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Mr. Hanson presented the memo which laid out the following proposed adjustments for <br />2024: <br />• 4.0% wage adjustment for all staff, regardless of the Metro Average. <br />• Updating the Bereavement Leave Policy to include more inclusive language for <br />relations that qualify for three days of leave and a one -day tier for aunts, uncles, <br />and cousins. <br />• Adjustments to the Nightwork and Rest Time Policy to provide a two-hour <br />minimum rest time for nightwork occurring 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and eight <br />hours of rest time for employees working four or more hours between the hours <br />of 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. <br />• 2024 Vacation Accrual Schedule (increases to years 0-13): <br />0-4 yrs. <br />15 days <br />5-9 yrs. <br />16 days <br />10-11 yrs. <br />17 days <br />12-13 yrs. <br />19 days <br />14-15 yrs. <br />20 days <br />16-18 yrs. <br />22 days <br />19 yrs. <br />25 days <br />20-21 yrs. <br />26 days <br />22-23 yrs. <br />27 days <br />24+ yrs. <br />28 days <br />Mr. Hanson asked that the minutes reflect that the Metro Average table presented in his <br />memo reflects the respective entities vacation accruals for new hires. <br />Mr. Hanson followed up to clarify confusion at the October meeting by confirming the City <br />offers 15 days of accruable vacation time for new hires. <br />Chair Dietz asked staff what the current Metro Average Wage Adjustment calculation was. <br />Ms. Zachman responded that it was at 3.47%. <br />Chair Dietz noted that ERMU offered the most time off of all the utilities listed in the <br />Metro Average table. <br />Mr. Hanson shared that staff has raised concerns for losing candidates to entities that <br />offer higher starting vacation rates. He asked that the commission consider approving a <br />starting rate of 15 days as the hiring market is extremely competitive and ERMU hopes to <br />continue to draw good candidates to provide high quality services. <br />Commissioner Bell shared his perspective that he has a hard time with the increase to <br />vacation time given ERMU's position in the comparison. <br />Mr. Hanson reiterated the difficult hiring market and feedback from interview candidates <br />was also a basis for this request. <br />Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes <br />November 14, 2023 <br />Page 7 <br />MR <br />