12-11-2013 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 11, 2013 Keis asked about the use of the prison crew for various work tasks. The Administrator indicated that the contract with the Department of Corrections is for utilization of the prison crews on an "as needed" basis. The Council concurred with the seasonal workers 2014 pay scale as presented. PAID The City Administrator reported that in preparing information on a Paid TIME OFF Time Off (PTO) Policy for this evening's meeting, research showed that there is a variety of ways that cities have drafted their policies. The Administrator also noted that in listing the PTO talking points, staff did not make a lot of strong recommendations, but primarily outlined issues for the Council to consider. He further noted that this discussion has not yet been had with employees as the plan was to determine whether or not the Council would support PTO in lieu of vacation and sick leave and, if so, what parameters the Council would feel comfortable with. The Administrator noted the information showing PTO programs in place for Ramsey County cities and based on that information, possible options for PTO schedules. Keis stated that he was a proponent of PTO, but indicated that he would like to know how City staff would feel if the change were made. The Administrator indicated that once he has an indication from the Council about whether or not they will support the program and then some basic parameters, this information will be presented to staff. The Administrator pointed out that not all employees are likely to support a conversion to PTO. The Council reviewed the possible PTO schedules that staff presented, and after discussing these in detail, the consensus was in support of Option D, which is adding 8 days to the City's current vacation schedule and utilizing the County average for the top of the PTO scale. The Administrator then reviewed the various PTO talking points and survey information. The first talking point addressed the allowance for the carry -over of PTO days from one year to the next. Staff pointed out that it is common practice to allow the carry -over of a determined number of PTO days from one year into the next. The Administrator pointed out that allowing a maximum of approximately 65 PTO days to be carried over would help to bridge a potential gap to the point where Long Term Disability (LTD) begins in the event of a catastrophic situation. The Council discussed the carry -over provision with the Administrator providing clarification that this is not a cumulative carry -over being proposed, but a maximum that would be in place. There was discussion 8