HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - November 7, 2018 H-04CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
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AGENDA ITEM
H-4
AGENDA TITLE: Adopt Resolution Approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the City
of Lodi and Lodi Professional Firefighters for the Period January 1, 2018 through
December 31, 2019
MEETING DATE: November 7, 2018
SUBMITTED BY: Human Resources Manager
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt resolution approving the Memorandum of Understanding
between the City of Lodi and Lodi Professional Firefighters for the
period January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION. Representatives from the City and Lodi Professional Firefighters
(LPF) have reached a tentative agreement on a new Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU), subject to the approval of Council.
A redline strikeout version of the MOU is attached for Council review and approval. A summary of the
key changes to the MOU are as follows:
• The term of the MOU shall be from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019.
• Increase the City's maximum contribution to healthcare premiums by 5%.
• Amend the Flexible 125 plan to provide for carryover of contributions.
• Reinstate Education Incentives for Associates and Bachelor's degrees and increase the incentive for
possession of a Bachelor's degree incentive to $100 per month.
• Addition of a Driver/Operator incentive of three percent (3%) for those who possess Driver/Operator
certification.
• Three percent (3%) salary adjustment, effective October 8, 2018, for a three percent (3%) employee
contribution (cost-sharing) of the employer's normal contribution toward CaIPERS, pursuant to
Government Code Section 20516.
Lodi continues to face funding challenges ahead and must plan for them. LPF employees continue to
partner with the City in planning for our fiscal health and sustainability over the next year as evidenced by
this contract including a CaIPERS cost sharing agreement.
Staff recommends that the Council approve the MOU between the City and Lodi Professional
Firefighters.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total long term annual cost of the proposed agreement is $204,000.
For the approximately six months prior to the PERS cost sharing
implementation, additional cost will be approximately $75,000 ($15,000 per
month) as the 3% salary adjustment is effective October 8, 2018, and the
PERS swap is affective no earlier than April 1, 2019.
APPROVED:01
tep en Schwa
er, City Manager
FUNDING AVAILABLE It is anticipated that existing appropriations will be sufficient to cover
increased costs due to vacancies throughout the City. Budget adjustments
within funds will be necessary and executed at a staff level as authorized
by the City of Lodi Budget and Fiscal Policies.
rgto-
Adele Post, Human Resources Manager
Andrew Keys, Deputy City Manager
Attachment
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
CITY OF LODI
AND
LODI PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS
January 1, 2015 December 31, 2017
January 1, 2018 — December 31, 2019
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MOU — CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 20192015 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1— SALARIES AND OTHER COMPENSATION
Article I
Article II
Article III
Article IV
Article V
Article VI
Article VII
Article VIII
Article IX
Article X
Article XI
Article XII
Article XIII
Article XIV
Article XV
CHAPTER 2 — LEAVES
Article XVI
Article XVII
Article XVIII
Article XIXVIII
1244
Article XIX
Above Class Pay
Department Sanctioned Teams
Education Incentive
Flexible Spending Account
Jury Duty
Merit Increases
Overtime
Salary
Tuition Reimbursement
Deferred Compensation
Uniform Allowance
Workers' Compensation
Bilingual Pay
Longevity Pay
Driver/Operator Pay
Catastrophic Leave
Holidays
Leaves of Absence
Sick Leave
Vacation
CHAPTER 3 — INSURANCE AND RETIREMENT
Article XXI
Article XXII
Article XXIII
Article XXIVII
1544
Article XXVI
1643
Article XXVI
Article XXVII
Chiropractic Insurance
Dental Insurance
Medical Insurance
Retirement Plan
PAGE #
4
4
54
6
6
76
76
87
8
8
98
9g
9
9
10
Sick Leave Conversion
Vision Care
Survivor Benefits
1140
1140
1244-
1244
144-3-
144-3-
144-3-
174-6
44144144
174
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CHAPTER 4 — SAFETY
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Article XXVIII Safety Committee
CHAPTER 5 — Work Hours, Schedules, Meals
Article XXIXVII
204-8
Article XXXVIII
204-8
56 -Hour Work Week
Shift Trades
CHAPTER 6 — ASSOCIATION / CITY ISSUES
Article XXIXI
Article XXXII
Article XXXIII
Article XXXIVI
Article XXXIVII
2422
Article XXXVI
Article XXXVII
Article XXXVIII
Article XXXIXVII
Article XLXXVIII
3129
Article XLIXXXIX
3129
Alcohol, Smoking, and Drugs
City Rights
Complete Agreement
Concerted Activities
Employee Representation
Grievance Procedure
Layoff Procedure
Physical Fitness
Probation
Severability
Miscellaneous
Schedule A — Salary Schedule Effective October 8, 2018January 5, 2015
3
194-7
2220
2324-
2324-
2422
322322422
2624
3028
3028
3129
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2018 - 20192015 2017
Chapter 1. Salaries and Other Compensation
ARTICLE I - ABOVE CLASS PAY
1.1
1.2
All employees in this bargaining unit who are required to work in a higher class
shall be paid an additional 5% of the employee's salary for all hours once 612
consecutive hours have been worked.
pay equal to 8% of the normal base pay. This special assignment pay is intended to
compensate Fire Captains for the loss in pay from transferring from shift to non
shift schedules. It is mutually agreed that assignments to the Administrative
The City and the bargaining unit agree to continue discussions, during the term of this
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (January 1, 2015 December 31, 2017),
regarding the bargaining unit's desire to increase the special assignment pay for
Administrative Captain. Employee's assigned as the Administrative Training
Officer shall receive special assignment pay equal to 8% of the employee's normal
base pay. The special assignment pay is intended to compensate the employee for
the loss in pay from transferring from a shift to non -shift schedule.
It is mutually agreed that assignments to the Administrative Training Officer are at
the sole discretion of the Fire Chief and may be filled by personnel from the rank of
Fire Engineer or Fire Captain. The Fire Chief may assign a Fire Captain as the
Administrative Training Officer if there are no interested or qualified employees.
Assignments may be for a three year term and will be reviewed annually.
Extensions beyond the initial three year term may be made by mutual agreement
between the Fire Chief and the Administrative Training Officer on a year by year
basis.
The work schedule of the Administrative Training Officer will be determined by
the Fire Chief based on the operational needs of the Fire Department.
Engineers assigned as the Administrative Training Officer may participate in the
promotional examination for Fire Captain, if they are eligible. The Administrative
Training Officer assignment will not preclude the Engineer from participating in
the promotional examination or from being promoted to Fire Captain.
The Administrative Officer shall remain budgeted for at the rank of Captain.
The Administrative Training Officer will report directly to the Fire Chief and is
eligible to work overtime outside of their normal work schedule.
The Administrative Training Officer is eligible for above class pay of 5% if
assigned to work in a higher classification, pursuant to Section 1.1 the LPF MOU.
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ARTICLE II — DEPARTMENT SANCTIONED TEAMS
2.1 It is the intent of the City to develop specialized teams to address a variety of
special hazards and provide specialized services to the department or community.
When a team is established, minimum standards for inclusion and retention as a
team member shall be developed and ratified by the Fire Chief. Any member of
the department, who becomes a member of the recognized specialized team, shall
receive a 3.0% salary increase for as long as he/she meets the minimum entry level
requirements and maintains a minimum level of participation as outlined in the
team membership requirements. Each employee of the department can only receive
3.0% of salary for team membership, regardless of the number of teams the
employee belongs to.
2.2 The development of new teams shall require the submittal of minimum entry level
and performance criteria for maintenance of membership to the Fire Chief prior to
the development of the team. The Fire Chief shall have the sole discretion as to the
appropriate number of members per specialized team. The department shall make
every effort to develop a cadre of specialized teams to adequately address the needs
of its members.
ARTICLE III - EDUCATION INCENTIVE
3.1 An incentive program shall be established with the major purpose being to
encourage and reward members of the LPF to broaden their on-the-job experience
with academic training in the fields of science, management and administration.
3.2 Employees who meet the following criteria are eligible for education incentive pay.
A. Employees holding an Associate of Arts shall receive $25.00 per month if
the:
1. AA is in Fire Science or related field or;
2. AA is in a non -related field with a Fire Science Certificate from an
accredited institution or;
3. The employee possesses an AA degree and is actively pursuing a
baccalaureate degree.
B. Employees possessing a BA or BS degree shall receive an additional
$10025.00 per month. If an employee possesses a BA degree, it is assumed
that an AA is also possessed.
hired prior to April 18, 2012.
C. The following increments shall be added to the Education Incentive
Program. It is agreed that the following amounts shall be paid upon
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MOU — CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 20192015 2017
verification that the individual has completed the necessary course work
and has submitted a completed application to the certifying agency.
Verification of course work and submittal of a completed application must
be provided to Human Resources along with the request for the incentive.
Incentive pay is effective the first day of the full pay period following
receipt and verification of required documentation.
0 Completed course work Certified Fire Officer $50.00 per month
0 Completed course work Certified Chief Officer $50.00 per month
0 Completed course work Certified Fire Investigator or- Level 2 Investigator $12.50 per
month
0 Completed course worker Fire Instructor Level 3 and Mgmt 2.E $25.00 per
month
0 Completed course work -Certified Fire Prevention Officer Level 3 and Mgmt 2.E or Fire
Inspector I $25.00 per month
0 Completed course work Certified Public Education Officer Level 2 or Community
Risk Officer $12.50 per month
0 Certified Fire Chief $25.00 per month
The maximum amount to be paid under this program is $175.00 per month.
3.3 In addition to the amounts specified in Section 3.2, an additional $25.00 per month
shall be paid if the employee possesses a Hazardous Materials Specialist/
Technician certificate.
3.4
Persons possessing the aforementioned requirements shall not receive the incentive
pay until such time as evidence of course completion and application submittal is
produced. Incentive pay shall be retroactive up to a maximum of six (6) months
from the date Human Resources received and verified the required documentation.
ARTICLE IV — FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
4.1 The City shall include members of the LPF in the City's flexible spending account
program, which allows employees to pay for unreimbursed medical costs,
insurance premiums, and dependent care costs to be paid with pretax dollars.
Effective in plan year 2018, the Medical Flexible Spending Account (FSA) will
include a carryover provision which allows an active participant to automatically
carryover up to $500 to the new plan year. However, amounts over $500 would be
forfeited after the final filing date, if left unclaimed.
ARTICLE V - JURY DUTY
5.1 All full-time regular employees are granted jury duty leave with pay. Any
employee who is summoned to attend any court during the time regularly required
for his employment for the purpose of jury service shall be entitled, while so
engaged and actually serving, to his regular compensation in addition to any jury
duty compensation.
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5.2 No employee shall be granted jury duty leave with pay in which such employee
will be testifying in behalf of oneself or as a witness in a court of law.
5.3 An employee serving on jury duty, who is not required to be in attendance at such
jury duty for more than one half of the employee's normal working day is expected
to return to his regular work assignment for the balance of the day. An employee
seated on a jury shall not be scheduled for regular work during the twelve hours
preceding the scheduled time for jury duty.
5.4 If an employee covered by this Agreement is required by subpoena to appear in
court or to give a deposition as a result of an action taken within the scope of
employment with the City, that employee shall receive his full pay while so doing,
with no loss of time if he/she is on regular duty. If the employee is not on duty, the
City agrees to compensate that employee at one and one-half times his/her regular
rate of pay, for the time spent in any appearance as required by this Article. The
employee shall demand a witness fee and shall reimburse same to the City. As a
prerequisite for payment to off-duty employees, the Fire Chief or his designee must
be notified in writing of the off-duty appearance within seventy-two hours after the
employee is subpoenaed or otherwise notified of the required court appearance.
The employee shall demand a witness fee and shall reimburse the same to the City.
5.5 Voluntary Grand Jury service such as that service in San Joaquin County, is not
covered by Jury Duty leave.
ARTICLE VI — MERIT INCREASES
6.1 Merit increases shall not exceed the next step of the salary range for the position's
classification.
ARTICLE VII - OVERTIME
7.1 All hours worked in addition to the regularly scheduled shifts shall be paid at the
rate of one and one-half times the then regular rate of the employee. Overtime
work shall be required of any employee to meet special or unusual needs of service
beneficial to the City and community. All overtime work requires the prior
approval of a supervisor. No employee on disciplinary or medical leave shall be
eligible to work overtime.
7.2 Employees working overtime shall be paid in increments of 15 minutes. Time
within any 15 minute increment shall be rounded off, with 0-7 minutes adjusting
back to the preceding increment and 8-15 minutes adjusting forward to the next
increment. Thereafter, overtime shall be compensated in increments of 15 minutes
at a rate of time and one-half.
7.3 Employees may accrue compensatory time in lieu of overtime pay. The accrual
rate for compensatory time shall be one and one-half hours for each hour worked.
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MOU — CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 20192015 2017
7.4 No more than one hundred forty-four (144) hours of compensatory time shall be
carried on the books at any time.
7.5 Bargaining unit members shall be allowed to cash out up to a maximum of 144
hours of earned compensatory time off twice per year, in April and October.
7.6 Upon separation, the employee shall be paid at the employee's current hourly rate
or the average of the last three years whichever is higher, for the remaining
compensatory balance.
7.7 Early call in or shift holdovers shall be compensated at the time and one-half rate.
7.8 Employees called to work outside their regular hours shall be paid at the rate of
time and one-half the hourly rate for hours actually worked with a minimum
guarantee of three (3) hours for each call.
7.9 If an employee requests time off that would result in the need for overtime, the
employee must take a minimum of three (3) hours off unless the time off is for
emergency reasons or has prior approval of the Fire Chief or his/her designee.
