03-05-84 Safety Comm MinutesFebruary 2, 1984
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TO: MAYOR McDOWELL and SAFETY COMMITTEE
FROM: POLICE CHIEF STEFANI��
SUBJECT: INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
I herewith propose that we adopt two incentive programs for
optional participation by police department personnel beginning
in this calendar year. These will be model, trial programs and
can be justifiably restricted to police employees as such. If
successful, expansion to other departments of the city may be
considered later. I feel very strongly that the philosophy of
incentive programs is what we need to look toward. While there
will be some cost to the city, at least we get something tangible
and measureable in return as opposed to blanket salary increases.
I am proposing that these programs be adopted and authorized
immediately and totally without regard to negotiations or contract
talks. These are just new programs available and should not be
bogged down in negotiating or union problems. Such an approach
does not violate any present contract provisions. I do not believe
that any personnel will seriously object anyway - they can simply
choose not to participate.
The time is right at present, groundwork has been laid and research _
completed. I realize that this will seem like a non-traditional
proposal but it i$ certainly high time to get a little innovative
and progressive. _I am confident that These programs will be beneficial
to all concerned.
SICK LEAVE INCENTIVE
The concept of this program is to discourage (by positive motivation)
use of sick leave for "optional" reasons while at the same time not
overly encouraging personnel to work if they really are sick. There
may be a very fine line between the two but I feel it will be worth
the risk.
My proposal is that the city establish a "sell back" program annually
for part of sick leave not used. This must be enough to discourage
abuse but not so much as to encourage non-use when sick. Employees
already have some incentive by the ability to sell back ;4 of accrued
time at termination. This is good and serves a purpose. It falls
short in the ;4 is "too little" and ""upon termination" is "too late".
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Besides, this costs the city inflated dollars since time accrued
in perhaps 1975 is going to later be "bought" with 1988 dollars
and salary levels. If we buy back some each year, it will cost
only rates equal to value upon accrual.
I propose that we offer as an option to buy back 1� of what an employee
accrues but does not use in a calendar year and that we pay full
value for this half (due to legal requirements). However, time used
during the year as sick time comes first "right off the top" of the
half we will buuy back. If we can legally pay only ' rate for
this time, that may be a more equitable (and less expensive) rate.
The remaining half of hours would be "banked"as presently done. This
"bank" must be maintained as part of this program. In fact, we would
require a minimum banking level of 200-250 hours before an employee
could utilize this program at all. This will protect the employee
from running out of sick leave if a major illness or injury strikes.
It will also protect the city from related problems.
• A final component of the program is that sick leave used in major
amounts by an employee due to broken bones, prolonged illness,
surgery, etcetera would not effect his sell -back priviledge but
would effect his "bank" time. This will keep the program aimed
directly where our problem and inconvenience lies - the "optional" "
sick leave abuse.
I propose we effectuate this program for all police department
employees (both sworn and non -sworn) on at least a two year trial
basis. Evaluation of effectiveness can then be made with an expectation
of reduced "optional" and short term sick leave useage, less overtime
money spent to cover short shifts, less disruption of work levels
due to absenteeism and maybe even improved morale.
The cost of this program will be bearable if it is applicable in
only one department and may not be too great if we can use the 1z dollar
rate scale. Maximum cost would be approximately $400 per employee.
While we would obviously not save that much in overtime, we will
save substantially in overtime, efficiency, severance pay, and existing
"sick pay" utilization.
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• PHYSICAL FITNESS INCENTIVE
I am proposing this program for sworn personnel only at this time,
although I feel it could benefit all employees as well. This program
is conceived as two pronged: one minimum physical agility level that
must be performed just to keep the job. A second optional higher level
of fitness to be rewarded with extra pay. I propose using the physical
test recommended by P.O.S.T. for entrance examination as the basic
requirement. A percentile score on that test can be established for
required performance. I recommend a declining scale be applied to
this established level to fairly compensate for natural body decline
due to age. This could be 1% per year of service.
