism Director wage level. This position to be discussed further in
closed session.
The committee reviewed each of the changes that were made to the original wage schedule that
was provided by Wipfli. The committee discussed the revised wage level of each position with
regard to the market average (percent of median).
Motion Bussey, Miller to accept the wage schedule as presented and forward to the County
Board for approval. Input from committee members. Miller and Bussey rescinded their motions.
Maki commented on the number of employees that have retired recently and the reasons behind
the retirements. Maki asked if the county contributed to the reason that employees decided to
retire. Maki also asked if the Personnel Committee reviews exit interviews when employees
leave.
The committee reviewed the benefits summary analysis, including annual county expenses
related to fringe benefits. The average cost for benefits per employee in 2014 is estimated at
approximately $12.11 per hour. Schultz asked for a definition of a “Cadillac Plan”.
Ovaska exited the meeting at this time.
Motion Miller, Bennett to enter closed session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes §19.85(1)(c, e) for
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding approval of closed session minutes of November 7,
2013, discussion regarding employee compensation, approval of the 2013-2014 WPPA-Deputy
Contract and union negotiation strategy for WPPA-Jailer Unit and Teamster Bargaining Units.
Motion Carried. Entered closed session at 6:13 pm .
Motion Miller, Bennett to return to open session. Motion Carried.
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Meeting adjourned at 7:00pm