Good afternoon.

To the July 14th of Fire Collective Bargaining Agreement meeting.

And so we'll jump into it.

We do not have a presentation today, instead we'll go over the pending items.

Um and please feel free to stop me at any point and let me know if you've got any questions.

We will handle the meeting similar to the previous meeting, where we will read the the item, the counter language, if there's counter proposal language, and then um if the union will let us know where you're at on it, and then if we're in the tentative agreement.

So I will be starting with item three, and this is regarding incentive pay.

Um at our last meeting, the unit had asked to table this item.

We have additional proposed language to include the following.

Two FTO coordinators per shift will qualify for this incentive when assigned duties related to the FTO program.

Good afternoon, Jay Nicholson, President of Local 51.

On this one, we have some question and need some clarification from administration.

There's been a lot of confusion if it's two FTO coordinators, three FTO coordinators.

So we just need that clarification there.

Okay, so you would like to know how many per shift.

Last I talked to Chief, he said it was two, but I will go back and verify there's no others on any shifts.

Okay.

The next item we're skipping to page two.

The next item is item 10.

Item 10 uh was regarding incentive pay, and we had provided uh the language regarding the critical care paramedics, five percent incentive pay at the last meeting.

I apologize it's not here for your reference, but we did provide it last week.

Um are we good with that language that was provided?

Yeah, we're good on that one, thank you.

Okay, and the city concurs.

The city concurs.

The next item that was uh tabled was item 18.

And this was in reference to the drug and alcohol policy specifically.

Um there's language that we're proposing for appendix G.

Uh the portion reads the employee shall be suspended from the fire department for a period of time not to exceed 30 days.

And the new language is said suspension will occur after the first positive result and will be concurrent with the commencement of an appropriate rehabilitation program.

And then the paragraph continues.

And since this is new language, um you you can take time or you can let us know today.

Yes, ma'am, we're gonna take a moment to look over this.

Okay.

Item 25.

Article eight, uniform allowance.

We had provided an entire new section regarding the uniform allowance along with the strikeouts for this section in the agreement.

And it's pending your review.

And looking over this one.

Excuse me.

Uh the only question there is what is going to be provided.

So as far as moving the date, we don't have an issue with that.

We're just looking for set parameters of X amount of uniforms, boots, etc.

to make sure that we have that clear and written in.

Okay, so we can provide that to you again, and I can go into detail.

So we did provide that last week, but I'm happy to happy to read through it.

And then make sure we'll send it to you that you've got the most recent.

Yeah, 11 badges.

Oh, yes, sir.

That was the one with the typos, absolutely.

So 1100 badges.

You know what?

Maybe the best thing is we'll provide that document to you so you've got it with the red line strikeouts.

Okay, thank you.

Uh-huh.

Okay, the next item.

And those are all related 25, 26, and 27, correct?

So then 28.

So the city uh, of course, accepts the restructuring of the committees, and then in addition to that, we put clarifying language based on the original proposal from local 51 to include uh recommend that the committee will recommend best practices pertaining to firefighter health and safety using NFP 1582, and that the committee would be responsible for helping develop recommended best practices for annual physicals.

Uh the city at this time does not accept the language that was included regarding the advice and consent role with the selection of the medical professional hired to conduct annual physicals, as well as um we do not accept the language regarding oversight steering for the peer support program.

That's our counter proposal at this time.

I forgot to include in there that each of the committees would be required to submit an annual report of all activity to city management, city leadership for review on an annual basis.

And that specific sentence advice and consent role with the selection of medical professionals.

So I understand the city stance is 1582 is a guiding document, not necessarily necessarily the defining document that we have to stick to, but best practices is included for selection of medical professionals in 1582.

So to strike that sentence, what is the city's intent with that?

Let me get back with Chief Gillings on that one.

I'll clarify it next week.

Okay, moving right along.

The next item that we have pending is item 36.

It's found on the top of the page 7, I believe.

Article 25 regarding miscellaneous provisions.

Um the city, the city accepts the proposal for language cleanup as recommended by the following that the fire department will not be obligated or expected to use personal electronic devices to conduct city business, is what we're recommending.

We basically the language that was recommended.

Uh we've discussed this one at length.

I'm really not sure.

I I don't think this language changed much from when we first discussed it, so not real sure why we tabled, but we're good with this one.

Okay.

And we're in concurrence with the city.

Okay.

Oh boy, okay, here we go.

So at items 40 through 49 or 50, I believe.

Uh the city had provided proposals at our last meeting on July 8th.

So included in this is um we had also tabled, I apologize for it.

Let me take a step back.

Local 51 had provided item 40, and this was regarding the labor and management relations and the new committees that were established.

Uh at the time the unit had asked that we table it.

I think my understanding is that we need to ensure that we are including the recommendations that each of the committees would provide under this language.

Is that correct?

With the annual report as well.

Okay.

So we can since we're gonna come back for those other clarifications, we'll add that to this language so it's clarified.

Right, and while we're on that one, I would also like to add that minutes be kept of each meeting and those minutes be forwarded to the fire chief, the city, the association as as they're completed.

Okay.

So the minutes along with the annual report and recommendated recommended best practices.

So we'll make the changes and come back with it.

Item 41.

Um, this was presented or proposed on June 26, 2026.

This was the language regarding the voter approval rate.

I believe Mr.

Cortinez, if you want to provide more information, this is still pending discussion.

