Administratipn Minutes – Admin. Meet & Confer
June 13, 2008
Present at this meeting were Tim Quicksell, Rick Nelson (MAPE BA), Susan Thibedeau-Coilan (Admin Safety Administrator), Barbara Ronningen, Jon Larson, Georgia O’Hara, and Gloria Sonnen.
- What is the policy for AEDs (defibrillators) in the Dept. of Administration? Multiple locations, large buildings, etc.
Susan Thibedeau-Coilan explained that the Admin/OET Safety Committee has been looking at the AEDs available in the two agencies. AEDs need batteries for the alarm, and she also indicated that the department is ordering more keys for the cabinets in which the AEDs are located. The Safety Committee will inventory all the units available and where they are located for Admin and OET. Capitol Security has an inventory of units for the building for which they provide security. Jon Larsen suggested that locations be posted on a website. The Safety Committee is looking at managing maintenance of AEDs. Rick Nelson asked if the floor monitors might be trained in using the AEDs and also act as points of contact for them. Susan Thibedeau-Coilan said that training is ongoing through Capitol Security. Certification is for one year. Gloria Sonnen asked who is responsible for checking if the alarm (on the cabinet) goes off. Susan said that anyone who hears the alarm should respond and check. Rick Nelson said that the inventory should be communicated to staff once it is complete. Susan said that she would suggest to Capitol Security that locations of AEDs be including in the training.
2. Some agencies provide exercise equipment for employees – any possibility that Admin would do that? Or perhaps there is equipment available now?
Tim responded that he had researched this issue for Gopal (OET) about 2 years ago. Both the Department of Health and the Department of Revenue have dedicated space that was designed in the new buildings. An employee group at Revenue is in charge of fundraising to get equipment, and the effort is very well organized. At Health and perhaps in other agencies, the employer may provide it. However, Phil Blue, Risk Management, cautioned that the risk and costs of liability insurance (for injuries) was very high and he recommended not proceeding with such a venue. The value of exercise facilities is recognized, but the question has always been whether participation will justify the costs. Rick Nelson said that the Golden Room building has an exercise room with yoga and exercise classes.
- Budget update – what is the fallout from the budget negotiations at the Legislature?
Tim Quicksell distributed copies of a PowerPoint presentation from Dana Badgerow outlining the highlights of the budget as it affects Administration. Commissioner Badgerow indicated to the Leadership Team that the reputation of the Department of Administration is the highest she’s seen at the legislature.
The Energy Management program was abolished, and 3 positions were eliminated. One AFSCME employee transferred to another position in PMD; one MAPE employee was laid off and has an option in Fleet Services although it is a demotion; one MAPE employee received a layoff notice that was later rescinded because the critical accountability functions needed to be maintained, and funding was found for the position.
One additional layoff occurred in Information Policy Analysis Division. But this AFSCME employee was able to transfer to MMD.
Barbara Ronningen asked that the budget information be communicated to all employees in the Department of Administration.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara J. Ronningen
Acting Secretary
