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LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL <br /> WORK SESSION <br /> MINUTES <br /> DATE: July 10, 2023 <br /> TIME STARTED: 5:30 PM <br /> TIME ENDED: 6:23 PM <br /> MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilmembers Stoesz, Lyden, Ruhland, <br /> Mayor Rafferty <br /> MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmember Cavegn <br /> Staff members present: City Administrator Sarah Cotton; Human Resources and <br /> Communications Manager Meg Sawyer; Community Development Director Michael Grochala; <br /> City Planner Katie Larsen, Public Safety Director John Swenson; City Clerk Jolleen Chaika. <br /> 1. Retention Pay Increases for Part-Time Employees at the Rookery <br /> Human Resources and Communications Manager Meg Sawyer requested Council consider a <br /> retention pay plan for part-time staff at The Rookery. She highlighted that the part-time pay <br /> plan for Rookery staff was established in 2022 and that the City has employed over 160 <br /> employees since starting in May 2022. She suggested a pay retention program to give <br /> incentive to keep current employees on the payroll. She also advised that staff continue to <br /> monitor neighboring community centers to ensure Lino Lakes remains competitive and that <br /> if needed, based on market conditions, staff will return to Council in the future to discuss <br /> potential adjustments. <br /> Based on market studies and current hiring trends, Manager Sawyer proposed a$0.50 <br /> hourly increase to part-time employees who have completed one year of service at the <br /> Rookery; these employees would eligible for future increases on their anniversary date. <br /> Employees will not be eligible for a retention wage increase once they have reached the <br /> position maximum. She added that this proposal would not impact the current budget. <br /> Discussion was held on the proposal. Mayor Rafferty inquired if staff is comfortable with <br /> the current maximum wages and asked how retention is thus far. Manager Sawyer <br /> responded that retention rates could be better and that she anticipates this proposal will <br /> assist with that. Administrator Cotton added that none of the current part-time staff at the <br /> Rookery are at the maximum wage levels yet; that factor is behind the logic of the proposed <br /> retention pay. <br /> Councilmember Stoesz Dale asked of applicant numbers for these positions. Manager <br /> Sawyer noted that aquatics staff turns over at a fairly high rate, mostly based upon <br /> school/college schedules and swim team schedules. She added that hiring for the part-time <br /> positions is always on-going. <br /> 2. Minnesota Public Safety Aid,John Swenson <br /> Chief Swenson spoke of the incoming aid that is coming from the state and noted that the <br /> receinved funding will be in the neighborhood of$900,000. The amount will be known by <br /> August 1, 2023 and funds will be dispursed by 12/26/23. He wants to begin the discussion for <br />