February minutes

Staff Council Meeting Location: Paresky 220

Wednesday, February 16, 2011                                                 Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

In Attendance: Martha Tetrault, ex officio, Danielle Gonzalez, ex officio, Colleen Bethoney, ex officio, Erwin Bernhart, Lisa Briggs, Dawn Dellea, Gisela Demant, Jenny Dewar, Maggie Driscoll, Mark Kimball, Sheila Mason, Lynn Taft, Kim Tremblay, Teresa Waryjasz

Absent: David Boyer, Derrick Robertson, Roberta Sweet

Agenda:

1.  Solicit feedback on changing pay during Thanksgiving from Wednesday to Friday — difference without a distinction?

2.  Shift differential pay

3.  Special parking

4.  Continuation of items from January agenda

Minutes:

November Payroll Date Change

Historically payroll is rushed and processed on Wednesday prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. The process creates a tremendous strain on our payroll staff. The Council discussed the possibility of having payroll distributed on Friday as typically done to help alleviate this strain.

The Council felt with the proper notice via website (updating the pay schedule) and other communications through daily message and the HR Newsletter that this would not be an issue.

Shift Differential

The shift differential policy was last reviewed in 2008 and the last changed 10 years ago.  In 2008, shift differential currently costs the college approximately $100,000.  Departments that receive shift differentials are Facilities, Security, Health Center, Library and Dining Services.  It was agreed this policy be reviewed this year.  Martha is conducting a review of peer practices and will report in April.

Special Parking

It was brought up that some staff were frustrated with the special parking near Schapiro and Hollander Halls.  Many on the committee were not aware of this parking privilege or the background around it.  It is thought that this is a privilege for high efficiency/low emission vehicles and as part of Leed certifications.  It was agreed that there needs be more education and communication on this.  Lynn Taft is going to research and report back to the group.  It was suggested that this info be in the April HR Newsletter as a reminder to the College community.

Next scheduled meeting:

March 16 @ 10:00 a.m., Paresky 220

Reported by C. Bethoney