Staff:      A. Fitzpatrick, Personnel Commissioner; S. Estes, Deputy Commissioner of Personnel; C. Covert, Clerk of the Legislature

Guest:     K. Herrera, Legislator
 

Called to Order

 The meeting was called to order at 3:01 p.m. [Ms. Kiefer arrived at 3:02 p.m.]

Changes to the Agenda

 There were no changes to the agenda.

Committee Chair's Report

 Mr. Dennis briefly reviewed the Committee's list of responsibilities assigned and feels this Committee will be working closely with the Budget and Capital Committee and the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Presentation by Personnel Department

 Ms. Fitzpatrick began with introductions and said there are 27 County departments with approximately 750 fulltime equivalent employees.  The number of employees in departments range from 160 to 1.  She serves as the Personnel Commissioner and the Civil Service officer for the municipalities and school districts outside the City as well as TC3 and BOCES.

 A copy of the presentation is on file with the original minutes in the Legislature's office.  At this time, a Civil Service Resource Directory was distributed to Committee members.

Proposed Goals

 Mr. Dennis requested Committee members to discuss and establish possible goals for 2006. The 2005 goals of the Budget and Capital Committee that was responsible for personnel issues during that year were reviewed at this time. During this discussion, Mrs. McBean-Clairborne was excused from the meeting at 4:08 p.m. and agreed to submit her suggestions for goals in writing to the Committee Chair.  Ms. Kiefer said in the past the question has been raised of whether Legislators should be involved with personnel issues at all.

Below is a draft list of proposed goals Committee members suggested:
· Study Guides for taking Civil Service exams
· Progressive discipline procedures
· Performance Reviews and evaluations- County employees
· Exit interviews
· Report outs of experiences from employees who attend training
· Review of Civil Service exams and procedures
· Training for Committee members on appeal process as outlined in the policy
· Familiarize and understand labor grades and rates
· Review health benefits
· Longevity payments
· Employee parking
· Residency requirements
· Red-circled positions - review salary schedule of certain employees as compared to the
market rate
· Develop Personnel Handbook

Further discussion followed concerning the Committee's role and the importance of not micromanaging.  As a follow-up to the discussion regarding health insurance and benefits, Ms. Fitzpatrick recommended the Committee have a presentation from the consultants on this issue.  Mr. Whicher commented that he anticipates a series of issues coming forward the Committee will need to look at.  He also said the policy regarding Performance Reviews will be coming forward to the next Committee meeting for approval.

Mr. Dennis noted the list of goals is draft and will be reviewed again at the next meeting and hopes Committee members can begin prioritizing them.  He also said the list of goals will be an ongoing list and items can be changed or added at anytime.

Adjournment

 The meeting adjourned at 4:48 p.m.