Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Fire Medical

TO:	David Corliss, Interim City Manager
FROM:	Mark Bradford, Chief
CC:	Debbie Van Saun, Assistant City Manager Frank Reeb, City Clerk Scott Miller, Public Safety Attorney
Date:	May 22, 2006
RE:	Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Lawrence and the International Association of Firefighters Local 1596

I am pleased to report that President Kathy Elkins has indicated that we have completed successful negotiations with the IAFF Local 1596 for a two-year term.  She will be presenting the MOU to the full membership for ratification next Tuesday or Wednesday.  The following is a brief overview of the Memorandum of Understanding effective January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2008.

▪    Compensation – a 3% general wage adjustment for 2007 with the addition of one 2.5% pay grade step in grades FO4 – Engineer, FO5 – Engineer-I and FO6 Engineer-MICT.  In 2008 the general wage adjustment will be a “most favored nation clause”, whereby the members covered under this agreement will receive the same general wage adjustment as other city employees.  Generally our goal is to provide our employees a wage that reflects the median range of our comparable cities.

▪    Deferred Compensation – A letter of response was submitted to the Union indicating the City’s pledge to disseminate a Request for Proposal (RFP) in which the city will solicit response from qualified vendors to provide a deferred compensation program to city employees.  The city will provide a copy of the RFP to the IAFF National deferred compensation provider. (see Corliss letter dated May 22, 2006).

▪    General Language Changes – Staff agreed that there were sections of the existing MOU that were outdated and needed updating. Several language changes were made that were agreeable to both parties.

▪    Sick Leave – Absences of 24 hours or less would not require a sick release from the city’s medical director.

▪    Fitness Equipment – the $10,000 specified dollar amount was removed from the MOU.  Staff does support adequate equipment for member’s on-going physical fitness training.

▪    Fitness for Duty – We agree that further study of possible language changes are appropriate that might include a second medical opinion.

▪    Minimum Staffing – Staff agreed to support the IAFF to include supportive language in the MOU; however, it did not codify minimum staffing levels.

▪    Educational Assistance – Language was supported where the Chief would have the discretion to allow employees to attend any professional related course that the Chief deems beneficial to the department, subject to departmental resources.

          ▪    Vacation Accumulation Maximum – The 2008 recommended accruals will be accelerated to 2007.  The maximum accrual issue will be referred to the City Benefits Committee which will most likely recommend 320 hours maximum accrual which will start in 2007.

          ▪    Term of Agreement – A Two-Year Agreement has been agreed to by both parties.

          ▪    Update City Resolution - During 2006 the City and Union shall meet jointly to consider proposed changes to the terms of City of Lawrence Resolution 5063, with special emphasis on negotiating mutually agreeable deadlines for the negotiation process that better conform to the timetable of the budget process.