Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District

Board of Trustees Meeting

April 22, 2008

 

Agenda Item: New Business – Item #8

 

Update regarding Labor Negotiator.

 

Background:

 

On April 14, 2008, during the discussion regarding the scope of services Rutan & Tucker, LLP, was expected to provide, there was an inquiry regarding who was to be involved in the upcoming labor negotiations.

 

Ms. Jenson was asked to find out information regarding the labor negotiator that Ms. Copeland had retained.

 

Ms. Copeland had retained Thomas P. Hock of Thomas P. Hock & Associates.  Mr. Hock is based in Ohio, and is not admitted to practice law in California.  According to his website,

 

Tom Hock, President and co-founder of Professional Transit Management, is one of the most experienced transit management executives in the industry. For over 30 years, Tom has played an active role in countless transit systems throughout the U.S., particularly in labor relations decisions. Prior to establishing PTM, Tom served as Vice President of Labor Relations and Executive Vice President of Transit Management for Ryder/ATE.

 

Ms. Jenson spoke by telephone with Mr. Hock on April 16th.  He indicated that he had met with Ms. Copeland and has given her some suggestions.  He indicated he would pass on the written suggestions that he had made to Ms. Jenson.  To date, he has billed the District for 21.25 hours of work at a rate of $240 per hour, for a total of $5,100.  He incurred $1,477.93 in travel related expenses to come to the Valley to meet with Ms. Copeland.  He confirmed that he has no contract with the District.

 

Liebert Cassidy Whitmore is readily available to step in to complete the labor negotiations.  Ms. Poturica has indicated that her partner, Jeffrey Freedman, could handle the negotiations.  He has over 30 years of experience in handling labor relation matters.  His resume is attached.  His billing rate is $270 per hour.  Both Ms. Jenson and Ms. Poturica recommend that Mr. Freedman serve as the District’s legal representative during the negotiations.  This work falls within the existing contract with the firm.

 

Ms. Jenson and Ms. Poturica would like direction from the Board as to whether it wishes to continue further with Mr. Hock or have Mr. Freedman step into the negotiations.

Fiscal Impact: 

The fiscal impact of this work will depend upon the number of hours spend.  If Mr. Hock performs the work, the District would be responsible for the additional cost of his travel expenses.

Attachment:  Jeffrey Freedman’s Resume