APPROVED FOR RELEASE SEPTEMBER 28, 2010 

DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH

Minutes of Executive Session

September 25, 2007

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Russell Bishop, Psy.D., President; Steve Wolf, R.N., Vice President; Jean Gastiger, R.N., F.N.P., Secretary; Kevin Buick, J.D.; Linda Liston, M.D.; John Olson, D.D.S.; Deborah Schelkopf, D.V.M.; Mary Beth Shear, M.D.

STAFF PERSONS PRESENT:  Karen Grush, Karen Hills, Jane Lux, Bob Drake, Bette Chilton, and Deb Rolf

Mrs. Grush stated that negotiating with the AFCSME Union has been ongoing for over a year, and she hopes the contract is done within two to three months.  Two to three meetings have been held each month in the evenings.  Issues left for negotiation are in the areas of layoff and recall, management rights, part-time benefits, hours of work and wages.  She indicated that it will probably be necessary to have a federal mediator come in to help reach agreement on some open items that we are at impasse on.  Our attorney, Jill O’Brien, has indicated that her experience has been the federal mediators are very good.  No wage package has yet been offered to AFCSME because we are waiting for the above open items to be TAd (tentatively approved).  Mrs. Grush will present the Union with what was approved at tonight’s meeting regarding salaries for FY2008, following, historically, what the County has recommended.

Mr. Wolf asked if Health Department staff attend the negotiations.  Mrs. Grush responded that it is generally only the Union representatives in attendance.  General staff were asked to attend one meeting, and they have expressed that they aren’t getting feedback from the representatives as to what is transpiring. 

Mr. Wolf asked if there was frustration among the staff.  Mrs. Grush responded that it is her understanding there is, and also among Union representatives as they are feeling they are not getting the support from AFCSME since Peg Kermeen is now also involved with beginning negotiations with NIU Health Service.

Mrs. Grush stated that she feels progress is being made.  Management staff have been working hard on the open items and are prepared when meetings are held.  The Union, however, does not meet between sessions so not as much is accomplished as we feel could be. 

Dr. Bishop thanked Mrs. Grush and management staff involved in the negotiations for their hard work.

Jean Gastiger, R.N., F.N.P., Secretary

DeKalb County Board of Health