Except for the first or last two or less hours of the shift, shift holdover or early
relief would apply in these situations.
7.10 If a represented employee is called upon to perform the duties of a position exempt
from the Fair Labor Standards Act, all provisions of this Article shall prevail.
ARTICLE VIII - SALARY
8.1 The terms and conditions of this MOU shall continue in effect during the term of
this MOU. The City of Lodi and LPF agree that the term is January 1, 20185
through December 31, 20197.
8.2 The parties agree if a salary survey is performed, the fifteen cities to be surveyed
are as follows:
Chico Clovis Davis
Fairfield Merced Manteca
Modesto Redding Roseville
Stockton Tracy Turlock
Vacaville Visalia Woodland
8.3 City shall provide a cost of living adjustment (COLA) of three (3.0) percent
effective the first full pay period that begins after January 1, 2015.
of two (2.0) percent effective the first full pay period that begins after January 1,
2016.
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MOU — CITY OF LODI AND LPF
2018 - 20192015 2017
For calendar year 2017, the City shall provide a cost of living adjustment (COLA) of two
2017.Effective October 8, 2018, the City shall adjust the salary ranges by three
percent (3%) in exchange for a Ca1PERS cost sharing agreement pursuant to
California Government Code §20516; whereby LPF employees agree to pay three
percent (3%) of the employer's normal cost of Ca1PERS. The parties agree that
should the parties negotiate the elimination of the three percent (3%) cost-sharing
by the employee, the corresponding three percent (3%) salary adjustment is subject
to reduction, elimination or change through the negotiation process.
ARTICLE IX - TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
9.1 In addition to the City policy, individuals enrolling in courses offered by
recognized professional organizations which are not accredited through a college or
university shall be eligible for up to a maximum of $300.00 per fiscal year, to be
paid upon the satisfactory completion of course work. The total monetary benefit
shall not exceed the amount listed in the City Policy Manual.
ARTICLE X — DEFERRED COMPENSATION
10.1 The City shall match contributions by bargaining unit members to a deferred
compensation program up to a maximum of 3% of the member's salary.
ARTICLE XI - UNIFORM ALLOWANCE
11.1
The City shall, on a one-time basis, provide each present and future employee with
three department approved uniform shirts and three pair of department approved
uniform pants of a flame retardant fabric. After this initial issue the maintenance
and replacement of the uniform is the employee's responsibility.
11.2 The uniform allowance shall be $950 per year, paid quarterly, as part of the last bi-
weekly paycheck in the months of March, June, September, and December.
ARTICLE XII - WORKERS' COMPENSATION
12.1 In the event that a member of the LPF is disabled, whether temporarily or
permanently, by injury or illness arising out of and in the course of his duties, he
shall become entitled, regardless of his period of service with the City, to leave of
absence while so disabled without loss of salary, in lieu of temporary disability
payments, if any, which would be payable under this chapter, for the period of such
disability but not exceeding one year, or until such earlier date as he is retired on
permanent disability pension. (State of California Labor Code, Article 7, Section
4850.)
12.2 The City shall implement Article 4850.3 of the Labor Code which provides for
advance disability payments prior to receipt of industrial disability retirement
allowance to the member.
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MOU — CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 20192015 2017
ARTICLE XIII- BILINGUAL PAY
13.1 Bilingual pay of $150.00 per month shall be paid to all LPF members for speaking
Spanish and/or Punjabi, subject to the eligible employee passing a proficiency
exam administered and approved by the City.
ARTICLE XIV- LONGEVITY PAY
14.1 After completing ten years of service with the Lodi Fire Department, employees
shall receive an annual longevity pay in the amount of $1,500 in November of the
year following completion of ten years of service and each year thereafter until
completing twenty years of service with the Lodi Fire Department. Employees
who have completed twenty years of service with the Lodi Fire Department will
receive longevity pay in the amount of $3,000 in November of the year following
completion of twenty full years of service and each year thereafter.
For the purposes of this Article, all employees who as of October 31st meet the
service level requirements (either ten full years or twenty full years from the first
day of the month in which they started their employment with the City of Lodi Fire
Department) shall receive the longevity pay associated with their years of service
with the Lodi Fire Department.
The incentive in this Article is limited to employees hired prior to April 18, 2012.
ARTICLE XV- DRIVER/OPERATOR PAY
15.1 Effective October 8, 2018, LPF members who possess a Lodi Fire Department
Driver/Operator certification, as outlined in the Lodi Fire Department Policy
Manual Article IV Division 4.15: Section 4.15-1, shall receive a three percent (3%)
incentive. The Driver/Operator pay will sunset upon the approval of a successor
MOU.
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Chapter 2. Leaves
ARTICLE XVI- CATASTROPHIC LEAVE
165.1 LPF members shall be covered by and subject to the Citywide Catastrophic Leave
Policy set forth in the City's current Administrative Policy Manual.
ARTICLE XVII- HOLIDAYS
176.1 Shift employees in the LPF shall earn 156 hours of holiday leave per year, and non -
shift employees shall earn 108 hours. In January of each year, every employee's
holiday account shall be credited with the appropriate hours based on the
employee's current shift. Employees hired mid -year or terminating mid -year shall
have holiday hours credited or deducted at the rate of 6.0 hours per pay period for
shift employees and 4.15 hours per pay period for non -shift employees.
176.2 A shift employee may opt to schedule holidays or to be compensated at the straight
time rate for all hours of holiday leave. During the course of the year, an employee
who opted to use scheduled holidays may at their request and at the sole discretion
of the Fire Chief, schedule a day off in lieu of cash payment. Each year, the pay
period in which December 1 falls, employees shall be paid for the unused holidays
at the straight -time rate as of December 31 of the year in which the holidays were
earned.
176.3 The Fire Department will make every effort to avoid scheduling any non -emergency
training or meetings on the following City observed holidays:
0 New Year's Day
0 Martin Luther King Day
0 President's Day
0 Memorial Day
0 Independence Day
0 Labor Day
0 Thanksgiving Day
0 Day after Thanksgiving Day
0 Christmas Eve (four hours)
0 Christmas Day
176.4 Nothing in this MOU is construed to
vacations are scheduled.
January 1
3rd Monday in January
3rd Monday in February
4th Monday in May
July 4
1st Monday in September
4th Thursday in November
Friday following Thanksgiving Day
December 24
December 25
change the manner in which holidays or
176.5 It is mutually agreed that two represented employees per shift shall be allowed to
schedule vacations or holiday time. Leave for sickness, injury, or leave for school
shall not effect this time off.
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ARTICLE XVIII - LEAVES OF ABSENCE
187.1 The City and LPF mutually agree that inability to return to work after an
employee's sick leave has been exhausted shall be considered an urgent and
substantial reason for the granting of a leave of absence in accordance with the
Leave of Absence policy in the City of Lodi Administrative Policy Manual.
187.2 The City interprets this Section as providing that the conditions under which an
employee shall be restored to employment on the termination of leave of absence
shall be stated as clearly as possible at the time by the City in conjunction with the
granting of the leave of absence. The City reaffirms its policy that an employee's
status as a permanent employee is not impaired by such leave of absence.
187.3 Employees who are placed in a Leave Without Pay status following the expiration
of sick leave, vacation, or compensatory time off, such that the employee is no
longer in a pay status shall not receive employer paid employment benefits.
However, if the leave is for medical reasons the medical insurance will be carried
for three months at the City's expense. Other health benefits may be continued at
the employee's expense.
187.4 Medical leave shall be in accordance with the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA),
the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), or Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL)
and/or other applicable state and federal laws.
ARTICLE XIXVIII - SICK LEAVE
195.1 Shift employees shall accumulate sick leave with pay at the rate of 5.54 hours per
pay period. Employees working a 40 -hour week shall earn 3.70 hours per pay
period.
19g.2 Sick leave accumulated shall be unlimited.
19g.3 One working day is defined as 12 work hours (1 duty day) for all LPF personnel
working on a shift schedule.
195.4 Absence to care for a member of an employee's immediate family is authorization
to use up to 72 hours of accumulated sick leave. Generally no more than 120 hours
of family sick leave shall be approved in one calendar year.
ARTICLE XIX - VACATION
Non -Shift (40 hour work week) Employees:
Beginning with:
Date of Hire:
6th year
12th year
15th year
21st year
3.08 hours per pay period
4.62 hours per pay period
5.23 hours per pay period
6.16 hours per pay period
6.47 hours per pay period
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MOU — CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 20192015 2017
22nd year
23rd year
24th year
25th year
6.78 hours per pay period
7.09 hours per pay period
7.40 hours per pay period
7.71 hours per pay period
Shift (56 hour work week) Employees:
Beginning with:
Date of Hire:
6th year
15th year
21st year
22nd year
23rd year
24th year
25th year/above
5.54 hours per pay period
8.31 hours per pay period
11.08 hours per pay period
11.65 hours per pay period
12.20 hours per pay period
12.76 hours per pay period
13.32 hours per pay period
13.88 hours per pay period
Members of LPF will have the option of cashing out any vacation time in excess of two
tours (96 hours) of duty. Members must utilize at least two tours of their vacation time
each year. Members shall request a cash out of vacation time between November 1 and
November 15 of each year and will receive the payout of vacation time at straight time pay
on the first regularly scheduled pay check in December.
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MOU — CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 20192015 2017
Chapter 3. Insurance and Retirement
ARTICLE XXI — CHIROPRACTIC INSURANCE
210.1 Chiropractic services may be received by employees and dependents through a
chiropractic insurance plan.
210.2 The City shall pay the full costs of premiums for the employee and dependent(s)
during the life of this agreement.
ARTICLE XXII - DENTAL INSURANCE
224-.1 The City shall provide Stanislaus Foundation dental plan or an equivalent level of
benefits for the term of this agreement.
224-.2 The City shall pay the increased cost of such premiums for the life of the
agreement.
ARTICLE XXIII - MEDICAL INSURANCE
232.1 All employees shall be offered medical insurance for themselves and dependents
through Ca1PERS medical plans. The City shall pay 100% of the premium for the
employees' family category (Single, Employee + 1, Family) for the lowest cost
HMO available in Lodi's geographical area (excluding PORAC) as of January 1,
2014.
Effective January 1, 2018204-4, the City's contributions to the premiums for
medical insurance coverage will be capped at the following rates and employees
shall be responsible for premium costs in excess of this amount:
$690.20657.33
$1,380.391,314.66
$1,794.511,709.06
per month for Employee only
per month for Employee +1
per month for Family
232.2 If an employee is otherwise covered by a medical plan and waives medical
insurance through the City of Lodi, the employee may at their option take the
following in cash or deposited into their deferred compensation account:
$305.22
$532.92
$692.81
per month for Employee only
per month for Employee +1
per month for Family
In order to qualify, proof of group insurance must be provided to the city.
232.3 Notwithstanding any other provisions of this MOU, the parties agree to re -open
Article XXII entitled: "Medical Insurance" for negotiation, solely limited to
determining the amount the City of Lodi will contribute towards employee health
plan premiums during calendar year 2016 and 2017, only in the event that the
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MOU — CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 20192015 2017
premium for the lowest cost HMO in the Lodi geographical area increases 10% or
more in 2016 or 2017.
ARTICLE XXIV!I - RETIREMENT PLAN
243.1 The City provides retirement benefits through the California Public Employees
Retirement System (Ca1PERS). Employees shall receive the following retirement
benefits. The following plan is available to employees hired prior to December 22,
2012 and deemed to be "classic" employees by CaiPERS:
• Public Safety 3% @ 50 plan
• 1959 Survivor benefits - 3rd Level
• Single Highest Year
• Credit for Unused Sick Leave
• Military Service Credit
• 2% Annual Cost of Living (COLA) Increase
• Employee shall pay the full employee share of retirement costs to a
maximum of 9% of salary
243-.2 For employees hired after December 22, 2012 and deemed to be "classic"
employees by Ca1PERS, the following retirement plan will apply:
• Public Safety 3% @ 55 plan
• 1959 Survivors Benefit — Third Level
• Average of three highest consecutive years
• Credit for Unused Sick Leave
• Military Service Credit
• 2% Annual Cost of Living (COLA) Increase
• Employee shall pay the full employee share of retirement costs to a
maximum of 9% of salary
243.3 The City agrees to provide the following PERS retirement program and pay the
employer's cost for employees deemed to be "new" employees by PERS under the
:For employees hired
after December 31, 2012 and deemed "PEPRA" employees, the following
retirement plan will apply:
• Public Safety 2.7% @ 57 plan
• 1959 Survivors Benefit — Third Level
• Average of three highest consecutive years
• Credit for Unused Sick Leave
• Military Service Credit
• 2% Annual Cost of Living (COLA) Increase
• Employee shall pay the full employee share of retirement costs as calculated
by PERS in its annual actuarial valuation
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MOU — CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 20192015 2017
243.4 To the extent permitted by Ca1PERS law, the parties intendagree the following
items to beare considered PERSablepensionable compensation:
• Salary
• Department sanctioned teams
• Education/certification incentives
• Uniform allowance
• Longevity pay
• Bilingual pay
• Holiday pay
• FLSA pay
24.5 Effective as soon as administratively possible, but no earlier than April 1, 2019, in
accordance with California Government Code §20516 contract amendment process
requirements, each employee in this unit shall pay three percent (3%) towards the
employer's share of Ca1PERS normal pension cost (cost-sharing). In exchange, the
City shall provide a three percent (3%) salary adjustment. The parties agree that
should the parties negotiate the elimination of the three percent cost-sharing by the
employee, the corresponding salary adjustment is subject to reduction, elimination
or change through the negotiation process.
