Copyright 2006 P.G. Publishing Co.
By MADELINE IZZO
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Pennsylvania)
Butler has negotiated a new three-year contract with its firefighters that will ease the city’s financial burden.
International Association of Firefighters Local 1749 agreed to a wage freeze in the first year, a reduction in force, contributions to the cost of health care and a part-time firefighter program.
The firefighters have been operating without a contract since the previous three-year agreement expired Dec. 31.
The city’s police force is also operating without a labor contract, but that negotiation has gone to arbitration.
As part of the new contract, firefighters forfeited raises the first year in exchange for a 2 percent raise in the second and third years. They also agreed to reduce the force from 20 to 18 firefighters. Since the retirement of Larry Dorenkamp, the department has been operating with 19 firefighters.
The firefighters agreed to pay 1 percent of the their health insurance premiums the second year of the contract, and 2 percent the third year. They also agreed to allow the city to hire two part-time firefighters which would help maintain minimum four-man shifts without paying overtime.
“To have any department step forward in any year and agree to a pay freeze and a reduction in force and for the first time ever to pay for a portion of health care costs, I think it does show a recognition on their part that everybody has to make sacrifices,” Councilman James Kraus said at Tuesday’s council meeting.
Also at the meeting, the subject of parking meters on Main Street came up again. Council voted in October to install about 90 meters on previously unmetered Main Street to raise money for the financially challenged city. The city acquired coin-operated meters from the parking authority at no cost but has not installed them.
Mayor Maggie Stock said she is looking into electronic meters that would offer more payment options and computerize accounting.
“They’re not substantially more expensive,” Mayor Stock said.
The meters cost $159 each.
Members of council disagree widely on how much money the meters would raise. Councilman James Kraus said the meters could raise $80,000. Councilwoman Kathy Kline suggested the meters would bring in only $10,000 to $15,000.
“It was indicated in October that [the meters would] bring in $56,250 under the best of circumstances,” Councilman Mitch Ufner said.
Mr. Ufner proposed that council make a decision at its meeting tonight to resolve the matter.
In other matters, Council:
* Appointed David Schmidt, of North McKean Street, to the Parks, Recreation, Grounds and Facilities Authority.
* Heard about a change in garbage collection. Starting immediately, residents are limited to 10 39-gallon plastic bags and one bulk item per week for pickup.
Also, there will be a public meeting today about new information from the state Department of Environmental Protection for municipalities in the Butler Area Sewer Authority service area. The meeting is at 1 p.m. in the Butler Township municipal building.