LORDSTOWN Holiday-pay grievance is denied

New contract language was cited in blocking the police sergeant's request.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LORDSTOWN -- A grievance filed by a sergeant in the village police department was unanimously denied based on language in the new contract.
Council agreed Monday to deny the claim by Sgt. Robert L. Minor that he was entitled to 16 hours pay for Feb. 17, Presidents Day.
Minor, who was off sick that day, provided a doctor's excuse stating he was unable to work the holiday. His grievance, filed in March, cited an article in the union contract saying employees were entitled to eight hours each of regular and holiday pay if they worked on a recognized holiday, had approval from the chief or had a doctor's excuse saying they were sick that day.
But the new contract, which took effect Jan. 1, has new language that says no employee can claim more than eight hours time unless they actually worked the holiday. Solicitor Paul Dutton included the new language in the contract in his written opinion to council suggesting they deny the claim.
Interim Police Chief Brent Milhoan denied the claim through the department April 4; former Chief William Catlin, who retired March 2, did not approve the initial pay request.
The only comment before the measure was approved came from Councilman Richard Biggs, who said he didn't believe the claim should be paid since the new contract language was in effect at the time.
Consultant hired
Also at the meeting, council agreed to hire CT Consultants Inc. to provide design, engineering and inspection services for the construction of an additional left-turn lane and the installation of a traffic signal on Hallock-Young Road at the entrance to the General Motors Assembly Plant.
General Motors officials requested the additions from the village in conjunction with the renovations being done at the plant in anticipation of a new line of cars.
While the road will eventually be maintained by the village, GM will pay all costs associated with the project, except for those arising from the work of CT Consultants. GM officials will also be responsible for choosing a contractor to do the work.
CT Consultants will be paid no more than $18,800 for its work, according to the ordinance.
slshaulis@vindy.com