03 21 22 Executive session MinutesCity Council Executive Session March 21, 2022
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City of New Hope
4401 Xylon Avenue North
New Hope, Minnesota 55428
City Council Minutes
Executive Session
March 21, 2022
Northwood Room
CALL TO ORDER The New Hope City Council met in executive session pursuant to due call and notice
thereof; Mayor Hemken called the meeting to order at 8:22 p.m.
ROLL CALL Council present:
Absent:
Kathi Hemken, Mayor
John Elder, Council Member
Andy Hoffe, Council Member
Michael Isenberg, Council Member
Jonathan London, Council Member
Staff present:
Kirk McDonald, City Manager
Tim Hoyt, Director of Police
Rich Johnson, Director of HR/Administrative Services
Valerie Leone, City Clerk
Susan Rader, Director of Parks and Recreation
Bernie Weber, Director of Public Works
LABOR
NEGOTIATIONS
Mayor Hemken introduced Item 11.1, Discussion regarding labor negotiations.
Director Rich Johnson shared with the Council and gathered their input regarding
upcoming labor negotiations with IUOE Local #49, the police officers (LELS #77) and
police supervisors (LELS #273) union contracts.
Director Johnson called attention to the discussion held on December 21, 2020, and
the direction that was given to staff to amend the educational assistance program
prior to January 1, 2023. He emphasized the benefits of the existing program
(attractive benefit for job candidates, tool for employee retention and employee
advancement). He explained the process including application and job relevance as
well as budgetary/director approval before an employee can utilize the program. The
four council members present unanimously agreed with the merits of the program
and directed staff to leave the educational assistance program in place in its current
format.
ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:57 p.m. as there was no further business to come
before the Council at its executive session.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Leone, City Clerk