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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-HRC-2002-02-27 HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE Regular Meeting February 27, 2002 Members Present: Alderperson Peterson, Alderperson Hershey, Alderperson Blumenthal, Alderperson Mack, Alderperson Cogan Staff Present: Marcia Fort (GIAC Director), Michael Thomas (Deputy GIAC Director), Steve Thayer (Deputy Controller), Alan J. Cohen (Mayor), Schelley Michell-Nunn (HR Director), Denise Malone (Administrative Secretary) Chairperson Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. A. Agenda Review, Approval of Minutes & Announcements Chairperson Peterson stated that the January minutes of the Human Resources Committee were not ready for review. Alderperson Peterson stated that items "Staff Serving on Boards and Committees" and "The Harriet Tubman Achievement Award" be added under H. - New Business. Alderperson Peterson announced that a tentative meeting for March 12, 2002 has been scheduled for Alderperson Blumenthal, Alderperson Vaughan and herself to meet with department heads Fire Chief Brian Wilbur, Superintendent of Public Works Bill Gray and Acting Youth Bureau Director Alice Green. B. Employee Comments and Response. None. C. Chairperson's Report. None. Human Resources Committee February 27, 2002 Page 2 D. Sub-Committee Updates 1. City Administration Alderperson Peterson stated that the Committee, consisting of Mayor Cohen, HR Director Michell-Nunn, Alderperson Hershey and Alderperson Manos, would meet to discuss the City Administration job description. E. Personnel Items 1. Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) The Greater Ithaca Activities Center has requested to amend the personnel roster by creating the Youth and Pre-Teen Program Administrator. After discussion, Alderperson Blumenthal made a motion to approve the request. Seconded by Alderperson Hershey. Motion carried 5-0. F. Directors' Reports. None. 6. Mayor's Report. None. H. New Business 1. Human Resources Department Work Plan The Committee reviewed and discussed the Human Resources Department Work Plan. The Committee suggested ways to make the plan more user friendly (more understandable). After reviewing the Work Plan, the Committee thanked and commended the Human Resources Department on a job well done. 2. No Smoking Policy HR Director Michell-Nunn stated that the Human Resources Department is in the process of updating and revising the HR Manual. In doing so, it was noticed that Common Council has never officially adopted a No Smoking Policy". Ms. Michell- Nunn asked the Attorney's Office to review the "Smoking Policy". Associate Human Resources Committee February 27, 2002 Page 3 Attorney Khandikile Sokoni responded that the City has two options. One option is to adopt the first proposed draft smoking policy that the City is currently practicing. The second option is to adopt the second proposed draft smoking policy that is more restrictive and would involve negotiating the terms with the Unions. After discussion, the Committee asked Ms. Michell-Nunn to draft a smoking policy that would address employee concerns regarding smoking. 3. Position Review The Position Review Committee was formed during a budget cycle to review and determine the feasibility of filling all vacant positions. The Committee consisted of the Mayor, the Controller and the Human Resources Director. Last year, the Human Resources Committee discussed including a Common Council member on the Position Review Committee, but the motion failed in the Human Resources Committee. After discussion and reviewing the resolution adopting the Position Review process, the consensus of the Committee was for the actions of the Position Review Committee be reported in writing to the Human Resources Committee and to Common Council. 4. Work Environment Task Force Status Reports HR Director Michell-Nunn stated that the HR Committee would receive updates on improvements and/or changes as a result of the Work Environment Task Force Report. Department heads would either regularly submit a status report to or come before the Human Resources Committee. After discussion, the Committee suggested scheduling departments for future meetings to come before the Human Resource Committee to report on the improvements and/or changes. , Human Resources Committee • February 27, 2002 Page 4 5. Staff Serving on Boards and Committees The Committee discussed whether staff should serve on boards and committees. After discussion, the Committee agreed that since this is not an employment issue this item should go before the Budget and Administration Committee. 6. The Harriet Tubman Achievement Award The Committee acknowledged that employee GIAC Director Marcia Fort has been nominated, and will receive, the Harriet Tubman Achievement Award. The Committee discussed the appropriateness of officially recognizing employees when he/she receives an award. After discussion, the consensus of the Committee was for Chairperson Peterson to talk with Alderperson Sams regarding recognizing Ms. Fort for this award. I. Old Business 1. Residency Requirement - Proposed Language Modification Chairperson Peterson asked for assistance in reviewing the Residency Requirement. Ms. Peterson stated that the current residency requirement is confusing to the employees. Ms. Peterson stated that she would have to look at past Common Council meeting minutes to determine the actual direction. The Committee discussed the Residency Requirement. Alderperson Mack expressed concern in ignoring feedback from Senior Staff. After discussion, Mayor Cohen and Alderperson Hershey stated that they would work with Chairperson Peterson on the Residency Requirement. J. Adjournment On a motion by Alderperson Hershey, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.