Police contract approved

by Sue Serdinak

Dec. 19 village council meeting

As it was the last council meeting for 2023, the finance director asked council to adopt resolutions to finalize payments and adjustments that were required by law, before the end of the calendar year. Many legislative pieces were considered end-of-the year housekeeping.

Council adopted a Then and Now Certificate that covered a payment of $400,000 to Seabreeze North Corporation for the construction work that they performed on the extension of Congress Parkway.

Council and Mayor Michael Wheeler recognized Dr. Charles Boester for his 35 years of serving on the planning and zoning commission, several of them as the chair.

After going into executive session, council approved a two-year agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 66.

According to the agreement, officers will see a 4% pay increase in 2024, 3.5% in 2025 and 3% in 2026. New to the agreement, employees with at least 25 years of service will be eligible for six weeks of vacation. Stepparents will be considered immediate family with regard to leave time for a death.

Employees will pay an increased percentage for health insurance: 14% in 2024, 14.5% in 2025 and 15% in 2026.

New guidelines were defined regarding fitness for duty and possible termination or suspensions.

The village agreed to a memorandum of understanding that they will consider offering maternity leave in the future. ∞