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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, February 24, 2014 Page 26 Councilmember McGehee questioned the purpose of the fourteen-day advance written notice for termination, given that the City Manager was an "at will" em- ployee. Councilmember Willmus responded that this clause was included on the advice of the City Attorney to provide a fourteen-day versus sixty-day notice as with the previous City Manager contract. Councilmember Etten concurred, noting that it provided some timeframe to allow for a transition period, noting the extensive negotiation process with the previous City Manager over a two-month timeframe. City Attorney Gaughan noted that this was for a termination situation "without" cause" and meant as a professional courtesy to ensure that termination wouldn't happen overnight. However, Mr. Gaughan noted that this in no way prevented the City Council from terminating employment of the City Manager, simply provid- ing a two-week notice. Councilmember McGehee reviewed potential hypothetical situations with Mr. Trudgeon and Councilmembers, with Mr. Trudgeon assuring Councilmember McGehee that, while job offers varied from city to city, this language was reason- ably standard; and a future employer would also have and expect a transition pe- riod. Councilmember McGehee further noted that, under Section 6, Item 2.b, there ap- peared to be little difference between that clause and that of Item 2.b except to re- duce employee benefits, one of which was healthcare. Councilmember McGehee opined that she was not comfortable in general with a reduction in healthcare. Councilmember Etten advised that this was part of the negotiated contract, reduc- ing the City's responsibility upfront with a larger potential payment at termination without cause to acknowledge that the City Manager was leaving in a safer posi- tion; but allowing a six month to one year provision to get into a new City Coun- cil; and meant as a step back provision for the City long-term. Councilmember Etten recognized the importance in differentiating between healthcare and the first wage step back. Based on involvement in a group healthcare plan, Councilmember McGehee ad- vocated for a six month step back, even though she was happy with three months, she would prefer six months of healthcare coverage in case there was a serious health issue or treatment program required. Councilmember McGehee further advocated for elimination of Section 7, recog- nizing that the League of MN Cities and State Statute language covered this area; and to put this term in created a distinct liability to the City, and created an arbi-