24.6 The City agrees to work with the Lodi Professional Firefighters to establish a
retirement healthcare savings program through International City Managers
Association (ICMA-RC) VantageCare Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Plan.
The parameters of the program shall be established by the working group.
Contributions will be made by the employee on a pre-tax basis.
ARTICLE XXIV - SICK LEAVE CONVERSION
254.1 For all unused sick leave, a represented employee with ten years of employment
with the City shall be eligible to receive medical, dental and vision insurance
coverage upon retirement (but not upon resignation, transfer or termination) on the
following basis:
After 10 years of employment by the City, the number of hours of unused sick
leave shall be reduced by 16 2/3%. The remaining balance shall be converted into
an equivalent number of days. (NOTE: A day is equivalent to 12 hours for
employees on a 56 -hour week schedule and 8 hours for an employee on a 40 -hour
week schedule). The number of days shall be multiplied by the then current
monthly premium being paid by the City for the employee and if applicable his
dependents, subject to the cap shown in Article XXII. 50% of that dollar value shall
be placed into a "bank" to be used for medical, dental and vision insurance
premiums for the employee and dependent. For each year that an employee has
been employed in excess of 10 years, 2 1/2% shall be added to the 50% before
valuing the unused sick leave, not to exceed 100% of that dollar value.
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For example:
Robert Smith retires with 20 years of service and 1800 hours of unused sick leave.
City paid monthly medical insurance premiums are $344.45 for him and his wife.
1800-(1800 x 16 2/3) = 1500 hours
1500=12 = 125 days x 75% = 93.75
93.75 x $344.45= $ 32,292.19
This amount shall be reduced each month by the current premium(s) for the
employee and dependent until the balance is gone. In the event the retiree dies the
remaining bank shall be reduced by 50% and the survivor may use the bank until
the balance is gone.
254.2 In the event an active employee dies before retirement and that employee is vested
in the sick leave conversion program, the surviving dependents shall have an
interest in one-half the value of the bank as calculated in Section 24.1.
254.3 Represented employees who retire on a service retirement and are eligible to
convert accrued, unused sick leave into City paid insurance upon retirement shall
be given the option of purchasing, at the retiree's cost, additional insurance for a
period of time equal to the period of time for which they received City paid
insurance upon retirement.
Employee's option shall be exercised upon expiration of the City paid coverage.
254.4 In accordance with the sick leave conversion provision outlined in this MOU, a
surviving spouse of either an active or retired member may be continued on the
medical insurance plan and/or dependent coverage at the appropriate premium for
the same period as if the employee had not died.
24.5 An employee eligible for the sick leave conversion program defined in Section 24.1
may choose instead to receive a cash settlement for all or part of unused sick leave
at the rate of $.30 on the dollar. Under this provision, the employee's sick leave
balance at the time of retirement shall be converted to dollars at the employee's
current pay rate.
254.56 Out of area retirees may receive reimbursement for insurance premiums up to the
City's liability as specified in Section 254.1.
254.67 The City shall modify its contract with PERS to add credit for unused sick leave
per Government Code Section 20862.8. This benefit is available to all employees
regardless of the date hired; however, it is the only sick leave conversion benefit
available to employees hired after December 6, 1995. Reporting of unused sick
leave shall be pursuant to PERS regulations on said issue. If an eligible employee
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opts to utilize the provisions of Section 254.1 the City shall report to PERS they
have zero (0) hours of unused sick leave.
ARTICLE XXVI- VISION CARE
265.1 The City shall provide and pay for a vision care plan underwritten by VSP or
comparable vision care plan. Such comparable vision care plan shall be the same
as the plan offered to mid and executive management employees in the City. The
plan shall have a $25 deductible, shall provide annual examinations and lenses.
Frames are available every two years.
ARTICLE XXVII — SURVIVOR BENEFITS
27.1 The City shall continue providing health benefits for the surviving spouse and
minor dependent children, under the same terms and conditions provided prior to
the death, of any member of the LPF who is killed or dies during the performance
of their duties. Minor dependents shall continue to receive benefits under the
coverage provided the surviving spouse or, if there is no surviving spouse, until the
age of 21 years. Premiums will be paid at the current rate in effect at the time of
the member's death. Premiums will continue to be paid by the City until such time
as the surviving spouse is covered by other insurance or remarries, and for
dependent children of the member killed in the line of duty until such time as
either:
1. The dependent children are over the eligible age limit, or
2.The dependent children are covered under other alternative medical
coverage provided by and through the surviving spouse or person who
he/she marries.
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Chapter 4. Safety
ARTICLE XXVIII - SAFETY COMMITTEE
286.1 A six -member Joint Safety Committee shall be formed to include three members of
the LPF. This committee shall be charged with reviewing and making proposed
solutions to items relating to safety standards, equipment, procedures, clothing and
other safety related matters.
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Chapter 5. Work Hours, Schedules, Meals
ARTICLE XXIXVII- 56 -HOUR WORK WEEK
297.1 The work schedule will be a schedule of "56 -hours per week" with two on -duty
shifts in six 24-hour periods. For purposes of the FLSA, it is mutually understood
the City has declared a 24 day work cycle.
For purposes of overtime calculations under the FLSA, sick leave, vacation leave,
compensatory time, and holiday leave will be considered time worked.
297.2 If an employee assigned to a 56 -hour work week schedule terminates his/her
employment in the middle of a two week payroll cycle, the employee's pay for that
cycle shall be computed by multiplying the number of days between the first day of
the payroll cycle and the last shift worked by eight (8) hours or the number of
actually worked in that payroll cycle, whichever is greater.
297. 3 It is agreed that the work schedule of the Fire Inspector and the Administrative
Captain is a 40 -hour week and that all holiday, vacation, and sick leave benefits are
based on a 40 -hour week rather than a 56 -hour week.
297.4 Effective May 25, 2015, the following formulas will be used in order to convert all
accrued leave hours for employees that move from a 40 -hour work week to a 56 -
hour work week or from a 56 -hour work week to a 40 -hour work week:
For conversion from 40 to 56 hours Multiply by 1.4
For conversion from 56 to 40 hours Multiply by 0.7143
Thereafter, accruals shall be earned based on the assigned work schedule.
ARTICLE XXXVIII - SHIFT TRADES
3024.1 It is mutually agreed that each employee may trade shifts.
A firefighter while on initial probation may initiate shift trades for a hardship, in
writing, with approval from their Captain and Battalion Chief. Shift trades for
probationary firefighters are acceptable for attendance at approved training classes
or seminars only.
3028.2 It is expressly understood that shift trades are requested by employees on a
voluntary basis and are granted exclusively for employee convenience.
3024.3 A shift trade commitment shall be considered the equivalent of the employee's
regularly assigned work day. Any member of the bargaining unit who agrees to a
shift trade, but fails to report to work the agreed shift without a valid excuse may be
subject to disciplinary action. An employee who agrees to exchange time with
another employee and who then fails to report to work the agreed time because of
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illness, or who reports, but leaves early due to illness, may be required to provide a
doctor's note to verify the illness.
1 3024.4 In the event that the person who had agreed to work is unable to do so, he/she shall
make the necessary arrangements to fulfill the obligation. This can be
accomplished by: trading with another employee meeting the shift trade
requirements; forfeiting sick, holiday, compensatory time, or vacation time,
whichever is appropriate based on department policy; or injury leave if appropriate.
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Chapter 6. Association/City Issues
ARTICLE XXXIX - ALCOHOL, SMOKING AND DRUGS
3129.1 No member of the Fire Department hired after October 1, 1987 may at any
time use any form of tobacco. This prohibition is considered a condition of
employment. Employees of the LPF are strictly prohibited from using tobacco of
any kind while on duty or representing the City of Lodi in any capacity.
Employees are also prohibited from regular or excessive use of tobacco on their
personal time. Occasional personal use of tobacco is permitted.
3129.2 The LPF shall be covered under the Drug -Free Workplace policy and procedure.
In addition, the LPF shall be covered under the Drug and Alcohol Testing policy
and procedure with the exception of random testing. (Section 34520(e) of the
California Vehicle Code exempts fire employees from the provisions of the
Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991.)
3129.3 In the event an employee is involved in an accident while operating a City vehicle
the employee shall not leave the scene of the accident until a determination for drug
and/or alcohol testing has been made by the appropriate supervisor.
3129.4 In the event an employee is being referred to drug and/or alcohol testing,
the employee shall have the right to representation or a witness. The witness may
include an on -duty employee, as long as there is no interference with business
necessity.
3129.5 Supervisors directing an employee to drug and/or alcohol testing shall document at
the time of direction the reason(s) for such determination of the Reasonable
Suspicion Test form, and present that form to the employee.
1 3129.6 The reporting of prescription medication being taken by an employee to his/her
supervisor shall be kept in confidence.
3129.7 In the event an employee's locker or storage area is to be searched, the employee
shall have the right to representation or a witness. The witness may include an on -
duty employee, as long as there is no interference with business necessity.
31.8 If a member of the Fire Department has a drug, tobacco or alcohol problem or
dependence, the City shall pay the difference between the employee's insurance
and the cost of an appropriate rehabilitation program.
3129.9 All supervisory employees, including those in the rank of Fire Captain, shall attend
training on making a reasonable suspicion determination of being under the
influence of drugs and/or alcohol, and the appropriate referral process. Such
training shall be provided by the City of Lodi. Non -supervisory employees may
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attend the training provided that there is adequate attendance capacity, and that the
cost of the training shall be borne by the employee.
ARTICLE XXXII - CITY RIGHTS
320.1 It is further understood and agreed between the parties that nothing contained in
this MOU shall be construed to waive or reduce any rights of the City, which
include, but are not limited to, the exclusive rights:
0 to determine the mission of its constituent departments, commissions and
boards;
0 to set standards of service;
0 to determine the procedures and standards of selection for employment;
0 to direct its employees; to maintain the efficiency of governmental operations;
0 to determine the methods, means and personnel by which government
operations are to be conducted;
0 to take all necessary actions to carry out its mission in emergencies; and
0 to exercise complete control and discretion and the technology of performing its
work.
32.2 City rights also include the right to determine the procedures and standards of
selection for promotion, to relieve employees from duty because of lack of work or
other legitimate reasons, to take disciplinary action, and to determine the content of
job classifications; provided, however, that the exercise by the City of the rights in
this paragraph does not preclude employees or their recognized employee
organizations from filing grievances regarding the practical consequences that
decisions on such matters may have on wages, hours or other terms and conditions
of employment.
32.3 Per Side Letter dated September 14, 2011: The Lodi Professional Firefighters
(LPF) recognizes and accepts the City's right to determine the procedures and
standards of selection for promotion. This recognition does not preclude the LPF
from discussing with the City the LPF's point of view as it relates to the timeliness
and necessity of promotions. The merits of each promotion should be discussed by
both parties with the intent of reaching an understanding. It is the LPF's contention
that economics is one component and should not be the sole deciding factor when
determining whether to promote or not. It is through joint discussions that the City
and the LPF believe resolution can be found.
ARTICLE XXXIII — COMPLETE AGREEMENT
33.1 The parties acknowledge that during the negotiations which resulted in this MOU,
each had the unlimited right and opportunity to make demands and proposals with
respect to any subject or matter not removed by law from the scope of negotiations,
and that the understandings and agreements arrived at by the parties after the
exercise of that right and opportunity are set forth in the MOU. Any other prior
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existing understanding or agreements by the parties, whether formal or informal,
regarding any such matters are hereby superseded or terminated in their entirety.
33.2 Per the Side Letter signed on May 20, 2004: Except as required by operational/or
business necessity impacting City employees as a whole, there shall be no changes
to the Rules for Personnel Administration during the term of this MOU. This does
not prevent the parties from mutually agreeing to meet and confer over proposed
changes to the Rules during the term of this MOU.
ARTICLE XXXIVI - CONCERTED ACTIVITIES
342.1 Represented employees agree that they shall not strike, withhold services, engage
in "slowdowns" or "sick ins" or participate in any other form of concerted activity
which is intended to or which does adversely affect job performance or rendering
of City services.
ARTICLE XXXVIII - EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATION
353-.1 This Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter referred to as "MOU") is entered
into between representatives of the City of Lodi (hereinafter referred to as "City")
and representatives of the Lodi Professional Firefighters (hereinafter referred to as
"LPF").
The parties to this MOU acknowledge and agree that this MOU constitutes the
result of meeting and conferring in good faith as contemplated by Section 3500 et
seq. of the Government Code of the State of California, and further acknowledge
and agree that all matters upon which the parties reached agreement are set forth in
this MOU.
The terms and conditions of this MOU are applicable to those employees in those
positions represented by the LPF of the City of Lodi, i.e., Firefighter I, Firefighter
II, Fire Engineer, Fire Captain, and Fire Inspector. It is mutually agreed that wages,
hours, and other terms and conditions of employment of such employees shall be as
hereinafter set forth. Except as specifically stated in this Memorandum, all existing
benefits currently being furnished to employees and all existing terms and
conditions of employment are to continue in effect unless and until the parties meet
and confer regarding a change in such existing benefits, terms or conditions of
employment.
The terms and conditions of this MOU shall continue in effect during the term of
this MOU.
353-.2 The City and the LPF mutually agree that the City shall grant dues deduction to
City employees who are members of the LPF in accordance with the terms and
conditions set forth in Section 4, Rule 2 of City of Lodi Resolution No. 3344
entitled "Adopting Rules and Regulations to Implement Provisions of the
Employee -Employer Relations Resolution." The LPF shall indemnify, defend and
hold the City of Lodi harmless against any claims made and against any suit
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instituted against the City of Lodi on account of check -off of said employee
organization's dues. In addition, the LPF shall refund to the City of Lodi any
amounts paid to it in error upon presentation of supporting evidence.
