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HomeMy WebLinkAbout96 1203 min~ ~~ '~._ ...- MINUTES SPECIAL CITY O TN IL MEETIN City of Plainview December 3, 1996 The Plainview City Council met in special session at 7;30 p.m., Tuesday, December 3, 1996, in the Council Chambers of the Plainview City Hall at 901 Broadway. The agenda for this specially called ' meeting was posted in City Hall at 3:00 p.m. on the 27th day of November, 1996. Mayor Lloyd C. Woods presided. Councilmembers present were: Mary Virginia Kirchhoff, Precinct 2; Rey Rosas, Precinct 3;Mike Hutcherson, Precinct 4; Ross Owen, Precinct 5; Bobby McGehee; Precinct 6; and Irene Favila, Precinct 7. Staff members present were: James P. Jeffers, City Manager; Wally Hatch, City Attorney; Cindy Gasaway, Main.. Street Coordinator; and M. Shane Harrell, Deputy City Secretary. Members of the Petitioners' Committee present were:. Darla Newland, Linda Johnson, Patty Ratliff, Peggy Eason, Margaret Mendoza, Richard VanKlyve, Jess Barrera, Lonnie Burton, and Stan Branam. Joe Alfaro was absent. .Members of the news media present were: Richard Orr of the Plainview Daily Herald and Phillip .Hamilton of the Lubbock Avalanche Jo ~rnal. Others present were Ralph May, Mike Allen, Bobby Chandler, Michael Carroll, Albert Perez, and Fred Bradley. At said meeting the proceedings following were had, to wit: OPEN MEETIN 1. The Invocation was given by Councilwoman. Irene Favila. 2. The Pledge was led by Mayor Lloyd C, Woods. REGULAR A ENDA ITEM 3. Police Pay Referendum Alternatives Mayor Woods' opening remarks reminded `the audience of December 7, 1996, marking the .anniversary of Pearl Harbor. He urged the citizens of Plainview to remember the men and women who have defended our country. 12-03-1996 Special Meeting Page 1 of 7 ~ ~ ~:: / The Chair then recognized Mr. James P. Jeffers, City Manager, who took the floor. 1VIr. Jeffers presented several. alternative pay scale plans for consideration by the Council and the Petitioners' Committee.. His suggestions are as follows: (1) Referred to as the McGehee Plan, it assumes a 20% adjustment for new certified recruits, generated as a reference point. Total first-year projected costs total $111,299. As shown in tables provided, detailed individual effects can readily be seen. Tenure in rank and in grade are a factor. Three percent (3%) step increases apply incrementally through year 8. A drawback of this application cane be seen in concentration of funds at the top of the salary pyramid. Sergeant raises range from 3% - 6%; lieutenants from 4% - 10%; and captains from 10% - 14%. Base salaries were taken from September 1996 payroll records. (2) Basically the same as the first, it utilizes a 19% adjustment for new certified recruits. Total first-yearprojected costs total $104,000. This plan was developed by Mr. Jeffers. Sergeants could expect 5% raises, with lieutenants getting 4% and captains pocketing 3% .increases.. As most employees will quickly go up a step in grade after implementation of the initial raise, the starting percentage. increases are, in effect, aggrandized. (3) Basically the same a the first, it begins with an 18% adjustment for new certified recruits. Total first-year projected costs total $99,000: Mr. Jeffers discussed this plan earlier in the day with Lonnie Burton and Jess Barrera. It hybridizes the top part of Plan 1 together with the .bottom part of Plan 2. (4) Basically the same as the first, it starts with a 17% raise for new certified recruits. Total first-year. projected costs total $94,000. (5) Basically the same as the first, it opts for a i6% increase for new certified recruits. Total first-year projected costs total $89,000. (6) Basically. the same as the first, it begins with a 15% increase for new certified recruits. Total first-year projected costs total. $86,000. Mr. Jeffers then offered his proposed wording for the ordinance to bring a salary plan into existence. To allow for easier implementation (and as outlined in the Petitioners' petition), February 10, 1997, denoting the first paycheck distribution day in February, was chosen as a point of beginning. The only additional adjustment allowances would be for certification pay, longevity pay, and promotion pay through September 30, .1997. Starting pay for.. a certified. officer would become $20,966. After October 1, 1997, current City Policy would govern salary adjustments. Current policy dictates that salary adjustments occur on anniversary dates or promotion dates. Mr. Jeffers conceded that the implementation date is negotiable. 