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Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes <br />July 11, 2023 <br />Page 8 <br /> <br />Ms. Youngs reported that the customer service staff is still fielding calls from customers who <br />have concerns over the garbage bin change out performed by a contractor on behalf of <br />Republic Services. There was discussion. <br /> <br />Mr. Mauren asked the Commission to consider potential dates for an Employee Appreciation <br />Lunch, stating he would follow up at a later date. <br /> <br />Mr. Ninow informed the Commission that, following two unsuccessful rounds of hiring for <br />a water operator, staff has opted to promote seasonal staff to the water utility worker <br />position. After a year of on-the-job experience this individual can then move forward with <br />water operator certification. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zerwas asked if there was concern over the fact that staff had two unsuccessful <br />rounds of hiring. <br /> <br />Mr. Ninow shared his belief that the candidate who declined the position was considering <br />substantial vacation accrual at their current employer. <br /> <br />Mr. Hanson added his perspective that some hiring challenges for ERMU come from the fact <br />that it is located close enough to the metro area to interest candidates while often not able to <br />match pay within the metro area. He went on to share human resources staff’s observation <br />that there has been a shift towards employers offering high vacation accruals earlier in <br />employment. <br /> <br />Mr. Westgaard added his experience that the shift is happening in private sector as well. <br /> <br />Mr. Hanson shared that this is not the first time vacation has affected employment efforts. <br /> <br />6.2 City Council Update <br /> <br />Commissioner Westgaard provided a City Council update covering topics including conditional <br />use permits and bonding for sewer system repair. <br /> <br />6.3 Future Planning <br /> <br /> Acting Chair Stewart announced the following: <br />a. Regular Commission Meeting – August 8, 2023 <br />b. Quorum – Sherburne County Parade – July 22, 2023 <br />c. Quorum – MMPA Annual Meeting and Dinner – July 25, 2023 <br />d. 2023 Governance Agenda <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />43