Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

To:	Dave Corliss City Manager
From:	Debbie Van Saun Asst. City Manager
cc:	Ron Olin, Police Chief Mark Bradford, Fire/Medical Chief Frank Reeb, Administrative Services Director Mike McAtee,  LPOA Chairman Kathy Elkins, IAFF President
Date:	February 8, 2007
Re:	Agenda item

Please place the following item on the City Commission agenda for consideration at their February 13, 2007 meeting:

Amendments to the Resolution 5063

Background:  Resolution 5063 sets forth the policy of the City of Lawrence with regard to employee organizations.  To that end, the resolution has guided the meet and confer process schedule for the City and the two recognized employee organizations, the Lawrence Police Officers Association (LPOA) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).  During last year’s meet and confer process there was discussion at various levels  (City Commission, LPOA, IAFF, and City staff) to seek amendments to the existing schedule that would provide a better fit between the meet and confer process and the annual budget process.

Status:  Earlier this year, City staff drafted a new resolution (No. 6099) which includes amendments within the following areas:

· Schedule for discussion procedures – move the commencement of discussions from April to May and the date for impasse from June to August.

· Updating position titles

· Updating employee group titles

· Language changes reflecting commitment to the principles of interest-based bargaining

· Updating definitions to reflect the newest statutory language

These changes were reviewed by members of the LPOA and IAFF and meetings took place with those groups to discuss their comments and questions.  Based on comments made at those meetings, it is our understanding that both the LPOA and IAFF are in agreement with the proposed amendments and support the adoption of Resolution 6690.

City Commission Action:  The City Commission is requested to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the attached Resolution No. 6099.