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Shafer City Council met December 19 for a regular Council meeting. All members were present.

In new business the council discussed council attendance  at meetings.  Council member Nick Brehm told the council he didn’t feel the need to have the city engineer and the city attorney present at every meeting, only at meetings that were pressing.  “It is costly and we should have them per request moving forward.”  Brehm made a motion that passed unanimously.

Brehm then told the council he has reviewed the expense report submitted by City Clerk Valerie Fox. Brehm was asking for a more detailed description of expenses rather than his example of office supplies.  City finance director Richard Hill asked Brehm if he wanted every item listed, which Brehm said if it’s a purchase then yes.  “If it causes us more paperwork then I am fine with that, it will clear up referencing in the future.” Brem said. Hill then made a suggestion of sending all council members a copy of each invoice that matches the expense report number.  All members agreed that was a good idea. 

Council member Patty Kowalski said she would also like to see the revenue coming in which the council agreed with.  Hill reminded the council the revenues of the city are very inconsistent.  The majority of the income comes in twice a year for fiscal cycles in July and December. Hill said the summary report presented to the council was made for that purpose.  If a highly detailed report is requested it will be time consuming and cumbersome, but if the council would want it that way he could produce it.  Hill said there are reports that can be done monthly and the council can get copies sent to them.  The council thanked Hill.

The council then discussed the state mandated Employee Sick and Safe Time (ESST).  Sick and safe time is paid to part and full-time employees  in Minnesota that can be used for certain reasons, including when an employee is sick, to care for a sick family member or to seek assistance if an employee or their family member has experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking

An employee earns one hour of sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked and can earn a maximum of 48 hours each year unless the employer agrees to a higher amount.

The council was told the city has no choice but to sign the resolution adopting the policy because the state has made it a law.

The council then approved a request by maintenance supervisor Dan Cooper to keep the compost site open until January 1 to accommodate residents who wish to dispose of their natural Christmas trees.

Council adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

    

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