Agenda - Council - 06/26/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Councilmember Dehen stated it is not that he does not think this is a noble cause, he just does not think it is the City's role. He thinks it is great that people volunteer, and thinks the City would be better if people did volunteer. But asking the taxpayers to pay for it is where he does not agree. Chairperson Jeffrey stated the advisory committee at the college asks for corporate representation and companies send someone to the college to cover events. They are doing something that makes a difference in the students' lives. He is not opposed to this; the employee needs to give four hours, but under no circumstances could this push an employee into overtime status. He asked who would be responsible if the employee. were to be injured on the site of the proj ect. Human Resources Manager Reed Kone indicated the employee would be covered under the City's Worker Compensation Policy. The League of Minnesota Cities questioned how it would be determined whose four hours the employee was on when hurt. She can push that issue further to see if they can create a break there if that is the Committee's desire, but the first reaction was that this is all covered under the City's Worker Compensation Policy. HRA Executive Director Frolik indicated Habitat for Humanity would pick up the out of pocket expenses the City would not cover. Motion by Councilmember Olson, seconded by Chairperson Jeffrey, to recommend that the City Council grant four hours of paid leave to full -time employees who use four hours of accrued leave to participate in the Habitat for Humanity project. With City Council approval, this offer would be extended to a maximum of 15 employees on a first come, first serve basis. Paid leave granted to part-time employees would be prorated based on the employee's regular work schedule. Further discussion: Chairperson Jeffrey expressed his preference that the first come, first serve basis should be at the department heads' discretion. HRA Executive Director Frolik, explained the first come, first serve basis was related to whether there will be any openings for Ramsey employees since the camps are filling up so fast. However, this is a good point that the employee volunteers be spread out among the departments. Councilmember Olson stated she would like this to be written as a permanent policy for anything like this that would come up. Chairperson Jeffrey indicated he would like to discuss this suggestion further. His concern is the magnitude of this. If there were to be a permanent policy, the organizations employees could volunteer for would need to be charitable and sponsored by the Council. HRA Executive Director Frolik suggested the Habitat for Humanity project be conducted as a pilot. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Jeffrey and Councilmember Olson. Voting No: Councilmember Dehen. Further discussion: HRA Executive Director Frolik stated she has been serving on the coalition, which manages the project. She would like to continue serving, and would like to represent the City on the coalition. She wants to be certain the Committee is aware this is how she is Personnel Committee / May 8, 2007 Page 5 of 6 -33-