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Posted: Friday, April 13, 2012 6:15 am | Updated: 4:25 pm, Thu Apr 12, 2012.
By TOM WESSELL Managing Editor
Changes in a contract with unionized city workers, approved Monday by Prospect Hts. aldermen, calls for pay hikes and the creation of two new positions in the public works department.
Nine city workers, represented by International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, stand to earn a $1,000 increase in salary effective at their next pay period, in addition to 1% pay hikes effective May 1 and Nov. 1 of this year.
Local 150’s contract, as well as a contract with Prospect Hts. police officers, are set to expire in 2013. City Administrator Anne Marrin this week said city officials hope to achieve “parity” between the two contracts as the start of negotiations on new deals draws closer. Police approved similar pay increases last year, Marrin said.
According to a Side Letter containing details of the approved contract changes, a maintenance worker position and city arborist position will be added to the public works department. The job of arborist was eliminated in recent years due to cost cuts.
Marrin said the arborist would be charged with the task of implementing an emerald ash borer (EAB) action plan, including taking inventory of the community’s ash trees and areas where EAB is present, and developing ways to deal with the tree-killing insect. Marrin added the city would continue to apply for funding grants, of which it has already received one, to battle EAB.
The other position will actually be a transfer as the city’s building inspector moves to public works and takes the title of maintenance worker. The building inspector position and a staff accountant job are to be removed from union ranks, according to the Side Letter. Marrin said the position of building inspector is being “revamped” and finding an new hire could take months.
Posted: Friday, April 13, 2012 6:15 am | Updated: 4:25 pm, Thu Apr 12, 2012.
By TOM WESSELL Managing Editor
Changes in a contract with unionized city workers, approved Monday by Prospect Hts. aldermen, calls for pay hikes and the creation of two new positions in the public works department.
Nine city workers, represented by International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, stand to earn a $1,000 increase in salary effective at their next pay period, in addition to 1% pay hikes effective May 1 and Nov. 1 of this year.
Local 150’s contract, as well as a contract with Prospect Hts. police officers, are set to expire in 2013. City Administrator Anne Marrin this week said city officials hope to achieve “parity” between the two contracts as the start of negotiations on new deals draws closer. Police approved similar pay increases last year, Marrin said.
According to a Side Letter containing details of the approved contract changes, a maintenance worker position and city arborist position will be added to the public works department. The job of arborist was eliminated in recent years due to cost cuts.
Marrin said the arborist would be charged with the task of implementing an emerald ash borer (EAB) action plan, including taking inventory of the community’s ash trees and areas where EAB is present, and developing ways to deal with the tree-killing insect. Marrin added the city would continue to apply for funding grants, of which it has already received one, to battle EAB.
The other position will actually be a transfer as the city’s building inspector moves to public works and takes the title of maintenance worker. The building inspector position and a staff accountant job are to be removed from union ranks, according to the Side Letter. Marrin said the position of building inspector is being “revamped” and finding an new hire could take months.