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Minutes 05-05-77MINUTES OF' SPECI~L CITY COUNCIL ~ETING OF THE CITY OF BOYNTON BEACN, FLORIDA, HELD IN CI~ B~LL, THURSDAY, ~wL&Y 5, 1977 _~SEET Joseph F~. Zack, Meyor Emily M. Jackson, Vice Major Richard D. Caldwell, Co~iucilman Joseph DeMarco, Councilman Frank Kohl, City Manager Tereesa Padgett, City Clerk Mayor Zack called the meeting to order at 4:00 P. M. and announced it was a Special Meeting in accordance with Sec- tion 56 of the City Charter for the purpose of discussing a clothing and mainten~uce allowance in regards to the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Associatio~. Mm. Tom Pansa, Attorney for the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association, appeared before the Council. He thanked the Council for being given the opportunity to come before them regarding an issue Of great importance to the Police Officers involving the clotD_ing and maintenance allowance. They are asking the City of Boynton Beach to maintain the uniforms~ in addition to providing them, in order to maintain them in the proper type of fashion. The uniforms apparently have to be dry cle~_ued, emloecially the pants. The City basically has two functions, service and regulatory. A Police Officer's responsibility is that of service to the community not only in ~he field of crime fighting, but answering domestic calls, informational, etc. He explained how the uniform was of some comfort to many individuals. He explained how in private industry the vast majority of the bndg~t goes to the F~%rketing Department for packaging which catches the eye of the consumer. He then re- ferred to a Policeman's uniform demonstrating the kJ~d of person he is. Whate~er the profession, people are expected to look and dress certain ~ays. This does have an initial psychological reaction. It is necessary for a Police Offi- cer to be neat, clean ~nd well groemed. Ee referred to the manual for the City and read a section on Pag~ 41 referring to grooming and appe~ara~uce. It see.~ very clear from this language that Boynton Beach is ~rying to have their Police Officers look in a professional manner. In order to main- tain this, we have proposed in the labor contract an allo- wance of $300 per year or $25 Der mgnth for cleaning of uniforms and this is the only ~tem ~n the labor contract which we are really ar~aing about. There are alternatives, such as a Policeman's wife washing the uniforms, b~t the pants must be dry cleaned. Nevertheless, the uniforms must look in a certain f~shion for the benefit of Boyr~ton Beach and we think the citizens should p~j ~or this. He then dis- tributed a brief sua~vey to the Council members listing the costs of cleaning from several cleaning establishments in Boynton Beach. Five sets a week would be required:. They are not trying to overpower anyone. If the City feels they would rather not give the money directly to the Officers, MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY CO~/NCIL ~TING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 5, 1977 but provide a cleaning service five days a week, that is fine. They just want clean uniforms to do their job in a productive manner and to get the confidence of the citizens to do a good job. He added that he ~as uniforms to show the comparison after they have been washed or cleaned. M~yor Zack called on the City Manager for his comments. Kohl stated he agreed wholeheartedly as far as the looks of Policemen. He t~s we have a fine Police Department and he wants them to look their best. However, he feels we all have our problems with keeping ourselves neat and clean, including the Fire Deps~tment, Sanitation Department, etc. He feels in order to be fair to the taxpayers, everyone should take care of their own clothes as far as cleaning. He added that from September, 1975 to October, 1976, we spent $t5,000 for uniforms and have spent $11,308 this year for uniforms for the Policemen from October, 1976 to M~rch 31, t977. in ~he negotiations in 1975-76, we allowed approximately nine extra items over and above Civil Service for the Policemen. In ~976-77, we have five, not includinE this one. How far do we keep going every year? When do we stop? Every year, something is added. Mayor Zack referred to the items given ~or 1975-76 and Mr. Kohl read the list agreed on and also the list for 1976-77. Mmyor Zack asked if they had a contract and P~. Kohl replied not as yet, but explained how he had been trying to abide by everything in last year's contract an~d~this year's, ~ven though they haven't signed it as yet. He stressed that he was trying to be fair to the Policemen~ other employees ~ud the t~xp~vers. Mayor Zack asked what it would cost to furnish other employ- ees' uniforms ~d M~. Kohl replied that they had ~ price of $12,000 to clean their uniforms. He added that if we clean the Policemen,s uniforms, the General Services and Utilities Will want the same and probably the office persor~zel will also want little outfits. He has had this request since pro- viding unifor~ for the Fire, Police, etc. and it is a con- tinued thing. We do have a fine Police Department and he w~uts them to look their best. He is sorry he has to speak like this, but there comes a point where we have to stop. PF~RC says he must negotiate every year, but there comes a point when he must ssi no and they must come to the Council and the Council sets the policy and he will carry it out. He is not doing it as a selfish motive. Mayor Zack stated that they must look at all depe~tments. Everyone must look professional, no matter what group. If we go for one group, we must go for all. -2- MI~JTES - SPECL~ZL C!T~f COUNCIL M~TING BOYNTON BEA~, FLORIDA ~'~Y 5, 1977 M~. Kohl informed the Council that it would cost approximately $18,O00 if they go