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and to grant staff the authority to consider, on a case -by -case basis, any eligible employee's <br />request for a telecommuting arrangement. <br />Councilmember Backous asked if there is a need for this option right now. <br />Human Resources Manager Lasher stated it was brought forward at the request of an employee <br />who changed residence that resulted in a lot of commuting. <br />Councilmember Backous asked about the ability to track work and assure employees are being <br />productive and working an eight hour day. <br />Finance Director Lund stated the request was made by Assistant Finance Director McAlpine. <br />She explained that communication would be via e-mail and this position works on things like <br />CAFR so it is not as interactive as other work tasks. She stated this employee is responsible for <br />the City receiving the Certificate of Achievement and a valuable employee who makes a great <br />contribution to the organization. <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated he is not in favor of considering this policy, at this time, and <br />preferred to wait until the League concludes its study. His concern is that it will result in more <br />employees making this same request and setting precedence. <br />Finance Director Lund stated Assistant Finance Director McAlpine is a valuable employee who <br />brings a lot to the organization. In addition, there have been many staff cuts and losing this <br />employee would result in a loss of service level to the City. <br />Chairperson Tossey stated irrespective of the employee making this request, the private sector <br />has been doing this successfully for years. He stated this is not "reinventing the wheel" and in <br />the Criminal Justice System, he is able to complete work tasks in a more efficient manner <br />through telecommuting. He stated he thinks the public sector should be more efficient, noting <br />that in the future, there may not be the need for as many employees due to telecommuting. <br />Mayor Strommen stated telecommuting is something more government entities are allowing <br />including the State of Minnesota. She stated she has found this option helpful, especially during <br />snow days where she can work from home instead of sitting in traffic to get to the office. Mayor <br />Strommen stated VPN offers a more secure and efficient way to move and use files than saving <br />data to a flash drive. She noted the policy would have controls on when it can and cannot be <br />used and would allow important flexibility. <br />Councilmember Backous stated he remembers work before computers and it is hard for him to <br />appreciate the value of this policy. However, he agrees that the City needs to continue to <br />compete for top-level employees and that means competing with the private sector. <br />Councilmember Backous stated he does not think that many employees will want to use this <br />policy and there will be restrictions in the policy. <br />Motion by Councilmember Backous, seconded by Chairperson Tossey, to recommend that the <br />City Council adopt a resolution directing staff to finalize a telecommuting policy and to grant <br />Personnel Committee / April 23, 2013 <br />Page 3 of 5 <br />