4.12. SR 08-03-2020
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 4.12
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Consent August 3, 2020 Lauren Wipper, Human Resources Manager
Item Description Reviewed by
Hire Police Officer Michael Welsh Ron Nierenhausen, Police Chief
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, the hiring of Michael Welsh to the position of police officer effective August 10,
2020.
Background/Discussion
With resignations this past year we find ourselves short two police officers. Our last recruitment effort, which
was in January, exhausted the pre-COVID applicant market. At this time, we are requesting to hire one
applicant that was a finalist in an earlier pool and another that was from an internal recruitment.
Michael Welsh was a finalist for this position in 2017. He has been working as a police officer for the
University of Minnesota Police Department since August 2006. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal
Justice.
Due to his experience and consistent with our union contract, Mr. Welsh will start at Step 2 of the union pay
scale. Provided successful performance he will move to Step 3 after six months. He will move to the top of
the pay scale at one year of employment. All other pay and benefits will be consistent with the union
contract and city policy.
Financial Impact
This is a budgeted position.
Attachments
None
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity