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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 1996TOWN CLERK 273-1721 TOWN OF ITHACA 126 EAST SENECA STREET,ITHACA,N.Y.14850 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783 FAX (607)273-1704 TO:Cathy Valentino,John Wolff,Ed Conley,Joan Noteboom,Don Tenkate,Betty Poole,Fred Noteboom. FROM:Sherm DiSanto^? DATE:January 11,1996 The regular monthly Pe rsonnel^Cpmmittee^mee ting for January will be held on Wednesday,<J.ahu^r-y^^^^AM in the Town Hall Board Room. AGENDA Call to order. Approval of Minutes -c e m ber Meeting) Staff to be heard. Violence in the Workplace Questionnaire -Sherm to discuss. Safety and Security Rules and Procedures -Sherm to discuss. Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy -Fred/Sherm to discuss. Consider having "Do Not Duplicate"stamped on keys -Sherm to discuss. Consider process for updating Personnel Manual. 9.Consider retirees Health Plan. If unable to attend please contact me at 273-1721. TOWN CLERK 273-1721 TOWN OF ITHACA 126 EAST SENECA STREET,ITHACA,N.Y.14850 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783 FAX (607)273-1704 TO:Cathy Valentino,Steve Smith,Ed Austen,Ellen Harrison,Joan Noteboom,Fred Noteboom. FROM:Sherm DiSanto DATE;November 30,1995 RE:Personnel Committee Minutes (November 16,1995) PRESENT:Cathy Valentino,Steve Smith,Sherm DiSanto. Others attending:Fred Noteboom,Don Tenkate,Gail Kroll. Excused:John Whitcomb,Ed Austen,Ellen Harrison. Call to Order:8:15 AM Approval of minutes for October 19,1995 Agenda Item #3:No concerns voiced by attending staff. Agenda Item #4:Violence in the Workplace Questionnaire was finalized and is to be sent out to employees. Agenda Item #5:Security and Safety Policy and Procedures was approved and recommended to the Town Board for approval at their December meeting.Cathy mentioned the possibility of having "Do Not Duplicate"on keys.Sherm is to get estimates of cost for the project. Agenda Item #6:Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy was approved pending John Barney's okay.It was recommended to send to Town Board for approval pending attorney's recommendation. Agenda Item #7:Sherm discussed that there is no 80%reimbursement from prescription card as there is no deductible like health insurance has.Cathy discussed that we are reviewing other insurance options and are waiting to hear back from the insurance company.Put this on the agenda for January 1996. Agenda Item #8;not all employees who have use of Town vehicles pay car fringe.Cathy felt it should be consistent.All agreed. n. Therefore,it was decided to charge Eric Whitney and WayneSincebaughcarfringe.Dan Walker stated that Eric and Wayne were confortable with this. Agenda Item #9:All full time employees will receive three Personal Days ’in January for 1996.Any time carried over from 1995 must be taken by their anniversary date in 1996.This will be the only time Personal Days will be carried over. Adjourned;9 s 15 AM TOWN CLERK 273-1721 TOWN OF ITHACA 126 EAST SENECA STREET,ITHACA,N.Y.14850 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783 FAX (607)273-1704 TO:Cathy Valentino,John Wolff,Ed Conley,Betty Poole,Don Tenkate,Joan Noteboom FROM:Sherm DiSanto DATE:February 21,1996 The regular monthly Personnel Committee meeting for February will be held on Wednesday,February 28,1996 at 8:00 AM in the Town Hall Board Room. AGENDA 1.Call to order 2.Approval of minutes -January 17,1996 3.Staff to be heard 4.Update on Violence in the Workplace Questionnaire 5.Consider revising Personnel Manual (Discipline/Discharge policy) If you are unable to attend,please contact me as soon as possible at 273-1721 Attached is .a copy of the latest version of the Personnel Manual. Bring it with you to the next few meetings for a working copy. TO:Cathy Valentino,John Wolff,Ed Conley Don Tenkate,Betty Poole,Joan Noteboom. FROM: DATE: Sherm DiSanto February 14,1996 F B RE:Personnel Committee PRESENT:Cathy Valentino,Ed Conley,John Wolff,Don Tenkate, Betty Poole,Joan Noteboom,Sherm DiSanto. Others attending:Dan walker,Sally Alario,Pat Keller, Fred Noteboom. Call to orders 8:15 AM Approved November 1995 minutes (no December meeting) Agenda Item #3:Fred Noteboom mentioned he is considering promoting a person to fill a vacated MEO position.Cathy Valentino stated there will be no more executive sessions of the PersonnelCommittee;these matters will be taken up by the Town Board Executive session.Cathy said the reason for this was due to the..nature of the ma.keup of the personnel committee (hourly and salaried personnel),to protect the well being of all involved. Agenda Item #4:Sherm discussed the Violence in the Work Place Questionnaire and that these were sent out to employees.Sherm will begin tabulating results and have a report for the next meeting. Sherm to get a copy of Questionnaire to John and Ed. Agenda Item #5:Sherm discussed Safety and Security Procedures. These were sent out to employees to read,sign and send back.He has received some back. Agenda Item #6:Fred/Sherm mentioned that the Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy is in place;has been reviewed by Fred,Sherm and Gail,and will be meeting .with Hugh Kent to "fine tune"the Policy. In January,the highway department had one employee tested with negative results..; Agenda Item #7:Having "Do Not Duplicate"stamped on keys was discussed.Sherm and Joan discussed the cost and labor involved in having this done.Joan mentioned they are presently numbered and are signed for by the employee.It was decided to hold off and look into this when we move into another building. <Agenda Item #8:Updating the Personnel Manual was discussed.Ed A ;mentioned adding Civil ’-Service process.Joan mentioned there are many topics which need to be clarified.Betty suggested that Sherm send a memo to employees as to what they feel should be added/modif ied.Cathy mentioned that she wanted to discuss Discipline/Discharge policy at the next meeting.It was decided to put different sections of the Personnel Manual on the next few agendas to evaluate.Sherm to show at the next meeting samples/break down of different topics of the Manual.Cathy mentioned we needed to add a section pertaining to retirees.ShermmentionedthatalotoftimegoesintoaPersonnelManualandthatwhenwe're done it should look professional (i.e.bound insomethingattractive).Cathy also mentioned that in the introduction there should be a statement to the effect "that themanualisnotalegallybindinginstrument",merely a statement ofTownPolicy.It was noted that the last page of the manual states this fact.Cathy wants updating the Personnel Manual at the top of Sherm's agenda and the Personnel Committee agenda. Agenda Item #9:Retiree health plan was discussed.Cathy stated that the portion of what the Town pays is not consistent with all retirees.Also,the Town does not have the appropriate plan for retirees.The retiree with sick accrual uses this equivalent dollar amount to pay 50%;also dental comes from this amount.Joan mentioned that spouse of deceased retirees are still receiving full benefits.It was agreed that 1)the town policy should be consistent for all retirees?2)when a retire has exhausted all sick time accrual,the retiree should pay 100%.Also,if the retirees have no sick time at the time of retirement,they should fall in this same category.John mentioned we should proceed with caution with the retiree health insurance as the retiree may not be financially secure to absorb any more costs,(it may create undue financial hardship)'.Also,Cathy mentioned we must be aware of any pre-existing conditions.If the Town draws up a separate policy for retirees,then the employee rate will go up with retirees out.Ed mentioned we should look into what the Association of Towns has.It was decided to put this on the next agenda.John inquired if there was anything else pertaining to retirees that was inconsistent -No.Joan stated that elected Officers (for retirement recording) must ;keep record of their first 3 months and average out the number of hours worked.,per month.Joan to look up the resolution pertaining to this record keeping of elected officials. Meeting opened to floor:Don Tenkate asked if vacation could be traded for sick time to build up sick time accrual upon retirement. Cathy said "no".Cathy discussed vacation time.She will have final say about an employee carrying over amounts in excess of 1.5 times allotment.Cathy stated that if an employee has scheduled vacation time and due to an emergency cannot take vacation,it should be discussed and documented with the Supervisor and that it may be appropriate to extend time frame.Joan mentioned that if an employee constantly cannot take vacation maybe we need to look into the staffing situation.Vacation/Personal time needs to be clarified better in.’the'Personnel Manual.Cathy stated she mentioned to Department Heads that Personal time cannot be tacked onto sick or vacation.There does not,however,seem to be an abuse of this. Cathy stated that the Personnel Committee meeting was to start no later than 8:15 and to end no later than 10:00 AM. Cathy discussed the following ’’old items’’which need to be addressed in 1996: 1)establish a policy of hiring relatives or family members. 2)guidelines for trucks and equipment operation. 3)use of unauthorized computer software -Sally (ADP Committee)to come up with statement. 