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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-01-06 Council MinutesAGENDA JANUARY 6TH, 1986 COUNCIL MEETING --------------------- - - - - -- 1 Wage Negotiations Appointments 9 15 A M - Keith Smith 9 30 A M - Rick Vickery 9 45 A M - Cris Rodger 10.00 A M - George Rempel 10 15 A M - Norman Soder (& Art Thomas) 10.30 A M - Edward Dunay 10 45 A M - Alex Cunningham 11 00 A M -- Jean Wilkinson 11.15 A M - Herman Martens 11.30 A M - J C Jeffery 11 45 A M - ?? Ken Thompson ? Lyle Gelinas ? Myles Maerz Lunch 1 00 P M - Meeting with Employee Committee Note. Lori Gales indicated that income tax, C P P & I C is up a certain percentage and would like a small amount more than what is required to cover these increases Jennifer Deak - is happy with situation but would be happy with an increase Sandi Matus - Office requests some leeway for an increase for her later in 1986 r"�l COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 6TH, 1986 ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- The special meeting of Council which was set for today commenced at 9.10 A M , Monday, January 6th, 1986 with the following persons present. J Finlay Code Otto Hoff Robert E Boake Harold Mueller Bruce Hastie Reginald G Campbell Division 1 Division 2 (Reeve) Division 3 Division 5 Division 6 Division 7 J C Jeffery Municipal Administrator Mrs Jean Wilkinson, Assistant Administrator was present and recorded the minutes It was noted Councillor Maerz was absent due to a back problem Council reviewed the salary survey done by Mr Jeffery Mr Jeffery noted that Keith Smith will not be in for an interview with Council today due to a death in his family Council reviewed Mr Smith s salary as shop foreman and it was noted he is below the average paid by the surrounding municipalities Keith had indicated to Mr Jeffery he did not feel it was necessary for the shop to be open 10 hours a day in the winter time and he also felt he should receive as much or more than the mechanics There was discussion about whether other municipalities pay wages while the employees are traveling to the job site, the possibility of reduction of pay for the time the men are travelling to the fob site, and the amount of average time over the year spent on travelling time It was noted allowing the men to travel to the job site on M D time was given as a wage increase many years ago Rick Vickery entered the meeting at this time - 9.35 A M and his 1985 wage rate was discussed with him It was noted by the survey his wages would be about $300 00 under average There was discussion about hours of work overtime and travelling time, and Rick felt travelling time would not average more than one hour per day He was asked why he was not paid by the month as the other foremen are, and he noted he would prefer to stay on the hourly rate He asked if council was satisfied with the way the crew has been operating and Mr. Code noted the crew leaves a good impression with the ratepayers and this is very favourable for them The crew look after the small details such as clean up & where to place the culverts, which the people appreciate It was noted that Starland, Wheatland, Red Deer and Stettler are pay wages while the employees are traveling from the shop to the job site County of Mountain View does not - the employees punch a time clock on the job site Rockyview supplies a bus but does not pay wages until the men arrive on the job site. Rick advised Council that he would like the Raygo Ram packer replaced in 1986, but this was the only large piece of machinery which he felt should be replaced this year f 1 COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 6TH, 1986 ---------------------------- - - - - -- Rick left the meeting and Oris Rodgers entered at 10.00 A.M. Mr Jeffery reviewed the salary survey and noted Oris is about $500 00 low on average Mr Jeffery also advised council that Oris has taken alot of responsiblity on this past year for fobs which fall into the "grey areas" and has cleaned up alot of these small fobs which have accumulated over the past three or four years Oris indicated there is quite a difference between the foremens' pay, they try to do the best job possible, he is usually at the shop 15 minutes prior to the crews coming in, gets overtime after 9 hours, receiving less pay than the gravel foreman, and advised council that the foremen do get together to review projects. Oris also advised council that Bud Haskell is one of the men he depends on alot and asked that he be considered in a special wage category. He is a very good man and can run most of the M D machinery He also asked if they could haul the gravel for the road project in Division 6 this winter, and after discussion it was agreed perhaps this work could be done during spring ban time There was discussion about the traxscavator and it was noted it still overheats as there is no cooler on the hydraulic system Oris left the meeting and George entered at 10 20 A M Mr Jeffery reviewed the results of the survey and is appears George is somewhat above average in relation to other gravel foremen George