Employees and Bargaining Committee 

of Lisbon/M.S.A.D. No. 75 RPC

{Printed copies are duplex printed on both sides of paper.}

 

Minutes

January 2, 2008

 

The Employees & Bargaining Sub-committee of the Reorganization Planning Committee (RPC) met during the breakout session on Wednesday, January 2, 2008, at the Lisbon Community School in Lisbon, Maine.

 

Employees and Bargaining Committee members present were:  Kim Totten, Prudence “Prudy” Grant, Jim Henderson, and Kim Benjamin.

 

Also present were Lisbon Superintendent Shannon Welsh and one member of the Lisbon public audience.

 

In Chair Harris’ absence, Ms. Benjamin agreed to Chair the meeting which was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

Superintendent Welsh notified the Sub-committee that a response from Commissioner Gendron was received in mid-December regarding the December 1st progress report submission.  Dr. Welsh distributed Section 7 of the template for the group to use as a guide.

 

Section 7A.  The progress report only noted “in progress,” but nothing was submitted since the list of employees not covered by individual employment contracts will not be finalized until the final report submission.  The Sub-committee agreed it was not necessary for the full RPC Committee to see the list, provided the Superintendents are instructed to make sure the lists are complete and submitted on February 1, 2008 and this recommendation would be presented to the full RPC Committee for vote that night.

 

Section 7B.  The Sub-committee agreed to submit dates of contract expiration along with a cover letter that states the contracts are enclosed, along with RPC meeting minutes showing recommendations for re-negotiation of contract expiration dates.  It should also be added that when negotiations are finalized in the Spring of 2008, the plan will then be updated from 2008 to 2009.

 

Section 7C.  The Sub-committee agreed to respond to this question, as we know it today, with disclosure language that stipulates, “As of 2/1/09, this is not applicable.”

 

Ms. Benjamin inquired as to the status of the proposed organizational chart, to which Superintendent Welsh reassured the Sub-committee they were on track for the January 16th target date.  The Superintendents have met with everyone except Adult Education and Food Services.

 

Future timelines were discussed.  February 1st is the next submission date.  The Commissioner will respond by February 15th, and the public hearing will be targeted for March 15th.   Discussion ensued on the location of the public hearing and whether it would be a joint meeting of all five towns, or individual meetings.  Ms. Benjamin agreed to ask the Governance Sub-committee to address this during our debriefing.

 

 

 

Section 13.  Mrs.  Totten inquired whether the Commissioner has provided the Superintendents with language yet.  Dr. Welsh received a proposed state model which had two critical positions missing, so the Commissioner was asked not to publish until they had been added.  

 

Mrs. Totten raised questions on whose responsibility it is to pay for two Superintendents while the new RSU was functioning.  Dr. Welsh provided an explanation received by the State.  The State said it was too early to ask that question. Superintendent Welsh has asked for legal advice in writing.

 

Section 13B-D.  These are complete.

 

Superintendent. Welsh apprised the Sub-committee of Georgetown’s request to join the Lisbon/M.S.A.D. No. 75 unit and that more information would be presented by Chair Hill.  The Sub-committee also discussed current proposed legislation regarding the cost-sharing formula.

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m. for RPC group debriefing.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Kim Benjamin

Scribe

 

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