City Council Worksession

Watertown City Council Work Session Mayor Michael Walters Fred McGuire Adam Pawelk Dan Schuette Kay Thul 10/10/2023 - Minutes 1. Call To Order And Roll Call Mayor Walters called the Watertown City Council work session to order at 5:30 p.m. on October 10, 2023, in the council chambers of City Hall. Council Members Present: Michael Walters, Adam Pawelk, Fred McGuire, and Kay Thul. Council Members Absent: Dan Schuette. Staff Present: City Administrator Jake Foster, Administrative Services Director Michael Sommerfeld. Others Present: None. 2. New Business 2.I. City Hall Hours Jake Foster presented the background of city hall hours, staff has been observing a “summer hours” schedule for City Hall since May 1st. The hours of operation are 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Thursday. These are the same hours that were implemented during the COVID pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Upon the implementation of the “summer hours” initiative back in May, it was expected it would be re-evaluated in October (or before if any issues arose). Initially, staff received some minor negative feedback, but have not received any in that past several months. Staff is requesting that these hours be made permanent for City Hall. These hours are a way to support worklife balance, and something that could be used as a recruitment and retention tool. Public Works staff are also currently observing a rotating four (4) ten (10) hour workday schedule. Furthermore, staff is also able to make Friday accommodations in case of emergency. There are several cities who observe summer hours, or have been successful with a 4-day work week (e.g. Excelsior – 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM M-TH, Bayport – 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, M-TH). Staff is looking for discussion and direction on this item. A formal approval of City Hall hours of  also able to make Friday accommodations in case of emergency. There are several cities who observe summer hours, or have been successful with a 4-day work week (e.g. Excelsior – 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM M-TH, Bayport – 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, M-TH). Staff is looking for discussion and direction on this item. A formal approval of City Hall hours of operation will be brought to a future Council meeting to be approved on the consent agenda based on the feedback and direction of Council. 3. Adjournment 309 Lewis Avenue South; P.O. Box 279, Watertown, MN 55388 __________________________________________________________ Michael Walters, Mayor ATTEST:__________________________________________ Jake Foster, City Administrator