HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 02-07-1994 SpecialMINUTES
COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
FEBRUARY 7, 1994
A special study session meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by
Mayor Tierney at 5:35 p.m. in the Council Conference Room of the City Center, 3400
Plymouth Blvd., on February 7, 1994.
PRESENT: Mayor Tierney; Councilmembers Lymangood, Helliwell, Granath, and
Edson. Newly appointed Councihnember Morrison was also present.
ABSENT: Councihnember Anderson
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant Manager Lueckert, Public
Works Director Moore, Park Director Blank, Finance Director Hahn, Personnel
Coordinator Sobania, and City Clerk Rauenhorst
CITY PERSONNEL AND PAY PLAN POLICIES AND CONTRACTS
Personnel Coordinator Sobania stated the City Attorney has reviewed the
proposed changes to the Personnel Policy. The Council discussed the various
changes.
Coordinator Sobania explained the changes proposed in the City's Drug and
Alcohol Testing Policy. She stated testing is done on all new full and part-time
employees. The City can also request that an employee be tested for cause in
some situations. The policy is proposed to be changed to administer a new state
law requiring that random testing be done for individuals holding commercial
driver licenses and their supervisors. The term "supervisor" has not been
defined.
Councilmember Granath stated concerns that the testing be accurate, and he
would like to know the testing and retesting procedures used, as well as whether
the City or employee would pay for the retesting if necessary.
Coordinator Sobania stated the policy has been administered since 1989 for all
full-time employees. The provision requiring testing for those holding
commercial licenses will be effective under state law in August, 1994. The
other testing done by the City is permissive under state law. She stated that
negligent liability is one reason for testing new employees.
Councihnember Granath stated he has no problem with testing for public safety
personnel and commercial license holders. He has concerns with the testing
Study Session Minutes
February 7, 1994
Page 2
extended to other employees, and particularly that there are fall -safe
mechanisms in place.
Councihnember Lymangood asked if the proposed changes need to be
immediately adopted by the Council.
Coordinator Sobania recommended that the Council approve the Family Medical
Leave Act portion of the policy as soon as possible
Mayor Tierney suggested that the remainder of the personnel policy could
remain in place until the Council further discusses it.
Councihnember Edson stated the random drug and alcohol testing of
commercial drivers will be effective under state law in August. The proposed
changes to the City's drug and alcohol policy only document past City practice
and add the new state requirement.
Councihnember Helliwell stated she has no objection to amending the policy to
comply with the new state law regarding holders of commercial driver licenses,
but she has some concerns about initial testing at the time of hire.
Coordinator Sobania stated the Council could exclude proposed changes to
Sections 2-1.1 and 2-1.2 of the Personnel Policy relating to drug and alcohol
testing for further study, while adopting the other recommended changes.
The Council indicated that the current drug and alcohol testing practice should
remain in effect until the issue is further discussed by the Council.
The Council reviewed the proposed 1994 Compensation and Classification Plan.
Personnel Coordinator described the City's four bargaining units and the status
of contract negotiations with each unit.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
4.
City Clerk