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03-28-1984 o Q CITY OF EDGEWATER MERIT BOARD MEETING March 28, 1984 7:00 P.M. The meeting of the Merit Board was called to order at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of Edgewater City Hall. ROLL CALL Betty Billups Robert Bates Dr. Roland Bazin Walter Gross Debbie Sigler Excused Present Present Present Present APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Gross asked a few questions prior to a motion being made on the minutes. First he asked if there is a difference in pay between the sergeant and lieutenant classifications? The ques- tion was directed to Mrs. Sigler, he added that she said there was no money involved. He also pointed out there was something in the minutes about telling the truth, he would like this explained to him. Mrs. Sigler stated she did not remember saying there was no change involve, she did not know what Mr. McEver's present hourly rate was, so she could not say what the increase would amount to. Mr. Gross questioned the statement in the minutes referring to the truth. He stated he takes exception to the wording of the statement and would like it corrected. After much discussion, Chairman Bates asked Mr. Gross if he was asking for an apology? Mrs. Sigler apologized if Mr. Gross took exception to the way she worded her statement, and agreed this statement could be removed from the minutes. There was more discussion about the request which was made by Mr. McEver and the occurrences that took place after the board's decision. The conversation that took place at the February meeting was reinterated. Dr. Bazin made a motion to accept the February minutes, with the corrections spoke of, being seconded by Mrs. Sigler. Upon roll call vote the motion CARRIED 4-0. Mr. Opal asked a question regarding the rate of pay on the scale for a Grade 12 and a Grade 13. Mrs. Sigler explained that the request made previously by Mr. McEver would not only have affected him, but anyone in the detective department. The other matter that was taken into consideration by the board was the job descriptions. The acting Police Chief, explained at our last meeting there was a typographical error in the job descriptions. o o Mr. Gross brought out some of the other responsibilities and benefits that the new Chief pointed out. He added that he still feels the Chief should have been present before the board made a decision. Mr. Gross asked the chairman what happens after the decision of the Merit Board, does it go to Connie Kinsey for settlement or does it go to the Council? Chairman Bates stated immediately it goes back to Connie Kinsey. Mr. Gross asked if she could say yes or no? There was discussion among the board members regarding this chain of command. Mrs. Sigler explained, using Mr. McEver's request as an example, it came from the individual man to his department head, to the personnel officer, to us and then back to the personnel officer to be put on Council agenda. Mr. Gross stated this is not the way it goes, adding that he has not heard a decision made by the Council regarding salaries or classifications in maybe two years. Mrs. Sigler stated there is an ordinance giving the personnel officer so many duties and responsibilities. She also said that the Merit Ordinance reads, that when a grievance is brought to the Merit Board by an employee, the Merit Board's decision is final, unless appealed to the Council. This gives the Council final approval. There was further discussion regarding the decision made on Sgt. Britain's request. Mr. Gross went through the steps that would have followed if the board had not granted this request and a grievance was filed. He reinterated what occurred a few years back with an employee's grievance which the Merit Board heard. She lost the grievance with the City but a year later the Labor Board found that the City was in error and we had to repay her all she lost. COMMUNICATIONS The board members were given copies of the communication received by Mrs. Kinsey from the former Police Chief's attorney. There was no action to be taken by the board, this was just for their information. Mr. Gross mentioned that Mrs. Billups will be leaving for a trip, but should be back for our next meeting. OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS Job Descriptions Mrs. Sigler explained that Mr. Wadsworth was working on some updates in his departments job descriptions and in the event he had them ready this was put on the agenda. Safety Commitee Report There was discussion regarding the safety procedure policy that was presented at the meeting. Mr. Gross explained that this -2- o o man has spent hours and hours on safety procedures which was distributed to everyone on the safety committee, and if the Council doesn't approves it, he wants everything back. He added that he believes this is public record now. It is a very good program and very informative but it is going to be a job assimilating it for the department heads. Mrs. Sigler passed out a copy of the finalized check list for the payroll clerk regarding new hires. This is for information. COMMENTS There was a general discussion regarding the letter from Mr. Baugh's attorney. Mrs. Sigler explained that even after the stories were printed in the newspaper, she had not received any request for the agenda. This letter was received in City Hall Monday. Mr. Gross quoted Mrs. Kinsey as saying she evaluated the Chief as average and she recommended to the Council to fire the Chief. The motion was made and actually he was fired by the City Clerk and the Council both. There were other comments about the work ahead of the board and whether this case would ever corne to the Merit Board, since the Council made a decision already. There being no further business to discuss, Dr. Bazin'made a motion to adjourn, being seconded by Mrs. Sigler. Meeting adjourned. Minutes submitted by: Debbie Sigler -3-