HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil - 2007-12-14 SSPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES
DECEMBER 14, 2007 CITY OF KITCHENER
A special meeting of City Council was held at 11:33 a.m. this date, chaired by Mayor C. Zehr with all
members present except Councillors K. Galloway and G. Lorentz. Councillor J. Gazzola was in
attendance for part of the meeting.
Notice of this special meeting had been previously given to all members of Council by the City Clerk
pursuant to Chapter 25 (Council Procedure) of the Municipal Code.
Council considered Chief Administrator's Office report CAO-07-064 (L. Bansen), dated December 12,
2007, concerning an interim wage adjustment for the Kitchener Professional Fire Fighters Association
(KPFFA).
Ms. L. Bansen explained that the City has been waiting since March 2007 for the decision from the
arbitrator concerning the collective agreement with the KPFFA. In the meantime, Fire staff has not
had any wage increase in three years which is having a negative impact on morale. Ms. Bansen
advised that the wage increase of 4.25% has been agreed to by both parties and, it is being proposed
that the increase be applied only to the 2005 wages.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic expressed frustration regarding the time that has passed since the arbitration
hearing pointing out that this is not unusual and suggested that the Mayor write the Province to
express the City's frustration in these matters. Mayor C. Zehr advised that a decision is to be made
within 30 days of a hearing but that has not been the case for Kitchener and other municipalities and
yet, there is no penalty for taking longer than required. Mayor Zehr advised that Councillors K.
Galloway and G. Lorentz were unable to make this meeting but did advise him of their support for the
recommendation.
Councillor J. Gazzola entered the meeting.
Moved by Councillor B. Vrbanovic
Seconded by Councillor C. Weylie
"That City Council approve an interim wage adjustment in advance of a Fire Interest Arbitration
Award for 2005 in the amount of 4.25% effective January 1, 2005 for all employees who were
members of the Kitchener Professional Fire Fighters Association as of that date."
Moved by Councillor J. Smola
Seconded by Councillor C. Weylie
Carried Unanimously by all Members present.
"That leave be given the Mover and Seconder to introduce a by-law to confirm all actions and
proceedings of the Council and that the same be taken as read a first, second and third times, be
finally passed and numbered 2007-235 by the Clerk."
Carried.
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 11:43 p.m.
MAYOR CLERK