04-13-2020-SWS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – APRIL 13, 2020 5 C. Public Works Temporary Work Schedule Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom stated on March 23, 2020, the Public Works Department implemented a temporary shift schedule change in response to COVID-19 with one- half of the maintenance staff working a morning shift and the other half working an afternoon/evening shift. He discussed that staff has implemented other strategies including extensive cleaning of office and break areas, a limit of one employee per vehicle, thorough cleaning of vehicle interiors between each shift, suspension of sanitary sewer system cleaning, and other recommendations from the CDC. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom reported while the temporary shift change has worked well over a short two-week period, the Public Works Department implemented a change to the shift schedule on April 13 in response to a request from IUOE Local 49 members. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom explained Local 49 bargaining unit employees acknowledged that the City is responding to challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic and that the provisions may remain in effect during the COVID-19 response as determined solely by the City. He provided further comment on the two separate shifts noting the hours and days each shift was working. Councilmember Holden questioned what the Public Works staff members could do at 4:00 a.m. or 9:00 p.m. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom discussed the routine maintenance work that was occurring during these off hours. Mayor Grant commented he supported splitting the shifts so long as it works for the City. He indicated when this split shift begins to not work, the City Council will have to take another look at this staffing model. The Council was in agreement with this recommendation. D. COVID-19 and Personnel Consideration Update City Administrator Perrault stated the Governor has extended the Stay at Home order to May 4th. He reported employees continue to work remotely with some employees working at City Hall when necessary. He explained that in light of the extension, one to two additional staff may be rotating in to the office to perform some duties for a limited amount of time. 2. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES Mayor Grant thanked staff for the updates and stated it was his understanding there needs to be further information sent to the Council regarding the Zoom meeting. City Administrator Perrault discussed how the Zoom meeting would function for the City Council meeting that would be held at 7:00 p.m.