03/25/1996 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9,1995 Chief Pecchia explained that due to the increase in the work load at the Police Department, he is recommending that the leave of absence without pay not be granted. The Police Records Clerk's physician has indicated that a return to work will not be possible for another six (6) months and possibly up to one year. If the Council decides to grant the leave of absence, the Police Department will have to continue the employment of a temporary person and pay additional benefits to keep her in that position. Chief Pecchia said that he would like to be able to hire a full-time permanent employee. If the current Police Records Clerk is able to return to work sometime in the future, the City Council would take action as to where to place her. Mayor Reinert noted that there had been an extensive discussion at the Council work session about this matter. There was a concern about fairness to the Police Records Clerk because she has worked for the City many years. The City Council understood the present City Policy and thought that approving the 90 leave of absence would allow some time for the City Council to determine what to do in the event that she cannot return after the 90 days. Council Member Kuether asked what additional benefits would the City have to pay to keep the current temporary employee. Ms. Kaulfuss explained that the employee would be required to become a member of PERA and the City would treat her as any other employee. Council Member Kuether moved to grant a 90 day unpaid leave of absence to the Police Records Clerk. Council Member Neal seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Consideration of Authorizing Participation with Centennial School District for Youth Resource Program - Chief Pecchia explained that he is recommending that the City enter into negotiations with the Centennial School District for a Youth Resource Officer program. He said a Youth Resource Officer will give the Police Department an opportunity to continue to interact with the area youth as they progress from the D.A.R.E program at the elementary level through high school. In addition to this position benefiting the area youth, this program fits well with the Police Department's community orientated policing philosophy. The Youth Resource Officer will be based at the Centennial Junior and Senior High Schools. Through working together in the community with the Centennial School District staff and student body, Chief Pecchia said that he believed that his department could have a major impact upon criminal activity and take a proactive stance against violence in the community and school system. Chief Pecchia said that the Centennial School District was unable to reach an agreement with the Blaine Police Department, therefore a request was made to the Lino Lakes Police PAGE 2