PREAMBLE

This Agreement, made by and between the Borough of Freehold, in the County of Monmouth, a Municipal corporation of the State of New Jersey (hereinafter called “the Borough”), and Freehold Borough Police Benevolent Association, Local #159 (hereinafter called “the Association”), represents the complete and final understanding between the Borough and the Association.

The Borough recognizes the Association during the term of this Agreement as the exclusive representative of the Freehold Borough Police Department up to and including the rank of Sergeant and further excluding confidential employees.

SECTION 1:

It is the intent and purpose of the parties hereto that this Agreement covering rates of pay, hours of work, and conditions of employment.

SECTION 2:

It is recognized that by granting the benefits contained herein, the Borough is adding greatly to the cost of operation and increasing the burden upon the taxpayers of the Municipality. This Agreement, therefore, is made with the understanding that the Association and its members will continue to cooperate with the Borough in promoting better efficiency and more production per manhour. It is further recognized that the successful operation of the Municipality can be assured only through the cooperation of the parties hereto.

SECTION 3:

In consideration of the obligations assumed by the Borough of this Agreement, the Association recognizes its responsibilities to secure and sustain maximum productivity and cooperation per employee during the term of this Agreement in order that the Borough may receive a fair return for the benefits and materials contained herein. It is further understood and agreed that the Borough will cooperate with the employee and the Association in order to assure that each of the parties hereto shall secure maximum benefits from the within Agreement and engage in a period of mutual cooperation.

It is recognized that the Borough has and will continue to retain the rights and responsibilities to direct the affairs of the police department in all its various aspects. Among the rights retained by the Borough are its rights to direct the working forces; to plan, direct, and control all the operations and services of the department; to determine the methods, means, organization and personnel by which such operations and services are to be conducted; to contract for the subcontract-out services; to relieve employees for legitimate reasons; to make and enforce reasonable rules and regulations; to change or eliminate existing methods, equipment or facilities; provided, however, that the exercise of any of the above rights shall not conflict with any of the express written provisions of this Agreement and that a grievance may be filed by the Association alleging such conflict.

SECTION I:

The Borough and the Association agree not to discriminate against any employee on the basis of race, color, creed, sex or national origin.

SECTION 2:

The Borough and the Association agree not to interfere with the rights of employees to become or not become members of the bargaining unit and further, that there shall be no discrimination or coercion against any employees because of association membership or non-membership.

SECTION 3:

No employee shall be disciplined without just cause.

SECTION 4:

All employees shall receive a copy of anything (other than confidential letters of reference) placed in his personnel file. The employee shall sign the file copy for the sole purpose of indicating receipt of a copy.

SECTION 5:

The Borough shall recognize that there shall be no discrimination towards any member of the P.B.A. by reason of sex, race, age, creed, racial origin, political or religious affiliation with regard to opportunity for advancement or continuation of employment.

In the operation of the Police Department, it is recognized that on occasion a complaint may arise between the Borough and the Association, or between the Borough or any one or more employees concerning interpretation, application or violation of policies, agreements, and administrative decisions affecting them. The Borough and the Association earnestly desire that such grievances be promptly settled so that the efficiency of the Department shall not be interrupted and morale of the employees shall not be impaired. Accordingly, a procedure for grievance of any such complaints that may arise, which procedure will be kept informal, is outlined hereinafter. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as limiting the right of any employee having a grievance to discuss this matter informally with an appropriate member of the departmental supervisory staff and having the grievance adjusted without the intervention of the Association.