4)look into worker's Comp./Disability "double dipping"- method of paid holidays 5)what is/is not proper employee attire. Adjourned 9s 35 AM RESULTS OF 33 EMPLOYEES RESPONDING.NOT ALL QUESTIONS ANSWERED.14 RESPONDENTS HAD 'COMMENTS WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE MEETING. PREVENTING VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACEXCONFIDENTIALQUESTIONNAIRE The Personnel Committee is soliciting your input to help evaluatethetypesofissuestobeaddressedinapolicycurrentlybeingconsideredtohelppreventworkplaceviolence. Violence in the workplace can be:homicide,assault,theft,arson,intentional damage,stalking,harassment,intimidation,threats,suicide,extortion,hostage taking,bombing,etc.This violence may be perpetrated by workers,clients,familymembers.This questionnaire is not subject to "Freedom ofInformationAct",therefore answers are confidential and will not je shared with anyone except the Personnel Office. ou fearful about violence in this workplace?1. yes a victim of violence in a workplace?you been yes Select any of the listed situations that make you feel3. apprehensive,or uneasy,during the course of your day. Apprehension of being: INSTRUCTIONS:Please type or write your answers in ink.Place a check orXbesidetheitemthatbestdescribesyourvieworexperience.Seal yourcompletedformintheenvelopeprovidedandreturntothePersonnelOfficenolaterthanDecember1,1995. 30 no 31 no /attacked or accosted to or from work I "hit on"by a co-worker or supervisor 3 ./threatened or intimidated by a co-worker or supervisor the victim of domestic violence 4.Place a check beside any of the listed situations that you have experienced in the workplace during Town of Ithaca employment: witnessed a violent act 5*felt fearful of the actions of another person g felt harassed,intimidated,or victimized I 1 been harassed,intimidated,or victimized narrowly escaped violence (a close call) 5.If you checked any of the items in question 4,was the personresponsible: 4 a co-worker \ el a supervisor) 1yacustomeror resident a family member 6.Are you aware that some Town employees bring firearms intotheworkplace? 5*1 1 yes IQ no 7.Have you ever carried a handgun or other firearm into theworkplaceoronTownproperty? Vs yes RD no 8.Are you concerned about this practice? ISl yes l|no I undecided 9.Select the item below that best completes this sentence:IfeelaggressivebehaviorintheTownofIthacaworkplaceis I tolerated .discouraged I do not feel aggressive behavior is a problem 10.Select from the options below the choice that best describes the handling of your complaints,if any,concerning intimidating or aggressive behavior: \3 complaints have been addressed satisfactorily complaints have not been addressed satisfactorily no complaints. 11.Check all types of workplace violence training you have received from the selections listed below (beyond the overview provided last fall during the benefits Information meeting): k safety precaution 5~recognizing potentially violent situations If recognizing the warning signs of aggression and violence in others how to react if violence erupts 12.During your employment with the Town,do you feel you were adversely affected by a policy or procedure you feel was unfair?.>NO\\ti9^a I Yes,please describe 13.If you answered yes to question 12,do you feel you received7"an acceptable hearing or chance to present your case?> J Yes .C*'No "—s''' 14.I am a 13 female /*7 male Public contact? Off Ice/Fleld/Hlghway H if Comments and suggestions for improving your workplace: TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783 FAX (607)273-1704 TO: FROM: DATE: RE: Sherm DiSanto Cathy Valentino,Ed Conley,John Wolff,Betty Poole Don Tenkate,Fred Noteboom,Joan Noteboom. March 13,1996 AGENDA 1.Call to order 2.Approval of Minutes -February 28,1996 3.Staff to be heard 4.Review Employee Comments of Violence in the Work Place results. 5.Review Discipline/Discharge Policy 6..Review of Personnel Manual: Harassment —EAP Hiring /employments. '^Drug &Alcohol Retirees health plan" 7.Discuss "Attendance to Workshops". Z^Sexual REMINDER:Bring copy of Personnel Manual If you are unable to attend,please call me at 273-1721 Sherm DiSanto;others attending:Jon Kanter,Sally Alario,Pat Keller. Absent:Ed Conley,John Wolff TO:Cathy Betty Valentino,John Wolff,Ed Conley,Don Poole,Joan Noteboom. Tenkate , FROM:Sherm DiSanto DATE:March 6,1996 RE:Personnel Committee minutes (2/28/96) PRESENT:Cathy Valentino,Don Tenkate,Betty Poole,Joan Noteboom, Call to order:8:20 AM Approval of January 1996 minutes. Agenda Item #3 Staff to be heard:Sally asked if health insurance was changing.Cathy said we will be looking at different proposals overthenextfewmonthsandthatwewillkeeptheemployeesinformed. Betty stated that a resolution in June 1993 stated (for retirementcreditpurposed)that elected officials should have 6 hours and appointed officials 7.5 hours.Also,officials are to keep track of their hours for a three month period to see what the actual number of hours worked really is. Agenda Item #4:Joanie is looking into a "bell"of some sort to put at front door so the Deputy Town Clerks will hear when a person enters the building.Cathy asked if people were aware that employees brought knives to work.Answer was "yes"(Jackknives). Sherm is to look into program/speaker dealing with violence in the work place.Results of Violence in the Work Place Questionnaire was discussed.Jon Kantor mentioned having a group session to discuss violence.Pat Keller mentioned she thought there was a "crisis training"program out there where people could call a number and discuss their problem.Jon also mentioned that maybe the county/civil service may have something.It was decided to make the results of the questionnaire available to all employees.Sherm is to give all employees a copy of results and comments and ask employees to comment on this.Cathy mentioned we should do other types of surveys more often and to keep violence in the Work Place on the agenda for a couple of more months. Agenda Item #5: Personnel Manual Review:Cathy read from Cornell UAW book, what they had in place for a Discipline/Discharge policy.This policy is a result of 15 years of union/management negotiations. Cathy discussed: 1.This description is for the purpose of helping individuals. 2.It does not mention the number of oral/written concerns an employee may have because there may be many small concerns.Only major infractions are not subject to this "Progressive Discipline."These "write-ups"are to be signed by the employee and supervisor. Discipline/Discharge must be consistent with past dealings. 3.Cathy will be getting a copy of this policy for the next meeting. 4.Under civil service an employee has the right to a hearing. Sherm is to get for all employees,a copy of civil service law and hiring procedure and requirements for competitive,non-competitive, and promotional positions.Next meeting we will review Discipline/Discharge policy (Cathy to bring),sexual harassment, smoking,EAP,Drug and Alcohol policy,and hiring/employment policy.Cathy also wants to have "attendance to workshops"put onMarchagenda.Sherm is to have a "draft"pertaining to health benefits of retirees. Adjournments 9s 35 AM HEALTH/DENTAL BENEFIT PLAN FOR RETIREES DENTAL A retiree may wish to have dental coverage upon retirement from the town.However,the premium will be paid 100%by the retiree. This premium shal 1 not be paid with any unused 'sick time' balance.If the retiree wishes dental coverage(individual or family),he/she shall pay the town by check or cash.As the townpaysthedentalpremiumonemonthinadvance,so shall the retiree pay his/her premium to the town one month in advance. HEALTH (THERE IS NO FAMILY HEALTH PLAN FOR RETIREES) If a retiree has a 'sick time'balance,and he/she wishes to continue health coverage,he/she may do so under the 1 nd 1 v 1 dua 1 health plan.100%of the premium will be deducted from theretirees''sick time'balance until it is used up,at which time the retiree may elect to continue coveragefsee below).If there is a spouse,then his/her premium shall to be paid 100%by the retiree,by check or cash,as the 'sick time'balance is for use of the retiree ONLY. Upon the death of a retiree with a 'sick time'balance,thespousemayuseupthisbalanceinlieuofcashpayment.Upon depletion of this balance,the spouse may continue coverage, however ,he/she shall go back to paying as before. FOR FULL-TIME'EMPLOYEES RETIRING WITH NO 'SICK TIME'BALANCE 'AND RETIREES WHO HAVE EXHAUSTED THEIR 'SICK TIME'BALANCE, WISHING TO CONTINUE HEALTH COVERAGE,THE FOLLOWING PERTAINS: YEARS OF SERVICE 25 AND OVER 15-24 5-14 LESS THAN 5 RETIREES PORTION OF PREMIUM 50% 65% 80% 100% FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS"AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES RETIRING WISHING TO CONTINUE HEALTH COVERAGE,THE FOLLOWING PERTAINS: YEARS OF SERVICE 25 AND OVER 15-24 8-14 -LESS THAN 8 RETIREES 'PORTION OF PREMIUM 85% 95% 100% AS WITH DENTAL,THE TOWN PAYS ITS HEALTH PREMIUM ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE,SO SHALL THE RETIREE PAY HIS/HER PREMIUM TO THE TOWN ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE. revised 3/96 DISCIPLINE AND DISCHARGE The Town of Ithaca adheres to the principle that discipline has the objective of improving the future performance of the employee. An employee may be disciplined only for cause.Employees have the right to a representative of their choice during any meeting that might lead to discipline or during a disciplinary meeting. The steps in the procedure of progressive discipline shall include oral warnings, written warnings,suspensions and discharge. Situations involving major infractions or offenses shall be exempted from progressive discipline and may subject an employee to discipline,including discharge, regardless of the employee's prior record. Any employee who has been given a written warning or disciplined in any manner or is discharged may file a written grievance . An employee shall sign a written disciplinary warnings indicating that they have received a copy,signing does not mean that the employee agrees or disagrees with the written disciplinary warning.The employee shall have a right to promptly respond in writing to any written discipline.This response will be kept with the written discipline. HIRING EMPLOYEES The Town of Ithaca is required to fill positions in accord with Tompkins County Civil Service.Positions classified as competitive require testing and are filled from a list provided by the County. All other positions are recruited directly by the Town.There is no testing,but applicants must meet the required skills as approved by Civil Service and Town of Ithaca. Filling Vacant Positions;As soon as you are aware that a position is opening,the Department Head should evaluate the need to fill the position,then (1)the Department Head contacts the Town Supervisor/Budget Officer who determines if filling the position is warranted and approves salary requirements,(2)the Job Description is reviewed by the Department Head and Human Resources Specialist for consistency with like positions,before being forwarded to the Personnel Committee for their consideration.Recommended changes are then sent on to the Town Board for approval,(3)the Human Resources Specialist begins recruitment procedures (4)New hire salary procedures are followed,(5)interviews are held,(6)the Selection Committee's recommendation is forwarded to the Town Board.No decisions are final before Town Board approval.(7)A written job offer that outlines terms and conditions of job employment will be sent and signed by the candidate.(8)On the employee's first day of employment,s/he must report to the Personnel Office for orientation. Creating and Adding Positions;Creating and adding positions should only be done during June,July,and August,prior to and in conjunction with the annual budget process.(1)Department Heads must submit a request with written substantiation of the need to add personnel to the Human Resources Specialist,including;details of any long-term project or new operation in the dept.,specs on increased workload,type of new or backlogged duties to be performed,why existing employees cannot perform this work (time constraints,lack of skills or education,excessive overtime, etc.),annual hours required to complete these duties,total annual costs involved,(2)The Human Resources Specialist reviews the request for completeness and submits it to the Personnel Committee. (3)The Personnel Committee evaluates the request,listens to comments,and recommends a job description,salary range,and starting salary range.(4)This recommendation goes to the Finance Committee for review.(5)If approved in the budget,all regular standard procedures must be followed for each individual.(6)No decisions are final until the Town Board approves the individual for appointment.Revised 7/24/95 1 HIRING PROCEDURES CONTINUED Student and Other Temporary Positions:The following procedures should be followed:(1)Department Heads must notify the Human Resources Specialist of their intent to hire a student or other temporary worker and provide a salary request,budget account,and grant or work study documents,no later that two weeks prior to the next Town Board Meeting.(2)The Human Resources Specialist will review the information and evaluate the status of the employee. Temporary appointments of six months or longer must be sent to the Personnel Committee for approval.(3)The Department Head and HumanResourcesSpecialistwillworktogethertopreparetheresolution for presentation to the Town Board,for ratification or approval. The Town Supervisor may approve temporary appointments that do not ’require individual Town Board approval,ex:work study students not paid by Town payroll system. NOTE:Hiring from a temporary agency is done by (1)checking with the Assistant Budget Officer for available funds,(2)notifying the Human Resources Specialist who will make the arrangements (3) completing a requisition for the expense. Revised 7/24/95 i 2 SALARY PROCEDURES Regular New Hires:As soon as you are aware that a position is openings (1)The Department Head recommends a starting salary range and budget account and reviews with the Human Resources Specialist for consistency with like positions,before being forwarded to the Personnel Committee for consideration.(2)The Personnel Committee listens to comments,evaluates the suggested salary and sets a salary range,,if needed,and a starting salary range.(3) interviews are held.(4)The Human Resources Specialist negotiates with the candidate for the final salary,within parameters set by the Personnel Committee,,or for Department Head positions,the Town Supervisor may perform the negotiations and/or make the final salary offer.(5)No decisions are final before Town Board approval. Salary Portion of the Annual Budget Process;(1)Department Heads submit individual salary recommendations with their annual budget requests,based upon a method approved by the Town Board.(2)The Human Resources Specialist reviews the Personnel Committee for consideration.(3)No decisions are final before Town Board approval. Revised 7/24/95 3 HEALTH/DENTAL BENEFIT PLAN FOR RETIREES DENTAL A retiree may wish to have dental coverage upon retirement from the town.However,the premium will be paid 100%by the retiree. This premium shal 1 not be paid with any unused 'sick time' balance.If the retiree wishes dental coverage(individual or family),he/she shall pay the town by check or cash.As the town pays the dental premium one month .In advance,so shall the retiree pay his/her premium to the town one month in advance. HEALTH (THERE IS NO FAMILY HEALTH PLAN FOR RETIREES) If a retiree has a 'sick time'balance,and he/she wishes to continue health coverage,he/she may do so under the 1 nd 1 v 1 dua 1 health plan.100%of the premium will be deducted from the retirees''sick time'balance until It is used up,at which time the retiree may elect to continue coverage(see below).If there is a spouse,then his/her premium shall to be paid 100%by the retiree,by check or cash,as the 'sick time'balance Is for use of the retiree ONLY. Upon the death of a retiree with a 'sick time'balance,the spouse may use up this balance In lieu of cash payment.Upon depletion of this balance,the spouse may continue coverage, however ,he/s.he shall go back to paying as before. FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES RETIRING WITH NO 'SICK TIME'BALANCE AND RETIREES WHO HAVE EXHAUSTED THEIR 'SICK TIME'BALANCE, WISHING TO CONTINUE HEALTH COVERAGE,THE FOLLOWING PERTAINS: YEARS OF RETIREES .PORTION SERVICE OF PREMIUM 25 AND OVER 50% 15-24 65% 5-14 80% LESS THAN 5 100% FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES RETIRING WISHING TO CONTINUE HEALTH COVERAGE,THE FOLLOWING PERTAINS: YEARS OF SERVICE 25 AND OVER 15-24 8-14 LESS THAN 8 RETIREES PORTIONOfpremium 75% 85% 95% 100% AS WITH DENTAL,THE TOWN PAYS ITS HEALTH PREMIUM ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE,SO SHALL THE RETIREE PAY HIS/HER PREMIUM TO THE TOWN ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE. revised 3/96 TO:Cathy Valentino ,John Wolff,Ed Conley,Don Tenkate Betty Poole,Joan Noteboom,Fred Noteboom. FROM:Sherm Di Santo DATE:March 26,1996 Re:Personnel Committee Present:Cathy Valentino,Don Tenkate,Betty Poole,Joan Noteboom, Sherm Di Santo;others attending:Fred Noteboom,Jackie White,Eric Whitney,Sally Alario,Pat Keller,Mary Bryant. Absent:John Wolff,Ed Conley Call to order:8:15 AM Approval of February 1996 minutes. Agenda Item #3 &4:Staff to be heard/Vlo lence in the Work Place comments: Erik Whitney discussed the process,of "breaking a horse"and how it related to the "Violence in the Work Place"Questionnaire;discussing the comments made and finding out how Employees really feel.Erik mentioned we should schedule a meeting to discuss this. Also,Erik mentioned employees needed a place to vent frustrations. Cathy said she would contact a mediation service,and once doingso,Sherm would set up appointments for employees to meet with this person.Fred asked where all this was leading.Erik mentioned this would be a good way to relieve stress.The rumor mill tends to create tension and pressure.Employees are hesitant to discuss with Sherm,mainly due to the organizational structure.Cathy stated ifweweretogetamediator,the number one rule is that employees speak for themselves only.Also,the mediator may discover we have a serious problem of some sort;as they look for facts not rumors. Betty reiterated that this was a good idea.If employees do not feel this will work,they are to contact Cathy.Pat Keller stated that once we get into a new building with more space may reduce the number of rumors.Our cramped quarters encourages the rumor mill. Don Tenkate mentioned that there were no dates or anything on the survey to show that it only pertained to the Town of Ithaca workplace specifically.Some people who had problems at other work places mentioned them In the survey,therefore,some responses did not pertain to Town of Ithaca work place.Also,Don stated that other surveys should be more specific;l.e.distinguish the difference between physical