At the November 2 meeting of the city council, Administrator Michelle Marotzke reviewed the city’s employment practices.
After consulting with the League of Minnesota Cities, the city attorney, other city administrators and federal and state employment laws, it was determined that when an employee’s volunteer duties are similar to one’s regular job duties, the volunteer duties should be compensated for as employment. A dual employment agreement established for full-time EMT Ryan Quanrud was approved to ensure compliance with employment laws. He will be paid overtime for volunteer duties when he responds to a call outside of regular work hours rather than with an on-call stipend. EMS Director Deb Ristau has reviewed the financial impact and is comfortable with the extra cost.
Marotzke then discussed dual role service. This is when an employee serves the city in more than one capacity where volunteer duties are not similar to employment duties. Patrol Officers Gabrielle Kreidermacher and Connor Simon are also EMS volunteers. Because their jobs and volunteer roles are significantly different, when not on duty as a patrol officer, they will get a volunteer stipend. Volunteering cannot interfere with their duties as patrol officers.
Trevor Lange and Ryan Quanrud are volunteer fire fighters. Lange’s job is street maintenance and Quanrud is a full-time EMT. Both jobs are significantly different than volunteering for the Fire Department. They can respond to a Fire Department call while on the job with supervisor permission and will get their regular pay. Employees are given the opportunity to volunteer. For Lange, if he responds to a call outside of regular work hours, he will receive the fire call pay. Quanrud will not get overtime pay for fire calls, but will receive fire call pay if outside his regular work hours.
• David Hokenson was recognized for 50 years of service as an election judge. A certificate is to be presented to him on election day celebrating his dedication.
• The 2027-2029 labor agreement between the city of Preston/Preston Public Utilities and the Preston Public Employees Association (PPEA) was approved. Councilmen Steve Hall and Dean Aug, PPU member Heath Mensink, Marotzke and General Manager Kriener met with PPEA members to come to an agreement. Final approval is contingent on approval of the PPU Commission.
• A closed meeting was held to discuss the possible purchase of property (about five acres) for the municipal pool site and existing tennis courts.
A closed meeting was held to discuss the sale and transfer of property to accommodate Preston Protein’s plans to install a scale at the dry plant. This could involve three parcels.
No action was taken on either of the items discussed at the closed meetings. More information was provided and there was a consensus to keep moving forward on both the possible purchase of the municipal pool site and the possible sale and transfer of real property to Preston Protein.
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