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8.3. SR 03-15-2021 Request for Action To Item Number Mayor and City Council 8.3 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by General Business March 15, 2021 Lauren Wipper, Human Resources Manager Item Description Reviewed by Extension of Covid Emergency Sick Leave Cal Portner, City Administrator Reviewed by Action Requested Consider extending emergency sick leave as approved on January 19, 2021. Background/Discussion At the January 19, 2021, meeting the City Council extended emergency sick leave for regular employees through March 31, 2021. As this date approaches, we find that the need for emergency sick leave has greatly decreased, however, we are still experiencing occasional positive cases as well as quarantine for exposure. Since December 31, 2020, as a local government, we receive no relief from the federal government for offering this leave. Private businesses have been able to continue to take the tax credit but the tax credit was never available to local government. The City Council should consider extending emergency sick leave for regular employees who are sick or quarantined and have a remaining balance. Staff suggests a sunset date of June 30, 2021, or when the Emergency Executive Order is rescinded, whichever occurs sooner. Financial Impact Employees are paid at their current rate of pay. These is a limited financial impact to when an employee leaves employment and receives a severance pay out on their accrued sick leave. Mission/Policy/Goal This supports the mission to “appropriately govern in an ever-changing environment.” Attachments  None The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity. Updated: August 2020