and mental harassment.It was agreed to have Cathy locate a mediator. Agenda Item #5:Discipline and Discharge Policy: This policy is practically identical to the one at Cornell.It is fair to employee rights yet fair to employer.Don asked about representation.Cathy stated an employee,during a grievance procedure,may have a friend or co-worker with them.They may have an attorney but it may be expensive.However,if the employee feels It necessary to have an attorney,they may.Sally said this representation would be good for moral support.Cathy agreed and said this would also give either side a "witness"to what is being said.Betty agreed and stated that sometimes in these situations people say things they don't really mean.Joan mentioned it would be a good idea that even during an oral warning that both the department head and employee have a representat ion wi th them.Cathy stated that an "oral warning"is a discipline and should be documented and the employee should be notified of such and’the document signed."It must be clearly defined that this is a discipline."Joan stated that communication works two ways and that people must have a good working dialogue between each other. Betty mentioned that maybe department heads heed to "vent" their stress.Cathy feels they do that by coming to her. Fred mentioned what is this progressive discipline and what are the consequences,and are they going to be defined.Cathy stated that oral warnings (may be one or several)should be documented and signed by employee and department head.Also,the first few disciplines would "set the rule".We must be consistent. Sally and Betty said that if this is the case,how do other employees find out these disciplines?Cathy said all they have to do is ask if there were similar situations.Personnel will have records of such.Also,Cathy said we want to be fair to all employees and don't want ironclad rules/regulatlons to have to adjust to the situation.Personnel will set up a "grievance file". Betty asked what constitutes a major offense.Cathy said insubordination and theft,however there are varying degrees of theft.Also,Cathy said that this discipline process will take time to get use to.Cathy stated that employees may look at their own personnel records if they desire.Put Dlsclpl Ine/Dl scharge on agenda for April. Agenda Item #6:Review of Personnel Manual. The sexual harassment policy should be run by the Town's attorney as he was involved initially.Looks like only the last paragraph need to change.It was asked what if sexual harassment involves your supervisor.Cathy said the grievance procedure handles this situation.Joan stated that if sexual harassment bothers one person it may bother others even to a different degree. Make sure the situation is addressed and settled to the employee's satisfaction. The smoking policy needs changing.It was discussed and made;to be brought to next meeting.Policy mentions no smoking on any Town facility.Fred mentioned he allows smoking in Town barn garage (truck bay).Cathy asked if this was safe?Fred said yes,basically.It was agreed to put in introduction "Violation of Policy is subject to Discipline"therefore,it would not have to be mentioned throughout manual.Put smoking policy on Apr 1 1 agenda. No change to EAP. Drug/alcohol policy -change last 2 sentences to read "..any violation of this policy will be considered a major Infraction". Joan mentioned any drug conviction even outside work place should be subject to discipline.It was agreed.Don Tenkate mentioned that it should be written into the policy "if convicted of any vehicle violation the employee must notify his/her supervisor within 3 days.It was agreed.Sherm is to contact Sprague insurance (liability)and find out what level of violation they need to be informed on.Add to April agenda:1)Weather-related time-off.2) pay periods. Agenda Item #7:Attendance at Workshops -not discussed.Carry to next meeting. Adjourned:10:00 AM HEALTH/DENTAL BENEFIT PLAN FOR RETIREES DENTAL A retiree may wish to have dental coverage upon retirement from the town.However,the premium will be paid 100%by the retiree. This premium shal 1 not be paid with any unused 'sick time'balance.If the retiree wishes dental coverage(individual or family),he/she shall pay the town by check or cash.As the townpaysthedentalpremiumonemonthinadvance,so shall theretireepayhis/her premium to the town one month in advance. HEALTH (IF A RETIREE WANTS A FAMILY PLAN THEY MUST PAY THEPREMIUMDIFFERENCEBETWEENTHESINGLEANDFAMILYPLAN) If a retiree has a 'sick time'balance,and he/she wishes to continue health coverage,he/she may do so under the Individual health plan.100%of the premium will be deducted,from the retirees''sick time'balance until it is used up,at which time the retiree may elect to continue coverage(see below).If thereIsaspouse,then his/her premium shall be paid 100%by the retiree,by check or cash,as the 'sick time'balance is for use of the retiree ONLY. Upon the death of a retiree with a 'sick time'balance,thespousemayuseupthisbalanceat100%.Upon depletion of this balance,the spouse may continue coverage,however ,he/she shallpay100%of premium. FOR FULL-TIME-EMPLOYEES RETIRING WITH NO 'SICK TIME'BALANCE AND RETIREES WHO HAVE EXHAUSTED THEIR 'SICK TIME'BALANCE, WISHING TO CONTINUE HEALTH COVERAGE,THE FOLLOWING PERTAINS: YEARS OF SERVICE 25 AND OVER 15-24 5-14 LESS THAN 5 RETIREES PORTION OF PREMIUM 50% 65% .80% 100% FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES RETIRING WISHING TO CONTINUE HEALTH COVERAGE,THE FOLLOWING PERTAINS: YEARS OF SERVICE 25 AND OVER 15-24 8-14 LESS THAN 8 RETIREES PORTION OF PREMIUM 75% 85% 95% 100% AS WITH DENTAL,THE TOWN PAYS ITS HEALTH PREMIUM ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE,SO SHALL THE RETIREE PAY HIS/HER PREMIUM TO THE TOWN ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE, revised 5/96 Hourly Personnel DRAFT Time Ln Classification Tears tenths 'Job Tltle/ClasslflcatlonIevlevPeriod;Tron toDateoflevlew. HaseDepartment Date of Enplopent o.^uate the employee on the Job now being pertorxed.Consult the job descriptions so you have In mind the expected duties.Chech the box In the lover right corner of thedescriptionwhichlostnearlyexpressesyouroverallevaluationIneachcategory.Cross out or add words as desired.The care and accuracy wl th which,this review Is aade windetermineItsvaluetoyou,the eaployee,and the Town. Consider the employee's perform¬ance since the last review.Check out !liprove- lent sane de¬ ci!nt QDMHHOTWU .The volume of wort produced under norul conditions. Disregard errors. Cnsufflceutproduction.Inacceptable. fort usually coipleted ahead of schedule,p- Improveient encouraged.Hlnliu accepatable.।— Good production. qdalitt OF TOK neatness,accuracy,depend¬ ability of results,Disregard voluie, Usually good.Quality unacceptable. r High quality. Practically no mistakes. Should reduceerrorsorrejections.Xlnlsum acceptable.।— KHOHLEDGE or w Gained through experience; general education;specialized training. Knowledge needs Improvement Klnlmacceptable.]— Good overall tnowledge. Knowledge level unacceptable. r~ Couplets tnowledge In all aspects. JUDGEKEHT A3D COHOE SZHSK Ingenuity;decision-making abilities;developing and presenting new Ideas. Good judgement. Hilling tosolveownproblems,r— Could give non thought. Klnlnun acceptable.।— Inventive,logical, nates decisions ofhighcuallty.r- Prefers not to make judgements and/oroverlooksimportantItems.Unacceptably— urcoai I lelatlonshlps with employees, supervisors and the public. Teamwork couldInprove.r- Positive wott¬ ing relation- ships .[— Approach to wortrelationshipsIs unacceptable.।— forts well withothers. 1“ LEADKRSHI?Supervisory stills.Consider teiporary assignments. Ho opportunity to:—„*.,.Observe —Dewnstrate Does not want to,and/orshouldnot direct orsunervlse. 1“ natural super¬ visor. Hoti vates others. r- Leadership not strongly developed.Xlnliux'acceptable. Directs or supervises competently. ATTITUDE Towards job..Towards otheremployeesandpublic. {Positive ./.perspective.-r J Good outlook. r {Viewpoint could improve.*r {General outlook unacceptable. s«nr ' .Comltuent to working In a ..sate,,responsible lanner. Exemplary. Loots forhazards.^j pt .Above average1.commitment..-.Gpgd.jttitude|- Adequate coultment Hears personal pro--tectlve equlpmentr- .Tates unnecessary risks.-Unacceptable.j— "EDDCATIOH ACTIVITIES^Employee.Sponsored:’,. --a'--^XQVEIALL CUI2KHT PMOlBSfif 1.Excel Iei>><51.Sat Istawdry J.Satisfactory 4.Mnlmi acceptable XUnacceptable Employee Date .4 ... Employer Sponsored:Supervisor Date r ..Department Head Date-’* Town Supervisor Date Supervi sor/Department Head comments: Employee comments (self-review): Employee's overall concerns (l.e.Department,organization,etc.): 126 EAST SENECA STREET,ITHACA,N.Y.14850 TOWN OF ITHACA TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783 FAX (607)273-1704 April 8,1996 TO:Cathy Valent ino ,Ed Conley,John Wolff,Betty Poole,Don Tenkate ,Joan Not eboom,Fred Noteboom FROM:She rm DlSanto^^? RE:Cancellation of Personnel Committee meeting The Personnel Committee meeting scheduled f orQagggES^nSc^c'^.There will not be an April meeting. The meeting in May™iLs«3Sd*l>Mwst3hedu4.re^^t6T?sIi4^ TO:Cathy Valentino,Ed Conley,John Wolff,Betty Poole, Don Tenkate,Fred Noteboom,Joan Noteboom. FROM:Sherm Di Santo DATE:May 15,1996 Re:Personnel Committee meeting -5/22/96 -8:15 AM. AGENDA 1.Call to order. 2.Approval of minutes -March 26,1996 (no April meeting) 3.Staff to be heard. 