| Today Dave and myself went before the Civil Service
Board along with members of the Fire Department. Before the commission
was a rule change for emergency rate of pay for EAP employees. The Commission
approved the pay but it states that EAP employees will get time and a
half. What we were unsure of and brought up was it time and a half for
their monthly salary or will they break their pay down to hourly rates.
The City Attorney stated that the City was against the proposal because
it would cost too much money. Our (police & fire) reply was that it
would be for states of emergency only. Also brought out was the fact that
while we had to stay here other city employees got paid for not working.
A Fire Chief who has worked closely with FEMA said that without clarifying
the plan they could refuse to pay the city.
It ended up approved so at least our foot is in the door. It was a pleasure being with the Fire Department and maybe we can work together more, after all we are first responders. Strength in numbers. Dave and myself also spoke on a rule change that if an employee wins a Civil Service Appeal or has it modified they may be compensated for attorney fees up to $1500.00. Needless to say it was a very rigourous debate. Dirosa wanted an amenment added that said if an employee files a malicous appeal that the officer could be assessed lawyer fees for wasting the City Attorney's time. Actually I thought they got paid to represent the city, but hey, what do I know. Dirosa at one point said the Police Department did such a good job with their investigations that the rule change wasn't needed. I countered that if they did such a good job why was he afraid of the rule change. The Commission finally approved the rule change but with Dirosa's amendment. I believe that some Commission members and City Attorneys believe the rule is unenforceable on forcing attorney fees on city workers. When you recieve your letters it states that you are given a right to appeal. I believe that the city will have a hard time defending this added amendment. CLICK HERE to read the propasals Pictures of the Top Cops Award are up CLICK HERE to view them
Bryant Wininger May 15, 2006 |