Consider a Resolution to Enter Into a Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.) with AFSCME

Due to an unforeseen Family Medical Leave situation in the Building Maintenance Division, the City is in need of alternative staffing options to cover the essential functions of the Building Maintenance Worker position.

The City currently employs one full-time Building Maintenance Worker and one full-time Building Maintenance Supervisor. In June, a part-time Building Maintenance Worker retired, bringing the staffing down from 2 ½ to just 2 employees in that division. Currently, the full-time Building Maintenance Worker is out on Family Medical Leave due to a serious injury; leaving just the Building Maintenance Supervisor.

Mr. Jeffrey Strelow began a Temporary Seasonal position in the City’s Parks Division on April 3, 2012. He was then transferred to the Building Maintenance Division with the expectation that his employment would terminate upon exhaustion of the allowable 640 hours as defined above. However, as a means of addressing the current staffing shortage, the City and AFSCME have an interest in entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.).

Proposed solution, if approved, effective upon the exhaustion of Mr. Strelow’s allowable 640 hours, as defined in section 2.11 the terms of the agreement would be as follows:

1) Mr. Strelow will remain a Temporary Full-time Employee as defined in section 2.11.
a. He will become a dues paying participant with AFSCME
b. He will be paid at step one of the Building Maintenance wage scale; which is $15.99 per hour
c. He will not be entitled to vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay or health and life insurance
d. He will be required to enroll with the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) if/when he becomes PERA eligible, participating per PERA guidelines
e. There will be no commitment on the part of the city of Ramsey to hire Mr. Strelow as a regular employee

2) This agreement, or the superseding agreement, shall remain in effect until the regular full-time employee returns from family medical leave and is able to work at least 30 hours per week
a. The agreement will sunset no later than December 31, 2012
b. However, in the unlikely event that circumstances warrant continuance beyond December 31, 2012, a new M.O.U. will be drafted.

3) Upon the request of the Union Steward/President, Aaron Madsen, the City has agreed to enter into a discussion with the Personnel Committee regarding the hardship placed on staff due to the reduction of the part-time Building Maintenance Worker.

AFSCME Section2.11 TEMPORARY FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE: Any non-student employee working a regularly scheduled work week of 40 hours per week, up to a maximum of 640 hours in a calendar year. This employee is not eligible for vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay or health and life insurance. Students may work up to 100 days per calendar year and still be considered temporary employees.

Staff recommends authorizing the Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.) in order to meet the coverage requirements and other responsibilities associated with the care and oversight of the Municipal Center until the full-time Building Maintenance Worker returns from his medical leave. 

In addition, staff recommends a discussion with the Personnel Committee regarding the hardship placed on staff due to the reduction of the part-time Building Maintenance Worker (#3 above).

The funding required for this request will come from the 2012 PW Streets Seasonal budget.

Motion to approve resolution 12-09-XXX, confirming the recommendation of the Personnel Committee to authorize the Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.) in order to meet the coverage requirements and other responsibilities associated with the care and oversight of the Municipal Center until the full-time Building Maintenance Worker returns from his medical leave.