2.02 ERMUSR 11-14-2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chair Dietz presented the proposed wage increase update. The committee agreed to propose a 4.0% wage adjustment for 2024 as opposed to the metro average plus a dollar which was originally requested by staff. Chair Dietz initiated a discussion regarding the Review of the Annual Wage & Benefits Evaluation Process as outlined in document 5.3b. He stated that he would prefer all commissioners attend an open wage and benefits meeting in order to hear information presented firsthand as opposed to the current committee summary process. Commissioner Bell asked Chair Dietz to clarify when this meeting would be held if all commissioners would need to be present. Chair Dietz replied it would be a special meeting one hour prior to the regular meeting. Chair Dietz asked ERMU's attorney, Mr. Shepherd, to clarify if the Wage & Benefits committee should be an open or closed meeting. Mr. Shepard stated the Wage & Benefits committee should follow Open Meeting Law since the committee meets regularly once a year and is a sub -committee of the commission. Mr. Hanson presented historical information to give context to the origin of ERMU's Wage & Benefits Committee (WBC) meetings. Mr. Hanson noted that the idea for a WBC came in 2011 from a process being practiced at Shakopee Public Utility. Starting in 2011, ERMU's committee meetings were not posted for two reasons. The first was related to confidentiality concerns over wage and benefits information. Mr. Hanson clarified that legal counsel has now informed him that this is not proper procedure and moving forward WBC meetings will be posted. The second reason cited for a closed meeting was based on previous legal counsel concerns over dialog between non -management staff potentially being considered collective bargaining. Mr. Hanson deferred to ERMU's attorney for guidance regarding the collective bargaining concerns. Mr. Shepherd stated that, in general, the collective bargaining concern isn't a factor. Commissioner Stewart asked if Open Meeting Law would then apply to all sub -committee meetings moving forward including the Information Security Committee noting their discussions include cybersecurity details. Mr. Shepherd responded that all sub -committee meetings should follow Open Meeting Law as the default, however, due to the safety and security nature of cybersecurity it would be acceptable to close that meeting. After thorough discussion, the consensus from the Commission regarding the Review of the Annual Wage & Benefits Evaluation Process as outlined in document 5.3b was to continue the process as it is with legal counsel's recommended update to the posting procedure. Mr. Hanson presented his compensation study for commission consideration noting that the last full compensation study was completed in 2008-2009. Mr. Hanson explained the inspiration to conduct his study came from concerns and feedback brought forth from the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes October 10, 2023 Page 6 IN