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City Council Minutes February 11, 2008 Page 5 look at the City's severance pay polity. She stated that this is a benefit that lags fax behind • other cities and Elk River Municipal Utilities. Councilxnember Farber indicated that the City department heads used to have contracts and he would like to see that come back. He stated that he is not interested in discriminating against any employee as Elk River has outstanding employees at all levels but he feels we need to do something to retain and recruit upper management employees. He stated that Elk River is just outside of the metro azea but we do not pay as well as the metro. He noted that he is not interested in redoing the pay plan and believes contracts may be the way to negotiate additional benefits fox upper management employees. Councilmembex Gumphrey concurred that contracts should be used for future department head hires. Chief Beahen reviewed Brooklyn Park's negotiation process. He suggested that the Council look at implementing something fox future department heads. Ms. Johnson indicated staff is willing to implement whatever procedure the Council wants as an incentive to upper management. She explained that terms of employment axe currently and have always been negotiated with department heads within the constraints of the pay plan and that a formal contract is not necessary in order fox negotiations to take place. Ms. Johnson also noted that one of the most important things that can be done to retain employees is for the Council to be supportive of staff. Councilmember Zexwas indicated that he does not believe that official contracts aze necessary but that negotiations should take place on an individual level when department heads are hired. He noted that he does not believe one benefit plan would be the solution • fox all department heads. Councilmembex Gumphrey concurred. Ms. Johnson explained that staff currently negotiates with individual department heads upon hire. Counciknembex Fatber stated that he would still like to look at providing additional benefits to existing depaztment heads. Council consensus was fox staff to review the severance pay fox all employees and continue the current practice of negotiating individually with department heads upon hire. 6.6. Council Open Foram Councilmembex Motia indicated that he met with Sheldon Strom, Executive Director of the Center for Energy and Environment. He explained that he and Ms. Strom discussed the Minnesota Energy Challenge and Ms. Strom would like to speak with a representative from the Energy City Commission. Mayor I{linzing stated that she believes the Commission has met with Ms. Strom before but she will have someone contact hex. Other Business There was no other business. 8. Council Updates Councilmembex Farber indicated that he met with Parks and Recreation Director Bill Maertz and Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Jim Nystrom to discuss the park referendum. He stated that Mr. Maertz and the Parks and Recreation Cormmission agree with the previous discussion held by the Council at the planning workshop. • Councilmembex Zerwas questioned if Councilmember Farber would like someone to replace him as Council Liaison to the Parks and Recreation Comxission. Councilmember Fazber