01-25-2021 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday,January 25,2021 6:00 o'clock p.m. Printup said rather than thinking of it in terms of"sick leave"it is"COVID leave." Mayor Walsh assumes whenever the Governor ends his emergency powers,the City would follow that lead and that policy would end. They could always revisit it if they want to but tying it to that puts an end on it. Printup said in 2021 the federal government does not fund COVID leave anymore but asked if the State government does. Olson does not believe there is anything on the State government at this point. Attorney Mattick said one thing to note about the COVID leave is for those who have exposure who are not allowed to come back,they really have gone to a lot of remote working. So, it is not always necessary that someone uses sick time because the City can offer them the opportunity to work remotely. That does not work for law enforcement or many of the public works,but for office staff Olson said without naming names,the Council is aware of someone who was in close contact with someone who tested positive and clarified that person is working from home this week. Mayor Walsh noticed the resolution says"until the City's Peacetime Emergency is declared over"so that will cover it. He stated the customer service is essentially the same thing,they are continuing that. Olson replied yes, and it is probably not a big issue in January but perhaps they have an early spring and in March people want to sit outside again. Mayor Walsh noted that is an easy one,too,to revisit if they want to keep it going for these people even after the Peacetime Emergency is over. Olson said it is a very inexpensive way for the City to support these businesses. Johnson moved, Seals seconded,to amend the policy for temporary outdoor customer services areas and a motion to approve the attached resolution extending the COVID-19 sick pay.Ayes 5, Nays 0. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT Attorney Mattick had nothing to report. CLOSED SESSION Mayor Walsh moved,Crosby seconded,to close the City Council meeting at 6:53 p.m.to go into closed session. Ayes 5,Nays 0. The meeting will be closed as permitted by section 13D.03 to discuss the City's labor negotiation strategy related to the City's negotiations with International Union of Operating Engineers,Local 49 and Office and Professional Employees International Union, Local 12 unions. Page 10 of 11