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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-HRC-2002-07-31 HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE Regular Meeting July 31, 2002 Members Present: Carolyn Peterson, Susan Blumenthal, Dan Cogan, Peter Mack, Acting Mayor Manos, Ed Hershey (arrived at 7:10 p.m.) Council Members Present: Alderperson Whitmore Staff Present: Schelley Michell-Nunn (HR Director), Leslie Moskowitz (Manager of OD), Phyllis Radke (Building Commissioner), Bill Gray (Supt of Public Works), Larry Fabbroni (Asst Supt of Public Works), Khandikile Sokoni (Associate Attorney), Denise Malone (Administrative Secretary) Chairperson Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. A. Agenda Review, Approval of Minutes & Announcements The Committee reviewed the minutes from the June 2002 meeting. Alderperson Blumenthal made a motion to approve the minutes from the June 24, 2002 meeting. Seconded by Alderperson Cogan. Motion carried 4-0. (Alderperson Hershey absent from vote.) Chairperson Peterson asked if there were any Position Review denials to add to the agenda, to which Human Resources (HR) Director Michell-Nunn responded no. HR Director Michell-Nunn stated that the Emergency Closing Policy and the Positive Work Environment Statement are still being revised. B. Employee Comments & Common Council Response. None. C. Chairperson's Report. None. Human Resources Committee Meeting July 31, 2002 Page 2 D. Affirmative Action Advisory Committee Update Alderperson Cogan reported that he attended the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee (AAAC) meeting on July 12th and that the AAAC is currently reviewing the Workforce Diversity Plan. This Plan, once approved and adopted, would replace the Affirmative Action Plan. The Human Resources Committee (HRC) asked whether a representative from the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee would be attending the HRC meetings. HR Director Michell-Nunn stated that she would remind the members of the AAAC about a representative being present at the HRC monthly meetings. Alderperson Mack will attend the next meeting of the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee, which is August 9, 2002. E. Sub-Committee Updates 1. Department Head/Common Council Retreat Chairperson Peterson reported that a follow-up to the Department Head/Common Council retreat would be at the end of August. The Sub-Committee would focus on key issues that came out of the retreat. F. Personnel Items 1. Building Department a. Request to Increase Hours of Typist Position The Building Department requested to amend the Personnel Roster by increasing the hours of the Typist Position from 35 hours per week to 40 hours per week. After discussion, Alderperson Blumenthal made a motion to approve the request. Seconded by Alderperson Cogan. Motion carried 5-0. Human Resources Committee Meeting July 31, 2002 Page 3 2. DPW - Water & Sewer a. Request to Transfer Funds Superintendent Bill Gray and Asst Superintendent Larry Fabbroni reported that due to the NYS Retirement Incentive Program, there would be several retirements of senior positions in the Department of Public Works (DPW) - Water & Sewer (W&S) Division. In preparation for these retirements, Mr. Gray and Mr. Fabbroni are requesting permission to create a resolution to transfer monies between different accounts to make funds available for contractual services and temporary/seasonal appointments. Mr. Gray stated that this request did go before the Budget & Administration (B&A) Committee. But there were many human resources and employment related items that need to be addressed by the HRC. The Committee discussed the request presented by the Department of Public Works - Water & Sewer Division. After discussion, the Committee agreed to allow Mr. Gray and Mr. Fabbroni to bring forth a resolution to be included on the Common Council agenda. 3. Human Resources Department a. Request to Designate Position as Managerial The Human Resources Department requested to assign the Education and Training Coordinator to the Managerial Compensation Plan at Salary Grade 2. After discussion, Alderperson Blumenthal made a motion to approve the request. Seconded by Alderperson Mack. Motion carried 5-0. 4. Position Review Request HR Director Michell-Nunn reported that there were seven (7) authorizations to fill vacancies (Building Department - Typist; Department of Public Works - Bus Driver, Water Treatment Plant Operator and Chief Wastewater Treatment Plant Human Resources Committee Meeting , July 31, 2002 Page 4 Operator; GIAC - Recreation Assistant; Youth Bureau - Office Manager and Administrative Assistant/Financial Management) and there were no denials. HR Director Michell-Nunn reported that authorization was given to fill the Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator (after the current employee retires) and a lower title position (if an employee is promoted into the higher-level position). HR Director Michell-Nunn stated that there are thirteen (13) positions where no decision has been made. HR Director Michell-Nunn would bring the position titles that are pending to the next meeting. The Committee discussed responding in a timely manner to requests to fill vacancies. After discussion, Alderperson Hershey requested that by the next meeting that there be clarification of the time line and that the clarification include that requests would be decided in a timely manner. Any decisions to deny or to defer the requests should be reported to the Human Resources Committee on a monthly basis. G. Directors' Reports Human Resources Director Michell-Nunn reported on the following items: 1. Annual Recognition Award HR Director Michell-Nunn stated that the deadline for the Annual Recognition Award nomination is August 23rd. The Annual Recognition Award Selection Committee would be comprised of the Mayor, the City Attorney and five (5) Common Council members. Ms. Michell-Nunn stated that Common Council would need to decide who would represent them on this Committee. The winner would be announced at the Employee Picnic. 