We will also want to include temporary waivers from passing this test
for physical incapacitations or disabilities. These would have to be
uniquely considered based upon individual cases. I will be the decision
maker in such cases. The basic performance would be demonstrated
annually or semi-annually..
The higher physical fitness program for incentive money would be based
on the same P.O.S.T.test with higher scores required plus an aerobic
fitness component based upon scientific testing research. Here I have
• in mind a demonstrated ability to perform sustained work level of
oxygen uptake by running (12 minute test) or an equivalent alternative.
Successful participants would then be paid an additional $10 per month
for an intermediate fitness level or $20 per month for an advanced
fitness level. Physical fitness for this incentive pay will be
demonstrated by each officer on a quarterly basis. The maximum cost
r --of the program ig-_Cherefor $5,000 per year.
Benefits are mutual - both the employee and the city will enjoy
many of them while some are aimed at only one or the other. It is
well documented that a high level of fitness as resultant from regular
conditioning achieves many benefits. The individual can expect
improved self image, less illness, better well being, freedom from
threat of some diseases, more active lifestyle, improved attitude and
better stress coping. The city may receive higher productivity,
improved morale, better image, lower insurance rates, improved liability
defense, less sick leave and fewer injuries to employees.
I propose the immediate adoption of this proposed program, especially
since the officers are presently very interested in such a possibility.
The dollars proposed are pretty minimal and could be handled without
budget problems. The time required for officers to meet the program
will be quite great, but will be worthwhile to them.
• Anticipating that there will be the need for meetings and some questions
will arise, I will be anxious to be contacted in that regard.
SAFETY MEE-TING
• Conference Room
4:00 P. M. March 5, 1984
Present; Mayor McDowell; Councilmen Schindler, Grainger, Saverud, Manning and Ruiz;
Police Chief Stefanie.
STOP SIGNS
Because of the number of accidents, Chief Stefanie has requested a stop sign on 8th Avenue
at 7th Street West. Motorists who should be using 6th Street are using 7th almost like
a through street.
Councilman Saverud moved to recommend to the council that the traffic ordinance be amended
to include a stop sign at 7th Avenue West on 8th Street, and also that 9th and loth Streets
be monitored. Seconded by Councilman Grainger. Carried.
On recommendation of Chief Stefanie, Councilman Grainger moved to recommend to the council
that the parking ordinance be amended to prohibit parking for -J block on the north side
of Center Street from 5th Avenue West to the west (grain elevator area. Seconded by
Councilman Saverud. Carried. -
WOODLAND AVMYUE CORNER AND SECOND STREET
Several persons have voiced concern over the hazardous condition at this intersection,
especially with icy conditions. Chief Stefanie stated that there have been only 7
accidents for the past 2* years and those were not serious, but there are a lot of near
misses and an uncomfortable situation. To correct the situation would take major road
repair. Committee recommended a formal engineering study from the State be requested.
T!LkFVIC LIGHT AT 3RD STHJMT AND 1ST AVENUE WEST (Post Office)
Councilman Schindler reported that DPW Hammer is writing to the State Highway Department
for a formal study and traffic count. If the count is higher than at the last one the
Highway Department may decide to change the traffic lights from 2nd and lath to 1st and 3rd.
&INSHELLA AND HUSKY INTERSECTION
There has been a request for a sign at this intersection, but mall construction eliminates
the problem now.
PARKING FINES
The Parking Commission has requested that on -street parking fines be increased from $2.00
to $5.00. Employees and business people are parking on streets and avenues and moving
their vehicles at break and lunch time. The possibility of a $5.00 fine may influence
them to use off-street parking and leave on -street for customers who want to shop.
Councilman Saverud moved to recommend to the council that the ordinance be amended to
increase the $2.00 fines to $5.00. Seconded by Councilman Grainger. Motion carried.
.DPW Hammer is checking on the limited parking at the end of blocks and also looking at
parking close to the alleys. Vans and campers parked right at the alley completely blocks
the view of oncoming traffic.
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