4.4 SR 03-04-2024
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 4.4
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Consent Agenda March 4, 2024 Lauren Wipper, Human Resources Manager
Item Description Reviewed by
Hire Patrol Officer Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, the hiring of John Hopps to the position of police officer effective March 11, 2024.
Background/Discussion
As we continue to strive for full staffing in our police department, we interview police officer candidates as resumes
are received. We currently have three police officer vacancies. Following interviews and the required pre-
employment testing, we recommend John Hopps for this position.
Mr. Hopps worked security at the Mall of America from 2014 to 2017 when he became a correctional officer for
the Rice County Sheriff’s Office. In 2023 he was hired as a police officer for Pequot Lakes.
Mr. Hopps will start at pay step 2 of the union contract. According to the contract, as a lateral hire he will receive
banks of 96 hours of sick leave and 120 hours of vacation when he starts employment but will not accrue additional
vacation or sick leave during his first year of employment. His anniversary date for his vacation step accruals will be
June 13, 2023, which is the date he became MN POST Licensed. All other pay and benefits will be consistent with
union contract and city policy.
Financial Impact
This is a budgeted position.
Mission/Policy/Goal
The Elk River Mission
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: January 2023