Employee Forum Meeting with Town Manager

Tuesday, January 13, 2004

9:00a.m.

2^nd Floor Training Room

Town Hall

In Attendance: Cal Horton, Felix Bloch, Susie Whaley, Dorice Johnson, Charles Bynum, Jackie Thompson, Ann Brown, Iris Schwintzer, Chris Blue, Mona Nazir, Kelly Stokes, Than Austin, Lisa Edwards, MaryJean Williams

List of Topics

(Synopsis of Cal Horton’s comments in blue)

• Advise EF on best approach for recommending Town policy changes

Written memo is excellent way to bring ideas forward after EF members have approved.  Signature of EF representative and dated as close to the current date as possible to ensure authenticity.  Also informally raising issues is fine. 

• Health Insurance coverage during approved extended leave of absence

Has directed costs be looked at; current and implications of the requested change. Should be able to comment further at our next scheduled EF meeting

• EF Representation                                                                          

(Proposal to add 2 additional reps.; one from Transportation/Maintenance      Division and one from Finance/ Parking Services Division)

Would like to have the opportunity to look at original thinking on representation. Will consider long term impact and possibly make recommendation at our next meeting.

• EF Alternates

Recalled that there was agreement that we would seek alternates and that the alternate would be the same person each time to maintain continuity.  The alternate would be agreed upon with- in a department.  The manager would like to see the EF take action when a department is not being represented by whatever standard we set. Ideally we would talk to the EF member first to find out the circumstances for absences and give them a chance to remedy the problem.  The manager will be glad to talk with department heads as well to encourage attendance and participation. He felt that over time employees will see that the EF is making a difference and will want to participate.  Regarding the Fire Department, the problem could be that because of shift rotations the representative may not be on duty the day of our meetings and will look at coming up with a solution.

• Update status of proposals that have been submitted to the Manager 

Ø Spanish classes       

Budgetary proposal in progress with determination considered by the Town council.

Ø AFLAC/Supplemental Insurance

Topics need to be determined and then we’ll be ready to bring in an insurance consultant.  EF needs to decide what we’re interested in and when to have them come.  The manager said he would be glad to arrange for someone to come to the March 11^th meeting.

Ø Lunch and Learn      

Need to know specific topics.  Submit them to Anissa

Ø Health Fair – separate from Employee Appreciation      

One event each quarter is scheduled, outside of the EAD.

• Who should the Education/Training Work Group contact to keep informed      of the status of these proposals?

Anissa Graham-Davis is our resource person in HR