SECTION 2 - PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED:

The Association and the Borough specifically agree that the grievance procedure shall be the sole and exclusive method available for adjusting employee complaints, except such additional methods as are provided for in Civil Service Regulations affecting the job category for employees who are affected by the within Agreement. Accordingly, the Association pledges that if any dispute arises under this Agreement, it shall be settled in the manner provided for in this Article and pending such a settlement, all employees shall carry out their assignments as directed by the Borough and their supervisory officers. If any employee should refuse to follow the settlement procedure herein, but rather takes some other action, except such action as is provided for in Civil Service Regulations, such other action shall constitute a violation of this Agreement and shall make the employees and all other employees participating in such violation subject to disciplinary procedures at the discretion of the Borough, and subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Regulations. Any discharge or disciplinary action by the Borough or supervisory employee may be appealed by the employee or the Association in accordance with the grievance procedure. A complaint or grievance of any officer relating to conditions of work, if not otherwise provided for in law, rules, or regulations shall be settled in the following manner:

Step One: The aggrieved shall institute action under the provisions hereof within seven (7) calendar days after the event giving rise to the grievance. The action will be instituted by the grievant submitting a signed statement setting forth in writing a concise factual report of the grievance. An earnest effort shall be made to settle the differences between the aggrieved and the Lieutenant/Captain on duty at the time the grievance is filed for the purpose of resolving the matter informally. Failure to institute action within the said seven calendar day limitation may be extended upon presentation to the Borough of a physician’s certificate attesting to the incapacity of the grievant to file within the prescribed time. The Lieutenant/Captain shall make an effort to resolve the problem within a reasonable time, but shall render a decision in writing within seven (7) days after receipt of the grievance.

Step Two: If the grievance is not settled at the first step, the grievant may make written request for a second step meeting within five (5) calendar days after the answer at the first step. The Chief, or his designee, shall set a meeting within five (5) calendar days after the request, or for such other time as is mutually agreeable. The Chief’s answer to the second step shall be delivered in writing to the grievant and the Association within seven (7) calendar days after the meeting.

Step Three: If the aggrieved person is not satisfied with the handling or result of the grievance at the second step, he may within five (5) calendar days notify the Mayor and Council that he wishes to have them rule on the aggrieved matter. A meeting shall be set within thirty (30) days after the Mayor and Council have received the request that they rule on the matter. The Mayor and Council’s decision shall be delivered in writing to the grievant and the Association within seven (7) calendar days after said meeting.

Step Four: Should the aggrieved person be dissatisfied with the decision of the Mayor and Council, and if the grievance alleges a violation, misapplication or misinterpretation of the specific provisions of this Agreement, the Association may submit the dispute to final and binding arbitration pursuant to the rules and regulations of the New Jersey State Board of Mediation. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on all parties to the dispute. The arbitrator shall limit his decision to the issue submitted, and he shall be without power to add to, delete from or modify the provisions of this Agreement.

SECTION 3 - REPRESENTATION:

In using the grievance procedure established herein, an employee is entitled at each step to be represented by his Association representative or an Attorney chosen by the Association or individual grievant, but not by both. However, both may be present.

SECTION 4 - TIME LIMITS:

Failure by the aggrieved or the Association to forward a grievance within the specified time limits shall terminate the grievance. Failure to respond to a grievance within the specified time limits shall permit the aggrieved to advance to the next step.

A. The annual base salary for each employee will be:

2003 2004 7/1/04 2005 2006

Sergeant $ 80,389 83,604 84,704 88,093 91,616

Patrolman 1st Class 74,480 77,459 78,559 81,701 84,969

Patrolman 2nd Class 65,494 68,114 69,214 71,982 74,862

Patrolman 3rd Class 61,057 63,500 64,600 67,184 69,871

Patrolman 4th Class 54,767 56,958 58,058 60,380 62,796

Patrolman 5th Class 33,665 35,011 36,111 37,556 39,058

Rookie Upon Graduation 30,860 32,094 32,094 33,378 34,713

Academy 28,054 29,176 29,176 30,343 31,557

B. All movement within grade shall be based upon hiring date. However, for all employees hired after the effective date of this agreement, movements within grade will be based upon effective date of accession to rookie status.

C. Holiday pay as a separate benefit no longer exists. The above-mentioned salary guide has been revised in a manner that incorporates the value of the benefit into the base wage.

SECTION 1:

Effective January, 2004 the employees shall be granted four (4) personal days per year, noncumulative and at regular pay.

SECTION 2:

Except in case of emergency, the request for the personal day shall be made in writing to the Chief of Police or his representative three (3) days in advance and approved two (2) days in advance.

