ADVISORY COUNCIL OF CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES

Minutes of Meeting

October 18, 2001

Concord College

Athens, West Virginia

The Advisory Council of Classified Employees met at 12:15 pm, Thursday, October 18, 2001 in Conference Room E at the College Center Building, Concord College, Athens, WV.

MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:

MEMBERS ABSENT

GUESTS:

Margaret Buttrick, WV HEPC Chancellors Liaison.

The Chair, Ms. Pitzer, called the meeting to order.

Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the July 29 - 31, 2001 meeting were reviewed. A motion was made by Ms. Walsh and seconded by Ms. Carney that the minutes be accepted as presented. The motion was approved.

Higher Education Awareness Committee: This committee has not met but with the ACF meeting on the Concord College campus today, it may be possible for the group to meet. Possible issues for consideration by the group include common legislative goals, IBOGs and roles of the Advisory Councils.

Discussion on PEIA: Ms. Pitzer informed the group that increases in premiums for both employers and employees are under consideration for the 2002-2003 fiscal year. PEIA continues to be a major concern for classified employees.

Grievance Procedures: During the May 29, 2001 ACCE meeting held at Shepherd College, members of the Legislature who were present suggested that after working with and reviewing the Grievance Procedures that were implemented for higher education employees effective July 1, 2001, the ACCE might want to provide the Legislature with an update as to how effective the changes are. An ad-hoc committee was established to develop materials for consideration by the ACCE at the next meeting scheduled to be held November 14, 2001 at Fairmont State College. The ad-hoc committee members include Harper Grimm - Chair, Zac Wycherley and Valeria Barfield.

Web-Site Update: The ACCE web-site, http://www.wvnet.edu/~wvacce, has been updated by Kelly Pryor, WVNET. Ms. Pitzer encouraged the Web Page Committee to meet for the purpose of making recommendations to the ACCE concerning additional information for inclusion on the web-site. She asked all ACCE members to encourage classified employees on their respective campuses to view the web-site often for updated information.

Annual Meeting with the HEPC: SB703 stipulates the HEPC shall meet annually, between the months of October and December, with the ACCE to discuss matters of higher education in which the classified employees or the commission may have an interest. Ms. Buttrick suggested Ms. Pitzer work with the Central Office Staff to schedule either a November or January meeting with the HEPC as there is not a scheduled meeting for December. Items for discussion with the HEPC include 1) the salary schedule, 2) grievance procedures, 3) a joint personnel rule, 4) the transition of the institutional boards from advisory to governing, 5) merit, 6) staffing ratios, 7) problems in communication, and 8) special recognition to the Chair for his efforts in recognizing classified employees at HEPC meetings.

Legislative Affairs Committee: It was noted that this committee should begin finalizing a list of issues for consideration during the 2002 Legislative Session for approval by the ACCE. It was the consensus of the ACCE that we would like to prepare a brochure for distribution during the session.

Series 8 - Personnel Administration: The HEPC will be considering approval of Series 8 at its October 19, 2001 meeting. Concerns expressed by the ACCE included technical changes in reference to the ACCE and language concerning hiring above entry.

Liaison Report: The Chancellors Liaison, Margaret Buttrick, reported 1) that all state employees are now required to show an employment ID when visiting the state capitol, 2) Segal Advisors, Inc. received approximately 20 responses to the RFP which would provide alternative retirement programs and supplemental retirement plan options for higher education employees, 3) a legislative sub-committee was formed to review the issues of a 40-hour work week as well as sick and annual leave for state employees, and 4) the JEC is scheduled to meet next week for the purpose of continuing its review of the Physical Plant job family.

By-Laws Committee: Ms. Neal reported the only issue still under consideration by the By-Laws Committee was that of the election procedures for ACCE representatives. The committee will have a final recommendation available for the November 14, 2001 meeting at Fairmont State College.

ACCE Representation - Shepherd College: Ms. Walsh reported Shepherd College should have an elected representative by the November 14, 2001 ACCE meeting.

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 4:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

STEPHANIE A. NEAL
SECRETARY

AMY PITZER
CHAIR