Council Approves Terms of Tentative Agreement with Police Union

The San Bernardino City Council during the closed session portion of its regular meeting on Monday approved terms and will “give direction” to a bankruptcy mediator regarding a tentative agreement with the San Bernardino Police Officers Association (SBPOA). The unanimous approval came after city officials and the SBPOA announced to U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Meredith Jury last week that they reached a tentative long-term agreement. The terms of the agreement are subject to a gag order imposed by Judge Jury. Currently there is no Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) written, but the council agreed to the terms as presented, explained Councilman Henry Nickel. “I think it shows good faith on the part of both parties,” Nickel said. “We all came to the table and we were willing to listen.” The agreement with the SBPOA comes just two months after the city reached an interim agreement with CalPERS, its largest creditor. Mayor Carey Davis in a release issued Aug. 14 said of the tentative agreement with the police union, “This has been a long and difficult negotiation to work through…This agreement marks progress, a huge step forward toward the negotiation of a plan of adjustment in the bankruptcy.” Councilmember Jim Mulvihill said he felt the agreement could allow for collective bargaining between the city and the police union regarding salaries paid to law enforcement personnel. Currently the City Charter stipulates that police and fire personnel be paid salaries comparable with 10 other California cities with like populations. "Our salaries aren't comparable with the increases received by cities like Irvine, Pasadena, Long Beach, Ontario and others," Mulvihill said. "Of the 10 we have the lowest income and probably the lowest property values, and those cities aren't in bankruptcy." Mulvihill shared, "Section 186 in the City Charter would no longer be in effect with regard to the POA... for the first time in at least 60 years." Councilmember Virginia Marquez said, “Things are moving in the right direction. It shows bargaining units, like the police association, want to reach out the city because they know the city is in a very difficult financial situation.” Nickel called the agreement a “win-win for everybody,” as it is “beneficial to the long-term financial stability of the city” and provides constancy for its police in terms of jobs and wages, he said. Councilmembers said the police union was supposed to meet following Monday's council meeting. After several attempts, Det. Steve Turner, president of the SBPOA, was unavailable for comment. Nickel said once the terms of the agreement are made public there may be other cities looking to San Bernardino for tips on moving forward. “I think it’s a game changer in the state, as well, because we are forging new grounds and other cities will take note… (the agreement) is solving long-term financial concerns that other municipalities are facing as well,” Nickel said.