Inter Governmental Committee

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council's Inter-Governmental Committee met on October 14, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. at the Government Center in Lexington, Kentucky, with CM James presiding. The committee addressed four agenda items during the session, taking three motions to a vote and hearing one public comment.

The committee's agenda included discussion of a Staying Union Free Human Resources Training Class, which was postponed, and Boards/Commissions Reporting, which was deferred to a later date. The committee also tabled consideration of Boards/Commissions That Adhere to Ethics Act Financial Disclosure Requirements. An Update on Committee Items was presented for informational purposes.

Attendance

The following individuals were present at the meeting on October 14, 2008:

• James
• DeCamp
• Gray
• Blues
• Beard
• Stinnett
• Crosbie
• Myers
• Blevins
• Henson

No absences or late arrivals were recorded.

Votes and Decisions

Motion to Hold Off on Workshops 48:48

CM DeCamp moved to hold off on further workshops until revisions are reviewed by the Intergovernmental Committee, seconded by CM Myers. The motion failed by voice vote. Those voting in favor were CM DeCamp and CM Myers. Those voting against were CM Blues, CM Stinnett, CM Blevins, and CM Beard.

Motion to Cease 'Staying Union Free' Class 49:20

CM Blevins moved to direct administration to cease delivery of the "Staying Union Free" class until state law changes or a pressing need arises, seconded by CM Beard. The motion passed by voice vote. Those voting in favor were CM Blevins, CM Beard, and CM Stinnett. CM Blues voted against the motion.

Motion to Table Boards/Commissions Ethics Item 50:22

CM Myers moved to table the item on Boards/Commissions that adhere to Ethics Act Financial Disclosure Requirements for further research. The motion passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition. This item is to be brought back at the next meeting.

Public Comment

26:41

Deborah Force, representing AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees), addressed the meeting to oppose a proposed "Staying Union Free" training class.

Force criticized the training program as offensive and misleading. She argued that despite claims of neutrality, the class promotes anti-union sentiment. Force emphasized that public employees have the right to organize and that the training content is inappropriate for the public sector context.

Force noted that the training material is drawn from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, which focuses on private-sector concerns. She contended that applying private-sector anti-union messaging to public employees misrepresents the nature of public sector employment and employee rights.

Contested Items

Staying Union Free Human Resources Training Class

A significant dispute arose regarding the content and implementation of a Human Resources training class titled "Staying Union Free." The class generated heated discussion centered on concerns about neutrality, labeling, and potential bias in its presentation.

Critics of the class argued that both its title and content promoted anti-union sentiment rather than presenting objective information. They contended that the framing was inherently biased and inappropriate for a mandatory or widely-offered training program.

In response, HR representatives maintained that the class material was factual and objective in nature, defending the curriculum against accusations of bias.

The controversy resulted in two formal actions: - A motion to revise the class failed - A subsequent motion to halt the class succeeded

The class was ultimately discontinued as a result of these proceedings.

Staying Union Free Human Resources Training Class

4:48

The committee discussed concerns regarding the "Staying Union Free" human resources training class, with significant debate over whether the program's content and title were neutral or represented advocacy against unionization.

Defense of the Program

HR Director Michael Allen defended the class as informational and neutral in nature. He noted that the training had been requested by both managers and employees, and characterized it as educational material designed to provide information on union-related topics.

Concerns Raised

Critics of the program, including CM Blues and Deborah Force, argued that the class crossed the line from information into advocacy. They expressed concerns that the training was misleading and questioned its appropriateness as a government-sponsored program. A particular concern was raised regarding the class's origin from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, which raised questions about potential bias in the material's development and framing.

CM DeCamp and CM Blevins also participated in the discussion, contributing to the debate over the program's neutrality and appropriateness.

Actions Taken

A motion was made to pause the class pending review of revisions to address the concerns raised. This motion failed to pass.

However, a subsequent motion to cease delivery of the training class until state law changes were made passed. This action effectively suspended the program pending potential changes to relevant state legislation.

Outcome

The agenda item was postponed, with the training class suspended from delivery pending legal or policy changes.

Boards/Commissions Reporting

Paul Schoninger indicated that the Boards/Commissions Reporting item would be revisited at the next meeting. 49:50

No discussion or action occurred during this session. The item was deferred for consideration at a future meeting.

Boards/Commissions That Adhere to Ethics Act Financial Disclosure Requirements

50:22

Council Member Myers moved to table this agenda item for further research, indicating that additional information was needed before the body could proceed with discussion or action. The motion to table passed.

The item was not revisited during this meeting and will be addressed at a future meeting date.

Update on Committee Items

50:54

Paul Schoninger provided an update on committee items. He reported that the Boards/Commissions reporting item would be ready for presentation at the next meeting. Other matters under review remained in flux and were not yet ready for action.

No action was taken on this agenda item.