January 10, 2006 

SUBJECT:      Extension of Communication Officers Association (COA) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

REPORT IN BRIEF

Tentative agreement has been reached with the Communication Officers Association (COA) regarding the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which was due to expire on December 31, 2005.  If approved by Council, this agreement will extend the expiration date of the existing MOU from January 1, 2006 until exactly 90 calendar days from the date the City Council approves a successor MOU between the City and the Public Safety Officers Association (PSOA).  The parties believe that the negotiations between the City and PSOA should be completed before negotiations commence for a successor agreement between the City and COA.

BACKGROUND

The City timely notified the COA of its desire to negotiate a successor MOU by written memorandum dated September 16, 2005, and the parties commenced its first negotiations meeting on October 5, 2005.  Subsequent to this first meeting, the City received formal notice from COA on October 12, 2005 requesting that bargaining for a new MOU between the City and the COA “trail” negotiations for the PSOA.

Representatives of the City and COA have discussed this offer and have agreed to recommend to the City Council to adopt the COA offer and extend the current COA MOU.  This matter was discussed by City representatives in a closed session with the City Council on October 18, 2005. Both parties anticipate that a successor MOU between the City and PSOA will be entered into sometime in 2006 since the term of the current MOU between the City and PSOA expires on June 30, 2006.  The parties anticipate and desire to be back at the collective bargaining table to negotiate a successor MOU as soon as the successor agreement between the City and PSOA is approved.

DISCUSSION

In accordance with the current MOU, wages for employees represented by COA are based on established ties to PSOA.  Both parties agree it is in their best interest to complete the PSOA negotiations prior to making any changes to the COA contract. 

FISCAL IMPACT

There are no new or additional costs associated with the contract extension. The proposed contract extension states there shall be no wage or benefit increases as a result of the current “tie” to PSOA.

PUBLIC CONTACT

Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City’s web page, and the availability of the report in the Library and the City Clerk’s office.

ALTERNATIVES