12=03-1996 Special Meeting Page 2 of 7 / ; ___, f _/ Mr. Burton, in response to the Mayor's invitation for participation, noted that the City has already budgeted for 3% across the board cost-of-living increases. This 3%, he asserts, dilutes any plan proffered by the City. He would prefer debates to focus on costs over and above this 3% already in the budget. Mr. Burton, in response to the Mayor's query, .stated that he was not truly comfortable with any plan and held none in favor. Part of Plan 1 in conjunction with part of Plan 3 may cause sergeants and .higher ranks to receive nothing, while lower grades get 20% increases or more. Mr. Burton offered a Committee proposal calling for 10% increases for sergeants, 10% increases for lieutenants; and 5% increases for captains. Officers Lujan and Allen would individually receive 10% raises... He stated that he did not have definitive numbers set to paper for the Council's review, nor did he know the overall impact of the proposal on the budget. Mayor Woods asked for projected costs of this proposal. Mr. Huggins estimated $49, 500 additional ...costs. Mr. Jeffers clarified for the Mayor that both groups in attendance tonight must reach an agreement and vote. If a deadlock persists, the Council has no choice but to call for an election. Mayor Woods stated that the wanting of raises would not be quieted with the passage of an ordi- nance. He dreaded the thought of a bond issue being decimated due to the potential outcome of these talks. Personally, the Mayor noted his preference for Plan 2. Councilman Owen: asked Mr. Jeffers if Mr. Burton was right in his assertion. Mr. Jeffers responded by saying that 3% is part of the proposal.. The raise was built into the offers on the table. Further, 1VIr. Jeffers clarified the matter of anniversary dates for Councilman Owen. Mayor Woods noted .that if police personnel receive 3% across the board as planned, any salary proposal would increase percentage raises by said 3%. -Simply put, an officer getting a 3% cost-of- living raise would receive. a total of 11 % later. Mr. Burton applied his conceptualization to Plan 3. Following his logic, 3%cost-of--living reduces .his effective raise to 1%. With the greater withholdings for retirement contributions, however, his take-home pay would have a net gain of zero. Councilwoman Kirchhoff addressed the assembly.. She stated that too much territory was being covered. The long-reaching effects of these talks are of concern to her. Yet, both groups have the opportunity to be prudent still. The Council must consider the Police Department among several divisions.: She supports raises if the following goals of compensation are met:. (a) reward past performance; (b) place the City in a competitive stance with other entities; (c) maintain salary equity 12-03-1996 Special Meeting Page 3 of 7 ~- - __ ~ ' _ ~, among. all employees; (d) motivate employees; (e) maintain the budget objectives; (f) attract new employees; and (g) reduce the turnover rate. Budgetary constraints and salary equity are not being met- by proposals of the Committee. In Councilwoman Kirchhoffs view, the ,City has a small police force with limited advancement oppor- tunity. She noted that salary alone will not reduce the exodus of employees. The objectives of the Committee take a view out of its proper perspective. Their proposals ,have obtained nightmarish proportions and have grown out of hand. Councilwoman: Kirchhoff urged the .assembly to realize that salary is only one part of the compensation plan. She prefers to address the total compensation package rather than opt for a "Band-Aid approach." Wage surveys, recruitment efforts, retention, equal employment opportunities, safety, incentive plans, job analyses, retirement benefits, and disability provisos, among others, must be considered. Changes in one division's salary scale affects individual performance, as well as performance in other :departments. Councilwoman Kirchhoffproclaimed that the Council has,a limited budget and a finite amount of tax dollars with which to work. A referendum would force the Council to address salary structures on a piecemeal basis, which conflicts with the need for the City to address the salary scale as a whole. Perhaps, she suggested, a compensation specialist or consultant could be .brought on board to assist inthetalks. Regardless, the City must work within a framework of cost containment. Councilwoman Kirchhoff expressed her favor for Plan 2. In her view it is a better, balanced plan which addresses the concerns of both sides. It addresses all ranks, as well as areas. of concern with regard to the lower levels. Mayor Woods welcomed comments from the audience. In answer to a question by Mr. Richard Orr, the City Manager explained that a newly. hired officer with five year's previous experience could be addressed on an individual basis by City Administration. .The new recruit would make more than a beginning officer but less than afive-year employee of the City. Mr. Jeffers noted the rigidity of the Committee's plan would require the new hire to begin at step one (1). The Mayor again brought to the foreground the Committee's most recent proposal. of 10%/10%/5%. Mr. Huggins projected additional costs of roughly. $21,000 plus benefits, with Officers Lujan and Allen adding another $3,500. Mr. Burton reiterated to the Mayor that this plan was acceptable to the Petitioners. These .concepts would add roughly $24, 500 to Plans 2 and 3, as well. Mayor Woods told of his concern for the .approximately 160 other employees of the City. 12-03-1996. Special Meeting Page 4 of 7 i' MOTION Motion by Mayor Woods to .accept Plan 3, replacing the percentage figures as follows: 10% increases for sergeants, 10% increases for lieutenants, and 5% increases for captains, with Officers Lujan and Allen being addressed singularly, each garnering raises of 10%, whereas said plan would yield total first-year