JLMIT Meeting Summary

Meeting Date/Time: 5-20-09 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m.

Location: Chinook Building, Room 116

Attendees: Fred Bentler (DNRP), Jim Meith (HRD), Behnaz Nelson (IFPTE Local 17), Janet Parks (IFPTE Local 17), Betty Sorbo (Teamsters Local 117), Peg Taglianetti (KCIT Central), Christine Ynzunza (KCIT Central)

 

Agenda

 

Using JLMIT

DES Update

KCIT Central Operations Update Network Services Structure

CMS Class/Comp Status

Sharepoint Update

Service Center Update/Helpdesk Staffing

 

Discussion

 

Using JLMIT

 

Chris brought up a couple of situations where the IT reorg coordinators were contacted separately about changes related to the reorg. She suggested that these items be brought to JLMIT or JLMIT be consulted about them.  It was mentioned that some issues were low level and could probably be solved at that level.   It was agreed to communicate more with those not directly attending JLMIT and to keep JLMIT in the loop where appropriate and helpful.

 

DES Update

 

The DCS staff went through a process involving Local 17 to select who would move to DES. Currently, four employees are moving over.   Changes are being implemented to finalize their move, including seating, equipment, and related infrastructure needed for them to do their jobs.   Betty stated that people continue to have questions in her group about changes in DES.  Some employees in the Teamsters union are also planned to move to DES within the next few months.   Betty is going to check with her employees to see what their concerns are.

 

KCIT Central Network Service Structure

 

Regarding the previously proposed structure changes in Network Services, Chris said they have decided not to have the division between Design and Maintenance.  Roger Kirouac is revisiting the structure. They are continuing to work on a new structure; and will apprise the JLMIT when that is arrived at.

 

CMS Class/Comp Status

 

There are fewer changes so far with Class/Comp than originally thought for the IT reorg.   A few long-form PDQs are being done for DOT and other groups; but only some of these are due to IT reorg.   Chris said that as Tier 1 support is figured out for the Service Center there may need to be reclasses and/or new classes to accommodate.   Chris said this may happen next year.   Janet stated that changes are happening in the Public Health Helpdesk now.  There are some other blended positions, for example Database Specialist, where they are contemplating how to arrange the reporting structure. Some positions that are more business-oriented will likely continue to report to business managers where that makes sense.

 

Sharepoint

 

DNRP is an early adopter of Sharepoint.  Things are going fairly well although the costs seem higher than first anticipated. Questions were raised about the security of shared files in the new Sharepoint system.   It was also wondered how the use level of the Sharepoint services would be controlled.   In addition, if there are external events like an outbreak of pandemic flu, it was asked whether the County would be prepared with backup systems for the Sharepoint files. Beth mentioned a training session she was attending for Sharepoint in her group.

 

Service Center Helpdesk Staffing

 

There were questions about outsourcing Helpdesk Tier 1 staff.   People had heard rumors that this was happening. Chris said the answer is no no outsourcing is planned.   Staff in Public Health were told they were to move to a central location.  Chris said the plans are to keep the local staff located where they are already.   There is a project team for designing the new Service Center.  Behnaz asked if any employees are one the project team and Chris said there are.

 

Other Business

 

Fred suggested having the JLMIT mission be included in the King County strategic plan. Pros and cons of this were considered. Chris said that Jim Keller could be approached to possibly do outreach on this.

 

Another issue was presented that it has been discovered that the new Data Center is located in a flood danger area due to a hole in a nearby dam. Chris said there is a report about this and Gary Hocking is going to do a study on it.

 

It was planned to discuss changes at DOT for the next time.   Some of the groups are interest arbitration and will be combining with groups that are not.   Jim explained interest arbitration groups versus other represented union groups.   The interest arbitration groups are considered doing activities that are critical to County operations.   They officially cannot strike and issues that are bargained in other groups are escalated to an outside arbitrator for these groups.   In DOT, both groups exist and changes will be bringing them to work more closely together.   There are questions about how this increased proximity will affect arrangements for the employees in these groups.   Jim said there will be meetings to address these issues.

 

Chris explained that she was going on assignment with DOT for 6 months and a new HR Manager would be hired to backfill her position while she is gone.  [The new HR Manager is Janice Evans.]   Chris was thanked for her contributions to the JLMIT.

 

Follow-up Items

 

Strategic Plan Outreach Janice [?] contact Jim Keller

 

Next Meetings

 

May 20 10:00 am

11:30 am (Caucus 11:30 am to 12 noon if needed)

Chinook Room 117, 119, 120

 

Tentative Agenda for Next Meeting

 

PH Structure Update

KC Central Operations Update

Sharepoint Update

New Data Center

Service Center Update/Helpdesk Staffing

DES Update

DOT Update

CMS Class/Comp Status