Changes in the LPF membership dues rate shall be certified to the City, in writing,
over the signature of the LPF President. The change shall be implemented as soon
as practicable, but in no event later than thirty (30) days after the notification.
35.3 LPF shall maintain exclusive representation rights during the term of this MOU.
Every employee covered by this MOU who is a member of LPF twenty (20) days
after the signing of this MOU shall, as a condition of employment, maintain his or
her membership in good standing in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws
of the LPF during the term of this agreement.
35.4 No employee covered by this Memorandum of Understanding shall be
discriminated against by the City or by the Union with respect to any job benefits
or other conditions of employment accruing from this agreement because of union
membership, non -membership in the union, race, color, sex, creed, national origin,
marital status, disability or political affiliation. It is understood that violations of
this section are not subject to arbitration.
353.5 The City shall make available a period of one hour to the LPF in each recruit class
with an end toward education of each employee of the rights and benefits under the
collective bargaining agreement, as well as other association benefits, and the
responsibilities of the employee and the association.
35.6 The City and LPF agree and understand that if any section of this MOU in any way
conflicts with the terms and conditions of employment stated in other authorities,
such as personnel rules, administrative policy and procedure manual, city
resolutions, or city ordinances, any ambiguity shall be resolved in favor of the
MOU language. If the MOU is silent on an issue, the current applicable document
(i.e. policy manual) is controlling.
35.7 Beginning January 1, 2014, and each January 1 thereafter, the Lodi Professional
Firefighters Association will notify the City of the hours to be deducted from each
member's last pay check in February (not to exceed 10 hours annually) for the
Union Leave Bank. The hours will be deducted from the employee's holiday leave
bank. Requests to use another leave bank must be submitted to payroll two (2)
weeks prior to the deduction date. If at any other point in the year a member
chooses to donate additional hours to the Union Leave Bank, beyond the 10 hours,
they will be allowed to do so on written notice to LPF and the Finance Division.
Union Leave Bank hours may not exceed more than 600 hours on a yearly basis.
The President of the Lodi Professional Firefighters shall designate members that
can use the hours. Hours may be donated from member's vacation leave, holiday
leave or compensatory time off. The Union Leave Bank shall be charged an
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equivalent amount of time required to cover the absence of the member utilizing
the LPF bank, including any overtime required to cover the shift.
ARTICLE XXXVIIV - GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
364.1 This grievance procedure shall be used to process and resolve disputes regarding
the interpretation or application of any of the terms and conditions of this MOU,
letters of understanding, and formal interpretations and clarifications executed by
the LPF and the City.
The intent of this procedure is to resolve grievances informally at the lowest
possible level and to provide an orderly procedure for reviewing and resolving
grievances promptly.
The term "day" means a working day i.e. Monday through Friday excluding fixed
City Hall closures.
A grievance is a good faith complaint of one or a group of employees or a dispute
between the City and the LPF involving the interpretation, application, or
enforcement of the express terms of this MOU and other express written terms and
conditions of employment or clear past practices.
As used in this procedure, the term "party" means an employee, the LPF, the City
or the authorized representatives of any party. The employee is entitled to
representation through all the steps in this procedure.
Matters of discipline are to be handled exclusively in accordance with the
provisions of section 34.4.
364.2 INFORMAL PROCEDURE
The informal procedure must be used as an initial step in all grievances. An
employee or their representative having a grievance arising from employment in
the municipal service shall seek adjustment of the grievance initially through verbal
contact with their immediate supervisor within twenty (20) working days of the
date of the action being grieved, or the date the grieving party became aware of the
incident which is the basis of the grievance. The employee or his/her representative
shall state the nature of the grievance and any pertinent information required for the
supervisor to sufficiently investigate the incident and resolve the grievance. Should
the immediate supervisor be unable to make a satisfactory adjustment, the
employee or their representative may seek adjustment through verbal contact to the
next higher level of supervision up to and including the Fire Chief. The time
allowed between steps in this process is ten (10) working days. All verbal contacts
shall be documented as to the date, time and place of the contact.
In matters involving disputes between two employees (including personality
conflicts between and employee and his/her supervisor), the two employees should
meet in an attempt to resolve their differences. If they cannot resolve the issues
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between themselves, the complaint procedure outlined in the Lodi Fire Department
Policy Manual shall be used as the Informal Grievance Procedure.
Should the employee progress through the above steps and find that the Fire Chief
is unable to make a satisfactory adjustment within the time frame given, or is a
party to the grievance, the employee or his representative may seek adjustment
through the Formal Grievance Procedure.
364.3 FORMAL PROCEDURE
An employee who has not received satisfactory adjustment through the use of the
Informal Grievance Procedure may, within ten (10) working days of the last time
deadline of the Informal Procedure, file a Formal Grievance. Initiation of the
formal grievance procedure requires that the grievance be submitted in writing.
The steps of the Formal Grievance Procedure are as follows:
Step A. Class Action Grievances or a Lodi Fire Department Grievance Form is
filed with the Fire Chief. If satisfactory adjustment is not attained the
employee or his/her representative may proceed to Step B within ten (10)
working days.
Step B. Class Action Grievances or A Lodi Fire Department Grievance Form is
filed with the City Manager. The City Manager or designee shall
investigate the grievance and shall respond in writing within ten (10)
working days. If satisfactory adjustment is not attained the employee or
his representative may proceed to Step C within ten (10) working days.
Step C If the grievance is not resolved by the City Manager or designee,
arbitration shall be the final level of appeal for grievances and discipline.
It is agreed by both parties that the decision of the arbitrator is binding
and final on both parties and that if this procedure is utilized all other
avenues of appeal are waived. If arbitration is chosen the City must be
notified by the grievant or his/her representative within fifteen (15)
working days following the City Manager's decision.
Within ten (10) working days after the request for arbitration is received
by the City or at a date mutually agreed to by the parties, the parties shall
meet to select an impartial arbitrator. If no agreement is reached at this
meeting, the parties shall immediately and jointly request the State
Conciliation and Mediation Service to submit to them a panel of five (5)
arbitrators from which the City and the LPF shall alternately strike names
until one (1) name remains; this person shall be the arbitrator. If the State
Conciliation and Mediation Service cannot provide a list of five (5)
arbitrators, the same request shall be made of the American Arbitration
Association.
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To insure that the arbitration process is as brief and economical as
possible, the following guidelines shall be adhered to:
1. An arbitrator may, upon mutual consent of the parties, issue a
decision, opinion or award orally upon submission of the arbitration.
2. Both parties and the arbitrator may tape record the hearing.
3. There shall be no official transcript required; however, either party
may utilize a court reporter at its own sole expense. The cost of a
court reporter required by an arbitrator shall be shared equally by the
parties.
4. The parties may agree to prepare a joint letter submitting the issue(s)
in dispute. The letter shall present the matter on which arbitration is
sought and shall outline the MOU provisions governing the
arbitration. It may contain mutually agreed on stipulations of fact
and it may be accompanied by any documents that the parties
mutually agree shall be submitted to the arbitrator in advance of the
hearing which may not necessarily be stipulations of fact. Further, if
the parties mutually agree, the entire matter may be submitted to
arbitration for review without a hearing. Absent agreement to
prepare a joint letter, the parties may submit separate letters.
5. The strict rules of evidence are not applicable but shall be of a type
or kind relied upon by prudent people in the conduct of serious
business and the hearing shall be informal.
6. The parties have the right to present and cross examine witnesses
issue opening and closing statements, and file written closing briefs.
Testimony shall be under oath or affirmation.
7. The arbitrator may exclude testimony or evidence which he/she
determines irrelevant or unduly repetitious.
8. The arbitrator may exclude witnesses and observers from the
hearing at his or her discretion.
9. The arbitration hearing shall be held on the employer's premises.
10. The cost of arbitration shall be borne equally by the parties.
However, the cost, if any, of cancellation or postponement shall be
the financial responsibility of the party requesting such delay unless
mutually agreed by the parties.
The decision, opinion, or award shall be based on the record
developed by the parties before and during the hearing, unless
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otherwise agreed to by the parties. The decision shall be in writing
and shall contain the crucial reasons supporting the decision and
award.
The arbitrator has no power to add to, subtract from, or modify the
terms of the MOU or the written ordinances, resolutions, rules,
regulations and procedures of the City, nor shall he/she impose any
limitations or obligations not specifically provided for under the
terms of the MOU. The arbitrator shall be without power or
authority to make any decision that requires the City or management
to do an act prohibited by law.
The arbitrator has no power to add to a disciplinary action.
The arbitrator's decision shall be final, binding, and precedential and
the arbitrator's decision shall possess the authority to make an
employee whole to the extent such remedy is not limited by law,
including the authority to award back pay, reinstatement, and to
issue an order to expunge the record of all references to a
disciplinary action if appropriate.
If the City believes that the matter is not arbitrable and/or not
grievable, the matter shall be bifurcated. The parties shall select an
arbitrator to hear the issue of arbitrability only. In the event that the
arbitrator determines the matter to be arbitrable, the parties shall
select a second arbitrator to hear the merits of the case.
By filing a grievance and processing it beyond the City Manager the
grievant expressly waives any right to statutory remedies for the
same contract remedies that were available through arbitration or to
the exercise of any legal process other than is provided by the
grievance/arbitration procedure for those contractual remedies under
this contract. The process in a grievance beyond the City Manager
shall constitute an express election on the part of the grievant that
the arbitration procedure is the chosen forum for resolving the issues
contained in the grievance, and that the grievant shall not resort to
any other forum or procedure for resolution or review of the issues.
The parties do not intend by the provisions of these paragraphs to
preclude the enforcement of any arbitration award in any court of
competent jurisdiction.
Allegedly discriminatory acts by the city may be addressed through
the judicial system, DFEH, EEOC, and/or the City's internal
complaint procedure system as provided by law. Allegedly
discriminatory acts are not subject to this procedure.
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364.4 GRIEVANCE INVOLVING A DISCIPLINARY ACTION
This section sets forth the exclusive means for grieving disciplinary actions in the
form of a written reprimand, demotion, suspension or dismissal. In the event the
employee wishes to challenge the City Manager's final decision on such discipline,
the employee shall appeal the decision to binding arbitration, commencing with
Step C of Article 34.3 of this MOU. All other, lesser forms of discipline shall be
reviewable by the Fire Chief without a further right of appeal.
ARTICLE X00(VII - LAYOFF PROCEDURE
375.1 It is mutually agreed by both parties that the layoff procedure, incorporated in the
Policy and Procedure manual, dated May 1, 1995 is included in this MOU by
reference and it is further agreed that both parties interpret it to mean that time
served in a higher level shall be counted at a lower level for purposes of
determining order of layoff.
ARTICLE )0XVIII - PHYSICAL FITNESS
386.1 It is agreed that the physical fitness program shall be continued and shall meet the
following goals:
1. Provide a complete physical examination on an annual basis. These
examinations to be performed by professional medical staff contracted for
by the City.
2. Provide a fitness assessment which will evaluate each individual employee's
fitness as compared to the YMCA normative scores which are defined as:
"a percentage based on fitness evaluations performed by the YMCA and are
categorized according to age group and sex."
The fitness assessments shall be performed by professional assessors
contracted for by the City.
3. Provide an individual program of exercise based on age, sex and present
physical condition.
4. Provide attainable goals for each individual which would be measurable
through the fitness assessment provided.
5. Provide for in-house exercise activities.
6. Provide an exercise program which shall improve cardiovascular
conditioning, body fat composition, flexibility, grip strength, abdominal
strength, low back strength, chest (arm) strength, back strength, quadriceps
and hamstring strength.
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It is further agreed that:
1. The program shall be mandatory for all employees in the bargaining unit.
2. The program shall be scheduled as a high priority item and work out times
shall normally be available between 0800 and 1700 hours excluding lunch
period and breaks. The City shall provide adequate equipment to carry out
the intent of the program.
3. The equipment used for this program is not to be used by anyone other than
City of Lodi Fire personnel.
4. Confidentiality of records shall be maintained for the protection of the
employees.
ARTICLE XXXIXVI - PROBATION
397.1 During probationary period, twelve (12) months, the new hire or promotional
employee shall be entitled to sick leave benefits. Upon completion of probation,
employees are eligible for merit increases.
39.2 Employees on initial probation may not utilize vacation accruals.
397.3 Probationary releases are appealable only to the extent required by law.
ARTICLE XLXXVIII - SEVERABILITY
40.1 In the event that any provision of this MOU is found by a court of competent
jurisdiction to be invalid, all other provisions shall be severable and shall continue
in full force and effect.
ARTICLE XLIXXXIX — MISCELLANEOUS
41.1 LPF and the City of Lodi will meet and confer on entry level minimum
qualifications.
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SCHEDULE A
LPF Positions
Effective January 5, 2015 October 8, 2018
Title
Step 0
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Fire
Captain - 112
$ 83, 255.42
$ 87,418.10
$ 91, 788.98
$ 96, 378.27
$101,197.39
Fire
Captain - 80
$ 83, 255.42
$ 87,418.10
$ 91, 788.98
$ 96, 378.27
$101,197.39
Fire
Captain - Actin
$80,830.50
$84,871.98
$89,115.45
$93,571.24
$ 98,249.82
Fire
Engineer - 112
$71,919.17
$75,515.09
$79,290.87
$83,255.42
$ 87, 418.10
Fire
Engineer - 80
$ 71, 919.17
$ 75, 515.09
$ 79, 290.87
$ 83, 255.42
$ 87, 418.10
Fire
Fighter I - 112
$56,350.46
$ 5,326.38
$ 5,592.70
$ 5,872.33
Fire
Fighter I - 80
$56,350.46
Fire Inspector
$ 5,872.39
$ 6,166.01
Fire
Fighter II - 112
$62,126.00
$65,232.24
$68,493.72
$71,918.50
$ 75,514.30
Fire
Fighter I I - 80
$ 62,126.00
$ 65, 232.24
$ 68, 493.72
$ 71, 918.50
$ 75, 514.30
Fire
Inspector
$75,515.09
$79,290.87
$83,255.42
$87,418.10
$ 91,789.11
Title
-Step-0-
Stcp 1
Step 2
Step 3
Stcp 4
Fire Captain
$ 6,474.31
$ 6,798.02
$ 7,137.92
$ 7,191.81
$ 7,869.56
Fire Engineer
$ 5,592.76
$ 5,872.39
$ 6,166.01
$ 6,171.31
$ 6,798.02
Firefighter I
$ 1,382.06
-
-
-
Firefighter II
$ 4,831.19
$ 5,072.75
$ 5,326.38
$ 5,592.70
$ 5,872.33
Fire Inspector
$ 5,872.39
$ 6,166.01
$ 6,474.31
$ 6,798.02
$ 7,137.93
MOU — CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 20192015 2017
CITY OF LODI
LODI PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION
Trevor Lambert car Picazo Stephen Schwabauer
Fire Captain City Manager
Date: Date:
William Broderick Andrew Keys
Fire Captain Deputy City Manager
Date: Date:
Ryan WentzJustin Porter Adele Post
Firefighter Human Resources Manager
Date: Date:
33
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Janice D. Magdich, City Attorney
ATTEST:
Jennifer M. Ferraiolo, City Clerk
RESOLUTION NO. 2018-217
A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY COUNCIL APPROVING
THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
WITH THE LODI PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS FOR
THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2018 THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2019
WHEREAS, representatives from the City and the Lodi Professional Firefighters (LPF)
have bargained in good faith and reached a tentative agreement on a successor Memorandum
of Understanding; and
WHEREAS, it is recommended that Council approve revisions to the Memorandum of
Understanding with LPF to include the following:
• Term: January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019.
• Increase the City's maximum contribution to healthcare premiums by 5%.
• Amend the Flexible 125 plan to provide for carryover of contributions.
• Reinstate Education Incentive for Associates and Bachelor's degrees and increase the
Bachelor's degree incentive to $100 per month.
• Addition of a Driver/Operator incentive of three percent (3%) for those who possess
Driver/Operator certification.
• Three percent (3%) salary adjustment, effective October 8, 2018, for a three percent
(3%) employee contribution (cost-sharing) of the employer's normal contribution toward
CaIPERS, pursuant to Government Code Section 20516, effective as soon as
administratively possible but no earlier than April 1, 2019.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lodi City Council does hereby approve
the attached Memorandum of Understanding (Exhibit A) between the City of Lodi and Lodi
Professional Firefighters, effective January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019.
Date: November 7, 2018
I hereby certify that Resolution No. 2018-217 was passed and adopted by the Lodi City
Council in a regular meeting held November 7, 2018, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Chandler, Johnson, Kuehne, and
Mayor Nakanishi
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Mounce
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
J NIFER FERRAIOLO
City Clerk
2018-217
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
CITY OF LODI
AND
LODI PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS
January 1, 2018 — December 31, 2019
MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF
2018 - 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1— SALARIES AND OTHER COMPENSATION
Article I
Article II
Article III
Article IV
Article V
Article VI
Article VII
Article VIII
Article IX
Article X
Article XI
Article XII
Article XIII
Article XIV
Article XV
CHAPTER 2 — LEAVES
Article XVI
Article XVII
Article XVIII
Article XIX
Article XX
Above Class Pay
Department Sanctioned Teams
Education Incentive
Flexible Spending Account
Jury Duty
Merit Increases
Overtime
Salary
Tuition Reimbursement
Deferred Compensation
Uniform Allowance
Workers' Compensation
Bilingual Pay
Longevity Pay
Driver/Operator Pay
Catastrophic Leave
Holidays
Leaves of Absence
Sick Leave
Vacation
CHAPTER 3 — INSURANCE AND RETIREMENT
Article XXI
Article XXII
Article XXIII
Article XXIV
Article XXV
Article XXVI
Article XXVII
Chiropractic Insurance
Dental Insurance
Medical Insurance
Retirement Plan
Sick Leave Conversion
Vision Care
Survivor Benefits
PAGE #
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4
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
8
9
9
9
9
10
11
11
12
12
12
14
14
14
15
16
17
18
CHAPTER 4 — SAFETY
Article XXVIII Safety Committee 19
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
CHAPTER 5 — Work Hours, Schedules, Meals
Article XXIX 56 -Hour Work Week 20
Article XXX Shift Trades 20
CHAPTER 6 — ASSOCIATION / CITY ISSUES
Article XXXI Alcohol, Smoking, and Drugs 22
Article XXXII City Rights 23
Article XXXIII Complete Agreement 23
Article XXXIV Concerted Activities 24
Article XXXV Employee Representation 24
Article XXXVI Grievance Procedure 26
Article XXXVII Layoff Procedure 30
Article XXXVIII Physical Fitness 30
Article XXXIX Probation 31
Article XL Severability 31
Article XLI Miscellaneous 31
Schedule A — Salary Schedule Effective October 8, 2018
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
Chapter 1. Salaries and Other Compensation
ARTICLE I - ABOVE CLASS PAY
1.1 All employees in this bargaining unit who are required to work in a higher class
shall be paid an additional 5% of the employee's salary for all hours once 6
consecutive hours have been worked.
1.2 Employee's assigned as the Administrative Training Officer shall receive special
assignment pay equal to 8% of the employee's normal base pay. The special
assignment pay is intended to compensate the employee for the loss in pay from
transferring from a shift to non -shift schedule.
It is mutually agreed that assignments to the Administrative Training Officer are at
the sole discretion of the Fire Chief and may be filled by personnel from the rank of
Fire Engineer or Fire Captain. The Fire Chief may assign a Fire Captain as the
Administrative Training Officer if there are no interested or qualified employees.
Assignments may be for a three year term and will be reviewed annually.
Extensions beyond the initial three year term may be made by mutual agreement
between the Fire Chief and the Administrative Training Officer on a year by year
basis.
The work schedule of the Administrative Training Officer will be determined by
the Fire Chief based on the operational needs of the Fire Department.
Engineers assigned as the Administrative Training Officer may participate in the
promotional examination for Fire Captain, if they are eligible. The Administrative
Training Officer assignment will not preclude the Engineer from participating in
the promotional examination or from being promoted to Fire Captain.
The Administrative Officer shall remain budgeted for at the rank of Captain.
The Administrative Training Officer will report directly to the Fire Chief and is
eligible to work overtime outside of their normal work schedule.
The Administrative Training Officer is eligible for above class pay of 5% if
assigned to work in a higher classification, pursuant to Section 1.1 the LPF MOU.
ARTICLE II — DEPARTMENT SANCTIONED TEAMS
2.1 It is the intent of the City to develop specialized teams to address a variety of
special hazards and provide specialized services to the department or community.
When a team is established, minimum standards for inclusion and retention as a
team member shall be developed and ratified by the Fire Chief. Any member of
the department, who becomes a member of the recognized specialized team, shall
receive a 3.0% salary increase for as long as he/she meets the minimum entry level
requirements and maintains a minimum level of participation as outlined in the
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MOU — CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
team membership requirements. Each employee of the department can only receive
3.0% of salary for team membership, regardless of the number of teams the
employee belongs to.
2.2 The development of new teams shall require the submittal of minimum entry level
and performance criteria for maintenance of membership to the Fire Chief prior to
the development of the team. The Fire Chief shall have the sole discretion as to the
appropriate number of members per specialized team. The department shall make
every effort to develop a cadre of specialized teams to adequately address the needs
of its members.
ARTICLE III - EDUCATION INCENTIVE
3.1 An incentive program shall be established with the major purpose being to
encourage and reward members of the LPF to broaden their on-the-job experience
with academic training in the fields of science, management and administration.
3.2 Employees who meet the following criteria are eligible for education incentive pay.
A. Employees holding an Associate of Arts shall receive $25.00 per month if
the:
1. AA is in Fire Science or related field or;
2. AA is in a non -related field with a Fire Science Certificate from an
accredited institution or;
3. The employee possesses an AA degree and is actively pursuing a
baccalaureate degree.
B. Employees possessing a BA or BS degree shall receive an additional
$100.00 per month. If an employee possesses a BA degree, it is assumed
that an AA is also possessed.
C. The following increments shall be added to the Education Incentive
Program. It is agreed that the following amounts shall be paid upon
verification that the individual has completed the necessary course work
and has submitted a completed application to the certifying agency.
Verification of course work and submittal of a completed application must
be provided to Human Resources along with the request for the incentive.
Incentive pay is effective the first day of the full pay period following
receiptand verification of required documentation.
0 Completed course work Fire Officer $50.00 per month
0 Completed course work Chief Officer $50.00 per month
0 Completed course work Fire Investigator or Level 2 Investigator $12.50 per month
0 Completed course work Fire Instructor Level 3 and Mgmt 2.E $25.00 per month
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
0 Completed course work Fire Prevention Officer Level 3 and Mgmt 2.E or Fire
Inspector I $25.00 per month
0 Completed course work Public Education Officer Level 2 or Community Risk Officer
$12.50 per month
0 Certified Fire Chief $25.00 per month
The maximum amount to be paid under this program is $175.00 per month.
3.3 In addition to the amounts specified in Section 3.2, an additional $25.00 per month
shall be paid if the employee possesses a Hazardous Materials Specialist/
Technician certificate.
3.4 Persons possessing the aforementioned requirements shall not receive the incentive
pay until such time as evidence of course completion is produced. Incentive pay
shall be retroactive up to a maximum of six (6) months from the date Human
Resources received and verified the required documentation.
ARTICLE IV —FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
4.1 The City shall include members of the LPF in the City's flexible spending account
program, which allows employees to pay for unreimbursed medical costs,
insurance premiums, and dependent care costs to be paid with pretax dollars.
Effective in plan year 2018, the Medical Flexible Spending Account (FSA) will
include a carryover provision which allows an active participant to automatically
carryover up to $500 to the new plan year. However, amounts over $500 would be
forfeited after the final filing date, if left unclaimed.
ARTICLE V - JURY DUTY
5.1 All full-time regular employees are granted jury duty leave with pay. Any
employee who is summoned to attend any court during the time regularly required
for his employment for the purpose of jury service shall be entitled, while so
engaged and actually serving, to his regular compensation in addition to any jury
duty compensation.
5.2 No employee shall be granted jury duty leave with pay in which such employee
will be testifying in behalf of oneself or as a witness in a court of law.
5.3 An employee serving on jury duty, who is not required to be in attendance at such
jury duty for more than one half of the employee's normal working day is expected
to return to his regular work assignment for the balance of the day. An employee
seated on a jury shall not be scheduled for regular work during the twelve hours
preceding the scheduled time for jury duty.
5.4 If an employee covered by this Agreement is required by subpoena to appear in
court or to give a deposition as a result of an action taken within the scope of
employment with the City, that employee shall receive his full pay while so doing,
with no loss of time if he/she is on regular duty. If the employee is not on duty, the
6
MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
City agrees to compensate that employee at one and one-half times his/her regular
rate of pay, for the time spent in any appearance as required by this Article. The
employee shall demand a witness fee and shall reimburse same to the City. As a
prerequisite for payment to off-duty employees, the Fire Chief or his designee must
be notified in writing of the off-duty appearance within seventy-two hours after the
employee is subpoenaed or otherwise notified of the required court appearance.
The employee shall demand a witness fee and shall reimburse the same to the City.
5.5 Voluntary Grand Jury service such as that service in San Joaquin County, is not
covered by Jury Duty leave.
ARTICLE VI — MERIT INCREASES
6.1 Merit increases shall not exceed the next step of the salary range for the position's
classification.
ARTICLE VII - OVERTIME
7.1 All hours worked in addition to the regularly scheduled shifts shall be paid at the
rate of one and one-half times the then regular rate of the employee. Overtime
work shall be required of any employee to meet special or unusual needs of service
beneficial to the City and community. All overtime work requires the prior
approval of a supervisor. No employee on disciplinary or medical leave shall be
eligible to work overtime.
7.2 Employees working overtime shall be paid in increments of 15 minutes. Time
within any 15 minute increment shall be rounded off, with 0-7 minutes adjusting
back to the preceding increment and 8-15 minutes adjusting forward to the next
increment. Thereafter, overtime shall be compensated in increments of 15 minutes
at a rate of time and one-half.
7.3 Employees may accrue compensatory time in lieu of overtime pay. The accrual
rate for compensatory time shall be one and one-half hours for each hour worked.
7.4 No more than one hundred forty-four (144) hours of compensatory time shall be
carried on the books at any time.
7.5 Bargaining unit members shall be allowed to cash out up to a maximum of 144
hours of earned compensatory time off twice per year, in April and October.
7.6 Upon separation, the employee shall be paid at the employee's current hourly rate
or the average of the last three years whichever is higher, for the remaining
compensatory balance.
7.7 Early call in or shift holdovers shall be compensated at the time and one-half rate.
7
MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
7.8 Employees called to work outside their regular hours shall be paid at the rate of
time and one-half the hourly rate for hours actually worked with a minimum
guarantee of three (3) hours for each call.
7.9 If an employee requests time off that would result in the need for overtime, the
employee must take a minimum of three (3) hours off unless the time off is for
emergency reasons or has prior approval of the Fire Chief or his/her designee.
