MAY 12, 2008 MEET AND CONFER MINUTES
HASTINGS VETS HOME
Management Present: Chip Cox, Connie Ball, Nancy Delmore, Pat Gosz, Amanda Schumacher, Ellen Nelson
MAPE Present: Joe McMahon, Susan Parenteau, Linda Lamb, Katie Wrich, Catherine Hopen, Amy Broughton, Patricia Winstead, Jennifer Lanners
Agenda Item 1: Tape Recording Employee Investigations
The MAPE committee expressed to management that it would seem to make sense to tape record employee investigations so that the record accurately reflects the questions asked and the answers given. Joe McMahon stated that the large state agencies like DNR, Corrections and Public Safety routinely tape employee investigations.
Management Response:
Mr. Cox stated that he thought that the commissioner would have to make the decision to tape the meetings and Hastings would not have the authority to make that decision. He also said that taping the meeting is not the current practice. Management also stated that DOER advises agencies not to tape the investigation because “tapes can be altered.”
Agenda Item 2: Time Trak and White Slips
MAPE asked management to clarify expectations concerning the use of white slips. We also asked for a little professional flexibility for exempt employees and the possible use of “pay to punch” in the Time Trak system. The discussion also clarified the difference between exempt and non-exempt for the purposes of payroll and overtime/comp-time.
Management Response:
Mr. Cox stated he didn’t know there was a concern. He also stated he would check into the possibility of the “pay to punch” option in Time Trak. We were also informed that the white slips will be continued.
Agenda Item 3: Dress Code Policy
MAPE asked for a little discretion in the policy as it relates to “no” blue jeans and shorts when field trips are taken. The trip could include fishing, gardening, moving residents, etc. In the Dress Code Policy letter (n) allows for flexibility in the policy with management approval. MAPE also discussed types of fabric that are not denim but blue slacks.
Management Response:
Mr. Cox stated that there could be approved situations like a trip to Ely where the policy could be relaxed, but no other wiggle room. It was also stated that if the pants “look like blue jeans, it is.” Management sees the policy as business casual.
Agenda Item 4: Chain of Command
MAPE asked for clarification on the chain of command for issues that need to be moved to a higher level. We also asked for an update on a new management style that may be implemented. The committee clarified that some employees email their supervisor and copy Chip and Connie. It was asked how long an employee should wait for a response from their supervisor before they go to the next level for answers.
Management Response:
Employees should always go to their supervisor first and not skip directly to Mr. Cox. Mr. Cox stated that if the care team is not working as a team, he should know. It was also stated that employees should not answer to “two masters.” Management expressed that there are a lot of strong personalities and that when a decision is made; it should be supported by all.