I mean, just like what I discussed before when we presented this 12 weeks ago.

I mean, our concern is based on what's going on state legislative.

Uh we've seen several obviously pretty significant impacts on the city financially, being able to generate the property tax revenue to be able to fund city services.

Our concern is going forward.

Next session, there's already been a push from the governor and several others to further limit or restrict city's ability to generate property tax revenue and/or other revenue generating fees.

So again, uh just protecting the city long-term financially.

I mean, I know that we've worked with the fire union in the past, it's been a long time, but we've been very fortunate we've not had to work with you all and have to make amendments to the agreement.

But again, just to protect the city and in case there are additional state actions that further limit the ability to be able to generate revenue.

Um I think it's pretty clear though in the language that we provided, though it would come back to city council, city council would ultimately be the one to approve any recommended adjustments.

We know both fire and police are priorities of the city.

Obviously, we would do everything we can to limit and minimize the impact on this agreement, but you know, we do need to have something in there to protect the city in the future.

Yes, sir.

Uh and looking at this as it's written, it's gonna be a no from this side.

However, we are willing to discuss this further and points of clarification, but as as currently written, it's a no.

Okay.

Any feedback you call can give us would be helpful.

I mean, if you know there's something in particular that you would like us to change, we're more than willing to listen.

Item 42.

Yes, okay.

Item 42, section 21, the creation of a temporary labor management committee tasked with earnestly researching the feasibility and structure of the discipline review board for the El Paso Fire Department.

Any questions regarding this one?

No, I think we've gotten all the clarification we need on this one.

We're good here.

Okay.

The city concurs.

The next item is item, and then it's been cleared cleaned up after the typo.

Item 43, and this is regarding Article 23 examinations and promotions.

This includes uh points to be added to the score of an applicant taking a promotional exam for credentialing held with um commission on professional credentialing as well as an under the center for public safety excellence.

This one's gonna be a no.

Does the city concur or okay?

Okay, next item.

It's item 45 uh Article 9, wages and other compensation when employees move from a 40 hour to 56 hours.

So the proposed language is all accruals will be converted when transitioning to a 40 or 56 hour schedule for schedule changes longer than one full pay period.

We're good here.

Okay.

Item 44.

We yes, we missed one.

Item 44.

Uh civil service rules.

Um ties will be broken by seniority, then class rank if required.

That's just for clarification because there's nothing in silver service.

And then 3G rule five, the application and promotional process and lateral transfer process, section one, the filling of the filing of applications of civil service rules, that's to be removed.

We're good here.

Yes.

Okay.

Sorry.

No, thank you for handling that one.

For some reason, I can't see it.

Item 46, section four.

The language reads, employees shall be permitted to accumulate up to 75 days of vacation and holiday time combined.

Um, and the new portion of this beginning of the section starts with the new portion that should be in red, but it's not, unfortunately, is the last portion, and it states employees will accrue holidays regardless of leave status, and this is new, except when an employee is out on leave for disciplinary reasons.

We're good here.

Thank you.

You don't have your mic on, sir.

Yes.

Thank you.

Under Article 17, sick leave.

The new portion is in red as the last sentence to section 3A.

And it reads an employee out on approved protected leave.

FMLA or a non-fMLA leave of absence will not be required to request leave extended.

I can't read it.

Can you just read it for me?

I'm sorry.

An employee on an out on approved protected leave, FMLA or non-fMA level of absence will not be required to request leave.

Extended leave girls will automatically be deducted.

We're good there.

We're good.

Thank you.

Sorry, sir.

Item 48, insurance.

Oh, this the entire section is news.

So the city will allow payroll deductions to employees for supplemental insurance premiums for up to six providers designated by the association, provided that the designated providers comply with city vendor policies and procedures and do not require additional information to be added to the city's HRIS system.

The city will not charge administrative fee to the employees or association for making the deductions for designated providers.

Just a point of clarification on this one.

I know that we're discussing supplemental insurance premiums, but there are potentially investment banking opportunities or those kind of things that I want to take this part of my money and send it over here.

Is that applicable here?

Or is this just the insurance thing?

My understanding is this just the insurance.

So that would language would have to be counterproposed.

Okay.

And then Ms.

Marker, if you could clarify, is this something the moving money for investment purposes or that kind of thing?

Is there another way that that could be accomplished outside of this?

To my knowledge, no, we would have to have it requested and approved.

Okay.

Thank you.

No, still good with it.

Yes.

So that's it, yes, for both parties.

Okay, the last item we have listed is item 49 regarding insurance, and the new section is at the end of the sentence participation in such plan is subject to employees contributing to such plan at the rate of contribution as agreed to by the parties and the rates agreed to by the party shall not be amended during the terms of the agreement without the mutual consent of the parties, except for any changes mandated by federal or state law or regulation.

And I might note that this was also tied to the 10% increase in rates.

Yes, ma'am.

And then on further further discussion, we can get this in that the uh I don't know, lack of a better word, offset money that covered the um IRS increases is not going to continue forward.

Correct.

I'm going to offer a counter at zero.

So counter proposal of zero percent increase to premium or to the insurance rate.

Yes, ma'am.

Okay.

That's the last one.

Okay.

Next Thursday, Thursday afternoon.

Follow up meeting.

Good here.

Oh, yes, that was a yes.

Uh yes, next Thursday sounds good.

We'll send an invite.

All right.

Thank you.