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Mounds View City Council November 23, 2020 <br />Regular Meeting Page 6 <br />1 City Administrator Zikmund reported City Hall closed again today. He noted all staff continued <br />2 to work, some remotely from home, and all City services would remain operational. He explained <br />3 the Police Department window remained open and City staff would be available via email. <br />5 b. Employee Impacts <br />7 Human Resources Coordinator Ewald reported all City staff that have COVID signs or have been <br />8 in close contact with a COVID positive individual were to self -quarantine for 14 days. She <br />9 explained these employees were using 80 hours of time from the Family First Coronavirus <br />10 Responsibilities Act (FFCRA). She indicated the employees that then test negative are sharing <br />11 concern about future quarantine needs. She requested a Council extend the sick leave balance to <br />12 employees needing additional sick leave for future COVID leave. <br />13 <br />14 City Administrator Zikmund stated staff was seeking ratification specific to public safety. He <br />15 noted the legislature presumed that Police Officers and Fire Fighters are getting COVID-19 on the <br />16 job. This allowed the City to put in a worker's compensation claim and unemployment. He asked <br />17 if the Council would also support staff bringing back a Resolution to support additional sick leave <br />18 for public works employees. He indicated public works employees have been deemed essential. <br />19 <br />20 Council Member Bergeron commented on a story he saw on the news about an employee that was <br />21 fired because he didn't call in sick while being treated for COVID in the hospital. He stated the <br />22 insensitivity displayed in this story was a shame. He indicated every entity that employs people <br />23 should be aware of the fact they need to take care of its customers, residents and their employees. <br />24 He stated he would support a Resolution that would extend and better cover public safety and <br />25 public works employees. <br />26 <br />27 Council Member Hull and Council Member Meehlhause agreed. <br />28 <br />29 Council Member Gunn concurred stating the City's employees were the backbone of the <br />30 community. She believed it was the City's responsibility to take care of these employees. <br />31 <br />32 Mayor Mueller agreed stating the public works employees were first responders as well. <br />33 <br />34 Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson discussed the staffing changes that had been <br />35 implemented in the Public Works Department. He explained training and cross training has been <br />36 discontinued in order to protect employees. <br />37 <br />38 Council consensus was to direct staff to draft a Resolution supporting additional sick leave for <br />39 public safety and public works employees. <br />40 <br />41 Mayor Mueller requested comment from the Finance Director regarding how the extra sick leave <br />42 may impact the City. Finance Director Beer stated there would not be any financial impact. He <br />43 explained employees would just be keeping their sick time. He noted the City would lose their <br />44 productivity, but the City would not be losing any dollars. <br />45 <br />