2. Sexual Orientation and Affectional Preferences HR Director Michell-Nunn reported that the Code Book does include the phrase "sexual orientation and affectional preferences". Ms. Michell-Nunn stated that there is a distinction between the two terms. Affectional preference is an older term that is no longer accepted and may insult some individuals because it implies • Human Resources Committee Meeting July 31, 2002 Page 5 choice. The correct term to use is sexual orientation. Ms. Michell-Nunn will provide the Committee with more information. 3. Status of Current Department Head Searches HR Director Michell-Nunn stated that the search is underway for the Police Chief, Youth Bureau Director and Deputy City Controller. The Search Committee meetings have been delayed due to summer vacations. H. Mayor's Report. None. I. New Business 1. Health Insurance Deferment Ms. Michell-Nunn reported that a managerial employee has taken advantage of the early retirement incentive program and would be retiring in September 2002. This employee has requested permission to defer the purchase of health and/or dental insurance for up to five (5) years after the date of retirement because of being covered by another health insurance plan. After discussion, the consensus of the Committee was that they needed more time and information before being able to consider the request. Ms. Michell-Nunn would provide the Human Resources Committee with more information regarding the sick leave/cash buy-out program. 2. 2002 NYS Retirement Incentive Program The Controller's Office requested approval of the 2002 NYS Retirement Incentive Program Participants. After discussion, Alderperson Mack made a motion to approve the 2002 NYS Retirement Incentive Program Participants. Seconded by Alderperson Cogan. Motion carried 5-0. Human Resources Committee Meeting ti July 31, 2002 Page 6 J. Old Business 1. City Administration Referendum and Local Law The Human Resources Committee reviewed the local law regarding the position of City Administrator. The purpose and effect of this local law is "to amend the City Charter to allow the City Administrator position to appoint, discipline and supervise City Departments Heads, a power which is currently held by the Mayor, and which would therefore be curtailed." After reviewing the local law and the accompanying materials, the Committee expressed a number of concerns. Should this be a term position? If so, how long? Why is this an at will position (serves at the pleasure of the Mayor)? How can Common Council approve this position if it is at the pleasure of the Mayor? Would the Mayor have the power to hire or remove a City Administrator? Why is there a removal procedure? What are the responsibilities/job duties of this position? Would this position have budget implications or responsibilities? How would this position interface with the existing structure? Would there be any change in the powers of Common Council? The intent of the Sub-Committee was that the creation of the City Administrator position would be a joint Mayor and Common Council appointment. The hiring of a City Administrator would diminish the Mayor's authority not expand it. The City Administrator could only be removed with Mayor and Common Council approval. After discussion, the consensus of the Committee was to defer putting the laws on the ballot this year. A new Sub-Committee would be created, which would include the current HRC Chairperson. The Sub-Committee would address the concerns that were raised. Chairperson Peterson will make a report to full Council that the local law has been tabled and that a new Sub-Committee would be created to address the issues raised. The Committee thanked the City Attorney's Office and the Human Resources Department for their hard work in drafting the local law. • Human Resources Committee Meeting July 31, 2002 Page 7 2. Supplementary Military Leave Ms. Michell-Nunn stated that the current Supplementary Military Leave will expire soon and asked the Committee whether or not the leave should be extended. After discussion, the consensus of the Committee was to let the leave expire. Could always revisit at a later date. 3. Residency for Managerial Employees Alderperson Hershey stated that there is a need to revisit the residency policy, especially in light of the current searches. After discussion, Chairperson Peterson stated that Alderperson Hershey could convene the Sub-Committee to address this item. K. Adjournment On a motion by Alderperson Cogan, the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.