Minutes - Council Work Session - 06/15/2021 - Special

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Councilmember Musgrove asked if a memorandum of understanding could be a potential with the unions. City Administrator Ulrich confirmed that could be a potential. He stated that he would caution giving away inherit managerial rights. He stated that once something is in the contract it is in the contract. He stated that he would prefer to keep discretion in the case that everyone can be called back to the office if need be and would not want it to be tied into a contract. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that he has seen that setting guides around the policy, where people can work more efficiently remotely but having that in office time is equally as important. He noted that some offices have allowed three of the five days when people can work remotely and the other two days all employees are in the office. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill provided input on the equipment the City already has because of the need for everyone to work remotely during the pandemic. He noted that not everyone would choose to telecommute once the pandemic ends, therefore the City would most likely have enough equipment to meet the needs of those telecommuting for the next few years. Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that he supports telecommuting. He stated that he does have a question related to process and provided the example that an employee requests two days and he believes one day would be more appropriate. He asked what the next step would be at that point. Councilmember Howell commented that she believes that the managers should have the authority to make the best decision for their staff and would not want the policy to interfere with that. Councilmember Specht agreed that he would support the discretion of the managers as the method of approval. He stated that if an employee felt they were being treated unfairly, they could take that concern to HR. City Administrator Ulrich stated that he would want to see approval of a request from the department head and supervisor. He stated that the application process allows employees to view the process in a fair manner that can be documented. He noted that in some cases telecommuting could be approved and in some cases it would not be appropriate. City Administrator Ulrich summarized the consensus of the Council to support telecommuting and to use an application process utilizing managerial approval. Administrative Services Director Lasher commented that she will gain input from the City Attorney to clarify some of the issues that arose during the discussion. She noted that she could bring this back again to the Council once more for review. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill commented that it appears there is consensus to move this ahead in some format with the City providing the laptop and items related to ensuring security, but the employee would be required to supply internet and any other equipment they feel would be st necessary. He stated that employees are slated to return to the office July 1 and asked if there City Council Special Work Session / June 15, 2021 Page 5 of 10