10/19/2004 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Council Minutes of 10/19/2004 couldn't hook a hydrant. The second engine in had to hook the hydrant and had to go in and put the fire out before mutual aid companies arrived. If this is the standard by which we are going to live, he doesn't think it's a very good standard. Law Director Dubelko said the policy change is being grieved by the union. It is one of several in the pipeline to be resolved by the arbitrator. Mr. Coyle said the union had been coming to Council for about 5 years in regards to the poor staffing of the Fire Dept. When the squad is out, there are only two people to man the fire truck. NFPA standards dictate two in and two out. If there are two people who arrive on the fire truck, there is no back up outside if they have to go into the building for a rescue. John Davis, 5862 Barton Road, a resident and a fire fighter union member, said they believe in the grievance process. He is concerned that union members are being badgered. There are signed agreements, and he believes the city should abide by them. It took a lot of courage for the five fire fighters to come forward and speak-this is not a joke. This should raise a red flag that there is a problem. They have come to Council because they don't know what to do and are asking for help. Law Director said he did not believe anybody thinks it's a joke. He does not think there is a shortage of integrity on either side. He believes that disputes should be resolved through the arbitration process. Dennis Lambert, 25057 Carey Lane, said he had participated in labor issues on both sides of the fence. Over and above the individual concerns and respect he has for arbitration, Council can take a position on this. He believes from what he heard tonight this is an opportunity for Council to generate legislation to enact an employee involvement program. There are going to be labor disputes. When they boil over to where they make their way to Council because of frustration, he believes the Council has an obligation and the power to at least go into committee and to consider an employee involvement program that includes sensitivity training on management's part and better understanding of where employees fit into the picture. Mr. Lambert's comments sparked a conversation by Council members as to whether this type of involvement is Council's job. Councilman Gareau expressed concern that Council should respect the role of the administration and believed Mr. Lambert's suggestion would take Council beyond its role. Councilwoman Kasler expressed concern about Council directing the Mayor to take action when they have been advised they cannot direct the Mayor. There is frustration on Council's part when they are presented with issues that should have been handled administratively. Councilman McKay asked the Law Director to comment on Council's function within the city. Law Director Dubelko said there is sometimes frustration on the part of the administration and employees in trying to make the process work. Because people come up and complain, it does not mean there is necessarily a lack of sensitivity. But it's not a bad idea for sensitivity training and for people to find different ways to get together and resolve problems. Regarding Mr. McKay's question, the Charter primarily assigns Council the legislative role in government, the power of the purse strings, the ability to organize the city departments, to create positions, etc. The Charter primarily assigns to the Mayor and the various departments the administrative role in government to manage employees, operate programs and to spend the money that Council appropriates. President O'Grady expressed his support for sensitivity and leadership training. He 11