Agenda - Council - 03/13/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I I I I I I ,I anniversary date; if newly hired employees begin at the same or higher rate as others in the department, adjustments may be made to relieve any disparity; some may start at the top step or at another higher step if this puts them closer to the market rate for their positions. Step increases are only given if overall performance is rated satisfactory or better. · Insurance: Employer contribution to single coverage or employees who waive coverage remains $290 per month. Employer contribution to family coverage increases from $400 per month to $428 per month, effective Januaw 1, 2001; if dependent coverage increases, it is agreed that the City will split the insurance premium increase 50 - 50 with the employee. Employer agrees to continue exploring options for more cost effective health insurance without compromising on health care coverage and work to secure an agreement with the health care insurance provider to align policy renewal dates with the City's fiscal calendar. Definition of Professional Employee: AFSCME will be submitting to the City a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreeing to join with the City in a petition to the Bureau of Mediation Services to modify the City of Ramsey's Certification of Exclusive Representation and Article 3 of the union contract to include "professional" in the definition that excludes certain City employees from exclusive representation. Holidays: Columbus Day is no longer a paid holiday arid the Friday after'Thanksgiving as'a paid holiday will be substituted; employees will be getting an additional ½ day as a floating holiday. · Funeral Leave: Employees will be granted two days of paid leave to attend the funeral ora member of the employee's immediate family, which according to the AFSCME contract includes spouse, parents, step-parents, children, step-children, brother, sister, grandparents, grandchildren, or a like member of the employee's spouse's family. · Internal Job Posting Requirement: AFSCME agreed to reduce the time required to post an internal job posting from seven to five business days. Motion by Mayor Gamec, seconded by Councilrnember Hendriksen, to recommend that City Council approve the 2001 labor contract with A~FSCME Local #2454. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Hendriksen, Anderson, Kurak, and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. Case #4: Receive Information on Computer Training Survey & Consider Amended Education and Tuition Reimbursement Policy Human Resources Manager Heryla stated that on October 10, 2000, the City Council gave staff direction to further explore adding reimbursement of computer training to the existing Education and Tuition Reimbursement Policy. As a method of researching different options, staff sent a survey to 54 municipalities. The summarized results of the survey are as follows: Computer training is offered in most cities, a few offer training beyond job-related skills. Of the 21 cities that responded to the survey, 20 provide computer training for their employees. Three cities responded that they do provide training beyond job-related skills. Generally it . appears training programs utilize a "gatekeeper" to regulate courses for employees. "Gatekeeping" is achieved through prior supervisory approval, a special application for reimbursement, and registration done by Human Resources staff at approved institutions or Personnel Committee/January 23, 2001 Page 3 of 5 -47-