HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 17, 2010 SpecialJEFFERSONVILLE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL SESSION
Monday, May 17, 2010, 5:30 P.M.
City Hall Council Chambers
The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville met in Special Session on Monday,
May 17, 2010. Council President Nathan Samuel called the meeting to order at 5:40
P.M., and on call of the roll those members present were: Councilpersons Mike Smith,
Ed Zastawny, Keith Fetz, Connie Sellers, Barbara Wilson, Ron Grooms, and Nathan
Samuel. Also present were Council Attorney Greg Clark, and Deputy Clerk Treasurer
Barbara Hollis.
FOP President Joe Hubbard introduced himself, FOP Vice President Josh Lynch, and
Labor Attorney Leo Blackwell. FOP President Hubbard read a statement into the record
(attached), indicating a desire to open negotiations regarding salaries and physical fitness
testing. Council President Samuel said the full Council has expressed the desire to be a
part of the negotiations. Council President Samuel asked for clarification on the issue of
reimbursement for cost. FOP President Hubbard explained there may be cost incurred by
officers with regard to physical exams, also noting the need for a facility to be made
available. Councilperson Smith asked about using the Fire Department facilities. FOP
President Hubbard noted several areas of concern. Councilperson Zastawny noted the
Police Academy testing was reviewed prior to the previous negotiations. He does not
understand the need for equipment for sit-ups, push-ups, and running. FOP Hubbard
reviewed the needed equipment. Councilperson Grooms asked about opening salaries to
negotiation. FOP President Hubbard understands the Council does not want to use the
same method as last year. Council Attorney Clark noted the meetings would have to be
open. Council President Samuel said he understands the FOP would like to be given a
lump sum to distribute. FOP President Hubbard replied yes. Council President Samuel
asked if the FOP is proposing any changes to the fitness standard. FOP President
Hubbard noted small adjustments would be requested. He would like to see sit-ups
versus crunches be an option. FOP President Hubbard voiced concern for the "do this or
else" mentality. Council President Samuel asked how we move forward from here.
Councilperson Fetz asked what the advantages/disadvantages of open versus closed
negotiations would be. He feels the open meetings advantage is transparency. FOP
President Hubbard worries about points getting misconstrued and getting published in the
newspaper. Councilperson Fetz believes it would be better if open to the public, and
feels there would be no disadvantages. FOP President Hubbard asked if the setting
would be the same as this evening with him standing at the podium facing the Council
sitting at the desk. Councilperson Smith agrees the setting should be more informal.
Labor Attorney Blackwell would like to check to see if the open door law applies to
negotiating. He is looking forward to working with the Council. The next negotiation
meeting was scheduled for Monday, June 7, 2010 at 5:30 P.M. in the Mayor's
Conference Room.
The meeting adjourned at 6:23 P.M.
Co cil President Nathan Samuel
Attest:
G
Clerk r asurer Peggy Wilder