04/14/03 SP City Council MinutesA SPECIAL MEETING OF THE KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD AT 7:00 P.M.
MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2003, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL IN
KALISPELL, MONTANA. MAYOR PAMELA B. KENNEDY PRESIDED. COUNCIL
MEMBERS JIM ATKINSON, BOB HAFFERMAN, RANDY KENYON, DUANE LARSON,
FRED LEISTIKO, HANK OLSON AND JAYSON PETERS WERE PRESENT. COUNCIL
MEMBER DON COUNSELL WAS ABSENT.
Also present: City Manager Chris A. Kukulski, Adjutant City Attorney Rich Hickel, City Clerk
Theresa White, Assistant Fire Chief Jim Stewart and Parks and Recreation Director Mike Baker.
Mayor Kennedy called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA APPROVAL
Atkinson moved approval of the Agenda. The motion was seconded.
There was no discussion.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
RATIFY AFSCME CONTRACT — LOCAL UNION 256
Leistiko moved the City Council authorize the City Council to sign the labor contract between
the City of Kalispell and AFSCME Local Union 256 to run from July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2006.
The motion was seconded.
Kukulski explained the AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees)
contract covers sixty-seven employees. He said every word of the contract was reviewed and a lot of
improvements made. He said the contract contains approximately ten major changes; all of which
are covered in his cover memo except one involving compensatory time. Kukulski said the change
will allow employees to accrue comp time, rather than be paid overtime, from July 1 st of each year
to June 1 st of each year. The employees have to use the comp time by June 1 st or be paid overtime.
He said since they have to use the time within an eleven -month period, it doesn't accumulate year to
year and therefore doesn't become part of the City's uncompensated liability. Kukulski said overall,
the contract raises wages by thirty five cents per year for the next three years which breaks down to
2.65% for year one, 2.6% for year two and 2.55% for year three, an overall increase of
approximately $66,000.
Olson commented the increase for each employee amounts to about $1,000 per year. He said since
September 1 lth, anticipated revenues have decreased across the nation because of less business.
Olson said if fewer revenues are received, and more benefits paid out, that $66,000 will be a lot
bigger than it is now. He said he wonders if the taxpayers can afford this increase, especially since
there are other union contracts to be considered and other employees to satisfy. Olson said he
certainly agrees the employees deserve raises, but he wants the Council to think about it when
voting. Personally, he added, he hates multiple year contracts but understands he's in the minority
on that issue.
Hafferman stated he feels the rates are very reasonable, and if you look at the different wages none
are exorbitantly high. He said it's a very good contract for the people doing the work and their
wages are not out of line.
Kalispell City Council Special Meeting Minutes
April 14, 2003
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The motion carried unanimously upon roll call vote.
Mayor Kennedy complimented Kukulski and the negotiating teams.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
ATTEST:
The—resa White
City Clerk
Approved April 21, 2003
Pamela B. KeWdy
Mayor
Kalispell City Council Special Meeting Minutes
April 14, 2003
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