4.Sherm to discuss Sprague Insurance notification upon license violations. 5.Discuss Violence in the Work Place -mediation process. 6.Discuss PHP. 7.Discuss Retirees Health Plan. 8.Review Evaluation Review form. 9.Review of Personnel Manual: ADA. Smoking policy. Weather-related time-off. Pay periods. Disclpl ine/Dlscharge policy. Hir Ing/Employment policy. 10.Attendance .to workshops (from March agenda Item #7 -not discussed). Please bring your copy of the Personnel Manual with’you to this meeting. If you cannot attend this meeting please call me at 273-1721. TOWN OF ITHACA 126 EAST SENECA STREET,ITHACA,N.Y.14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1G5G PARKS 273-6035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1703 FAX (607)273-1704 MEMORANDUM TO:Department Heads Town Employees John Barney,Attorney for the Town Town Board Members Personnel Committee Members FROM:Catherine Valentino,SupervisorCiZ^ DATE:June 12,1996 Due to a mandatory commitment,the Personnel Committee Meeting and the Staff Meeting scheduled for June 19,are being changed to the following date and times: Thursday,June 20th -8:15 a.m. Thursday,June 20th -10:00 a.m. Personnel Committee Meeting Staff Meeting TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783 FAX (607)273-1704 TO:Cathy Valentino,John Wolff,Ed Conley,Betty Poole, Don Tenkate,Joan Noteboom,Fred Noteboom. FROM:Sherm .Di Santo DATE:June 12,1996 Present;Cathy Valentino,Betty Poole,John Wolff,Ed Conley, Joan Noteboom,Sherm Di Santo,JoAnn Cornish-Epps,Jonathan Kanter,Dan Walker,Mary Bryant,Gall Kroll,Sally Alar io,Larry Parlett,Erik Whitney.Excused:Don Tenkate. Call to order :8:15 AM Approval of March 1996 minutes -No April meeting. Agenda Item #3: 'Staff to be heard -no concerns expressed. Agenda Item #4; Sherm discussed Insurance notification for drivers license violations.We need to notify SpraqueT.Insura^speeding,ticket within a'^yesTr^and so forth.Minor infractions . %such as parking tickets or failure,to wear seat belts Is not a serious enough offense to notify Sprague.Ed Conley stated we should use our own judgement and not-over react. Agenda Item #5: Cathy Valentino re-iterated the Violence in the Work Place mediation process.If employees wish to personally talk to the mediator they will be paid if it is outside normal work hours. After the mediator has accumulated all the data,they,will send Cathy a generalized report and maybe recommendations depending on the seriousness. Agenda Item #6: PHP was discussed in-length.Cathy stated that the County offers PHP as an option and felt the Town of Ithaca should offer it as an option as well.If we could have this option in place by July,we would have another opportunity to sign on/off the plan in December.John Wolff asked if this was going to be mandated. Cathy said no.It was decided that Sherm give all employees a comparison between PHP and BC/BS.Cathy stated there would definitely be a cost savings;how much savings would be determined by the number of employees switching to PHP.One idea was to have the Town pay 100%of the premium for employees switching to PHP.Also,mentioned was passing the savings on to the employee.Ed Conley said he hoped the Town Board would look at this as a benefit to the employees not just as a cost savings to the Town.Erik Whitney commented that the side by side comparison of BC/BS and PHP was a good idea.He also mentioned we should get financial statements from the two organizations suchastheshareholdersreport.He felt this would help the employee analyze the company.Larry Parlett asked what plan the Town was leaning towards,$10 or $15 co-pay.Cathy said $10.Erik Whitney further mentioned that possibly raising the deductible and reimbursing the employee this amount.This may be a cost savings on the premium.Betty Poole asked about the State plan. Cathy said the "Empire"plan was expensive.Larry Parlett alsostatedtherewere"big holes"in this plan. Agenda Item #7: The retiree health plan was discussed and approval with 2minorchanges.1)Define part-time employee,and 2)to beeligibletheretireemustbereceivingretirementbenefits,(thisdiscussionwascontinuedlaterInthemeeting). Agenda Item #8: Discussion of the Employee Evaluation Form was Initiated by Joan Noteboom.Both employee and the Department Head are to review together;sign form,and that all completed Evaluation forms are to be sent to the Town Supervisor for final review.It was noted that signing this form only means that it has been read/dl scussed;that Is all.It was decided that the old systemwascumbersome.John Wolff asked if there was a reason why the descriptions were not in order.Dan also questioned this.ThiswasdiscussedandItwasdecidednottohaveitinorder.That way,it will encourage people to read all boxes to see what applies.Job descriptions should be with the evaluation so both the Department Head and employee knows what is expected.Erik mentioned there should be some sort of "Goal Sheet"to see if the employee met goals.Dan felt this "Goal Sheet"should be separate from the review sheet.Cathy stated that Department Heads should keep In mind what the goals are and review with employees throughout the year.(This should be an on-going process).John Wolff mentioned possibly putting "additional"comments on back. Joan mentioned that the'Department-Heads—put forth an honest effort to rate employees f air ly.VCathv statedT^here should be no surprises on the"'evaluation and that this should be used only as a tool to observe/discuss employee.s_wo.rk habits.This eva lua t log form is in no way associated withfwaqesl It was decTdecl‘“to~'taken* but "overall comments"and~have'Department Heads "write"this in under comments'.Not to change the subject,but Betty Poole asked about time sheets.Cathy stated that all employees are required to fill out time'sheets.Under the Fair Labor Standards Act,this is a legal document.Even Cathy fills out a time sheet.Cathy stated she doesn't want to change what's been working well,but we need to comply with the law.Also,she encourages comp,time in lieu of overtime.Dan mentioned if an employee has built up a lot of comp,time hours (l.e.200 hours)then something is wrong. Jon’Kanter felt there should be flexibility as to when comp,time flexibility as to when comp,time is to be taken,such as withinamonth's time rather than that pay period.Cathy stated that Department Heads need to monitor comp,time so it doesn't get out of hand.JoAnn Cornish mentioned having guidelines as to whencomp,time should be taken.Joan felt it should be up to the Department Heads to notify employees of possible times when comp, time can be taken.Cathy believes comp,time Is presently being handled "OK". Agenda Item #7:(further discussion) Cathy initiated the discussion of the retirees health plan. This plan needs to be standardized.Dental Is optional.Upon death of a retiree,the spouse may continue coverage but at 100%.To some retirees,this new policy would result In higher costs under BC/BS but lower costs under PHP.Joan mentioned that at age 65 Medicare becomes primary provider and BC/BS,secondary, therefore the retiree may wish to drop our Insurance.Eligibility to the plan was added:A retiree,upon retirement,must be receiving retirement benefits,such as from the New York State Retirement System to be eligible.Also,part-time employees needed to be defined as working a maximum of 18 hours per week. With these changes It was decided to give the policy to the Town Board of Ithaca for consideration. It was decided to add the rest of the agenda to the next meeting. Adjourned:9:50 AM TOWN CLERK 273-1721 TOWN OF ITHACA 126 EAST SENECA STREET,ITHACA,N.Y.14850 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-6035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273^747 ZONING 273-1783 FAX (607}273-1704 TO:Cathy Valentino,John Wolff,Ed Conley,Betty Poole,Don Tenkate,Joan Noteboom,Fred Noteboom. FROM:.Sherm DlSantc^Human Resource's Specialist DATE:June 13,1996 The regular monthly Personnel Committee meeting for June will be held Thursday,June 20,1996 at 8:15 AM in the Town Hall Board room. AGENDA 1.Cal 1 to order 3.Staff to be heard 4.Discuss Violence In the Work Place -mediation process 5.Discussion of PHP -Process of switching from BC/BS 6.Review of Personnel Manual (from previous agenda) ADA Smoking Policy Pay Periods Dlscipl ine/Dlscharge Policy Hl ring /Employment Policy Please remember to bring your copy of the Personnel Manual. If unable to attend,please contact me as soon as possible at 273-1721. MEMORANDUM TO:Cathy Valentino Ed Conley John Wolff Betty Poole Don Tenkate Fred Noteboom Joan Noteboom FROM:Sherm DiSantct^P DATE:August 9,1996 RE:August Personnel Committee Meeting The August 21,1996 meeting of the Personnel Committee has been cancelled due to vacations. The next scheduled meeting will be September 18,1996,8:00 AM in the Town Board Room. TO:Cathy Valentino,John Wolff,Ed Conley,Betty Poole, Don Tenkate,Joan Noteboom,Larry Parlett. FROM:Sherm DiSanto, Human Resources Specialist DATE:September 10,1996 The regular monthly Personnel Cambodia Meeting for September will be held Wednesday,September 18,1996 at 8:15 am in the Board Room of the Ithaca Town Hall. AGENDA 1.Call to order. 2.Approval of minutes -June and July (no August meeting) 3.Staff to be heard. 