SECTION 3:

The personal days must be used within the calendar year and shall not be cumulative from year to year.

SECTUIB 4: Personal days may be taken with planned vacation days, provided that requests are made in a manner that is consistent with current procedures.

SECTION 1:

In addition to the compensation provided in Article VI, employees who are subject to this Agreement and were hired prior to January 1, 2004 shall also receive longevity payments, based on years of employment, on their anniversary date, as follows:

Length of Service Longevity Pay

Years 1/1/2003 1/1/2004 1/1/2005

3 $ 850.00 850.00 850.00

5 1,300.00 1,400.00 1,500.00

10 2,300.00 2,400.00 2,500.00

15 2,800.00 2,950.00 3,100.00

20 3,600.00 3,725.00 3,850.00

SECTION 2:

Employees hired subsequent to January 1, 2004 shall receive longevity compensation as per the following schedule:

Years 1/1/2004 1/2/2005

5 $ 1,400.00 1,500.00

10 2,400.00 2,500.00

15 2,950.00 3,100.00

20 3,725.00 3,850.00

SECTION 1:

If, under the pressures of business, it is necessary that a sergeant be assigned to duties of a higher rank due to sickness, then that sergeant temporarily assigned to the higher rank, if he performs the services for a period of forty (40) consecutive hours or more, shall receive for such continued services, after said initial forty (40) hours, the pay of the higher rank for the period of such services up to seventy (70) days.

SECTION 2:

Whenever a sergeant is not on duty, the senior patrolman shall be paid at the sergeant’s rate of pay for that particular shift, provided the patrolman works as a supervisor for more than two (2) hours on that shift.

SECTION 1:

Any member permanently assigned as a Detective or Detective Sergeant shall receive additional compensation of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per year added to their base salary.

ARTICLE XI - OVERTIME

SECTION 1:

The Borough has the right to schedule overtime work as required in a manner most advantageous to the Municipality and consistent with the requirements of the Borough and the public interest.

SECTION 2:

Overtime opportunities will be distributed as equally and practically among employees in the same classification, department and shift.

SECTION 3:

Time and a half (1 1/2) of the employee’s regular rate of pay shall be paid for work under the following conditions:

a. All work performed in excess of the regular work day

of eight and one-half (8 1/2) hours;

b. All overtime work in excess of the employee’s regularly scheduled days for the pay period.

c. If an employee is called in specially for overtime

work, he shall be entitled to compensation for not

less than two (2) hours overtime pay.

d. It is agreed that every effort will be made that court

appearances will be scheduled to avoid overtime work.

If such scheduling cannot be made and overtime work

is required by reason of court appearance, the employee

shall be compensated overtime pay for such appearance for actual time worked, and paragraph (c) herein shall not apply.

SECTION 4 - COMPENSATORY TIME OFF:

An officer can request compensatory time off in lieu of receiving overtime pay. Compensatory time will be earned at the rate of one and one-half (1 1/2) hours for every extra duty worked. An officer cannot accumulate more than forty (40) hours of compensatory time at any time, unless specific authorization is received from the Chief of Police. There shall be no time limit within which an employee has to use any of the forty (40) hours of accumulated compensatory time. An employee can require payment for all compensatory time in excess of forty (40) hours.

It is the responsibility of the shift sergeant or officer in charge of the shift to authorize compensatory time off. Compensatory time off can only be approved when the shift sergeant or officer in charge is sure that sufficient officers are present to provide adequate shift coverage for the particular shift in question given existing community policing needs as determined by the Chief of Police. No officer will be called in on an overtime basis or compensatory time basis to fill a shift to allow another officer to take compensatory time off.

SECTION 1:

Within the first year of service, an employee shall receive one (1) working day’s vacation for each month of service from the date of his regular appointment, up to and including December 31st following such date of appointment.

SECTION 2:

After the first year and up to and including five (5) years of employment, each employee shall have fourteen (14) working days vacation.

During the sixth year and up to and including ten (10) years of employment, each employee shall have sixteen (16) working days vacation.

