11/26/2009 - South Side Leader
     

NEW FRANKLIN — Three labor agreements with city employees were approved at the Nov. 18 New Franklin City Council meeting, with only one group left —- the fire department — still in contract negotiations.

A three-year road department labor agreement includes raises between 22 and 43 cents per hour and contributions to health insurance costs for the first time. Council members approved it 5-2, with Council members Gerry Hess (Ward 2) and Judy Jones (at large) voting against it.

A one-year police department labor agreement for patrolmen and corporals was approved 5-2, with Hess and Jones voting against it, and a one-year agreement for sergeants and lieutenants was approved 5-1, with Hess abstaining because he has a family member in the group.

Neither police department agreement offers salary increases, but they will require officers to work 15 minutes more per day, increasing their weekly time sheets to 41 hours and 15 minutes, which could cost the city more if the officers choose payment over compensatory time off.

Hess and Jones explained after the meeting they voted against all the labor agreements because of the increase in the cost of services.

“These do not represent salary freezes,” said Hess of the police department contract with patrolmen and corporals. “Why should we pay anyone to come in 15 minutes early?”

Hess added the agreement would save the city $6,500 in health care costs but also could cost the city up to $25,000 in compensatory time.

Police Chief Dan Davidson stated the time change will put officers on the streets more during school dismissal times, which previously occurred during shift changes, and said shift commanders will keep track of the new time schedule.

Also approved by Council in a unanimous vote was a memorandum of understanding with the Summit County Health District for stormwater regulation and monitoring. The four-year contract, to begin Jan. 1, will cost the city a total of $14,000 and represents an increase of $200 per year.

Also during the meeting, resident Fred Ford-Smith challenged city officials to establish a trash aggregation program for residents.

Ford-Smith also reported on some area trash collection rates and stated New Franklin residents pay more for their service.

“Our residents deserve better,” he said.

Law Director Tom Musarra stated residents would have to vote at the ballot box to approve such a program.

In other business, Mayor Al Bollas announced:

• the appointment of Mark Snyder to the Tudor House Commission;

• the $180,000 coming to the city from FirstEnergy may be used to finish improvements at Sisler Field and to possibly construct a pavilion at the Tudor House; and

• city officials are exploring placing taped broadcasts of the Council meetings on the city’s Web site at www.newfranklin .org.

The next new Franklin Council meeting is scheduled for Dec. 2 starting at 6 p.m. with committee meetings and continuing at 7 p.m. for the regular meeting at City Hall, 5611 Manchester Road.

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