Minutes - Council Work Session - 06/23/2020

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Councilmember Musgrove asked if the employee would lose the insurance after the three months. Administrative Services Director Lasher replied that the waiver would only be allowed during the time the employee works more than 30 hours per week. Councilmember Riley asked if the discussion should be focused on Happy Days or the employee. Communications and Events Coordinator Thorstad stated that the staffing piece is related to Happy Days because she will be out for 12 weeks and an intern was not hired this year. She stated that without rearranging staff in this proposed method, there would not be staffing in place to support Happy Days or modified Happy Days activities. She stated that she recommends that the Council make a decision on the Happy Days events by July 1st so that staff can plan appropriately. She stated that the decision would be whether the full event moves forward or whether a series of events moves forward in place of the larger Happy Days event. Mayor LeTourneau suggested that decision be made today in order to allow staff to plan. Councilmember Riley stated that he would like to see anything move forward that could be done in a safe manner. He stated that it seems in order to do that, staffing would need to be in place. Councilmember Specht agreed that other communities are holding events and he would like to see Ramsey hold events that could carry forward to the extent possible. He acknowledged that would require the increase in hours for the Recreation Specialist. Administrative Services Director Lasher stated that if Happy Days looks anything similar to the past, staff would not be equipped to handle that. She stated that increasing the Recreation Specialist by 20 hours per week would help but could only manage some smaller events. Mayor LeTourneau stated that he would support what could be managed by staff. Councilmember Menth commented that it would be great to offer events that could be done safely and in a spaced-out manner. He commented that vehicles could be spaced out for a car show. Councilmember Musgrove stated that if activities are spread out too many days in a row there could be less participation. She stated that perhaps events are spread out throughout The COR. She commented that she would like to hold as many activities as possible throughout the three-day period. She stated that perhaps the run is held the week earlier. Communications and Events Coordinator Thorstad stated that some of the Happy Days Committee members were interested in finding a way to hold smaller events that could incorporate social distancing. She noted that there was interest in the fireworks, car show and bike ride. She stated that she is hesitant to speak for staff as she will be absent. She stated that she would want to ensure that staff would be comfortable with that. Administrative Services Director Lasher stated that she is reluctantly comfortable as administrative services has a lot going on with elections,budget discussions and union contract negotiations. She City Council Work Session/June 23,2020 Page 3 of 7