4.Review of Personnel Manual sections completed to date. Discussion of Harassment Policy of Bolton Point. (see attached) Please remember to bring your copy of the Personnel Manual. If you are unable to attend,please contact me as soon as possible at 273-1721. TO:Cathy Valentino,John Wolff,Ed Conley,Betty Poole, Don Tenkate,Joan Noteboom,Fred Noteboom. FROM:Sherm DiSanto^^^Human Resources'Spec i a 1 1 st DATE:August 7 ,1996 Re:Personnel Committee Meeting minutes (June 20,1996) Present:Cathy Valentino,John Wolff,Betty Poole, Joan Noteboom,Don Tenkate. Others attending:Larry Parlett,Mary Bryant. Meeting called to order by Cathy Valentino at 8:15 AM. Agenda Item #2:John Wolff moved acceptance of the May,1996 -.minutes.Carried. Agenda Item #3:No staff to be heard. Agenda Item #4:.Cathy Discussed where we were with Violence in the Work Place.The mediators we hired called and said that the surveys were given out to every employee.They only received 6 responses and no one requested a personal interview.They are now in the process of drawing their comments from the 6 they received although there will be less qualifiers on it because the number is so small.You have to take it for what it is worth.Cathy stated that they will comment on the lack of responses and we will review it and make'sure that we put in any qualifiers.No one asked for an interview.They did receive one phone conversation butJnot a person to person Interview.We will see what they come up with.That will pretty much bring us to the end of the process. Agenda Item #5:Discussion of switching to PHP.Joan stated that 69 people have medical coverage with the Town and that 14 people returned their responses whether they are going to switch or stay with BC/BS;nine are going to PHP and five said no they are not going to switch.The deadline is the 24th.Everybody is to respond.Those who don't will stay with BC/BS.Larry Parlett will hand carry Bolton Point employees responses.Cathy stated that Dec/Jan people can change.There are different things we might want to look at.As we discussed,come January we might decide that we are not going to offer both options fully.After January the Town Board could decide to continue the way it is,let anybody change,they could go back to BC/BS,they could decide that we are going to require that everyone that is eligible to be on PHP will have to go to PHP and only those people who have anoverridingreasonwillbetheonlyonesallowedtostayon BC/BS.Those are the options that the Town Board will be discussing.Cathy stated that is why we were offering the Incentive to encourage people to buy it then that would give us a bigger group to look at come January.If people don't switch it will be a hard choice to look at and say,its going to put a lot of pressure on us financially because of the increasing rates of BC/BS are phenomenal and we have to look for quality health care at reasonable cost.’The cost savings to the employee would be substantial.Joan mentioned Family people could save 86.72 a month.Don Tenkate felt that in the Highway Department all but two or three people will switch.Joan stated that all of the retirees have responded.Several have decided not to have anycoveragewiththeTown.Cathy is to discuss with John Barney as to whether we should offer health Insurance to retirees who werenotofferedItatthetimeofretirement. Agenda Item #6; Larry is to send a copy of their harassment policy.Sherm will make copies and review at the next meeting. Joan stated we do not have ADA so we may have to have John Barney draft something,(reasonable accommodation discussion,what it is,have to lo.ok at the Act itself.) Cathy felt we should defer until we get a copy of the Act and she will talk to John Barney about that. As far as "Hours of Work",Joan stated that effective July 1 we will be open until 4:00 PM for public hours.The reason for this is that it has been recommended by the city police department that we not have one staff member alone downstairs from 4 to 4:30 PM when the public can come in.The practice right now is that Mary Saxton works from .4 to 4:30 and there are times when she is here all alone downstairs.Ithaca City Police department has suggested that might not be the safest idea especially during tax collection time.Most .of the people that come in between 4 and 4:30 are the people for,-the upstairs offices.We only get one or two people a week between'4 and 4:30 to conduct Town Court business.And the',people that go upstairs know about the back door and usually have"made arrangements.John Wolff asked if any employees are on an>ongoing flex time schedule that are odd hours but ends up being the'correct amount at the end of the day.Joan said she has a keyboard specialist who does all the minutes for the planning,zoning and engineering.Her flex time is carried over for more than’two weeks because she might have three meetings in one week and the next week she has to get the minutes done so she cannot take time off to use flex time.On slower weeks she may not work the 37.5 hours.Cathy stated we do have some.We try to encourage people to use it up In two weeks but that is not always possible. Cathy stated she needed to get a list of the policies we have done so far.Also,after we as a committee have reviewed all the policies they should go to the Town Board for approval.We can't just change it.It was decided to review all policies and have the whole book submitted for review by the Town Board. Joan stated the Drug and Alcohol Policy has already been done and adopted.We just have to incorporate it into the Manual. Joan further stated as far as "hours of work"is concerned as of July 1 we will be open until 4:00 PM for public hours.The reason for this Is that it was recommended by the City Police Department that we not have one staff member alone downstairs from 4:00 to 4:30 PM when the public can come in.The practice right now is that Mary Saxton works from 4:00 to 4:30 and there are times when she is here all alone downstairs.Ithaca City Police Department has suggested that might not be the safest idea,especially during collection time. Cathy stated we will redraft some policies for people to review next time. Much discussion followed pertaining to flex/comp time.Nothing decided,refer to next meeting.Refer rest of Items to next meeting. Adjourned:10:00 AM. TO:Cathy Valentino,John Wolff,Ed Conley,Betty Poole, Don Tenkate,Joan noteboom,Larry Parlett. FROM:Sherm DlSanto^xJ^Human Resources Specialist DATE:August 7,1996 RE:Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes (July 17,1996) Present:Cathy Valentino,Betty Poole,Joan Noteboom,Fred Noteboom,Sherm Di Santo. Others present:Gail Kroll,Mary Bryant,JoAnn Cornish-Epps. Absent:John Wolff,Ed Conley. Call to order:8:15 AM Approval of June minutes to be prepared by August meeting. Agenda Item #3:Fred Noteboom mentioned he should not be on mailing list for Personnel Committee meetings.So approved.Ed Conley's Personnel Committee packet should be sent to his home. Agenda Item #4:Retirees with Town insurance are all on track. The Introduction of PHP appears to be going fine.Sherm called BC/BS in reference to the 34 day prescription on maintenance drugs.Supposedly,per BC/BS,this has been corrected,and employees may get up to a 3-month maintenance drug only. Agenda Item #5:Personnel Committee members are to read the harassment policy of Bolton Point for discussion at the next meeting. Agenda Item #6:Personnel Manua 1 rev 1 ew: (1 )ADA -OK,as is. (2)Hiring and Employment Policy -change title to Fair Employment Practice!.Add statement pertaining to civil service law mandate. (3)Sexual Harassment will be reviewed at the next meeting. Members are to review copy from Bolton Point. (4)Smoking Policy -changes were made and it was decided the policy is OK.Sherm is to order a "Butt"canister for the front of the building. (5)Employee Assistance Program -Only change is to delete "Personnel Manager"and replace it with "Human Resources Manager. (6)Drug and alcohol policy was OK'd.It was decided to include the Drug and Alcohol Testing Program,which is a Federal mandate. (7)Hours of Work -Town Hall hours should be 8:00AM to 4:00pm."Call-in"time should be "Call-back"time.A lengthy discussion followed as far as 4 hour minimum and 1/2 hour travel time;meal time.It was decided to discuss it further at the next meeting.Sherm to discuss with John Barney about employees working long hours (Town's responsibility).Also,flex-time and Compensatory time is to be reviewed. (8)Weather related time-off.Discussion was not completed. We are to pick up here at the next meeting.Discussion got carried into lunch time coverage.A 20-minute discussion pertaining to lunch time coverage resulted.Cathy stated that 12 to 2 is usually the busiest time and that we heed coverage.Cathy will discuss the matter with those Involved. Adjourned:10:05 TO:Cathy Valentino,John Wolff,Ed Conley,Betty Poole, Don Tenkate^Joan Noteboom,Larry Par Lett. FROM:Sherm DlSantOj^Jr/ Hunan Resources zSpecialist DATE:October 8,1996 The 'regular monthly Personnel Committee Meeting for SeptemberwillbeheldWednesday,October 16,1996 at 8:15 am in the Board Roomof the Ithaca Town Hall. AGENDA . 1.Call to order. 2-&ept'<^erSm^^ 3.Staff to be heard. 