11-23-2020 CC (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council November 23, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 6 City Administrator Zikmund reported City Hall closed again today. He noted all staff continued to work, some remotely from home, and all City services would remain operational. He explained the Police Department window remained open and City staff would be available via email. b. Employee Impacts Human Resources Coordinator Ewald reported all City staff that have COVID signs or have been in close contact with a COVID positive individual were to self-quarantine for 14 days. She explained these employees were using 80 hours of time from the Family First Coronavirus Responsibilities Act (FFCRA). She indicated the employees that then test negative are sharing concern about future quarantine needs. She requested a Council extend the sick leave balance to employees needing additional sick leave for future COVID leave. City Administrator Zikmund stated staff was seeking ratification specific to public safety. He noted the legislature presumed that Police Officers and Fire Fighters are getting COVID-19 on the job. This allowed the City to put in a worker’s compensation claim and unemployment. He asked if the Council would also support staff bringing back a Resolution to support additional sick leave for public works employees. He indicated public works employees have been deemed essential. Council Member Bergeron commented on a story he saw on the news about an employee that was fired because he didn’t call in sick while being treated for COVID in the hospital. He stated the insensitivity displayed in this story was a shame. He indicated every entity that employs people should be aware of the fact they need to take care of its customers, residents and their employees. He stated he would support a Resolution that would extend and better cover public safety and public works employees. Council Member Hull and Council Member Meehlhause agreed. Council Member Gunn concurred stating the City’s employees were the backbone of the community. She believed it was the City’s responsibility to take care of these employees. Mayor Mueller agreed stating the public works employees were first responders as well. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson discussed the staffing changes that had been implemented in the Public Works Department. He explained training and cross training has been discontinued in order to protect employees. Council consensus was to direct staff to draft a Resolution supporting additional sick leave for public safety and public works employees. Mayor Mueller requested comment from the Finance Director regarding how the extra sick leave may impact the City. Finance Director Beer stated there would not be any financial impact. He explained employees would just be keeping their sick time. He noted the City would lose their productivity, but the City would not be losing any dollars.