noted that according to his last memo he is to run a machine on one shift of the gravel crew and work an 8 hour day He felt this was not fair and wondered why he was cut down to an 8 hour day He reviewed with council what he usually does in a day - goes to the job site at 7:00 A M , gets the loader started stays around till the second shift and gets that shift going He also goes out on Sunday to start the light plant George was advised he has the right to draw any person from the shop or other employees (other than mechanics) to run a loader or a truck and if there is no one else available then he should run the loader or drive a truck There was discussion about George being in charge of one shift and Myles being in charge of the second shift, but George noted the two shifts alternate one working days one week and nights the next week He did not feel he should have to work shift work after 25 years with the M D He also felt that with radio contact it was not necessary to have someone in charge of the second shift and it would not be fair to expect Myles to work the second shift (afternoon shift) on a permanent basis The shifts run from 7 00 A M to 3.00 P.M. and from 1.30 to 9.30 P M and George noted he works from 7 00 to 4:00 P M It was suggested the sub foreman should work the second shift all the time, and after further discussion it was suggested that Geroge should appoint someone on the second shift to be in charge on the alternate weeks when Myles is not working the second shift There was discussion about the 4 men who get paid for 9 hours per day in the winter time, but are not regular shop employees, whereas the rest of the men get cut back to 8 hours per day There was discussion about gravel stock piling this winter and about the need for a public works superintendent which might eliminate some of the employee conflict problems which seem to be coming up such as hours of work rate of pay etc. Mr Hastie moved that Mr Rempel be authorized to appoint one member of the gravel crew to be in charge of the second shift (if Myles Maerz is not working on that shift) without any increase in pay, if Myles is not willing to work permanently on the second shift and further moved that the office is to be advised by radio who is in charge, George is to continue working the day shift, and has the full right and authority to pull any available employee to fill a vacancy on either of the gravel crew shifts, using Oris last and Rick second last, and excluding the shop mechanics and he is to operate a loader or truck if there is no one else available to fill the vacancy CARRIED X AM.,— E COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 6TH 1986 Mr Rempel left the meeting and Norman Soder entered at 11:25 A M Mr Jeffery reviewed the survey results with Mr Soder and it indicated Mr Soder is about $3287 above average Council was advised that Mr Soder is in his last five years of work before retirement There was discussion about Mr Thomas' salary and how he had dealt with his job in 1985 It was noted he did have some problems dealing with the A S B employees but is quite intelligent and likely should get a reasonable raise in 1986 Norman indicated he is now 62 and will likely work for another two years or so as he would like to pursue some research particularly with control of Toad Flax It was generally agreed that Art should continue to manage the A S B crew this summer It was noted that the temporary A S B employees were not happy with their rate of pay in 1985 as they did not get any increase and there was concern expressed about the rate of pay given the sprayer truck operator, who was a new employee in 1985 Norman recommended that Art and the temporary employees receive a pay increase in 1986, and he noted that an Ag Fieldman with only 2 1/2 years experience was receiving more money that he was. Mr. Soder left the meeting and Ken Thompson entered Council discussed with Ken what effect going back to an 8 hour day had on his salary for 1985, and he advised council he is presently working a 9 hour day He was told to work 9 hours per day by the foremen and would prefer to stay on a 9 hour day in the winter Ken also indicated he would like Robin Thiessen and Lonnie McCook back on his crew this summer if possible He indicated that the cat and buggy should be okay for a few years yet There was further discussion about whether the M D crews should all be working a 9 hour day in the winter time frame Ken left the meeting and the meeting adjourned for dinner at 12:00 Noon The Council meeting resumed at 1.00 P M , and the employee committee of Sandra Weir, Gary Berquist, Robert Gundlach, David Flannagen, Brian Sowerby and Glen Wagstaff entered the meeting. Mr Jeffery reviewed the salary survey and the employee committee was given a copy of the survey results Glen indicated the mechanics feel they are underpaid and the survey results appear to confirm this Brian indicated the employees felt a 10% increase should be considered, but also noted that a 10% increase would not bring the mechanics up to average as shown by the survey results It was noted that most of the M D