SECTION 4:

During the eleventh year and up to and including fifteen (15) years of employment, each employee shall have twenty one (21) working days vacation.

SECTION 5:

During the sixteenth year and up to and including twenty (20) years of employment, each employee shall have twenty four (24) working days vacation.

SECTION 6:

Vacations may be taken throughout the year and may not be restricted to certain periods, regardless of manpower.

ARTICLE XIII - COLLEGE CREDIT

The following degrees shall be in Police Science from an accredited college, and the following shall be awarded to each employee commencing January 1, 1985:

Associate Degree $ 800.00 per year

B.A. Degree 1,500.00 per year

M.A. or Law Degree 2,000.00 per year

For those with an Associates Degree in Police Science, the B.A. Degree can be in a related Liberal Arts subject such as sociology, Psychology, Political Science, etc.

ARTICLE XIV - HOLIDAYS

This Section has been deleted. Please reference Article VI.

SECTION 1:

If an employee does not become a member of the Union during any membership year (i.e. from September 1 to the following August 31) which is covered in whole or in part by this Agreement, said employee will be required to pay a representation fee to the Union for that Membership year. The purpose of this fee will be to offset the employee’s per capita cost of services rendered by the Union as a majority representative.

SECTION 2:

Prior to the beginning of each membership year, the Union will notify the employer in writing of the amount of the regular membership dues, initiation fees, and assessments charged by the Union to its own members for that membership year. The representation fee to be paid by non-members will be equal to 85% of that amount.

SECTION 3:

Once during each membership year covered in whole or in part by this Agreement, the Union will submit to the employer a list of those employees who have not become members of the Union for the then current membership year. The employer will deduct from the salaries of such employees, in accordance with Section 4 below, the full amount of the representation fee and promptly will transmit the amount so deducted to the Union.

SECTION 4:

The employer will deduct the representation fee in equal installments, as nearly as possible, from the paychecks paid to each employee on the aforesaid list during the remainder of the membership year in question. The deductions will begin with the first paycheck paid:

(a). Ten (10) days after receipt of the aforesaid

list by the employer; or

(b). Thirty (30) days after the employee begins his

or her employment in a bargaining unit position,

unless the employee previously served in a

bargaining unit position and continued in the

employ of the employer in a non-bargaining unit

position or was on layoff, in which event the

deductions will begin with the first paycheck

paid ten (10) days after the resumption of the

employee’s employment in a bargaining unit

position, whichever is later.

SECTION 5:

Except as otherwise provided in this Article, the mechanics

for the deduction of representation fees and the transmission of such fees to the Union will, as nearly as possible, be the same as those used for the deduction and transmission of regular membership dues to the union.

SECTION 6:

The Union will notify the employer, in writing, of any changes in the list provided for in paragraph 1 above and/or the amount of the representation fee, and such changes will be reflected in any deductions made more than ten (10) days after the employer received said notice.

SECTION 7:

The Union agrees to indemnify and hold the employer harmless against any liability which may arise by reason of any action taken by the employer in complying with the provisions of this Article, provided the employer gives the Union timely notice in writing of any claim, demand, suit or other form of liability arising out of the implementation of this Article. This indemnification shall include all legal costs.

SECTION 1:

A. The Borough of Freehold shall continue to provide employees and their dependents medical insurance through the New Jersey State Health Benefits Plan, or a comparable insurance plan, including approved Health Maintenance Organization. If the cost of this medical insurance should increase during the term of this contract, the Borough is obligated to pay for this increased cost.

Employees who have coverage for dependents and/or spouses shall make the following payroll contributions:

January 1, 2004 January 1, 2005 January 1, 2006

$12.50 per pay $15.00 per pay $17.50 per pay

B. Eligible employees may subscribe to the Prescription Drug Program provided by the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, State Health Benefits Insurance Program, or a comparable insurance plan. Any increase in premium to the Borough due to including this Prescription Drug Program with the State Health Benefits Insurance Program, over the cost of the State Health Benefits Program without the Prescription Drug Program, shall be shared 50/50 by the Borough and the affected employee.