4.Review of Personnel Manual sections completed to date. Discussion of Harassment Policy of Bolton Point. (see attached)^ Please remember -to bring your copy-of -the Personnel Manual . If you are unable to attend,please contact me as soon as possible at 273-1721.' TO:Cathy Valentino,John Wolff,Ed Conley,Betty Poole, Don Tenkate,Joan Noteboom,Fred Noteboom. FROM:Sherm DiSanto^^^Human Resources'Spec i a 1 i st DATE:August 7,1996 Re:Personnel Committee Meeting minutes (June 20,1996) Present:Cathy Valentino,John Wolff,Betty Poole, Joan Noteboom,Don Tenkate. Others attending:Larry Parlett,Mary Bryant. Meeting called to order by Cathy Valentino at 8:15 AM. Agenda Item #2:John Wolff moved acceptance of the May,1996 minutes.Carried. Agenda Item #3:No staff to be heard. Agenda Item »4:Cathy Discussed where we were with Violence in the Work Place.The mediators we hired called and said that the surveys were given out to every employee.They only received 6 responses and no one requested a personal interview.They are now in the process of drawing their comments from the 6 they received although there will be less qualifiers on it because the number is so small.You have to take it for what it is worth.Cathy stated that they will comment on the lack of responses and we will review it and make sure that we put in any qualifiers.No one asked for an interview.They did receive one phone conversation but not a person to person interview.We will see what they come up with.That will pretty much bring us to the end of the process. Agenda Item #5:Discussion of switching to PHP.Joan stated that 69 people have medical coverage with the Town and that 14 people returned their responses whether they are going to switch or stay with BC/BS ;nine are going to PHP and five said no they are not going to switch.The deadline is the 24th.Everybody is to respond.Those who don't will stay with BC/BS.Larry Parlett will hand carry Bolton Point employees responses.Cathy stated that Dec/Jan people can change.There are different things we might want to look at.As we discussed,come January we might decide that we are not going to offer both options fully.After January the Town Board could decide to continue the way it is,let anybody change,they could go back to BC/BS,they could decide that we are going to require that everyone that is eligible to be on PHP will have to go to PHP and only those people who have anoverridingreasonwillbetheonlyonesallowedtostayon BC/BS.Those are the options that the Town Board will be discussing.Cathy stated that is why we were offering the incentive to encourage people to buy it then that would give us a bigger group to look at come January.If people don't switch it will be a hard choice to look at and say,its going to put a lot of pressure on us financially because of the increasing rates of BC/BS are phenomenal and we have to look for quality health care at reasonable cost.The cost savings to the employee would be substantial.Joan mentioned Family people could save 86.72 a month.Don Tenkate felt that in the Highway Department all but two or three people will switch.Joan stated that all of the retirees have responded.Several have decided not to have any coverage with the Town.Cathy is to discuss with John Barney as to whether we should offer health insurance to retirees who were not offered it at the time of retirement. Agenda Item #6: Larry is to send a copy of their harassment policy.Sherm will make copies and review at the next meeting. Joan stated we do not have ADA so we may have to have John Barney draft something,(reasonable accommodation discussion,what it is,have to look at the Act itself.) Cathy felt we should defer until we get a copy of the Act and she will talk to John Barney about that. As far as "Hours of Work",Joan stated that effective July 1 we will be open until 4:00 PM for public hours.The reason for this is that it has been recommended by the city police department that we not have one staff member alone downstairs from 4 to 4:30 PM when the public can come in.The practice right now is that Mary Saxton works from 4 to 4:30 and there are times when she is here all alone downstairs.Ithaca City Police department has suggested that might not be the safest idea especially during tax collection time.Most of the people that come in between 4 and 4:30 are the people for the upstairs offices.We only get one or two people a week between 4 and 4:30 to conduct Town Court business.And the people that go upstairs know about the back door and usually have made arrangements.John Wolff asked if any employees are on an ongoing flex time schedule that are odd hours but ends up being the correct amount at the end of the day.Joan said she has a keyboard specialist who does all the minutes for the planning,zoning and engineering.Her flex time is carried over for more than two weeks because she might have three meetings in one week and the next week she has to get the minutes done so she cannot take time off to use flex time.On slower weeks she may not work the 37.5 hours.Cathy stated we do have some.We try to encourage people to use it up in two weeks but that is not always possible. Cathy stated she needed to get a list of the policies we have done so far.Also,after we as a committee have reviewed all the policies they should go to the Town Board for approval.We can't just change it.It was decided to review all policies and have the whole book submitted for review by the Town Board. Joan stated the Drug and Alcohol Policy has already been done and adopted.We just have to incorporate it into the Manual. Joan further stated as far as "hours of work"is concerned as of July 1 we will be open until 4:00 PM for public hours.The reason for this is that it was recommended by the City Police Department that we not have one staff member alone downstairs from 4:00 to 4:30 PM when the public can come in.The practice right now is that Mary Saxton works from 4:00 to 4:30 and there are times when she is here all alone downstairs.Ithaca City Police Department has suggested that might not be the safest idea,especially during collection time. Cathy stated we will redraft some policies for people to review next time. Much discussion followed pertaining to flex/comp time.Nothing decided,refer to next meeting.Refer rest of items to next meeting . Adjourned:10:00 AM. TO:Cathy Valentino,John Wolff,Ed Conley,Betty Poole, Don Tenkate,Joan noteboom,Larry Parlett. FROM:Sherm DiSanto^xj^ Human Resources Specialist DATE:August 7,1996 RE:Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes (July 17,1996) Present:Cathy Valentino,Betty Poole,Joan Noteboom,Fred Noteboom,Sherm DiSanto. Others present:Gail Kroll,Mary Bryant,JoAnn Cornish-Epps. Absent:John Wolff,Ed Conley. Call to order:8:15 AM Approval of June minutes to be prepared by August meeting. Agenda Item #3:Fred Noteboom mentioned he should not be on mailing list for Personnel Committee meetings.So approved.Ed Conley's Personnel Committee packet should be sent to his home. Agenda Item #4:Retirees with Town insurance are all on track. The introduction of PHP appears to be going fine.Sherm called BC/BS in reference to the 34 day prescription on maintenance drugs.Supposedly,per BC/BS,this has been corrected,and employees may get up to a 3-month maintenance drug only. Agenda Item »5:Personnel Committee members are to read the harassment policy of Bolton Point for discussion at the next meet ing . Agenda Item #6:Personnel Manual review: (1)ADA -OK as is. (2)Hiring and Employment Policy -change title to Fair Employment Practice.Add statement pertaining to civil service law mandate. (3)Sexual Harassment will be reviewed at the next meeting. Members are to review copy from Bolton Point. (4)Smoking Policy -changes were made and it was decided the policy is OK.Sherm is to order a "Butt"canister for the front of the building. (5)Employee Assistance Program -Only change is to delete "Personnel Manager"and replace it with "Human Resources Manager. (6)Drug and alcohol policy was OK'd.It was decided to include the Drug and Alcohol Testing Program,which is a Federal mandate. (7)Hours of Work -Town Hall hours should be 8:00AM to 4:00pm."Call-in"time should be "Call-back"time.A lengthy discussion followed as far as 4 hour minimum and 1/2 hour travel time;meal time.It was decided to discuss it further at the next meeting.Sherm to discuss with John Barney about employees working long hours (Town's responsibility).Also,flex-time and Compensatory time is to be reviewed. (8)Weather related time-off.Discussion was not completed. We are to pick up here at the next meeting.Discussion got carried into lunch time coverage.A 20-minute discussion pertaining to lunch time coverage resulted.Cathy stated that 12 to 2 is usually the busiest time and that we need coverage.Cathy will discuss the matter with those involved. Adjourned:10:05 TO:Cathy Valentino,John Wolff,Ed Conley,Betty Poole, Don Tenkate,Joan Noteboom. FROM:Sherm Di Santo, Human Resources Specialist DATE:October 29,1996 RE:Personnel Committee Minutes -October 16,1996 Present:Cathy Valentino,John Wolff,Ed Conley,Betty Poole,Don Tenkate,Sherm DiSanto,Joan Noteboom. Others attending:Ray Manning,Tim Eighmey,Jeff Dean,Dani Holford,Dan Walker,Mary Bryant,Jon Ranter. Call to order at 8:15 a.m. Approval June and July minutes. Agenda Item #3:Staff to be heard: Discussion of Call-Back Time.Don Tenkate mentioned it was the same,as the County.Time and a half starts after 40 hours.Four hour minimum starting at time of call.One half hour of travel is included in the four hour minimum it the employee works less than four hours..If the employee works longer than four hours the one *half hour Is not Included.Cathy to look into City,County contracts to see how they do Call-Backs.Cathy stated that Overtime (time and one half)is paid after 40 hours of paid time worked,including,pre-approved vacation and Personal time.Sick time is not considered time worked.For example;If an employee took sick time,do’lngj'/the^week and then was called back,time and .one half would not,start’until the employee has worked 40 hours. These 40 hours could Include pre-approved vacation or personal time.