projected costs of $123,270. . Seconded by Councilman McGehee. Discussion on the Motion Councilman Rosas agreed that. patrol officers were not well compensated. He is primarily concerned with the .lower..ranks. The Committee did bring attention to the pay discrepancies, but failed to mention to the voters the proposed raises to be given to the upper echelons. He, too, expressed concern for all employees of the City. Councilman Rosas noted that the Council has effectively lowered taxes in recent years and that no cuts in service or forced layoffs have been. necessitated. Councilman Rosas responded to a recent "Letter to the Editor" written by Mr. Solis. He stated that citizens should realize the City. is not the .same as the County. City Councilmembers receive compensation of $50 per month. No raises have been. given. in recent memory. County. officials axe the ones who award themselves with frequent raises, he noted. Councilman. Rosas cited his preference for Plan 2 or Plan 5. In any event problems affecting the lower ranks must be corrected. He, too, remarked on limited funds available to the City. Councilman . Rosas stated that 10% was excessive for sergeants and lieutenants. At this point a vote was called by the Mayor. Those in favor: No votes were cast. Those in opposition: Precinct 2, Precinct 3, Precinct 4, Precinct. 5, Precinct 6, Precinct 7, and Mayor The Motion failed. M TI N Motion by Mayor Woods to adopt Plan 2 as outlined. Seconded by Councilman Rosas. MOTION TO AMEND THE CURRENT MOTION ON THE FLOOR Motion by Councilman McGehee to 'amend Plan 2 as follows: nunimum of 8% increase for officers and sergeants, with lieutenants garnering 6% increases and captains. obtaining 4% raises, with. Officers Lujan and Allen being addressed singularly, each receiving 8% increases. Seconded by Councilman Hutcherson. 12-03-1996 Special Meeting. Page 5 of 7 / ~~ \`J Discussion on the Motion to Amend Councilwoman Kirchhoff asked for tallies on the costs. Mr. Huggins estimated costs at $97,585. At this point a vote was called on the motion to amend. Those in favor: Precinct 4, Precinct 5, Precinct 6, and Mayor Those in opposition: Precinct 2, Precinct 3, and Precinct 7 The motion passed. At this point a vote was called on the Mayor's original motion to adopt Plan 2, as now amended. Those in favor: Precinct 4, Precinct 3, Precinct 6, and Mayor Those in opposition: Precinct 2, Precinct 3, and Precinct 7 The motion passed. The Mayor called for a recess often (10) minutes to allow the Petitioners' Committee time to confer. The: meeting stood in recess at 8:31 p.m. RECONVENE The Mayor again called the meeting to order at 8:42 p.m. He asked Mr. Burton the answer of the Committee. Mr. Burton indicated that the Petitioners' Com- mittee voted to adopt the offer made by the City. Mr. Burton asked for a clarification on the beginning date. It was determined that January 6, 1997, or if said date is not a .payday, then the closest pay period thereto, .would allow sufficient time for preparation. No objection was made to this date by anyone. Mr. Jeffers reminded the Council of the need for two readings of an ordinance amending the budget. The regular City Council meeting a week hence will see the first reading. The meeting scheduled for Christmas Eve will provide time far a second reading. Mr. Jeffers recommended rescheduling the Christmas. Eve meeting to the Thursday prior. No objection was. noted. 4. Election -- Police Pay Referendum M TI Motion by Councilman McGehee that the ordinance calling for the January 18 Referendum Election be approved. 12-03-1996 Special Meeting Page 6 of 7 ~ __ I ~.: Seconded by Councilman Hutcherson. Those in favor: No votes were cast Those in opposition:. Precinct 2, Precinct 3, Precinct 4, Precinct 5, Precinct 6, Precinct 7, and Mayor The motion failed; consequently, the second reading of said ordinance failed: Councilman McGehee remarked that the appeal of initiating a referendum drive may seem beneficial, but can prove disastrous. He stated that the Petitioners' Committee refuted all matters contained in their petition. The tremendous costs, time, and effort .devoted by both sides to work through this process should caution all to take the referendum option seriously. He asked for support of the Committee with regard. to all City .employees. Mayor Woods. charged. the police to recruit new employees. He expressed his interest in seeing the turnover rate over the course of the next year. He noted the fine work of the Police Department. He presumed that all were. satisfied with the end product. Mr. Burton remarked that lessons were hard-learned. He pledged that the Police Department will continue to support the City.. The Department will uphold the standard of excellence expected of them by the Council and citizens. The Mayor thanked Mr, Jeffers. and Mr. Huggins for their efforts and contributions. M TI N Motion by Councilman Hutcherson to adjourn. Seconded by Councilman Rosas. Those in favor: Precinct 2, Precinct 3, Precinct 4, Precinct 5, Precinct 6, Precinct 7, and Mayor Those in opposition: None .The Motion. passed. The special meeting was adjourned at 8:54 p.m. PASSED AND APPROVED this 10th day of December, 1996. City Secretary 12-03-1996 Special Meeting Page. 7 of 7