Personnel Committee

November 16, 2006 - 9:30 am

DRAFT MINUTES

 

Members:                   Larry Cornell, Chairman; Mike, McKee, Vice Chairman; Sandy Price, Don Spaulding, John Troy and Tom Williams

Others Present:         Marilyn Brown, Chairman of the Legislature; Scott Schrader, County Administrator; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; Richard C. Van Donsel, County Attorney; Annette Barber, Personnel Officer; Laurie Gosse, Deputy Personnel Officer; Dennis Whitt, County Auditor; Jeremy Boylan, county Historian; Elizabeth Larkin, County Clerk; Eric Mulvihill, WXHC; and Corey Preston, Cortland Standard

Absent:                       Steve Dafoe

Mr. Cornell called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.

Mr. Troy made the motion to approve the minutes of the October 12, 2006 meeting; seconded by Ms. Price.  All members voting in favor, minutes approved as printed. 

RESOLUTIONS:

Mr. Cornell explained that Ms. Barber, Personnel Officer, has requested to be first on the agenda. 

Personnel

 

2.                  Authorize Agreements (Several Agencies) Mr. McKee moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Price.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved. 

 

3.                  Amend Management/Management Confidential Comp Policy Grade and Step Schedule for 2007 - Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Price. Ms. Price requested a brief overview on this.  Mr. Schrader explained that the attachment shows a 3% increase worked into the Step Program that is already in place.  He added that the 2007 Tentative Budget reflects a 3.5% increase and the Budget & Finance Committee recommended only a 3% increase.  He also discussed those held harmless.  Ms. Price inquired about how many people are not being given a raise.  Mr. Schrader answered, none.  He further discussed one adjustment, the Information Technology Director who was moved from step 2 to step 1.  Mr. Schrader briefly discussed this change and added that he recommends it be done.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved. 

 

4.                  Adopting Cortland County Health Benefits Plan Document - Mr. Spaulding moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Troy.  Mr. Schrader explained that an electronic copy of the Health Benefits Plan Document was sent as part of the agenda and added that the finalized draft copy is what is before all Committee members today.  He further discussed that he has worked with RMSCO regarding this and there are no surprises.  He further discussed the document briefly and added that amendments can be made at a later date as the Committee so desires.  Ms. Price discussed adopting the document so that the County can move forward and make any needed changes in the future.  Mr. Schrader discussed some possible changes that may need to be looked at in the future including preventative health that could result in a cost savings for the County.  Mr. Cornell stated that he was glad to finally see this in a finalized form.  Ms. Price addressed some concerns she had with passing the resolution before having an opportunity to look at it more in depth.  Mr. Cornell expressed that the Committee should pass it, move forward and make any necessary changes at a later date.  Ms. Barber explained the manner in which the document was drafted.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved. 

 

5.                  Revise Self-Insurance Rates, Cortland County, Employees Health Benefits Program - Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Spaulding.  Mr. Schrader explained that Health Insurance rates are increasing and claims are running much higher than anticipated.  He explained that there is a $200,000 shortfall that will need to be made up in 2007.  Mr. Schrader expressed that he would like to only raise the Health Insurance rates by 10% but just cannot do that.  Mr. Schrader explained that he has one claim that has reached to $300,000 level and added that it has reached the stop loss but is still a rather large claim.  Mr. Cornell inquired about what affect this would have on the 2007 Budget.  Mr. Schrader explained that he is making changes accordingly.  He added that this has been discussed in Budget & Finance Committee and he is making the appropriate changes as requested by the Budget & Finance Committee and is trying not to affect the tax rate.  Mr. Troy inquired about the codes on the attachment to the resolution.  Mr. Schrader explained that the Deputy Sheriff contract is still being negotiated. But added that for the most part the County is paying 80% and the employees are paying 20%.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved. 

 

6.                  Amend Resolution 361-06, Staff Development Coordinator - Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. McKee.  Mr. Schrader explained that this is just a typo that is being corrected.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved. 

 

DISCUSSION (Personnel Department):

Vacancy Report, Annette Barber – Ms. Barber distributed and briefly discussed the Vacancy Report.  She added that the County is still looking for Nurses, she expressed that the immediate shortage has been filed but the County is still looking.  Ms. Barber expressed that there is nothing out of the ordinary on the report.

Unemployment Report, Annette Barber - Ms. Barber distributed and briefly discussed the Confidential Unemployment Report.  After all Committee members were given a chance to review the report Ms. Barber collected all copies.   

RESOLUTIONS:

County Clerk

 

1.         Authorize Contract, County Clerk as RMO Info Quick Solutions - Mr. Spaulding moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Price.  Chairman Brown inquired about the approximate total cost.  Ms. Larkin explained that the cost would be about $5,000 and added that there is about $7,000 left in her account.  Ms. Larkin further discussed that she is looking to put Legislative Journals on the computer.  Mr. Boylan explained the process and added that this will make all journals word searchable.  Ms. Larkin and Mr. Boylan explained further the process and how they found all Legislative journals.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved. 

 

Ms. Price inquired about the long lines at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  Mr. Schrader explained that he was recently at the DMV and there were no lines.  Committee members discussed the problems that have been addressed and the lines have been improving at the DMV.  Ms. Larkin further explained that DMV has been making a profit from processing documents from down state.  Mr. Schrader additionally explained that the ideal time to visit DMV and be in and out quickly is the middle of the day; middle of the week; middle of the month.  

Legislature

 

7.                  Adoption of the Rules of Order - Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Price. Mr. Cornell briefly discussed the draft minutes from the Personnel Subcommittee workshops regarding the revised Rules of Order and the proposed changes.  He additionally requested that all Legislators receive a copy of the minutes along with the revised Rules of Order.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved. 

Mr. Troy made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Spaulding.  Mr. Cornell adjourned the meeting at 9:55 am.

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