Cheney council OKs contracts

Cheney dispatchers and police officers have new contracts, thanks to City Council action Feb. 27.

The council voted unanimously and without much discussion to approve a pair of three-year contracts for Teamsters Local 690 — dispatchers — and the Police Guild, which represents sergeants, detectives and officers. Both contracts included annual 3 percent wage increases over the previous year’s base salary.

“That’s keeping us competitive in the area,” City Administrator Mark Schuller said in explaining the dispatchers’ contract. “Spokane is always looking for dispatchers so we need to stay competitive.”

With the exception of a break while a new Teamsters representative was named, Schuller said the dispatcher contract negotiations didn’t take long since the local represents just five employees. The only changes were language surrounding use of vacation time.

The same scenario applied to the Guild’s contract, with the exception of language changes around officer duties outside of normal patrol responsibilities. Schuller said the talks were helped by the fact the Guild didn’t ask for “the sun, moon and stars” when it came to wages, acknowledging the city’s difficult financial position.

As with the Teamsters, Schuller said getting a contract quickly with a competitive wage should help retain employees since other agencies such as the Spokane Police Department and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office are always looking for candidates.

“I’d sure like to keep our department intact because they’re a good bunch,” he added.

In conjunction with the contract agreements, the council voted unanimously to approve all three readings and final passage of the 2018 salary ordinance, updating the document to incorporate the Teamster and Guild cost of living adjustments.

In the only other piece of business last Tuesday, the council approved a ground lease agreement with the Cheney business JC Steel Targets to build a new manufacturing facility on three lots in the city’s Commerce and Industrial Park. The $1,000 a month lease runs for 10 years, with an option to purchase the properties on Spring Street beginning in the 100th month.

JC Steel also has an option on a fourth piece of property further up the hill on Fred Johns Way in the park. According to the contract, JC Steel Targets — which operates out of a shop on Second Street — intends to build a 5,000 square foot production facility, something city attorney Stanley Schwartz said must begin within 120 days of the contract’s approval.

“Something must go vertical,” Schwartz told the council. “If not, then technically, it’s a default and the lease is terminated.”

According to its website, JC Steel Targets manufactures steel targets and target hanging systems used in shooting. In addressing several council member concerns, Schuller said the facility does not include a shooting range.

“This came together quickly,” Schwartz said, noting Mayor Chris Grover had signed a letter of intent with JC Steel on Jan. 24. Grover added the agreement represented a “win-win situation” for both parties involved.

The council’s next meeting is Tuesday, March 13, at 6 p.m. in the City Hall council chambers.

John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com.