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Mayor Kuzma shared his support for lengthening the probationary period. <br /> <br />Councilmember Howell asked if Staff sees this probationary period as prohibitory of someone who <br />may be looking for employment. <br /> <br />Administrative Services Director Lasher stated that this was discussed by Staff. She added that <br />anyone who is currently serving on Staff will not be held to this standard as this was not included <br />in their offer letter. She said she does not see the length of the probationary period as an issue and <br />it has not been an issue for firefighters or police officers. <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen noted they would continue to allow these employees to utilize vacation <br />time during their probation period. <br /> <br />Mayor Kuzma asked when benefits would be available for new employees. <br /> <br />Administrative Services Director Lasher said benefits are available on the first day of employment. <br /> <br />Administrative Services Director Lasher explained the changes proposed for Section 3.11 and then <br />Section 3.13 regarding resignations. She stated many cities offer early notice incentives, with many <br />cities offering 50%. <br /> <br />Mayor Kuzma shared he liked the idea of offering an incentive for employees to give a three month <br />notice of resignation as it can help with planning and succession for the role. He asked if the <br />suggestion was to give 50%. <br /> <br />Administrative Services Director Lasher stated that is one idea or 10% greater than what their sick <br />leave severance has currently accrued. <br /> <br />Councilmember Woestehoff stated he really liked this for planning succession. <br /> <br />Mayor Kuzma stated this is a solid incentive and will help on the recruiting side. <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen noted they can add in 10% to the eligible sick leave severance. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove asked if there is a better metric they could use to figure out what this <br />percentage should be. <br /> <br />Administrative Services Director Lasher explained that the City of Champlin offers a 10% increase <br />in severance to employees who are retiring. She shared that she called Champlin to ask about their <br />logic in this and she was told that they do not want people to quit their jobs for the extra 10% <br />severance just to go work for another city. She added that employees can sign up for their pension <br />then later change their mind. She noted that Champlin’s strategy seems to be a good one but it is <br />not fool-proof. She added there are many cities who are at 50% severance regardless. <br /> <br />Councilmember Woestehoff asked if some of these terms are in union contracts or if it is just in <br />the City’s policy. <br />City Council Work Session / February 26, 2024 <br />Page 3 of 11 <br /> <br />