-Cathy stated ;.that<this should be in the Personnel Manual. Also,overt i me.-'must'jbe’^'approved in advance by the supervisor unless it is an^emerg'encyT Cathy will look into paying comp time at one and one ^half time/There appears to be a mix as to how comp time should -be spaYd.This needs to be clarified.Cathy mentioned that highway',.personnel should get paid time and a half for overtime rather ’than?taking comp time.There may be times (winter)that comp .time.'could build up measurably.Jon Ranter mentioned that ’job?f classifications should be more defined as to who -could take pald’comp.-time.Cathy agreed,but it should not be too rigid. Cathy stated,to summarize: Highway personnel to be paid time and a half for over 40 hours worked (to Include pre-approved vacation and personal time)sick time is not included in the 40 hours worked. General practice at the Town Hall Is to take comp time in lieu of being paid overtime.If a 37.5 hour employee;paidcomptimeatstraighttimefor37.5 to 40.Greater than 40 hours would be at time and a half.Department heads are to maintain this comp time so as to evaluate if it is being abused or a necessity of adding personnel.Comp time is to be taken during the pay period if possible;however,no later than the following pay period.If comp time Is not taken by the end of the month,the employee shall be paid for the unused comp time.There must be an agreement between the supervisor and employee for comp time.Comp time guidelines will be put in writing. The harassment policy in place at Bolton Point was discussed.A few modifications were discussed.Jon Kanter questioned the use of the word "repeated"in paragraph 2.John Wolff questioned "protected status'1.Nothing decided.Cathy mentioned the possibility of putting the Mediation people on a retainer so employees would have a place to vent their feelings without fear of any repercussions.She.will have the Town attorney review this.As far as an EAP,the personnel office provides information of referrals to support groups.This is to be discussed at next meeting. The Drug and Alcohol policy which was mandated by the Federal Government Is to be put in the Personnel Manual with our present policy.Cathy,Joan and Sherm to review "Hours worked"and bring back to committee.. Upon termination of employment for cause,an employee will not receive payment for unused vacation. COBRA should be added with more information as to what it is. The benefits section is to be reviewed by Cathy,Joan and Sherm and presented at next meeting. Cathy will be taking to the next Town Board meeting the health insurance.If we stay the way we are,BC/BS will go up 9.2%;if the Town switches to the Traditional Plan,the rate remains the same.There are a couple slight differences in the two plans. Town Board is to discuss at the November meeting. There will be an October 25th meeting from 12-2 PM at the Town Hall for all employees to voice their concerns.Cathy believes this should be an.annual event. Don Tenkate mentioned that if meetings are cancelled,they should be rescheduled.Dani Holford mentioned she believes there is no equality In the way the different Department Heads supervise. Cathy says she wants all employees to be treated fairly and consistently.However,everyone must realize that the departments are different and the needs and requirements are different.Ed Conley mentioned that all Department Heads must establish a typical work day for the department,then adhere to it.Joan mentioned guidelines should be written.Ed Conley stated that itisdemoralizingtoemployeesIftheyfeelothersareallowedto do certain things and they aren't.Again,Cathy reiterated that each Department functions differently and has different needs.Everyone needs to be aware of this. Adjourned 10:00 a.m. MEMORANDUM TO:Cathy Valentino,John Wolff,Ed Conley,Betty Poole, Don Tenkate,Joan Noteboom,Larry Par let t. FROM:Sherm Di Santo, Human Resources Specialist DATE:November 14,1996^^ RE:November Personnel Committee Meeting Due to several Town of Ithaca staffing changes effecting the availability of some of the committee members,the Personnel Committee will not meet in November.We will try to reschedule the meeting and will inform you of the date and time when it is arranged. MEMORANDUM TO:John Wolff,Ed Conley,Betty Poole,Don Tendate Joan Noteboom,Larry Parlett. FROM:Cathy Valentino DATE:December 5,1996 RE Personnel Committee Meeting. The next Personnel Committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday,January 21,1997.I would like to try to schedule the Personnel Committee meetings for Tuesdays instead of Wednesdays during 1997.It you cannot attend the January meeting or have a conflict on Tuesdays,please let me know as soon as possible. Sherm DI Santo,Human Resources Director has resigned to take position with the Hotel Syracuse as Human Resource Director.Wewish'him success in his new job.We welcome Judy Drake in Human Resources Department who will be taking Sherm's place. TO:Cathy Valentino,John Wolff,Ed Conley,Betty Poole, Don Tenkate,Joan Noteboom. FROM:Sherm Di Santo, Human Resources Specialist DATE:October 29,1996 RE:Personnel Committee Minutes -October 16,1996 Present:Cathy Valentino,John Wolff,Ed Conley,Betty Poole,Don Tenkate,Sherm DiSanto,Joan Noteboom. Others attending:Ray Manning,Tim Eighmey,Jeff Dean,Dani Holford,Dan Walker,Mary Bryant,Jon Kanter. Call to order at 8:15 a.m. Approval June and July minutes. Agenda Item #3:Staff to be heard: Discussion of Call-Back Time.Don Tenkate mentioned it was the same as the bounty.Time and a half starts after 40 hours.Four hour minimum starting at time of call.One half hour of travel is included in the four hour minimum if the employee works less than four hours.If the employee works longer than four hours the one half hour is not included.Cathy to look into City,County contracts to see how they do Call-Backs.Cathy stated that Overtime (time and one half)is paid after 40 hours of paid time worked,including pre-approved vacation and Personal time.Sick time is not considered time worked.For example;if an employee took sick time doing the week and then was called back,time and one half would not start until the employee has worked 40 hours. These 40 hours could include pre-approved vacation or personal time.Cathy stated that this should be in the Personnel Manual. Also,overtime must be approved in advance by the supervisor unless it is an emergency.Cathy will look into paying comp time at one and one half time.There appears to be a mix'as to how comp time should be paid.This needs to be clarified.Cathy mentioned that highway personnel should get paid time and a half for overtime rather than taking comp time.There may be times (winter)that comp time could build up measurably.Jon Kanter mentioned that job classifications should be more defined as to who could take paid comp time.Cathy agreed,but it should not be too rigid. Cathy stated,to summarize: Highway personnel to be paid time and a half for over 40 hours worked (to include pre-approved vacation and personal time)sick time is not included in the 40 hours worked. General practice at the Town Hall is to take comp time in lieu of being paid overtime.If a 37.5 hour employee;paid comp time at straight time for 37.5 to 40.Greater than 40 hours would be at time and a half.Department heads are to maintain this comp time so as to evaluate if it is being abused or a necessity of adding personnel.Comp time is to be taken during the pay period if possible;however,no later than the following pay period.If comp time is not taken by the end of the month,the employee shall be paid for the unused comp time.There must be an agreement between the supervisor and employee for comp time.Comp time guidelines will be put in writing. The harassment policy in place at Bolton Point was discussed.A few modifications were discussed.Jon Kanter questioned the use of the word "repeated"in paragraph 2.John Wolff questioned "protected status".Nothing decided.Cathy mentioned the possibility of putting the Mediation people on a retainer so employees would have a place to vent their feelings without fear of any repercussions.She will have the Town attorney review this.As far as an EAP,the personnel office provides information of referrals to support groups.This is to be discussed at next meeting. The Drug and Alcohol policy which was mandated by the Federal Government is to be put in the Personnel Manual with our present policy.Cathy,Joan and Sherm to review "Hours worked"and bring back to committee. Upon termination of employment for cause,an employee will not receive payment for unused vacation. COBRA should be added with more Information as to what it is. The benefits section is to be reviewed by Cathy,Joan and Sherm and presented at next meeting. Cathy will be taking to the next Town Board meeting the health Insurance.If we stay the way we are,BC/BS will go up 9.2%;if the Town switches to the Traditional Plan,the rate remains the same.There are a couple slight differences In the two plans. Town Board is to discuss at the November meeting. There will be an October 25th meeting from 12-2 PM at the Town Hall for all employees to voice their concerns.Cathy believes this should be an annual event. Don Tenkate mentioned that if meetings are cancelled,they should be rescheduled.Dani Holford mentioned she believes there is no equality in the way the different Department Heads supervise. 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