Continue Discussions Regarding Proposed Updates to the Personnel Policy

 As discussed at the November 28, 2023 work session, the purpose of this case is to provide the City Council with information on proposed updates to the Personnel Policy and to seek feedback regarding any revisions the City Council would like to see included in the updated policy. Many new policies were added from the League of Minnesota Cities sample policy. In the case where a policy is similar to an existing City policy, both are shown.  Staff will discuss each scenario as needed.    

Background:
The current Personnel Policy was adopted on March 13, 2018. Staff anticipates this discussion to be extensive, requiring more work sessions followed by formal adoption.  Time-sensitive updates will be adopted this evening on the consent agenda. If needed, revisions can be made and the policies can be ratified at the first meeting in January.

For purposes of tonight's meeting, staff will cover the following content: 

• Section 1 - Introduction, in its entirety, which will be adopted upon final review of all sections of the personnel policy.
• Section 2 - Definitions, its entirety, which will be adopted upon final review of all sections of the personnel policy.
• Section 6 - Sick Leave
  •  Revisions specific to the sick leave policy, now referred to as Traditional Sick Leave and Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST). 
    • This portion of the policy, now referred to as Traditional Sick Leave, is not changing (other than formatting). 
    • Revisions are focused on setting policy for the new ESST, which is required beginning January 1, 2024. 
      • This policy, which is included in this evening's consent agenda for adoption, can be updated and ratified if needed in January. 
• Section 6 - Holidays
  • Addition of Juneteenth as required by law
  • Change to when Christmas Eve is observed
    • This policy, (Juneteenth and Christmas Eve) which is included in this evening's consent agenda for adoption, can be updated and ratified if needed in January. 
• Section 12 - Drug Free Workplace Policy
  • This policy, which is included in this evening's consent agenda for adoption, can be updated and ratified if needed in January. 

Staff recommends that any Personnel Policy content that is also included in the City's current union contracts, such as holidays, sick leave accruals, or vacation accrual schedules, does not differ from the union contracts.          

Attached:  Applicable sections of the Personnel Policy.
 

Approximately 45 minutes

Not applicable.

Colleen Lasher, Administrative Services Director
Brian Hagen, City Administrator

 To progress toward an updated Personnel Policy, including the following higher priority policies for adoption this evening.  Note, if needed, revisions can be made and the policies can be ratified at the first meeting in January.

• Section 6 - Sick Leave
  •  Revisions specific to the sick leave policy, now referred to as Traditional Sick Leave and Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST). 
• Section 6 - Holidays
  • Addition of Juneteenth as required by law
  • Change to when Christmas Eve is observed
• Section 12 - Drug Free Workplace Policy