12-13-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION DRAFT 4 5. Flexible Work Arrangement Policy – Human Resources and Communications 133 Manager Sawyer read her written report. Staff is presenting a proposed policy for a 134 flexible work arrangement for the reasons presented. 135 136 Councilmember Lyden noted the no appeal element of the criteria decision; employees 137 understand that? Ms. Sawyer said the process allows for ample discussion but once the 138 decision is made, that would be final; Administrator Cotton added that there would be 139 sound reasoning behind decisions and she will work with employees on flexibility. 140 141 Mayor Rafferty asked if flexibility includes working from home and Ms. Sawyer said yes. 142 Mayor Rafferty noted that many positions in the City wouldn’t qualify so that is a 143 consideration for him. Ms. Sawyer explained that positions are accepted with clear 144 understanding of working conditions; she added that management is ready to do what is 145 necessary to implement a process. Ms. Cotton added that she had questions about the 146 policy but staff has done the background and she supports implementation. Ms. Cotton 147 added that, in her experience, if an employee has performance issues they would probably 148 occur in the office as well as out of the office. Ms. Cotton added that the policy would 149 limit employees to two days per week working out of the office; the goals is to continue 150 accessibility to City staff on a consistent and high level. 151 152 Mayor Rafferty said he understands that the world has changed somewhat but he is still 153 concerned about impacts on lines of communication. 154 155 Councilmember Ruhland said he can see both sides, especially from his own work 156 experience. The checks and balances are an important element. 157 158 Councilmember Stoesz said he well understands a flexible work situation; he is an 159 example and will support the plan. 160 161 Councilmember Cavegn said he sees it’s a part of the workplace today and he works in an 162 environment where it has been successful. 163 164 Administrator Cotton added that the ability to retain and recruit is a concern for her; she 165 sees flexibility is important to employees, prospective and active. Also the size of this 166 organization was a concern but staff is committed to making sure there is no loss of 167 service to our customers. 168 169 Councilmember Stoesz said he is also recommending a policy that guides City services to 170 meet customers where they are at. 171 172 A majority of the council concurred with the policy. 173 174 6. Annual Advisory Board Appointments – Administrator Cotton reviewed the 175 written report presenting information on upcoming openings. She added that Planning 176 and Zoning Board Member Reinert has submitted his resignation, thereby creating 177