operators are senior classification It was also noted that most of the operators are cut back to a winter rate during the winter time and are also cut back to an 8 hour day The survey indicates the operators are behind by 41 cents, whereas in 1983 they were above average by 9 cents Sandra asked why the operators who run a snow plow truck are considered to be operating in the winter time and get paid their operating rate, but the gravel truck drivers are not considered an operator COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 6TH, 1986 There was discussion about the mechanics and welders and the fact that they have earned tickets and therefore should receive a higher rate of pay Council indicated that some of the mechanics earned their tickets while employed by the M D and the M D had assisted them in getting their tickets It was suggested that experience is a great asset and perhaps the more experienced mechanics should receive more money. Glen indicated that the M D will be losing two of its more experienced men in a year or two - Harvey Jesske and Alan Hazel - and they should be considering hiring apprentices to replace these people when they do retire. He indicated there is always lots of work to do at the shop and now they are somewhat short staffed as David Tetz is in school and Lyle Gelinas has been put on a gravel truck He also suggested Council might consider having students from high school come to the shop for work experience They could sweep the floors and clean up and assist the mechanics and leave the mechanics free to do the mechanic work David Flannegen noted that all the main crew is experienced and all are senior operators, and senior operators are about $1.10 below average Brian asked if the $300 00 bonus was given in lieu of the 1 1/2 percent incentive pay discussed by council at the beginning of 1985, and the employees were advised council was unable to come up with an incentive pay system which would be fair and equitable to all employees It was suggested perhaps there might be two or three levels of pay for a certain job so that an employee could work towards the higher levels It was indicated that the M D has pretty good working conditions - good shops, cabs on machinery, heaters etc. and this should be taken into consideration by the men Gary Berquist indicated the employees, particularly the main crew, do not want to lose the benefit of being paid for travelling time, and they would like the job to continue to start when they arrive at the M.D shop There was further discussion about the wage difference between the senior operators and mechanics and Glen indicated he had to supply his own tools and only received $250.00 a year tool allowance He did not think it was sufficient as everyone uses his tools and he was supplying tools for the employees which he felt the M D should supply - such as air impacts, etc The contract was mentioned and Brian noted the employee committee did not feel it would help to review the contract again this year as Council does not appear willing to make any changes to it It therefore appeared to be a waste of time for both council and the employee committee. None of the changes requested by the employees with the exception of the holiday change, have been granted by council in the past two years Mr Code asked the employee committee to ensure all employees are aware that if an unsafe working condition exists or it s developing they should advise their foreman or the office Council is very concerned about this matter and want to make sure the employees are aware of their concern. There was a suggestion made that a basic travel time rate be paid, and a higher rate of pay be set for the productive hours of work N COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 6TH, 1986 ---------------------------- - - - - -- Glen noted that all the machines are ready to run when the crew arrives at the job site and have been serviced so there is no lost time when the crew arrives. They get on the machines and start work immediately. Therefore they do not feel the travel time is as great a problem as it appears on the surface He noted he gets up at 4.30 in the morning during summer time in order to be on the job and have the machines ready when the crew arrives The employee committee left the meeting at this time Edward Dunay entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Jeffery reviewed the salary survey and it indicated Edward's salary is above average Edward review figures he had obtained and noted that Municipal Affairs Level 4 Assessor will receive $41,604 in 1986 The average for a Level 4 Assessor is about $40,000 Edward reviewed the work he does for the M.D., noted about $40,000 would be reasonable and also advise the increase given by the government to their assessors is about 3s Edward left the meeting at this time, and Alex Cunningham entered the meeting 2.35 P M Mr. Jeffery reviewed Alex' salary and the survey results and it appears Alex is below average for a Utility Officer and Development Officer Alex noted that Alberta Utilities and Telephones pay a grant towards his salary and the RRAP agency