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50% for over two-thirds of the firefighters currently employed, and 70% for new firefighters. He stressed that firefighters need to have sufficient medical leave to fully recover from an injury or illness; and thereafter presented medical leave maximum accrual comparisons among neighboring Counties. He disclosed that the Union had proposed a Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP) be offered by Nationwide Insurance during the negotiations, but it was rejected. He did not think the County's proposals for Paragraphs 26.01, newly numbered 26.03, newly numbered Paragraph 26.05, or newly numbered Paragraph 26.06, made sense; and did not think they were supported by evidence. He recommended Article 26 remain status quo. G. Article 28 — Annual Leave 10 minutes each, County presents first 8:00 p.m. Attorney Mandel said the issues under Article 28, Annual Leave, were pertaining to Paragraphs 28.01, 28.02, and 28.03. He pointed out that the County's proposal was an attempt to reduce the annual leave accruals and payouts upon separation from employment, consistent to what was done County -wide (internal consistency). He indicated that the change would only apply to those hired after the ratification of the CBA. He recommended the Board approve the County's proposal on the said Paragraphs, as shown in Exhibit N. Attorney Mierzwa voiced concern that under Article 28, Annual Leave, the County Administrator's proposal would place the firefighters at the lowest rate of annual accrual, which would be problematic and unfair in light of their 56 -hour work week. He emphasized, after showing comparisons with neighboring counties, that the County Administrator's proposals would put the Indian River Firefighters at the bottom of every benefit. He stressed that this information would quickly spread to all workers, and soon Indian River County would be experiencing turn -over and hiring problems. He urged the Board not to further destroy the morale of the department. H. Article 33 — Incentive Pay 15 minutes each, Union presents first 8:06 p.m. Attorney Mierzwa announced that Paragraph 33.10 was the only paragraph under Article 33 that remained in dispute. He reported that the County's budget had been funding 86 solo paramedic incentive slots annually, but the Fire Chief had not filled them, which is why the Union wanted to keep the language that the County would fund the slots, and add the language that the Fire Chief would fill them, because failure to do so, negatively impacts the ability for employees to take vacations, choose Kelly Days, and engage in shift exchanges. He also requested the Board adopt the language that would allow the State Certified Medical Director to approve protocoled paramedics to function as solo medics. Impasse Hearing March 20, 2015 Page 6