Panel approves new rules aimed at helping firefighters battling cancer

The meeting was called to order at 1 p.m.

Public Comment:

• Melissa Arnold, first vice president of Local 48 (firefighters union): The firefighters union requests that their motions, which have been approved by the mayor, be approved.

Motion 1 (see agenda): New leave code for follow-up occupational cancer appointments

• Presentation by Kelsey Braido, deputy director of human resources with the city, and Deb Allison ,risk manager for the city’s finance department, on fire cancer support measures for the Cincinnati Fire Department (CFD).  

Health insurance:

• Firefighters are 100% covered for cancer-related medical expenses. Firefighters and their families are all on one plan with a simplified claim process. The pilot version of this program had positive feedback.

Cancer Concierge Program: 

• Support for city employees going through the cancer process.

Preventative Screening Updates:

• Screening barriers (age, risk factors, etc.) were removed for firefighters. CFD aims to establish in-house cancer screening for firefighters. Any firefighters under 50 diagnosed with thyroid and prostate cancer can submit an insurance claim that will automatically be approved.
• Expansion of injury with pay benefits (IWP): Expanded in the union’s 2023-2026 collective bargaining agreement. Union members disabled on the job will receive their full salary and benefits for two years. A new occupational illness payroll code was established to track who is off work for injury versus  illness. Those with injuries will receive a follow-up.

In Progress Initiative-Cancer Follow-Up Leave: 

• Local 48 mentioned concerns that members were using their personal leave for follow-up appointments in connection with work-related cancer diagnoses. The city is proposing a contract article that will remedy this issue. The initiative includes another proposal that would allow the city to operate with three employees rather than four.
• Question from Council Member Mark Jeffreys: How many total firefighters will be enrolled in the cancer follow-up leave initiative?
• Allison: They are transitioning members to the plan while they are in an active treatment phase.
• Council Member Meeka Owens: How do we compare to other cities in terms of firefighter leave?
• Braido: This would be above and beyond what other cities do.
• Council Member Seth Walsh: Can you walk us through the process of a cancer diagnosis/claim?
• Allison: Most historical diagnoses have hopefully been brought to our attention. It depends on when the individual firefighters files a claim. The city has 30 days to approve that claim. In the past, the city had to reject the claim so it could be processed by the state. 
• Walsh: Asked about claim denials.
• Allison: It is not a denial of the claim. The city needs a diagnosis with medical records but also needs to submit something to the state within 30 days due to workers’ compensation regulations. The city is trying to be upfront about this.

• Vice Chair Scotty Johnson: This is a standard process for police and fire employees. The first claim is denied at first, but everything goes through eventually.
• Walsh: We would like our first responders to not have to be rejected at first. Wants to address this. Question for Braido: Why is the union coming to council now to discuss the contract, which was already approved last year?
• Braido: This a new issue that was not part of the original contract negotiations last year.
• Walsh: Wants to go on record that he is aware this conversation has been happening for over a year.

• Council Member Evan Nolan: Do we have firefighters who would benefit from the leave initiative who used their leave before 2023?
• Bairdo: The contract only applies after 2023.
• Nolan: How many have used this leave prior to 2023?
• Bairdo: Not 100% certain on the number.
• Nolan: Wants that information in order to draw the line of who gets made whole.
• City Manager Cheryl Long: “We made sure to prioritize cancer” in the contract, in addition to related illnesses. “The employees are very important to me … We remain committed to continuing to work  with them.”
• Johnson: It is important to make sure our employees know they are safe, compensated and viable.
• Motion was unanimously passed.

Item 7: Filed.

Motion 2 (not on the online agenda): Motion that the city settle the lawsuit with Local 48. This lawsuit came in reaction to the city granting a raise to the police department, which the union argues should be expanded to include CFD. 

• Comment from Walsh: Going to the appeals court is a unique step in labor negotiations. Wanted clarification. The public deserves an explanation of why the city is going to the appeals court with Local 48.
• Kearney: Passing this motion is a positive because the city has provided clarification.
• Chairperson Cramerding: Agreed.
• The motion passed unanimously.

Item 3: Indefinitely postponed.

Item 4:  Passed.

Item 5 (presented by Andrew Dudas, budget director): Ordinance to execute a development agreement with LP, a real estate development firm. Would redevelop an existing building in the Central Business District (Atrium 1 building, an office tower). It would be rehabbed as a 200-unit apartment building. The developer is contributing $100 million. Atrium 2 is also being converted.

• Cramerding: Need to create more housing. Exciting project.
• Kearney: Four years ago a lot of money was put into these buildings. Residential units are a much better plan than office space. Voiced her support.
• Markiea Carter (director of Department of Community and Economic Development): These will be studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Rents will start at $1,600 (accessible for a salary of $64,000) up to rents of $2,400. The increment from Atrium 2 will also benefit Atrium 1. This is a unique circumstance (two buildings, one owner).
• Nolan: Investors and banks are willing to put money on the line for new residences downtown. Excited to approve the project.
• Walsh: The Mercantile development is in the same area. “This is kind of the future of Cincinnati.”
• Council Member Anna Albi: What is the capped maximum rebate?
• Carter’s team member: The developer can receive at most in a year $3 million in rebate.
• Albi: Voiced her support.
• Jeffreys: 11,000 office units have been converted in the last few years. Goal of 40,000 units in 10 years. Voiced his support for the initiative.
• Cramerding: We are moving in the right direction. We should do this for the other neighborhoods as well.
• Item passed.

Item 6: Would transfer money to a fleet replacement/capital improvement project for the Department of Public Services (DPS) to replace automotive equipment.

• Cramerding: Have sold $49,000 worth of old fleet. Now can use this money on new fleet.
• Item passed.

The meeting was adjourned at 2 p.m.

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