Agenda - Council - 03/12/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Musgrove noted that there is some clarifying language in this section around who is and is not allowed to work for the City and where they are allowed to work. She asked if this already addresses these concerns and if they would need to change this language to match the proposed changes. Administrative Services Director Lasher said they would not need to change this language to match the changes. She explained that marriage is protected against discrimination in the hiring process and the nepotism policy cannot apply to an employee's spouse. Councilmember Musgrove asked about the purpose of a probationary period versus training. Administrative Services Director Lasher explained that training is a part of the probationary period; however, training is not the whole picture of the probationary period. She noted that once an employee is trained and performing the job, they are still subject to probation to make sure they are doing the job well. Councilmember Musgrove shared the probationary period at her job is 90 days and asked about the benefits of having such a long probationary period. She asked about the benefit to the City to increase it from the current six months to one year. Administrative Services Director Lasher explained that the City has non-union employees as well as contracted employees. She noted that once an employee passes this probationary period it becomes much harder to do things as simple as issuing a verbal reprimand. She explained these reprimands are often grieved which then gets into the grievance process. Councilmember Howell shared that she is supportive of lengthening the probationary period from six months to a year. She asked if the additional 90 day extension on top of this is also vital. Administrative Services Director Lasher noted it would be really unlikely that they would have to even extend the probationary period by the 90 days; however, it is a good thing to have in place in the event that it is needed. Mayor Kuzma shared his support for lengthening the probationary period. Councilmember Howell asked if Staff sees this probationary period as prohibitory of someone who may be looking for employment. Administrative Services Director Lasher stated that this was discussed by Staff. She added that anyone who is currently serving on Staff will not be held to this standard as this was not included in their offer letter. She said she does not see the length of the probationary period as an issue and it has not been an issue for firefighters or police officers. City Administrator Hagen noted they would continue to allow these employees to utilize vacation time. City Council Work Session /February 26, 2024 Page 2 of 9