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E. Article 19 — Shift Exchanges <br />3:45 <br />p.m. Articles 19, 26, and 28 were combined since they were interrelated. <br />Discussion ensued throughout the Attorneys' presentations on shift <br />exchanges, as Commissioners posed questions and expressed opinions. <br />Commissioner O'Bryan questioned whether adding the word "scheduled" <br />to Paragraph 26.04, would resolve the situation regarding medical, dental, <br />optical, or chiropractic examinations or treatment being scheduled 72 hours <br />in advance; commented on shift swaps; revealed that Fort Lauderdale had <br />a shift limit policy similar to what this County was proposing; liked the <br />proposal that shifts need to be paid back; and thought Indian River County <br />should be competitive with neighboring Counties. <br />Further discussion ensued regarding shift exchanges; individuals working <br />out of rank; and the difficulties firefighters face when trying to obtain their <br />required training. <br />Commissioner Flescher believed there needed to be a carveout for the <br />individuals trying to meet the obligations of the agency. <br />Director King was in favor of having a carveout to help probationary <br />employees meet their minimum requirements. <br />Mr. Connor said there was no incentive to seek training because the <br />Administration's stance was that training should be on the individual's own <br />time and expense; therefore, why would anyone want to spend their shift <br />exchanges going to a class when they would not be reimbursed. <br />Attorney Mierzwa said the Union was not opposed to shift exchange <br />restrictions, and would be willing to entertain the County's proposal as long <br />as the standby for union business was excluded. <br />The following individuals spoke in support of the Union's proposals for <br />Article 19 — Shift Exchange; Article 26 — Medical Leave and Disability; and <br />Article 28 — Annual Leave: <br />Wayne Howard <br />Christen Brewer <br />Francine Brown <br />Jennifer Gentry Garry <br />James Holbrook <br />Roger Van Kramer <br />Donna Garofalo <br />Joe Walls <br />Kurt Vroman <br />Impasse Hearing <br />March 20, 2015 Page 14 <br />