fees bring in considerable money The agency .fee has been increased from $400 00 an application to $600 00 Alex noted that he uses the RRAP work as a fill in so he is always busy Development permits have been slow in 1985 but better than 1984. He also noted he has been with the M D for 15 years He advised council that Robert Kennedy has been taking courses with regard to sewage and water maintenance and has taken over the responsibility for this work. He would like Robert and he to be able to attend the Operators' Seminar to be held in Banff in March He also noted that John Binet has taken alot of the work load with regard to radio repairs It was noted that making use of John Binet for radio repairs was never discussed or authorized by council. Alex left the meeting at this time Mrs Wilkinson reviewed with Council her wishes for 1986 wages She indicated she is happy with her fob and would like a reasonable increase in order to cover the increased costs for income tax, C P P, U I C, etc She also discussed with council salary situation and work being done by Lori Gales, Sandi Matus and Jennifer Deak, and she asked for a reasonable consideration for them Mr Jeffery noted that neither Lori nor Jennifer wished to meet with Council but they had expressed their wish for a reasonable increase to cover increased costs The results of the salary survey for stenographers etc were reviewed Mr Jeffery noted that in order to bring people up to average rates of pay as per the survey it would require $70,000 without any other increases The amount of tool allowance paid to the mechanics was discussed and there was a suggestion that the tool allowance might be increased to $300 00 per year and also that the shop should be supplying the large air impacts The amount of machinery which will have to be purchased in 1986 was also discussed and it was noted this will include a loader and a packer l(i COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 6TH, 1986 ---------------------------- - - - - -- Herman Martens entered the meeting at this time and Mr. Jeffery reviewed the survey results for accountants It indicates that Herman is under the average pay for accountants in municipalities touching the M D Herman indicated he would be satisfied to be brought up to average. He also expressed thanks to council to the tape streamer purchased last year, as it saves him considerable time in backup on the computer He also indicated he is quite happy with the work Jennifer is doing and noted that having Sandi Matus on staff relieves Jennifer so she is able to work more on accounting work He also indicated he has been here for 8 years. He suggested the possibility of the staff being made more aware of what council has passed - possible with a staff meeting perhaps including the foremen, in order to review information from the last council meeting He advised council he takes backup tapes of all M D work home in order to ensure there is always back up information available in case the office was destroyed by fire He then reviewed the possiblity of acquiring a new computer i- system for the M.D. in 1986 Burroughs has a B -25 system which they would like to test out in one or two test sites and they would be willing to provide the hardware at a reasonable price and the software required at a much lower price that normal if the M D. would be willing to be a test site for the new equipment and programs Cost would be about $36,00 to $40,000 Otherwise it would cost over $60,000 He asked that if council did not wish to proceed with a new computer system this year that they budget for a portion of the funds in the 1986 budget He noted the maintenance contract on the existing system is over $13,000 00 a year and on a new system would be about $4000 00 He also noted that gravel inventory and shop inventory could be put on the new system as Burroughs (through Matt Bonnert) would be writing new programs for this Mr Martens then left the meeting Mr. Hastie moved that Council approve of discussion and consideration of items other than wage negotiations at this meeting °- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Mr Jeffery noted the annual curling bonspiel is to be held on January 10th at Didsbury and the M D rink will curl at 9.00 A.M. It was agreed Otto Hoff, Robert E Boake J. C. Jeffery, and two other people attend as representatives of the M D Mr Jeffery advised council he had discussed with Tim Shearlaw of the Capital the fact that not much M D news has been reported J GJ lately and they wondered if council would like to publish the minutes of each meeting After discussion of this matter and d�s`us noting that other municiaplities do this Mr. Boake moved that the M D council meeting minutes be edited by Mr Jeffery and the edited version be printed in the local paper, that thses may be ®� printed prior to receipt of final approval by council but the notification "not approved - subject to change must also be ejd printed. WS CARRIED There was further discussion about the 1986 wage negotiations and r. Mr Boake moved this meeting do now adjourn CARRIED Reeve Time 6 :50 P M 6 Munici al`Ad rator