Personnel Committee
February 12, 2007, 6:40 p.m.
City Water Department, 300 Bliss Avenue

Present: Chairman Moore; Alderpersons Molski, Sevenich, Hanson, Wiza

Also Present: Mayor Wescott; Comptroller/Treasurer Schlice; Clerk Moe; Alderpersons Robinson, Trzebiatowski, Slowinski, Barber, Stroik; Directors Halverson, Schrader; Assessor Kuehn; Chief Morris; Captain Ruder; Chief Barnes; Jeff Hild, Alex Saunders; Andrew Halverson; Mary Ann Laszewski; Amy Heart; Doug Stingle; Norm Myers, Sr.; Steve Decker; Reid Rocheleau; Gene Kemmeter - Portage County Gazette; Lisa Jakusz

Index of these minutes:

1. Request to recruit for City Assessor.
2. Request for out of state travel - Susan Lemke, Transit Department.
3. Consideration of pay increase for school Crossing Guards.
4. Consideration of pay increase for Poll Workers.
5. Adjourn into closed session (approximately 6:50 p.m.) pursuant to Wisconsin State Statute 19.85(1)(e) and (f) for: A. Update on bargaining and review of AFSCME Local 348 (Clerical and Related Union) and AFSCME Local 309 (Transit) 2005-2006 Tentative Agreement(s).
6. Reconvene into open session (approximately 15 minutes after adjourning into closed session) for action on: A. AFSCME Local 348 (Clerical and Related Union) and AFSCME Local 309 (Transit) 2005-2006 Tentative Agreement(s).
7. Adjournment.

Chairman Moore called the meeting to order.

1. Request to recruit for City Assessor

As indicated in Carol Kuehn's letter included in the packet, she has decided to retire from her position as City Assessor after 28 years of service. On behalf of the City, I'd like to thank her for her service to the City. The request before you is to move forward with the recruitment process for the Assessor position.

Alderperson Molski moved to approve initiation of the recruitment process, Alderperson Wiza seconded, discussion ensued.

Alderperson Slowinski questioned whether the City considered contracting out for assessor services rather than hiring to fill the vacancy. He stated that he is aware of other communities who are similar in size to Stevens Point that contract out for those services. He listed the cities of South Milwaukee, Mequon and Muskego as examples. Assessor Kuehn stated that she does not recommend contracting out for assessor services. She stated that the City of Stevens Point is somewhat unique in that it has 1300 personal Property accounts and 45% of the locally assessed tax base is commercial property. Some of the example communities sited are suburbs or bedroom communities that do not have a mixed tax base or the complexity that we have here in Stevens Point. Reid Rocheleau addressed the committee in support of contracting out for assessor services. He stated the City should have someone come in and see what they can do for us. He added that he doesn't see the hurry in filling the position. Steve Decker addressed the committee and voiced his support of contracting out for assessor services as well suggesting it would be "trial by fire".

Following discussion, the original motion was carried; ayes all, nays none.

2. Request for out of state travel - Susan Lemke, Transit Department

Personnel Specialist Jakusz stated that Susan Lemke was unable to attend tonight's meeting. Susan's e-mail, which was included in the packet, was referenced. Susan is requesting permission to travel to Washington DC to attend Transportation Coordination training from August 20 - August 23, 2007. She has been asked to be part of a community team. The cost for travel, meals and lodging are paid by The Institute for Transportation. Mayor Wescott has reviewed and approved the request.

Alderman Wiza moved to approve the out of state travel as requested by Susan Lemke, Alderman Hanson seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

3. Consideration of pay increase for school Crossing Guards

Chief Morris is requesting permission to increase the school Crossing Guard pay rate from $8.12 per crossing to $8.61 per crossing. Chief Morris was on hand to address questions or concerns from the Committee.

Alderperson Molski moved to approve the pay increase, Alderperson Sevenich
seconded, discussion ensued.

Chairman Moore questioned whether funds existed within the current budget; C/T Schlice responded that funds were available for this increase in the Police Department Budget. Moore also voiced Chief Morris' intent that the increase be effective on the first pay period following the City Council meeting.

Following discussion, the original motion was carried; ayes all, nays none.

4. Consideration of pay increase for Poll Workers

Included in the packet was a memo from City Clerk Moe outlining his request to modify the pay structure for the poll workers to an hourly rate. Under his proposal, the election officials would receive $9.50 per hour and the chief inspector would receive $10.50 per hour. These rates would also apply for training. Election officials who serve at nursing homes would be compensated at the hourly rate of $10.00; election officials who bring
ballots to City Hall to the central count location would continue to be compensated an additional $10.00. Funding for these pay adjustments are included in the 2007 department budget.

Alderman Molski moved to approve the revised Poll Worker rates; Alderman Moore
seconded, motion carried all ayes.

5. Adjourn into closed session (6:52 p.m.) pursuant to Wisconsin State Statute 19.85(1)(e) and (f) for:

A. Update on bargaining and review of AFSCME Local 348 (Clerical and Related Union) and AFSCME Local 309 (Transit) 2005-2006 Tentative Agreement(s).

Alderman Sevenich moved to enter closed session, Alderman Molski seconded.
Roll Call: Ayes: Chairman Moore; Alderpersons Molski, Hanson, Wiza, Sevenich

6. Alderman Hanson moved, Alderman Wiza seconded to reconvene into open session.

Roll Call: Ayes: Chairman Moore; Alderpersons Molski, Hanson, Wiza, Sevenich

Alderman Molski moved to recommend ratification of the AFSCME Local 348 (Clerical and Related) and AFSCME Local 309 (Transit) 2005-2006 Tentative Agreement(s), Alderman Wiza seconded, motion carried all ayes.

7. Adjournment - 7:06 p.m.

The meeting minutes reproduced on this website are derived from the computer files used to produce the official minutes for the City of Stevens Point, but are unofficial. The minutes on this web site cannot be certified under s. 889.08, Wis. Stats., and cannot be considered prima facie evidence under s. 889.04, Wis. Stats. Certain tables, maps, and other documents that are a part of the official minutes are not included in the files reproduced on this website. Please consult the printed minutes, available in the City Clerk's Office, for the official text. The decisions made by City of Stevens Point boards, committees, and commissions (other than the Police & Fire Commission) are advisory only and are not binding on the city until affirmed at a meeting of the Common Council. Some of the minutes on this web site might not be approved by the Common Council as of today.