OFFICIAL MINUTES
January 15, 2004
Attendance:
PRESENT:
Kris O’Hayre, Chair; Jo Anne Aloisi, Henry Case, Francene Czillinger, Todd Murray, Ann Wegert
ABSENT:
Bill Dowis, Jamee Case, Donna Conti
GUEST: Brad Baca
O'Hayre called the meeting to order at 10:06 am.
Announcements & Discussion Items
Essential Services Policy – Baca explained the newly adopted Essential Services Policy. It is not uncommon for Facilities Services to be designated as “Essential Services.” The designation provides for prompt response to emergency situations and provides benefits to those who provide the service. Approximately a month ago Baca met with the members of Facilities Services to discuss the designation. An example of how the designation provides benefits is a situation in which an employee took a holiday, for example Christmas, and then on the following week-end was called to repair a broken pipe. Without the designation, the employee would not be paid overtime because of the paid holiday hours earlier in the week. With the designation, the employee would be paid time and a half for the weekend time. It applies strictly to emergency situations and the only other area being considered for the Essential Services designation is Security Services. A position is designated as an Essential Service position by a check mark on the PDQ. Baca complemented Kim Gailey on her work on this and her knowledge of the Essential Services Policy.
House Bill 1011 – Baca announced that the “opt-out” bill is moving very quickly. It is scheduled for passage out of the house today. Two amendments have been added to the bill. The first has to do with employee consultation during the development of a new personnel system and the second provides an option for new employees to choose PERA or the alternate retirement plan provided by the institution. Baca believes both are good amendments.
Henry Case joined the meeting at this point.
There was general discussion about the bill. It is unclear at this point whether an additional system would be added, or if we would keep the number of systems the same. Baca believes it will be a good opportunity to look at the current exempt system. O’Hayre stressed if the new system does not mesh with the current exempt system it may be hard to attract good employees.
Murray asked if all of higher education would be collaborating on a new personnel system. Baca indicated that while that possibility exists, the cabinet is not sure if it wants to be tied to a system designed for other institutions; that might defeat the benefit (flexibility) of the opt out option.
There are other bills designed to provide Higher Education with management flexibility in fleet management and procurement, but they may not have much impact on Western because of our size.
Pay for Performance Meeting – Baca encouraged attendance at the meeting to update classified employees and supervisors on changes to the performance evaluation. There are two proposed changes. The first is the reviewer signature. Baca does not feel comfortable signing as reviewer when he is three or four supervisors removed. The second change is a form format change.
Baca has received notification that it looks as if the salary survey will provide a 2% pay increase for all classifications. In addition to the pay increase, the State plans to put more money into health and dental insurance.
Baca and Aloisi left the meeting at this point.
O’Hayre reported that although House Bill 1011 seems to be on a laser track to be adopted by next week, it is not too late to respond and we are encouraged to do so by Statewide Liaison Council.
It was decided to send a statement protesting the speed with which the bill is being pushed through the House and Senate and to protest the statement made by Tim Foster about classified staff viewing raises as a “point of embarrassment”. That statement does not reflect the views of all classified staff.
O’Hayre will send a draft to council members prior to submitting it.
O’Hayre announced that Statewide will pay for two registrations and a motel room in order to encourage Western representation at the Statewide Meeting on February 6 in Pueblo. She is planning to attend and would like at least one other member to consider going.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
Next Meeting – The February meeting will be held on February 12th, 10:00 a.m., Taylor Hall Conference Room
Prepared by: A. Wegert, Secretary