Minutes 05/31/1977 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

193 May 31, 1977 for the Sanitation Division. They were quite emphatic in their presentation that it would be impossible to carry the work load with the existing amount of operable equipment. We told them at this meeting that we were in hopes of getting authorization to use General Revenue Sharing funds for equipment purchase, which would enable us to obtain as many as five new vehicles and retain several better old ones as backup. Although the equipment shortage was the main issue discussed at this meeting, the Com- mittee also mentioned that they would not support the Management position to go to the two man trucks. The two man vehicles were in the process of being tested during the time that the meeting was held. We assured the Committee that we would consult with them further before any actions would be taken along these lines. However, we pointed out to them that it was constantly necessary to update equipment and methods of refuse collection; always~lo0king for the most economical method to deliver the service at the least possible cost. We met again with the Sanitation Committee on April 7, 1977, at our request, to advise them that bids had been put out for both two and three man vehicles. We emphasized that we were strongly considering the two man vehicles partly because of their shorter delivery date, which the Committee had indicated to us was primary in their list of needs. At this point the Committee indicated they preferred to remain with the three man trucks and that the longer delivery dates would not be any problem as far as the men were concerned. We again emphasized (as we had at the December meeting) that no body would be reduced in pay or laid off as a result of the initiation of the two man vehicles, if they were selected as the replacements for the existing ~quip~ent. We further indicated that we would reevaluate the work being done on two man trucks with the possibility of increasing the grade for those persons assigned to these trucks. At this point the discussion with the Committee changed over to their request for a pay raise. We indicated that we could not guarantee it at this point; but, the Manager intended to recommend the same type of increase in 1977-78 that he approved for the current year. They were advised that whatever actions were approved would be communicated to them as soon as it became final. We also discussed their probable role and training for the proposed Clea~ City Program (Keep America Beautiful). The last item of discussion concerned the commercial refuse collection service. We in- formed the Committee that we were considering getting out of the dumpster business; and, were advised that the men on the Committee were not interested in this particular activity and that the change over did not disturb them. Again, we assured them that in the event this took place there would be no layoffs or loss of pay for the people effected, that the person~ nel reduction would be handled through attrition and transfers. POLICBOFEICERS Meetings have been held with the Police Department on three occasions during the year; however, only two of these meetings could be considered as part of the general Meet and Dis- cuss procedure. The first meeting for a general Meet and Discuss session with the Police personnel was held on July 27, 1976. This discussion covered a wide range of topics as out- lined below: (1) Parking Status - they were concerned over the eventual loss of their current free parking area behind Police Headquarters. (2) Special Recognition for Retiring Police Officers - this item has been discussed at several previous meetings. The officers were officially advised that the City of Portsmouth did not Plan any special recognition for Police Officers other than what was given to any other retiring City employees. (3) Unlimited Sick Leave - we advised the Officers that there would be no return to unlimited sick leave. (4) Civil Service Administration - the Committee outlined their concerns with the administration of the Civil Service Commission and the lack of revised rules and regulations. We indicated that their requests would be referred to Mr. H~llet, the new Administrator of the Civil Service Commission, for response and action. (5) General Loss of Officership Opportunities Specifically Failure to Promote to Fill Vacancies in response to this, we indicated willingness to review the matter; but, emphasized that the timing of the filling of these vacancies has been and continues to be a management prerogative. This matter has since been resolved by promotions which were made within the department upon the recommendations of Chief Boone. (6) In-grade Progression - this request centered around the possibility of specific change being made to eliminate inequities in the Fire and Police Departments. These changes were implemented during the year, which eliminated a large portion of the inequities referred to during the discussion. Th~ next meeting with the Committee was held on April 4, 1977, for the primary reason of discussing the elimination of free parking for Police Officers in the area behind the Police Headquarters. We indicated to the Committee that City use for this property (construc- tion of the new Municipal Building) necessitated the removal of all parking from the area. We offered, as an alternative, to make arrangements for the Police Officers to park in the parking garage on a shift change basis, which would he at a reduced rate for the individual officers.