Except for the first or last two or less hours of the shift, shift holdover or early
relief would apply in these situations.
7.10 If a represented employee is called upon to perform the duties of a position exempt
from the Fair Labor Standards Act, all provisions of this Article shall prevail.
ARTICLE VI 11 - SALARY
8.1 The terms and conditions of this MOU shall continue in effect during the term of
this MOU. The City of Lodi and LPF agree that the term is January 1, 2018
through December 31, 2019.
8.2 The parties agree if a salary survey is performed, the fifteen cities to be surveyed
are as follows:
Chico Clovis Davis
Fairfield Merced Manteca
Modesto Redding Roseville
Stockton Tracy Turlock
Vacaville Visalia Woodland
8.3 Effective October 8, 2018, the City shall adjust the salary ranges by three percent
(3%) in exchange for a Ca1PERS cost sharing agreement pursuant to California
Government Code §20516; whereby LPF employees agree to pay three percent
(3%) of the employer's normal cost of Ca1PERS. The parties agree that should the
parties negotiate the elimination of the three percent (3%) cost-sharing by the
employee, the corresponding three percent (3%) salary adjustment is subject to
reduction, elimination or change through the negotiation process.
ARTICLE IX - TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
9.1 In addition to the City policy, individuals enrolling in courses offered by
recognized professional organizations which are not accredited through a college or
university shall be eligible for up to a maximum of $300.00 per fiscal year, to be
paid upon the satisfactory completion of course work. The total monetary benefit
shall not exceed the amount listed in the City Policy Manual.
ARTICLE X — DEFERRED COMPENSATION
10.1 The City shall match contributions by bargaining unit members to a deferred
compensation program up to a maximum of 3% of the member's salary.
8
MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 20'19
ARTICLE XI - UNIFORM ALLOWANCE
11.1 The City shall, on a one-time basis, provide each present and future employee with
three department approved uniform shirts and three pair of department approved
uniform pants of a flame retardant fabric. After this initial issue the maintenance
and replacement of the uniform is the employee's responsibility.
11.2 The uniform allowance shall be $950 per year, paid quarterly, as part of the last bi-
weekly paycheck in the months of March, June, September, and December.
ARTICLE XII - WORKERS' COMPENSATION
12.1 In the event that a member of the LPF is disabled, whether temporarily or
permanently, by injury or illness arising out of and in the course of his duties, he
shall become entitled, regardless of his period of service with the City, to leave of
absence while so disabled without loss of salary, in lieu of temporary disability
payments, if any, which would be payable under this chapter, for the period of such
disability but not exceeding one year, or until such earlier date as he is retired on
permanent disability pension. (State of California Labor Code, Article 7, Section
4850.)
12.2 The City shall implement Article 4850.3 of the Labor Code which provides for
advance disability payments prior to receipt of industrial disability retirement
allowance to the member.
ARTICLE XIII- BILINGUAL PAY
13.1 Bilingual pay of $150.00 per month shall be paid to all LPF members for speaking
Spanish and/or Punjabi, subject to the eligible employee passing a proficiency
exam administered and approved by the City.
ARTICLE XIV- LONGEVITY PAY
14.1 After completing ten years of service with the Lodi Fire Department, employees
shall receive an annual longevity pay in the amount of $1,500 in November of the
year following completion of ten years of service and each year thereafter until
completing twenty years of service with the Lodi Fire Department. Employees
who have completed twenty years of service with the Lodi Fire Department will
receive longevity pay in the amount of $3,000 in November of the year following
completion of twenty full years of service and each year thereafter.
For the purposes of this Article, all employees who as of October 31st meet the
service level requirements (either ten full years or twenty full years from the first
day of the month in which they started their employment with the City of Lodi Fire
Department) shall receive the longevity pay associated with their years of service
with the Lodi Fire Department.
The incentive in this Article is limited to employees hired prior to April 18, 2012.
9
MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
ARTICLE XV- DRIVER/OPERATOR PAY
15.1 Effective October 8, 2018, LPF members who possess a Lodi Fire Department
Driver/Operator certification, as outlined in the Lodi Fire Department Policy
Manual Article IV Division 4.15: Section 4.15-1, shall receive a three percent (3%)
incentive. The Driver/Operator pay will sunset upon the approval of a successor
MOU.
10
MOU — CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
Chapter 2. Leaves
ARTICLE XVI- CATASTROPHIC LEAVE
16.1 LPF members shall be covered by and subject to the Citywide Catastrophic Leave
Policy set forth in the City's current Administrative Policy Manual.
ARTICLE XVII- HOLIDAYS
17.1 Shift employees in the LPF shall earn 156 hours of holiday leave per year, and non -
shift employees shall earn 108 hours. In January of each year, every employee's
holiday account shall be credited with the appropriate hours based on the
employee's current shift. Employees hired mid -year or terminating mid -year shall
have holiday hours credited or deducted at the rate of 6.0 hours per pay period for
shift employees and 4.15 hours per pay period for non -shift employees.
17.2 A shift employee may opt to schedule holidays or to be compensated at the straight
time rate for all hours of holiday leave. During the course of the year, an employee
who opted to use scheduled holidays may at their request and at the sole discretion
of the Fire Chief, schedule a day off in lieu of cash payment. Each year, the pay
period in which December 1 falls, employees shall be paid for the unused holidays
at the straight -time rate as of December 31 of the year in which the holidays were
earned.
17.3 The Fire Department will make every effort to avoid scheduling any non -emergency
training or meetings on the following City observed holidays:
0 New Year's Day
0 Martin Luther King Day
0 President's Day
0 Memorial Day
0 Independence Day
0 Labor Day
0 Thanksgiving Day
0 Day after Thanksgiving Day
0 Christmas Eve (four hours)
0 Christmas Day
17.4 Nothing in this MOU is construed
vacations are scheduled.
January 1
3rd Monday in January
3rd Monday in February
4th Monday in May
July 4
1st Monday in September
4th Thursday in November
Friday following Thanksgiving Day
December 24
December 25
to change the
manner in which holidays or
17.5 It is mutually agreed that two represented employees per shift shall be allowed to
schedule vacations or holiday time. Leave for sickness, injury, or leave for school
shall not effect this time off.
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MOU — CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
ARTICLE XVIII - LEAVES OF ABSENCE
18.1 The City and LPF mutually agree that inability to return to work after an
employee's sick leave has been exhausted shall be considered an urgent and
substantial reason for the granting of a leave of absence in accordance with the
Leave of Absence policy in the City of Lodi Administrative Policy Manual.
18.2 The City interprets this Section as providing that the conditions under which an
employee shall be restored to employment on the termination of leave of absence
shall be stated as clearly as possible at the time by the City in conjunction with the
granting of the leave of absence. The City reaffirms its policy that an employee's
status as a permanent employee is not impaired by such leave of absence.
18.3 Employees who are placed in a Leave Without Pay status following the expiration
of sick leave, vacation, or compensatory time off, such that the employee is no
longer in a pay status shall not receive employer paid employment benefits.
However, if the leave is for medical reasons the medical insurance will be carried
for three months at the City's expense. Other health benefits may be continued at
the employee's expense.
18.4 Medical leave shall be in accordance with the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA),
the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), or Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL)
and/or other applicable state and federal laws.
ARTICLE XIX - SICK LEAVE
19.1 Shift employees shall accumulate sick leave with pay at the rate of 5.54 hours per
pay period. Employees working a 40 -hour week shall earn 3.70 hours per pay
period.
19.2 Sick leave accumulated shall be unlimited.
19.3 One working day is defined as 12 work hours (1 duty day) for all LPF personnel
working on a shift schedule.
19.4 Absence to care for a member of an employee's immediate family is authorization
to use up to 72 hours of accumulated sick leave. Generally no more than 120 hours
of family sick leave shall be approved in one calendar year.
ARTICLE XX - VACATION
Non -Shift (40 hour work week)
Beginning with:
Date of Hire:
6th year
12th year
15th year
21st year
Employees:
3.08 hours per pay period
4.62 hours per pay period
5.23 hours per pay period
6.16 hours per pay period
6.47 hours per pay period
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
22nd year
23rd year
24th year
25th year
6.78 hours per pay period
7.09 hours per pay period
7.40 hours per pay period
7.71 hours per pay period
Shift (56 hour work week) Employees:
Beginning with:
Date of Hire:
6th year
15th year
21st year
22nd year
23rd year
24th year
25th year/above
5.54 hours per pay period
8.31 hours per pay period
11.08 hours per pay period
11.65 hours per pay period
12.20 hours per pay period
12.76 hours per pay period
13.32 hours per pay period
13.88 hours per pay period
Members of LPF will have the option of cashing out any vacation time in excess of two
tours (96 hours) of duty. Members must utilize at least two tours of their vacation time
each year. Members shall request a cash out of vacation time between November 1 and
November 15 of each year and will receive the payout of vacation time at straight time pay
on the first regularly scheduled pay check in December.
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
Chapter 3. Insurance and Retirement
ARTICLE XXI — CHIROPRACTIC INSURANCE
21.1 Chiropractic services may be received by employees and dependents through a
chiropractic insurance plan.
21.2 The City shall pay the full costs of premiums for the employee and dependent(s)
during the life of this agreement.
ARTICLE XXII - DENTAL INSURANCE
22.1 The City shall provide Stanislaus Foundation dental plan or an equivalent level of
benefits for the term of this agreement.
22.2 The City shall pay the increased cost of such premiums for the life of the
agreement.
ARTICLE XXIII - MEDICAL INSURANCE
23.1 All employees shall be offered medical insurance for themselves and dependents
through Ca1PERS medical plans. The City shall pay 100% of the premium for the
employees' family category (Single, Employee + 1, Family) for the lowest cost
HMO available in Lodi's geographical area (excluding PORAC) as of January 1,
2014.
Effective January 1, 2018, the City's contributions to the premiums for medical
insurance coverage will be capped at the following rates and employees shall be
responsible for premium costs in excess of this amount:
$690.20
$1,380.39
$1,794.51
per month for Employee only
per month for Employee +1
per month for Family
23.2 If an employee is otherwise covered by a medical plan and waives medical
insurance through the City of Lodi, the employee may at their option take the
following in cash or deposited into their deferred compensation account:
$305.22
$532.92
$692.81
per month for Employee only
per month for Employee +1
per month for Family
In order to qualify, proof of group insurance must be provided to the city.
23.3 Notwithstanding any other provisions of this MOU, the parties agree to re -open
Article XXII entitled: "Medical Insurance" for negotiation, solely limited to
determining the amount the City of Lodi will contribute towards employee health
plan premiums during calendar year 2016 and 2017, only in the event that the
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
premium for the lowest cost HMO in the Lodi geographical area increases 10% or
more in 2016 or 2017.
ARTICLE XXIV - RETIREMENT PLAN
24.1 The City provides retirement benefits through the California Public Employees
Retirement System (Ca1PERS). Employees shall receive the following retirement
benefits. The following plan is available to employees hired prior to December 22,
2012 and deemed to be "classic" employees by Ca1PERS:
• Public Safety 3% @ 50 plan
• 1959 Survivor benefits - 3rd Level
• Single Highest Year
• Credit for Unused Sick Leave
• Military Service Credit
• 2% Annual Cost of Living (COLA) Increase
• Employee shall pay the full employee share of retirement costs to a
maximum of 9% of salary
24.2 For employees hired after December 22, 2012 and deemed to be "classic"
employees by Ca1PERS, the following retirement plan will apply:
• Public Safety 3% @ 55 plan
• 1959 Survivors Benefit — Third Level
• Average of three highest consecutive years
• Credit for Unused Sick Leave
• Military Service Credit
• 2% Annual Cost of Living (COLA) Increase
• Employee shall pay the full employee share of retirement costs to a
maximum of 9% of salary
24.3 For employees hired after December 31, 2012 and deemed "PEPRA" employees,
the following retirement plan will apply:
• Public Safety 2.7% @ 57 plan
• 1959 Survivors Benefit — Third Level
• Average of three highest consecutive years
• Credit for Unused Sick Leave
• Military Service Credit
• 2% Annual Cost of Living (COLA) Increase
• Employee shall pay the full employee share of retirement costs as calculated
by PERS in its annual actuarial valuation
24.4 To the extent permitted by Ca1PERS law, the parties agree the following items are
considered pensionable compensation:
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
• Salary
• Department sanctioned teams
• Education/certification incentives
• Uniform allowance
• Longevity pay
• Bilingual pay
• Holiday pay
• FLSA pay
24.5 Effective as soon as administratively possible, but no earlier than April 1, 2019, in
accordance with California Government Code §20516 contract amendment, process
requirements, each employee in this unit shall pay three percent (3%) towards the
employer's share of CaIPERS normal pension cost (cost-sharing). In exchange, the
City shall provide a three percent (3%) salary adjustment. The parties agree that
should the parties negotiate the elimination of the three percent cost-sharing by the
employee, the corresponding salary adjustment is subject to reduction, elimination
or change through the negotiation process.
24.6 The City agrees to work with the Lodi Professional Firefighters to establish a
retirement healthcare savings program through International City Managers
Association (ICMA-RC) VantageCare Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Plan.
The parameters of the program shall be established by the working group.
Contributions will be made by the employee on a pre-tax basis.
