[§78-3.6  Experimental modernizationprojects; county boards of water supply.]  It is the intent of this sectionto encourage and facilitate improvements in the human resource programs ofqualifying boards of water supply.  With or without the approval from the chiefexecutive, the director of any qualifying board of water supply may conductexperimental modernization projects to determine whether specific changes inits human resource program would result in a more desirable program for thejurisdiction.

Prior to the implementation of any experimentalmodernization project, the director of any qualifying board of water supplyshall:

(1)  Develop a plan identifying:

(A)  The purpose of the project;

(B)  The methodology to be used;

(C)  The duration of the project;

(D)  The criteria for evaluation of theproject; and

(E)  The cost of the project, if any; and

(2)  Consult and negotiate with the exclusiverepresentative if a modification or waiver of any provision in a collectivebargaining agreement, including any new provision, is necessary to conduct theproject.

The representative of the qualifying board ofwater supply and the exclusive representative shall mutually agree in writingto any modification, waiver, or new provision before the project is implemented.

While the board of water supply project is inprogress, it shall not be limited by state or local personnel laws and rules,but shall be in compliance with all equal employment opportunity laws, lawsprohibiting discrimination, and chapter 89.

For purposes of this section, "qualifyingboard of water supply" means any county board of water supply serving apopulation of 500,000 or more persons. [L 2003, c 40, §1]