C. Any new employee, hired after June 3, 1997, may select a non-Traditional Plan at no cost to the employee, or, if the employee chooses the Traditional Plan, then the employee shall pay the cost difference between the Traditional Plan and the cost of the second highest plan, as set forth above.

SECTION 2:

Employees, while rendering aid to another community at the direction of their supervisor, shall be fully covered while rendering such mutual aid by Workmen’s Compensation, liability and life insurance and pension as provided by State Law.

SECTION 3:

The Borough shall provide dental insurance coverage for employees and their families based upon a 70/30 plan with the Borough paying the full cost of the supercomposite premium.

SECTION 4:

Each employee shall be eligible to receive $75.00 per year towards the purchase of eyeglasses for the employee. The $75.00 will be paid upon presentation of a receipt indicating purchase of prescription eyeglasses for the employee.

SECTION 5:

The Borough shall maintain a false arrest and professional liability insurance policy.

SECTION 6:

The Borough shall participate in the New Jersey Unemployment and Disability Insurance Programs with members contributing to the program in the manner stipulated by State regulation.

SECTION 1:

Sick leave with pay shall be applicable only to permanent employees in the classified civil service of the Borough of Freehold as set forth hereinafter.

SECTION 2:

Within the first year of service, an employee shall receive one (1) working day of sick leave with pay for each month of service from the date of his regular appointment up to and including December 31 following such date of appointment.

SECTION 3:

After the first year of employment, each employee shall have fifteen (15) days of sick leave with pay for each calendar year thereafter.

SECTION 4:

Sick leave not taken shall accumulate to employee’s credit from year to year, and the employee shall be entitled to such accumulative sick leave with pay if and when needed.

SECTION 5:

When an employee retires, he shall be entitled to one-half (1/2) pay for accumulative sick leave in an amount not to exceed $15,000.00. The retiring employee shall advise the Borough Clerk of the employee’s intention to retire by November 1st of the year prior to the retirement so that sufficient funds can be incorporated into the Municipal Budget.

Employees shall be granted four (4) days of paid leave for a death in an employee’s immediate family. “Immediate family” means father, mother, step-father, step-mother, spouse, child, foster of step-child, sister, brother, mother-in-law, father-in-law, grandmother or grandfather of the employee. It shall also include relatives of the employee residing in the employee’s household. Common law spouses and legally established guardianship of children are included in the above definition.

Additionally, three (3) days shall be granted for aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and grandparents of the spouses. These three (3) days shall be charged against sick leave.

The Borough shall continue for the lifetime of this Agreement to pay the Borough’s portion of the pension costs under the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System of New Jersey in effect at the signing of this Agreement.

The Borough shall continue to provide health insurance benefits to an employee who is receiving retirement benefits from the Police and Fire Retirement System in the same manner that the Borough provided to the employee while he/she was on active status.

Employees who use their own car for travel authorized and scheduled by an appropriate Borough Supervisor shall receive mileage at the rate of $.15 per mile. The Borough shall pay necessary tolls and parking fees.

SECTION 1:

It is understood that there shall be no strikes, sitdowns, slowdowns, work stoppage or limitation upon activity or production during the life of this Agreement; nor shall any officer, representative or official of the Association authorize, assist, take part in or encourage any such strikes, sitdowns, concerted failure to report for duty, work stoppage, or limitation upon production against the Borough. If any employee, or group of employees, represented by the Association should violate the intent of this paragraph, the Association, through its proper officers, shall promptly notify the Borough and such employee or employees in writing of its disapproval of such violation.

SECTION 2:

The Borough reserves the right to discipline or discharge any employee or employees who violate the provisions of this Article.

SECTION 3:

Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to limit or restrict the Borough in its right to seek and obtain such judicial relief as it may be entitled to have in Law or in equity for injunction or damages, or both, in the event of such breach by the Association or its members.

SECTION 1:

New employees shall receive one complete set of uniforms at the expense of the Borough. Clothing allowance ceases to exist on December 31, 2003.

