AgdaPkt 2009-08-24 clsd and reg - Laserfiche WebLink

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San M~eo County City Managers Association 6.1G Page 8 Although there is general support for conducting a public meeting(s) to solicit community input regarding potential actions or changes that would be appropriate relative to rising cost for public employees, there is concern that using that public forum to develop a specific action would be problematic from a labor relations and confidentiality . standpoint. As employers, we have an affirmative obligation to collectively bargain with our units..However, there is agreement that the public input received at such a meeting should be taken into consideration in the development of an action plan to guide the city's future actions relative to labor negotiations. There was no support for the recommendation to develop local ballot initiatives should the elected Council members be reluctant to support two tier retirement systems relative to pensions and health benefits. That recommendation appears to challenge the wisdom of the republic fonn of government where voters elect representatives to invest the time and energy to understand the issues and once so informed they vote to set public policy. Although we generally share and appreciate the members of the" grand jury's passion for their conclusion that a two tier system is in order, we cannot support the notion that if duly elected representatives do not share their conclusion that an elected body should be denied its ability to make such a decision. On behalf of the City Managers Association and Human Resources Association of San Mateo County I thank you for your attention to ili:is very complex issue. As we examine the area of wages and benefits to public employees we will all need to work together and think creatively to attract and retain our workforce while still providing critical services to our community. The grand jury's reP':lrt elevates the discussion and brings the issue center stage in San Mateo County. Clearly the situation that exists today did nQt occur over night nor will efforts to make desired changes be achieved over night. Although not addressed in the Grand Jury Report the legal constraints and labor laws relative to good faith bargaining will clearly constrain elected and appointed officials in their efforts to make suggested changes. Weare hopeful that through collaboration and cooperation with elected officials and labor leaders we will implement many of the recommendations in the report. . Sincerely, C~~OaCM~ Connie Jackson Chair San Mateo County City Managers Association Cc: MERC Members City Manager's Association or San Mateo County Human Resources Association of San Mateo County