ARTICLE XXV - SICK LEAVE CONVERSION
25.1 For all unused sick leave, a represented employee with ten years of employment
with the City shall be eligible to receive medical, dental and vision insurance
coverage upon retirement (but not upon resignation, transfer or termination) on the
following basis:
After 10 years of employment by the City, the number of hours of unused sick
leave shall be reduced by 16 2/3%. The remaining balance shall be converted into
an equivalent number of days. (NOTE: A day is equivalent to 12 hours for
employees on a 56 -hour week schedule and 8 hours for an employee on a 40 -hour
week schedule). The number of days shall be multiplied by the then current
monthly premium being paid by the City for the employee and if applicable his
dependents, subject to the cap shown in Article XXII. 50% of that dollar value shall
be placed into a "bank" to be used for medical, dental and vision insurance
premiums for the employee and dependent. For each year that an employee has
been employed in excess of 10 years, 2 1/2% shall be added to the 50% before
valuing the unused sick leave, not to exceed 100% of that dollar value.
For example:
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MOU — CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
Robert Smith retires with 20 years of service and 1800 hours of unused sick leave.
City paid monthly medical insurance premiums are $344.45 for him and his wife.
1800-(1800 x 16 2/3) = 1500 hours
1500=12 = 125 days x 75% = 93.75
93.75 x $344.45= $ 32,292.19
This amount shall be reduced each month by the current premium(s) for the
employee and dependent until the balance is gone. In the event the retiree dies the
remaining bank shall be reduced by 50% and the survivor may use the bank until
the balance is gone.
25.2 In the event an active employee dies before retirement and that employee is vested
in the sick leave conversion program, the surviving dependents shall have an
interest in one-half the value of the bank as calculated in Section 24.1.
25.3 Represented employees who retire on a service retirement and are eligible to
convert accrued, unused sick leave into City paid insurance upon retirement shall
be given the option of purchasing, at the retiree's cost, additional insurance for a
period of time equal to the period of time for which they received City paid
insurance upon retirement.
Employee's option shall be exercised upon expiration of the City paid coverage.
25.4 In accordance with the sick leave conversion provision outlined in this MOU, a
surviving spouse of either an active or retired member may be continued on the
medical insurance plan and/or dependent coverage at the appropriate premium for
the same period as if the employee had not died.
25.5 Out of area retirees may receive reimbursement for insurance premiums up to the
City's liability as specified in Section 25.1.
25.6 The City shall modify its contract with PERS to add credit for unused sick leave
per Government Code Section 20862.8. This benefit is available to all employees
regardless of the date hired; however, it is the only sick leave conversion benefit
available to employees hired after December 6, 1995. Reporting of unused sick
leave shall be pursuant to PERS regulations on said issue. If an eligible employee
opts to utilize the provisions of Section 25.1 the City shall report to PERS they
have zero (0) hours of unused sick leave.
ARTICLE XXVI- VISION CARE
26.1 The City shall provide and pay for a vision care plan underwritten by VSP or
comparable vision care plan. Such comparable vision care plan shall be the same
as the plan offered to mid and executive management employees in the City. The
plan shall have a $25 deductible, shall provide annual examinations and lenses.
Frames are available every two years.
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
ARTICLE XXVII — SURVIVOR BENEFITS
27.1 The City shall continue providing health benefits for the surviving spouse and
minor dependent children, under the same terms and conditions provided prior to
the death, of any member of the LPF who is killed or dies during the performance
of their duties. Minor dependents shall continue to receive benefits under the
coverage provided the surviving spouse or, if there is no surviving spouse, until the
age of 21 years. Premiums will be paid at the current rate in effect at the time of
the member's death. Premiums will continue to be paid by the City until such time
as the surviving spouse is covered by other insurance or remarries, and for
dependent children of the member killed in the line of duty until such time as
either:
1. The dependent children are over the eligible age limit, or
2. The dependent children are covered under other alternative medical
coverage provided by and through the surviving spouse or person who
he/she marries.
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
Chapter 4. Safety
ARTICLE XXVI II - SAFETY COMMITTEE
28.1 A six -member Joint Safety Committee shall be fbrmed to include three members of
the LPF. This committee shall be charged with reviewing and making proposed
solutions to items relating to safety standards, equipment, procedures, clothing and
other safety related matters.
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
Chapter 5. Work Hours, Schedules, Meals
ARTICLE XXIX- 56-HouR WORK Wm<
29.1 The work schedule will be a schedule of "56 -hours per week" with two on -duty
shifts in six 24-hour periods. For purposes of the FLSA, it is mutually understood
the City has declared a 24 day work cycle.
For purposes of overtime calculations under the FLSA, sick leave, vacation leave,
compensatory time, and holiday leave will be considered time worked.
29.2 If an employee assigned to a 56 -hour work week schedule terminates his/her
employment in the middle of a two week payroll cycle, the employee's pay for that
cycle shall be computed by multiplying the number of days between the first day of
the payroll cycle and the last shift worked by eight (8) hours or the number of
actually worked in that payroll cycle, whichever is greater.
29.3 It is agreed that the work schedule of the Fire Inspector and the Administrative
Captain is a 40 -hour week and that all holiday, vacation, and sick leave benefits are
based on a 40 -hour week rather than a 56 -hour week.
29.4 Effective May 25, 2015, the following formulas will be used in order to convert all
accrued leave hours for employees that move from a 40 -hour work week to a 56 -
hour work week or from a 56 -hour work week to a 40 -hour work week:
For conversion from 40 to 56 hours
For conversion from 56 to 40 hours
Thereafter, accruals shall be earned based
Multiply by 1.4
Multiply by 0.7143
on the assigned work schedule.
ARTICLE XXX - SHIFT TRADES
30.1 It is mutually agreed that each employee may trade shifts.
A firefighter while on initial probation may initiate shift trades for a hardship, in
writing, with approval from their Captain and Battalion Chief. Shift trades for
probationary firefighters are acceptable for attendance at approved training classes
or seminars only.
30.2 It is expressly understood that shift trades are requested by employees on a
voluntary basis and are granted exclusively for employee convenience.
30.3 A shift trade commitment shall be considered the equivalent of the employee's
regularly assigned work day. Any member of the bargaining unit who agrees to a
shift trade, but fails to report to work the agreed shift without a valid excuse may be
subject to disciplinary action. An employee who agrees to exchange time with
another employee and who then fails to report to work the agreed time because of
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
illness, or who reports, but leaves early due to illness, may be required to provide a
doctor's note to verify the illness.
30.4 In the event that the person who had agreed to work is unable to do so, he/she shall
make the necessary arrangements to fulfill the obligation. This can be
accomplished by: trading with another employee meeting the shift trade
requirements; forfeiting sick, holiday, compensatory time, or vacation time,
whichever is appropriate based on department policy; or injury leave if appropriate.
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
Chapter 6. Association/City Issues
ARTICLE XXXI - ALCOHOL, SMOKING AND DRUGS
31.1 Employees of the LPF are strictly prohibited from using tobacco of any kind while
on duty or representing the City of Lodi in any capacity. Employees are also
prohibited from regular or excessive use of tobacco on their personal time.
Occasional personal use of tobacco is permitted.
31.2 The LPF shall be covered under the Drug -Free Workplace policy and procedure.
In addition, the LPF shall be covered under the Drug and Alcohol Testing policy
and procedure with the exception of random testing. (Section 34520(e) of the
California Vehicle Code exempts fire employees from the provisions of the
Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991.)
31.3 In the event an employee is involved in an accident while operating a City vehicle
the employee shall not leave the scene of the accident until a determination for drug
and/or alcohol testing has been made by the appropriate supervisor.
31.4 In the event an employee is being referred to drug and/or alcohol testing, the
employee shall have the right to representation or a witness. The witness may
include an on -duty employee, as long as there is no interference with business
necessity.
31.5 Supervisors directing an employee to drug and/or alcohol testing shall document at
the time of direction the reason(s) for such determination of the Reasonable
Suspicion Test form, and present that form to the employee.
31.6 The reporting of prescription medication being taken by an employee to his/her
supervisor shall be kept in confidence.
31.7 In the event an employee's locker or storage area is to be searched, the employee
shall have the right to representation or a witness. The witness may include an on -
duty employee, as long as there is no interference with business necessity.
31.8 If a member of the Fire Department has a drug, tobacco or alcohol problem or
dependence, the City shall pay the difference between the employee's insurance
and the cost of an appropriate rehabilitation program.
31.9 All supervisory employees, including those in the rank of Fire Captain, shall attend
training on making a reasonable suspicion determination of being under the
influence of drugs and/or alcohol, and the appropriate referral process. Such
training shall be provided by the City of Lodi. Non -supervisory employees may
attend the training provided that there is adequate attendance capacity, and that the
cost of the training shall be borne by the employee.
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
ARTICLE XXXII - CITY RIGHTS
32.1 It is further understood and agreed between the parties that nothing contained in
this MOU shall be construed to waive or reduce any rights of the City, which
include, but are not limited to, the exclusive rights:
0 to determine the mission of its constituent departments, commissions and
boards;
0 to set standards of service;
0 to determine the procedures and standards of selection for employment;
0 to direct its employees; to maintain the efficiency of governmental operations;
0 to determine the methods, means and personnel by which government
operations are to be conducted;
0 to take all necessary actions to carry out its mission in emergencies; and
0 to exercise complete control and discretion and the technology of performing its
work.
32.2 City rights also include the right to determine the procedures and standards of
selection for promotion, to relieve employees from duty because of lack of work or
other legitimate reasons, to take disciplinary action, and to determine the content of
job classifications; provided, however, that the exercise by the City of the rights in
this paragraph does not preclude employees or their recognized employee
organizations from filing grievances regarding the practical consequences that
decisions on such matters may have on wages, hours or other terms and conditions
of employment.
32.3 Per Side Letter dated September 14, 2011: The Lodi Professional Firefighters
(LPF) recognizes and accepts the City's right to determine the procedures and
standards of selection for promotion. This recognition does not preclude the LPF
from discussing with the City the LPF's point of view as it relates to the timeliness
and necessity of promotions. The merits of each promotion should be discussed by
both parties with the intent of reaching an understanding. It is the LPF's contention
that economics is one component and should not be the sole deciding factor when
determining whether to promote or not. It is through joint discussions that the City
and the LPF believe resolution can be found.
ARTICLE XXXIII - COMPLETE AGREEMENT
33.1 The parties acknowledge that during the negotiations which resulted in this MOU,
each had the unlimited right and opportunity to make demands and proposals with
respect to any subject or matter not removed by law from the scope of negotiations,
and that the understandings and agreements arrived at by the parties after the
exercise of that right and opportunity are set forth in the MOU. Any other prior
existing understanding or agreements by the parties, whether formal or informal,
regarding any such matters are hereby superseded or terminated in their entirety.
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33.2 Per the Side Letter signed on May 20, 2004: Except as required by operational/or
business necessity impacting City employees as a whole, there shall be no changes
to the Rules for Personnel Administration during the term of this MOU. This does
not prevent the parties from mutually agreeing to meet and confer over proposed
changes to the Rules during the term of this MOU.
ARTICLE XXXIV - CONCERTED ACTIVITIES
34.1 Represented employees agree that they shall not strike, withhold services, engage
in "slowdowns" or "sick ins" or participate in any other form of concerted activity
which is intended to or which does adversely affect job performance or rendering
of City services.
ARTICLE XXXV - EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATION
35.1 This Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter referred to as "MOU") is entered
into between representatives of the City of Lodi (hereinafter referred to as "City")
and representatives of the Lodi Professional Firefighters (hereinafter referred to as
"LPF").
The parties to this MOU acknowledge and agree that this MOU constitutes the
result of meeting and conferring in good faith as contemplated by Section 3500 et
seq. of the Government Code of the State of California, and further acknowledge
and agree that all matters upon which the parties reached agreement are set forth in
this MOU.
The terms and conditions of this MOU are applicable to those employees in those
positions represented by the LPF of the City of Lodi, i.e., Firefighter I, Firefighter
II, Fire Engineer, Fire Captain, and Fire Inspector. It is mutually agreed that wages,
hours, and other terms and conditions of employment of such employees shall be as
hereinafter set forth. Except as specifically stated in this Memorandum, all existing
benefits currently being furnished to employees and all existing terms and
conditions of employment are to continue in effect unless and until the parties meet
and confer regarding a change in such existing benefits, terms or conditions of
employment.
The terms and conditions of this MOU shall continue in effect during the term of
this MOU.
35.2 The City and the LPF mutually agree that the City shall grant dues deduction to
City employees who are members of the LPF in accordance with the terms and
conditions set forth in Section 4, Rule 2 of City of Lodi Resolution No. 3344
entitled "Adopting Rules and Regulations to Implement Provisions of the
Employee -Employer Relations Resolution." The LPF shall indemnify, defend and
hold the City of Lodi harmless against any claims made and against any suit
instituted against the City of Lodi on account of check -off of said employee
organization's dues. In addition, the LPF shall refund to the City of Lodi any
amounts paid to it in error upon presentation of supporting evidence.
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF
2018 - 2019
Changes in the LPF membership dues rate shall be certified to the City, in writing,
over the signature of the LPF President. The change shall be implemented as soon
as practicable, but in no event later than thirty (30) days after the notification.
35.3 LPF shall maintain exclusive representation rights during the term of this MOU.
Every employee covered by this MOU who is a member of LPF twenty (20) days
after the signing of this MOU shall, as a condition of employment, maintain his or
her membership in good standing in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws
of the LPF during the term of this agreement.
35.4 No employee covered by this Memorandum of Understanding shall be
discriminated against by the City or by the Union with respect to any job benefits
or other conditions of employment accruing from this agreement because of union
membership, non -membership in the union, race, color, sex, creed, national origin,
marital status, disability or political affiliation. It is understood that violations of
this section are not subject to arbitration.
