Council approves most employee handbook updates but delays reinstatement change for further review

The City Council approved targeted updates to the employee handbook Thursday but delayed a proposed change to extend benefit reinstatement for rehired employees from 30 days to one year.
Justin Kleistner, human resources director, outlined four principal updates: extending benefit reinstatement for rehired employees from 30 days to one year (proposed); a one‑hour minimum pay for employees required to work remotely outside normal hours; formalizing the vacation leave buyback program previously approved by council in June; and several minor updates to reflect state and federal changes. Kleistner said the changes “support employee engagement” and help manage long‑term vacation liabilities.
Deputy Mayor Gilbert said she had “a really rough time with” the reinstatement item and urged loyalty reciprocity between employer and employee. After discussion the council voted 5-0 to approve the ordinance changes except the proposed extension of the reinstatement window; that item will be returned for further review at a future workshop. The approved changes will be implemented by human resources and the city will bring the reinstatement proposal back for additional council discussion.