Labor finds peace in Evansdale [Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Iowa]

June 22--EVANSDALE, Iowa -- City workers are happy. Elected officials are content.

The Evansdale City Council Monday unanimously approved a three-year labor deal with employees represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 288. The contract, which starts July 1, includes pay increases averaging 35 cents an hour each year and lower health insurance costs.

Both sides wanted a multi-year contract since employees unionized in 2009, but settled for one-year deals in fiscal year 2011 and 2012. Last year, an arbitrator settled differences when contentious negotiations broke down.

Talks went smoothly this time, sources said.

"This contract was by far the easiest. ... Both sides (are) happy," Mayor Chad Deutsch said. "A multi-year contract is great for employees and the city" for budgeting purposes and financial security.

Six employees out of 19, excluding police officers, are in the bargaining unit. Workers will pay $25 a month for a single health insurance plan and $75 a month for family coverage the first year; the same or slightly more the following year. Premiums could increase to $50 and $120, respectively, in the final year of the contract.

The city recently switched health insurance carriers from Cedar Valley Community Health Care to Central States Southeast and Southwest Areas Health and Welfare and Pension Fund. The new policy features traditional 80/20 coverage, compared to a high-deductible policy with a health savings account.

Deutsch said a three-year contract with the city's police officers, represented by Teamsters Local 238, is close to being finalized.

In other business, the council:

-- Presented local businessman Fred Morris with a Years of Service Award. Morris was a longtime member of the city's Planning and Zoning Board and community volunteer.

-- Voted to change the number of Planning and Zoning Board members from 11 to seven. Mark Brandes was appointed to the board, while Amy Picha and Christie Tipton were removed for lack of attendance.

-- Appointed three members to the library board of trustees: Kathy Johnson, Jan Nichols and Jenny Borwig.

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