35.5 The City shall make available a period of one hour to the LPF in each recruit class
with an end toward education of each employee of the rights and benefits under the
collective bargaining agreement, as well as other association benefits, and the
responsibilities of the employee and the association.
35.6 The City and LPF agree and understand that if any section of this MOU in any way
conflicts with the terms and conditions of employment stated in other authorities,
such as personnel rules, administrative policy and procedure manual, city
resolutions, or city ordinances, any ambiguity shall be resolved in favor of the
MOU language. If the MOU is silent on an issue, the current applicable document
(i.e. policy manual) is controlling.
35.7 Beginning January 1, 2014, and each January 1 thereafter, the Lodi Professional
Firefighters Association will notify the City of the hours to be deducted from each
member's last pay check in February (not to exceed 10 hours annually) for the
Union Leave Bank. The hours will be deducted from the employee's holiday leave
bank. Requests to use another leave bank must be submitted to payroll two (2)
weeks prior to the deduction date. If at any other point in the year a member
chooses to donate additional hours to the Union Leave Bank, beyond the 10 hours,
they will be allowed to do so on written notice to LPF and the Finance Division.
Union Leave Bank hours may not exceed more than 600 hours on a yearly basis.
The President of the Lodi Professional Firefighters shall designate members that
can use the hours. Hours may be donated from member's vacation leave, holiday
leave or compensatory time off. The Union Leave Bank shall be charged an
equivalent amount of time required to cover the absence of the member utilizing
the LPF bank, including any overtime required to cover the shift.
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
ARTICLE XXXVI - GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
36.1 This grievance procedure shall be used to process and resolve disputes regarding
the interpretation or application of any of the terms and conditions of this MOU,
letters of understanding, and formal interpretations and clarifications executed by
the LPF and the City.
The intent of this procedure is to resolve grievances informally at the lowest
possible level and to provide an orderly procedure for reviewing and resolving
grievances promptly.
The term "day" means a working day i.e. Monday through Friday excluding fixed
City Hall closures.
A grievance is a good faith complaint of one or a group of employees or a dispute
between the City and the LPF involving the interpretation, application, or
enforcement of the express terms of this MOU and other express written terms and
conditions of employment or clear past practices.
As used in this procedure, the term "party" means an employee, the LPF, the City
or the authorized representatives of any party. The employee is entitled to
representation through all the steps in this procedure.
Matters of discipline are to be handled exclusively in accordance with the
provisions of section 34.4.
36.2 INFORMAL PROCEDURE
The informal procedure must be used as an initial step in all grievances. An
employee or their representative having a grievance arising from employment in
the municipal service shall seek adjustment of the grievance initially through verbal
contact with their immediate supervisor within twenty (20) working days of the
date of the action being grieved, or the date the grieving party became aware of the
incident which is the basis of the grievance. The employee or his/her representative
shall state the nature of the grievance and any pertinent information required for the
supervisor to sufficiently investigate the incident and resolve the grievance. Should
the immediate supervisor be unable to make a satisfactory adjustment, the
employee or their representative may seek adjustment through verbal contact to the
next higher level of supervision up to and including the Fire Chief. The time
allowed between steps in this process is ten (10) working days. All verbal contacts
shall be documented as to the date, time and place of the contact.
In matters involving disputes between two employees (including personality
conflicts between and employee and his/her supervisor), the two employees should
meet in an attempt to resolve their differences. If they cannot resolve the issues
between themselves, the complaint procedure outlined in the Lodi Fire Department
Policy Manual shall be used as the Informal Grievance Procedure.
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
Should the employee progress through the above steps and find that the Fire Chief
is unable to make a satisfactory adjustment within the time frame given, or is a
party to the grievance, the employee or his representative may seek adjustment
through the Formal Grievance Procedure.
36.3 FORMAL PROCEDURE
An employee who has not received satisfactory adjustment through the use of the
Informal Grievance Procedure may, within ten (10) working days of the last time
deadline of the Informal Procedure, file a Formal Grievance. Initiation of the
formal grievance procedure requires that the grievance be submitted in writing.
The steps of the Formal Grievance Procedure are as follows:
Step A. Class Action Grievances or a Lodi Fire Department Grievance Form is
filed with the Fire Chief. If satisfactory adjustment is not attained the
employee or his/her representative may proceed to Step B within ten (10)
working days.
Step B. Class Action Grievances or A Lodi Fire Department Grievance Form is
filed with the City Manager. The City Manager or designee shall
investigate the grievance and shall respond in writing within ten (10)
working days. If satisfactory adjustment is not attained the employee or
his representative may proceed to Step C within ten (10) working days.
Step C If the grievance is not resolved by the City Manager or designee,
arbitration shall be the final level of appeal for grievances and discipline.
It is agreed by both parties that the decision of the arbitrator is binding
and final on both parties and that if this procedure is utilized all other
avenues of appeal are waived. If arbitration is chosen the City must be
notified by the grievant or his/her representative within fifteen (15)
working days following the City Manager's decision.
Within ten (10) working days after the request for arbitration is received
by the City or at a date mutually agreed to by the parties, the parties shall
meet to select an impartial arbitrator. If no agreement is reached at this
meeting, the parties shall immediately and jointly request the State
Conciliation and Mediation Service to submit to them a panel of five (5)
arbitrators from which the City and the LPF shall alternately strike names
until one (1) name remains; this person shall be the arbitrator. If the State
Conciliation and Mediation Service cannot provide a list of five (5)
arbitrators, the same request shall be made of the American Arbitration
Association.
To insure that the arbitration process is as brief and economical as
possible, the following guidelines shall be adhered to:
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
1. An arbitrator may, upon mutual consent of the parties, issue a
decision, opinion or award orally upon submission of the arbitration.
2. Both parties and the arbitrator may tape record the hearing.
3. There shall be no official transcript required; however, either party
may utilize a court reporter at its own sole expense. The cost of a
court reporter required by an arbitrator shall be shared equally by the
parties.
4. 'Mc parties may agree to prepare a joint letter submitting the issue(s)
in dispute. The letter shall present the matter on which arbitration is
sought and shall outline the MOU provisions governing the
arbitration. It may contain mutually agreed on stipulations of fact
and it may be accompanied by any documents that the parties
mutually agree shall be submitted to the arbitrator in advance of the
hearing which may not necessarily be stipulations of fact. Further, if
the parties mutually agree, the entire matter may be submitted to
arbitration for review without a hearing. Absent agreement to
prepare a joint letter, the parties may submit separate letters.
5. The strict rules of evidence are not applicable but shall be of a type
or kind relied upon by prudent people in the conduct of serious
business and the hearing shall be informal.
6. The parties have the right to present and cross examine witnesses
issue opening and closing statements, and file written closing briefs.
Testimony shall be under oath or affirmation.
7. The arbitrator may exclude testimony or evidence which he/she
determines irrelevant or unduly repetitious.
8. The arbitrator may exclude witnesses and observers from the
hearing at his or her discretion.
9. The arbitration hearing shall be held on the employer's premises.
10. The cost of arbitration shall be borne equally by the parties.
However, the cost, if any, of cancellation or postponement shall be
the financial responsibility of the party requesting such delay unless
mutually agreed by the parties.
The decision, opinion, or award shall be based on the record
developed by the parties before and during the hearing, unless
otherwise agreed to by the parties. The decision shall be in writing
and shall contain the crucial reasons supporting the decision and
award.
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
The arbitrator has no power to add to, subtract from, or modify the
terms of the MOU or the written ordinances, resolutions, rules,
regulations and procedures of the City, nor shall he/she impose any
limitations or obligations not specifically provided for under the
terms of the MOU. The arbitrator shall be without power or
authority to make any decision that requires the City or management
to do an act prohibited by law.
The arbitrator has no power to add to a disciplinary action.
The arbitrator's decision shall be final, binding, and precedential and
the arbitrator's decision shall possess the authority to make an
employee whole to the extent such remedy is not limited by law,
including the authority to award back pay, reinstatement, and to
issue an order to expunge the record of all references to a
disciplinary action if appropriate.
If the City believes that the matter is not arbitrable and/or not
grievable, the matter shall be bifurcated. The parties shall select an
arbitrator to hear the issue of arbitrability only. In the event that the
arbitrator determines the matter to be arbitrable, the parties shall
select a second arbitrator to hear the merits of the case.
By filing a grievance and processing it beyond the City Manager the
grievant expressly waives any right to statutory remedies for the
same contract remedies that were available through arbitration or to
the exercise of any legal process other than is provided by the
grievance/arbitration procedure for those contractual remedies under
this contract. The process in a grievance beyond the City Manager
shall constitute an express election on the part of the grievant that
the arbitration procedure is the chosen forum for resolving the issues
contained in the grievance, and that the grievant shall not resort to
any other forum or procedure for resolution or review of the issues.
The parties do not intend by the provisions of these paragraphs to
preclude the enforcement of any arbitration award in any court of
competent jurisdiction.
Allegedly discriminatory acts by the city may be addressed through
the judicial system, DFEH, EEOC, and/or the City's internal
complaint procedure system as provided by law. Allegedly
discriminatory acts are not subject to this procedure.
36.4 GRIEVANCE INVOLVING A DISCIPLINARY ACTION
This section sets forth the exclusive means for grieving disciplinary actions in the
form of a written reprimand, demotion, suspension or dismissal. In the event the
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF
2018 - 2019
employee wishes to challenge the City Manager's final decision on such discipline,
the employee shall appeal the decision to binding arbitration, commencing with
Step C of Article 34.3 of this MOU. All other, lesser forms of discipline shall be
reviewable by the Fire Chief without a further right of appeal.
ARTICLE XXXVII - LAYOFF PROCEDURE
37.1 It is mutually agreed by both parties that the layoff procedure, incorporated in the
Policy and Procedure manual, dated May 1, 1995 is included in this MOU by
reference and it is further agreed that both parties interpret it to mean that time
served in a higher level shall be counted at a lower level for purposes of
determining order of layoff
ARTICLE XXXVIII - PHYSICAL FITNESS
38.1 It is agreed that the physical fitness program shall be continued and shall meet the
following goals:
1. Provide a complete physical examination on an annual basis. These
examinations to be performed by professional medical staff contracted for
by the City.
2. Provide a fitness assessment which will evaluate each individual employee's
fitness as compared to the YMCA normative scores which are defined as:
"a percentage based on fitness evaluations performed by the YMCA and are
categorized according to age group and sex."
The fitness assessments shall be performed by professional assessors
contracted for by the City.
3. Provide an individual program of exercise based on age, sex and present
physical condition.
4. Provide attainable goals for each individual which would be measurable
through the fitness assessment provided.
5. Provide for in-house exercise activities.
6. Provide an exercise program which shall improve cardiovascular
conditioning, body fat composition, flexibility, grip strength, abdominal
strength, low back strength, chest (arm) strength, back strength, quadriceps
and hamstring strength.
It is further agreed that:
1. The program shall be mandatory for all employees in the bargaining unit.
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MOU - CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
2. The program shall be scheduled as a high priority item and work out times
shall normally be available between 0800 and 1700 hours excluding lunch
period and breaks. The City shall provide adequate equipment to carry out
the intent of the program.
3. The equipment used for this program is not to be used by anyone other than
City of Lodi Fire personnel.
4. Confidentiality of records shall be maintained for the protection of the
employees.
ARTICLE 300ICX - PROBATION
39.1 During probationary period, twelve (12) months, the new hire or promotional
employee shall be entitled to sick leave benefits. Upon completion of probation,
employees are eligible for merit increases.
39.2 Employees on initial probation may not utilize vacation accruals.
39.3 Probationary releases are appealable only to the extent required by law.
ARTICLE XL - SEVERABI L1'ry
40.1 In the event that any provision of this MOU is found by a court of competent
jurisdiction to be invalid, all other provisions shall be severable and shall continue
in full force and effect.
ARTICLE XLI — MISCELLANEOUS
41.1 LPF and the City of Lodi will meet and confer on entry level minimum
qualifications.
31
SCHEDULE A
LPF Positions
Effective October 8, 2018
Title
Fire Captain - 112
Fire Captain - 80
Fire Captain - Acting
Fire Engineer- 112
Fire Engineer - 80
Fire Fighter I - 112
Fire Fighter I - 80
Fire Fighter II -112
Fire Fighter II - 80
Fire Inspector
Step 0
$ 83, 255.42
$ 83, 255.42
$ 80, 830.50
$71,919.17
$ 71,919.17
$ 56,350.46
$ 56,350.46
$ 62,126.00
$ 62,126.00
Step 1
$ 87,418.10
$ 87,418.10
$84,871.98
$75,515.09
$75,515.09
$65,232.24
$65,232.24
$75,515.09 $79,290.87
Step 2
$91,788.98
$91,788.98
$ 89,115.45
$79,290.87
$79,290.87
$ 68,493.72
$ 68,493.72
$ 83, 255.42
Step 3
$96,378.27
$96,378.27
$93,571.24
$83,255.42
$83,255.42
$ 71,918.50
$ 71,918.50
$87,418.10
Step 4
$101,197.39
$101,197.39
$ 98, 249.82
$ 87,418.10
$ 87,418.10
$ 75,514.30
$ 75,514.30
$ 91, 789.11
MOU — CITY OF LODI AND LPF 2018 - 2019
CITY OF LODI
LODI PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION
Trevor Lambert
Fire Captain
Stephen Schwabauer
City Manager
Date: Date:
William Broderick
Fire Captain
Andrew Keys
Deputy City Manager
Date: Date:
Ryan Wentz
Firefighter
Adele Post
Human Resources Manager
Date: Date:
33
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Janice D. Magdich, City Attorney
ATTEST:
Jennifer M. Ferraiolo, City Clerk