Personnel Committee May 27, 2020
Highlights:
Discussion on committee members was initiated by me
Any Fitchburg resident can serve on a committee, and you often do not need special training to be considered. I don't believe this is common knowledge, and I don't think enough is done to recruit residents to apply for consideration.
I brought up several ideas for how we can improve the committee process and composition, including:
More advertising of openings, including social media, the Fitchburg Star, and using city communications (like water bills)
Considering term limits for members
Improving the application process, including asking current member to reapply to be reappointed and requiring candidates to attend the council meeting where their appointment is up for a vote
City staff is researching the policies of other municipalities in regards to council committees.
I will write some proposed resolutions for discussion at the next Personnel Committee meeting on July 8
Chaplaincy Program was passed
This created the position of chaplain. It is a volunteer position.
The chaplain will be available to any employee during difficult times when they feel the need to reach out.
Police Chief Brecklin and Fire Chief Pulvermacher spoke in support of this program.
Telecommuting Policy was passed
City employees will be allowed to work from home under certain circumstances going forward.
Administrator Pat Marsh spoke about how well the staff adapted during COVID-19 when they were forced to work from home.
I believe this will make us more competitive in recruiting the best municipal employees to work for Fitchburg. Younger generations expect more flexibility from their workplace.
What is the Personnel Committee?
The Personnel Committee is a standing (permanent) committee made up of three alders. They oversee all boards, commissions, officers, officials and employees in any matter concerning labor contracts, salaries, benefits, compliance with affirmative action, equal employment opportunity, or other employment-related programs. Approve all application forms, hiring guidelines, employee training programs, employee guidelines and handbooks, disciplinary procedures and discharge and termination procedures. Oversee all personnel matters, have charge of all matters arising under Wis. Stats §111 and oversee all personnel matters involving employees of the City including any matters involving the state employment relations commission relative to collective bargaining. The committee is responsible for conducting disciplinary hearings involving employees covered by the City's civil service provisions and shall have the duties and powers prescribed in section 16-10 and Wis. Stats. §66.0509.