HomeMy WebLinkAboutq1 - September 19, 2018 COW specialSPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
September 19, 2018
The special Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaptain at 6:00 p.m.
in the City Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Martinez, Powell,
Rauschenberger, Shaw (6:10 p.m.), Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain.
Departmental Staffing Models and Overtime Reduction Initiatives Discussion
Aaron Neal, Public Works Superintendent, presented information on how overtime is handled
during snow removal and leaf pick up. He highlighted the use of data to maximize the resources
available.
Greg Hulke, Public Works Superintendent, presented information about how overtime is
monitored by Forestry, the maintenance of public facilities such as park shelters and parking
decks, and staffing for special events.
There was discussion regarding snow route changes, how input from employees is solicited, the
impact that labor contracts have on overtime, how costs for special events are addressed, and
how the community restitution program is used.
Police Chief Ana Lalley, provided details on how overtime is broken out among the divisions,
and how overtime is monitored. The department utilizes grants and other federal programs to
offset the overtime costs.
There was discussion regarding how overtime duties are assigned, and the impact of labor
contracts. Also, discussed were the staffing levels in dispatch, changing the length of shifts, and
the use of flex time.
Fire Chief Dave Schmidt, noted the various ways that the department tracked and reduced
overtime. He also highlighted the ways that fire service is changing. He provided information
on several different programs that outside communities were implementing to cut departmental
costs including, FUSE (Frequent Users Service Engagement) and mobile integrated health
initiatives. There was a discussion regarding these programs and what would need to take place
to implement similar programs in the city.
There was discussion regarding flex time and methods of tracking overtime. Also discussed was
how labor contracts impact overtime within the department, minimum staffing levels, and
changes to the types of calls for the fire service.
Committee of the Whole
September 19, 2018
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Maria Cumpata, Acting Parks and Recreation Director, outlined the use of overtime for the
Sports Complex operations on the weekend. The complex hosts sports tournaments throughout
the year and part time seasonal workers are often used to staff these events. There was
discussion regarding the maintenance of the fields and how the concessions stands are staffed.
Eric Weiss, Water Director, noted that overtime in the Utility Fund is used for emergencies,
water main breaks, and repairs to service lines. It has also been used to staff four operators at
the two treatment plants. The high overtime model use at the treatment plants offers cost savings
but will need to be reassessed to avoid burnout of the employees.
Debra Nawrocki, Chief Financial Officer, outlined the methods that the Finance Department uses
to track overtime. The methods include review of the biweekly payroll, reviewing costs during
the budget process, monitoring grants and monitoring billing and collections.
Public Comment
Joe Galli, a representative from the Firefighters Union, would like to work with the city to reduce
overtime costs and create a safer work environment for the department employees.
Adjournment
Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dixon, to adjourn. Upon a
roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw,
Steffen and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
The meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m.
s/ Kimberly Dewis October 10, 2018
Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk Date Approved