If any provision of this Agreement or any application of this Agreement to any employee or group of employees is held invalid by operation of law or by a Court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be inoperative, but all other provisions shall not be affected thereby and shall continue in full force and effect.

SECTION 1:

The work year shall be 2,080 hrs. per year per employee, including vacation, holidays, sick and personal days.

SECTION 2:

The work day shall consist of eight and one-half (8 1/2) hours. Employees will work four (4) days and be off for two (2) days. Work shifts shall rotate.

Shift 1: 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Shift 2: 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Shift 3: 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

SECTION 3:

Whenever an employee’s scheduled hours are less than 2,080 per year, the employee will be required to spend the hours between those actually scheduled and 2,080 hours in in-service training as directed by the Chief.

SECTION 4:

Once assigned, shifts will not be changed by the employees without the approval of the Chief or his designee. Employees requesting a change in shift must give a two-week notice to the Chief or his designee.

SECTION 1:

This Agreement represents and incorporates complete and final understanding and settlement by the parties of all bargainable issues which were or had been the subject of negotiations. During the term of this Agreement, neither party will be required to negotiate with respect to any such matter whether or not covered by this Agreement, and whether or not within the knowledge or contemplation of either or both of the parties at the time they negotiated or signed this Agreement.

SECTION 2:

This Agreement shall not be modified in whole or in part by the parties except by an instrument in writing only executed by both parties.

SECTION 1:

The Borough shall excuse the PBA delegate time off to attend the New Jersey State PBA monthly meetings.

SECTION 2:

The Borough shall excuse the PBA delegate time off to attend the New Jersey State PBA convention.

SECTION 3:

If the PBA delegate is unable to attend these meetings due to illness, injury, required court appearance, or military service, the PBA president or his designee may attend, provided that four (4) hour notice is given to the Chief of Police.

SECTION 1:

The Borough shall pay for the original issue and renewal of vests, minimum level IIA. Vests shall be replaced before their warranty and/or guarantee ends.

This Agreement will be effective as of January 1, 2003 and will terminate on midnight December 31, 2006. Proposals for a successor Agreement may not be submitted prior to September 1, 2006.

Any provision of this Agreement may be changed, supplemented or altered, provided both parties mutually agree in writing.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto set their hands and seals at the Borough of Freehold, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey, on the date set forth beside each signature.

BOROUGH OF FREEHOLD:

Date: By: _________________________

MICHAEL WILSON, MAYOR

Date: Attest:______________________

JOSEPH B. BELLINA, ADMIN.

Date: Attest: _____________________

LINDA L. COTTRELL, CLERK

FREEHOLD BOROUGH PBA #159

Date: By: __________________________

Date: Attest: _____________________

Date: Attest: _____________________

Date: Attest: ______________________

PREAMBLE 1.

I RECOGNITION OF ASSOCIATION 1.

II PURPOSE OF AGREEMENT 1.

III MANAGEMENT RIGHTS CLAUSE 2.

IV EMPLOYEE RIGHTS 2.

V GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE 3.

VI COMPENSATION/SALARY 6.

VII PERSONAL DAYS 6.

VIII LONGEVITY 7.

IX COMPENSATION 7.

X DETECTIVE INCREMENT 8.

XI OVERTIME 9.

XII VACATION 10.

XIII COLLEGE CREDIT 11.

XIV HOLIDAYS 11.

XV REPRESENTATION FEE 11.

XVI INSURANCE: MEDICAL, DENTAL, LIFE 13.

XVII SICK LEAVE 15.

XVIII DEATH LEAVE 16.

XIX PENSION PLAN 16.

XX RETIREMENT HEALTH BENEFITS 16.

XXI AUTOMOBILE USE 17.

XXII NO STRIKE, ETC. 18.

XXIII UNIFORMS 18.

XXIV SEPARABILITY AND SAVINGS 19.

XXV WORK SCHEDULE 19.

XXVI FULLY BARGAINED PROVISIONS 20.

XVII DELEGATES’ RIGHTS 20.

XVIII VESTS 21.

XXIX DURATION OF AGREEMENT 21.