11-25-1998 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor & City Council November 20, 1998 Page 2 would not be eligible for health insurance benefits, but he would have a pro rata share of sick leave and vacation time. Our recommendation is based on the following reasons: ♦ It addresses the short-term dilemma of insufficient staffing in the parks maintenance area due to Greg Hoag's illness. ♦ It will resolve staffing problems in April, May, September and October of each year associated with parks maintenance activities. (It should be noted we have hired people to work on a six -month basis from the spring to the fall to assist with this activity in the past. A problem which arises is that they become eligible for unemployment benefits during their period of employment. Given the fact that we are the reimbursing employer, the payment of these benefits comes close to equaling the salary they would have earned if we had retained them on a continuing basis.) ♦ Derek's presence will provide additional stability in the supervision of our summer work force. ♦ This will not add any expense to the budget in that we will offset the additional costs by a reduction in money appropriated for part-time summer help. This will reduce the part -time summer workers' staff by approximately 1 'A people from the current level of approximately 6 `/ full -time summer equivalents ♦ Even with a smaller summer work force, we believe Derek's service will allow us to maintain the current level of productivity given his familiarity with the City and the fact that he can provide additional supervision for summer staff. (We have experienced problems in the past where less than adequate supervision existed with the summer work force which has hurt productivity.) ♦ In creating this position, we have also ensured that Derek will be available for daytime hours in the Parks and Recreation Department. This has proven to be of significant benefit to the Parks and Recreation Director. Derek has indicated his willingness to accept the position on this basis with the understanding that the City Council must approve its creation. He has also indicated that he will commit to us through the spring and fall of 1999 unless a permanent full -time parks and recreation job becomes available to him. He will not seek other full -time employment. I feel this is an excellent solution to a number of persistent problems. Should you have any comments or questions on this matter, please let me know prior to Wednesday's meeting. JRH:kpp cc: Derek Anderson Jim Morel= Greg Schroeder Page 109