the route of $25 per month. This would just be for the Police Department, but he knows where it will lead. M~. DeMarco asked if he felt it would establis~h a pre- cedent for the other departments and M~r. Kohl reolled:_ yes, as precedents have besn sst on different things. N~jor Zack stated that we are giving more than what is in the Civil Service Book. ~s. Jackson stated she is very proud of the Police Depart- ment, the Policemen, the w~y they work and their appearance. However, she is also proud of the Sanitation Dep~tment. There are meter readers going to the houaes and they must look neat and clean. They have an appearance that must be kept up. She feels it would be setting a precedent. She knows Pahokee furnishes uniforms for the enti~e City staff, but she does net think it is fair to ask the taxpayers to pa~. It will snowball with starting one place. Mr. DeMarco asked what the PBA was planning for the next Session and Mr. Caldwell replied that he thought this was unfair to ask as they are still negotiating the 1977 con- tract. He thinks we must take one year at a time. He then asked one of the Policemen present to show everyone his fingers and stated he didn't know how ms.ny meter readers have their fingers bitten off in domestic disturbances. ~. Caldwell continued that ~hile the Fire Department does an outstanding job, they do not require a uniform change daily. As far as the Water, Parks Deps~tments, etc., most of their clothes are stay-pressed or wash and wear~ there is no dry cleanir~ required. In regs~ds to education, he defies a~v- one to prove to him that a better educated Police Officer is not going to save tax dollars. If we are educating these men, they are more able to do their ~ob. They will be better equipp~d to couo with crime ~d better serve the citizens. In regards to t~e turnover rate, how much does it cost to train a new Police Officer? How long before he does a bang up job in the field? With education, we are aiming at viding Job security which will save substantial tax dollars. In reference to the canine corps, he does not think they will benefit a single man in the department. The only bene£it is better utilization of manpower ~ud bettsr police coverage. A figure was derived at $25 per month or $300 per year. S & S ~le~uers has quoted the price.of $23.83 for dry cleaning both shirts a~d ~ants an~ he would go along with that. He does not thi~k t~is allow~uce is totally and completely un- called for. He thinks it is an additional benefit. These people do have uniform requirements not met by an~ other department. He agrees the other departments do have ~ni- forms~ however, as far as the public image is concerned, the people expect it of the Police Department. Also, they must t~ke into consideration that these guys put their lives -3- ML~TES - SPECL~L CITY COTJ~C~ ~ETiNG BOYNTON BEACH~ FLORIDA ~&Y 5, t977 on the line every day. He explained how insurance rates were higher for Policemen. Ee feels this is not that out- rageous of a request. N~s. Jackson stated she felt it would set a precedent. She then explained how the canine corps could be a definite ad- vantage. ~. Caldwell replied that the dogs actually bene- fit the citizens directly° ~. DeMarco stated he felt the dogs are definitely an asset. M~. DeM~rco then asked if other towns cle~ed uniforms and M~~. Kohl read his survey results of the surrounding towns. Mr. DeMarco asked if the average pay rate was comparable and N~. Kohl replied that he thinks we are comparably above s.ome cities in the same length of time.~ M~. De~.~rco ques- tioned the approximate average and ~, Kohl r~plmed that he had not figured that as they must consider the size of the cities, etc. Mr. DeMaroo asked if the Policemen were paid more than other City Departments and N~. Kohlfinforme~ them that the Policemen have had merit and anniversary increases and the Police are above average as far as t~k~ng advantage of getting $25 to $125 per month for education.~ Mayor Zack referred to hazards ~ud stated that the Policemen have accepted that vocation and we didn't force them. They selected this vocation. He does not thi~ a hazard should be used e~ any foundation for the uniform. Everyone knows what they are getting into. He does not want to conmider this department any different than a~j other.. He wants them to progress educationwise. When we benefit, they also benefit and he explained. Mr. Panza stated he appreciated their frank comments. In reference to the items in their contract read by M~. Kohl~ the incentive pay comes from the State o£ Florida. The City of Boynton Beach is not paying that. In paying for the ammunition, physicals, etc.~ it is to benefit the citi- zens of this town. Only the City of Boynton Beach c~u per- form a service and regulatory function. The Policemen have an obligation to serve the public. Motorcycles and ~ogs are to better serve the citizens of Boynton Beach and not the Policemen. The Policemen chose this particular profession ~ad it does require certain hazards. Every job has hazards. The point is that the Police Of~±cer chose the orofession, · ~ but in the crmm~mal justice fieI~ someone must ~o the job and in order to look professional, etc., they must have the uni- forms. As far as the contract in the future, he agrees it is not in play here. As far as being overpaid, they are not. As far as comparing with the other employees, justmbecause a person is a Police Officer or a member of a municipality, that does not say we are one big happy family. There are different classifications ~ud types of work. Everyone should -4- MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY CO~CIL !~ETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA 1977 be working for a better place to live. He cs~not consider a Police Officer the same as someone working in the Sanitation Department. He does not think these people cam be lump~to- gether. The more educated a Police Officer is, the mo~ pro- ductive 5nd efficient he will be. He explained how he was involved in the criminal justice sta~udpolnt. All he is saying is that they want to be catagorized with other Police Officers. He has a survey stating how many cities are paying the uniform allow~uces and most cities Go pay it. It is not goir~ to set a precedent. This is a precedent which has been set every place. They wa~ut good Police Officers and want then present- able. He cannot think of an issue going more directly to the heart of police work. When talking about Policemen, the people think of the man in the uniform. For the small investment, it is not setting a precedent for the people in Public Works, Utilities~ etc. These people are classified in a certai~ fashion. ~ayor Zack stated that when a Police Officer takes extra train- ing, he is paid extra. He doesn't be~lieve in setting a pre- cedent. He considers one professional the same as the other. If the City pays to h~.ve his clothes cleaned, they should pay for mine. The Se_uitation Department specializes in a certain area. He does not see the point. ~. Panza replied that specialization does not mean p~o~essmon alism. The officers must stand inspection every day. M~. Caldwell referred to an article from the Department of Labor regarding the cost of living in the United States and e~plained how the average was $t6,O00 per yes~ for a~man living in moderate meatus and an austere budget requires close to ~1~O00 per year. He does not thir~k the average uniform Policeman is ssceraging $16~000 per year. He explained how promotions were based on experience ~ud evaluations with per- sonal appes~ance weighing heavy upon it. ~ne result is that if you don't look neat and crisp~ it look~ bad on your record and affects your earning ability in this City. These men will look elsewhere. He thinks an investment of $2t,O0 per month should be approved it if w~ll go towards promoting better Police Deoartment employee relationships, so we c8~ avoid the rampant persornael turnover. Not only will the City save money through unnecessary training of recruits, but efficiency will be improved. We all want the front line people to look neat and crisp. He disagrees with am~yone stating the Police Department should be in the same category as Pu. blic ~ork~, etc. These uniforms ~e different. The Policemen carrot wash their uniforms. It is true these men have chosen the field and want to be professionals and he does not think they are being overpaid. Mayor Zack replied that it was not a question of being overpaid, but clothing. ~. Caldwell agreed~ but stated the pay comes to one thing and that is the spendable dollar. If they have to pay more -5. MIhWJTE$ - SPECIAL cITY COUNCIL MEETING BOYNTON B~_CH, FLORIDA I~¥ 5, ~977 to do their duty them another oerson in another department, he thinks there is a~u inequity] The additional clothing allo- wance is not outrageous. No precedent will be set. Mr. DeMarco referred to other cities paying for the cleaning and asked if they paid for the rest of the employees' clean- ing and M~r. Kohl replied that he did not ask that. M~. DeMarco stated he certainly would like to see them get the uniform allowance, but questions setting a precedent and having to go through all the employees and asked if there was any alternative ~d ME. Kohl replied that this was the only thing left to negotiate ~ the contract. ~Mr. Panza stated ~ they wanted the information, he could provide them with surveys, but is not prepared as to what the other em- ployees have; but if it is a concern, we can demonstrate it. M~. Kohl replied that it was not ~u issue at this point. ~s. Jackson stated that with all due resoect to the Police- men, she moves to accept the City Ms~ager%s decision which he made, because she feels this would be setting a precedent and they must draw the line somewhere and not grant the allo- wan~efor the clothing for the Police Department. ~. DeMarco seconded the motion on the grounds of setting a precedent. Under discussion, ~L~. Catdwel! asked if it was possible to strike a medium between $25 ~ud $0 and Mayor Zack replied that the negotiations should be left to the City Manager, as the contract has not been signed, i~. Panza informed them there would be no more negotiatir~ as this is the last point~ the Council must make the decision. ~. Cs~dwell clarified that the PBA decided to save money by circumventing arbitration hoping they would be allowed the clothing allo- wance. He thinks this is a step in maturity and thinks we should give a little. We are being close ~ud narrow minded. ~myor Zack disagreed. ~. Panza clarified that they waived a special master hearing regarding this and others which they gave up to come before the Council for two reasons. The reasons were to save the City money and to expedite matters. He explained how it was a very expensive proposition to g~ through special ~sters. They wanted to come here in good faith ~ud ask the City Council to hear them out and to give some type of clothing allows~ce definitely needed. M~. Kohl cls~ified that he did not ask to come to the Council, but ~. Panza wrote to him and asked to do aw~y with arbi- tration smd come to the Council and he agreed. As requested, M~s. Padgett took a roll ce~l vote on the motion as follows: Councilman DeMarco - Aye Vice Mayor Jackson - ~ve Councilman Caldwei! - No Mayor Zack - Aye Motion carried 3-1. -6- MINUTES -SPECIAL CI~f COUNCIL MEETING BOTNTON BEACH, FLORIDA 977 Adj our~ment Mrs. Jackso~ meve~ to adjourn, seconded b~ Mr. DeMarco. Motio~ c~ried 4-0 and the meeting was properly adjourned at 4:45 P. M. CITY OF BOYNTON EACH, FLORIDA Member ATTEST: Member Recording Secrevary (One Tape) -7-