HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 26, 2010JEFFERSONVILLE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL SESSION
Monday, July 26, 2010 7:30 P.M.
City Hall -Mayor's Conference Room
The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville met in Special Session on Monday,
July 26, 2010. Council President Nathan Samuel called the meeting to order at 7:30
P.M., and on call of the roll those members present were: Councilpersons Keith Fetz,
Connie Sellers, Ron Grooms, and Nathan Samuel. Also present were Council Attorney
Greg Clark, and Deputy Clerk Treasurer Barbara Hollis.
Council President Samuel said the purpose of this meeting is to negotiate with the
Jeffersonville Firefighters' IAFF Local #558 with regard to contract salaries. Firefighter
David Kaskie, President of Local #558 along with officers of Local #558 are present.
Introduction of all in attendance followed. Firefighter Kaskie reviewed the process to
date. A tentative agreement regarding fitness has been reached and is being voted on by
the members. He then asked is there is any flexibility in the deadline. Council President
Samuel said there could be some give, however he does not want to drag out the
negotiations. Councilperson Grooms would like to see a drop dead date. Firefighter
Kaskie noted the extended responsibilities and area. He would also like to see parity with
the Police on rank and base. The total difference proposed amounts to $266,754.93.
Council President Samuel feels the Police and Fire jobs are apples and oranges.
Firefighter Kaskie said the City is healthy financially, however the percent of the City
budget the Fire Department receives has dropped. Council President Samuel noted there
are some parity areas such as holiday and insurance. Councilperson Grooms said all
department have grown, noting the DLGF will allow only 2.9% growth in the levy for
2011. Firefighter Kaskie noted the addition of the LOIT money. He would like parity
with the Police in the base pay. The offer is a $17,000 increase for the department.
Council President Samuel said he has a high degree of respect for the work the
firefighters do. They do have a strong package with little turn over in staff. When there
are openings there are many applicants. He feels we are right where we should be. He
offers $250 per firefighter spread as they wish.
A recess was called at 8:08 P.M.
The meeting resumed at 8:25 P.M.
Councilperson Smith is now in attendance.
Firefighter Kaskie voiced concern regarding the number of new hires. Councilperson
Smith noted with the hiring of 3 more the staff would be complete based on the initial `~
annexation plan. Firefighter Kaskie said the firefighters are working harder and covering
a larger area which justifies in increase in pay. He then asked if the $266,754.93 could
be reached over two years with a 3% increase in 2011 and 2012. Council President
Samuel does not feel the Council is able to do that with the unknown financial status, tax
caps, and assessments. Councilperson Grooms noted with the hiring of 3 new police and
3 new firefights that would take up most of the increase in the levy allowed. A
discussion regarding reasons for annexing followed. Firefighter Kaskie then proposed a
2% increase in 2011 and a 4% in 2012. Council President Samuel said 6 second class
cities were reviewed and Jeffersonville is on par. Firefighter Kaskie noting he wants
parity with Police with regard to rank pay and clothing. The cost of a 2% increase for
2011 would cost $85,788. Council President Samuel again said the offer is $17,000.
Firefighter Kaskie then asked for 2% in 2011 and 2% in 2012. Council President Samuel
noted other departments have needs. Councilperson Smith asked what amount will it
take to not go to arbitration. Councilperson Grooms noted economists estimate the net
growth in Indiana in the next 3 years to be 0. He does not feel the excess levy appeal will
be as generous as the prior one. He does not want layoffs. He does feel the council may
be talking about cuts in the next two years. Other employees have not been treated as
fairly. He wants to be fair to protect everyone's job.
A recess was called at 9:15 P.M.
The meeting resumed at 9:30 P.M.
Council President Samuel said that a total of $20,000 can be allowed to be added to the
base. Firefighter Kaskie countered $500 on the base and match the police on rank.
Council President Samuel then offered $300 on the base.
The meeting adjourned at 9:55 P.M.
it Pre§i`delxf Nathan Samuel
Attest:
Clerk e surer Peggy Wilder