HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.E.3. Employee Request for Additional Unpaid Leave . .�'. 3
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City of Shakopee
MEMORANDUM . � �p � �
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TO: Mayor and City Council
Mark McNeill, City Administrator
FROM: Kris Wilson, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: Employee Request for Additional Unpaid Leave
DATE: December 2, 2011
Introduction
The Council is asked to extend an additional 10 weeks of unpaid leave to Police Officer Frank Coburn.
Background
On October 18, the City Council authorized an unpaid leave of absence for Officer Frank Coburn through
November 8, 2011. Since that time, Officer Coburn has been re-evaluated by his physician and the City
has received an updated workability report. Based on this updated information, the workload needs of
the Department and an in-person meeting between Officer Coburn, Chief Tate, the City Administrator
and myself, staff is requesting that Council extend an additional 10 weeks of unpaid leave to Officer
Coburn. This would cover the time period of November 9, 2011 thru January 18, 2012 and result in
Officer Coburn having received three installments of unpaid leave for a total of 7 months.
It is our hope and expectation that by mid-lanuary, Officer Coburn's prognosis will be clearer and a
realistic timeline for his potential return to duty will be established. However, if this latest extension of
unpaid leave does not yield these results, the City will likely face the difficult decision of having to fill the
position currently held by Officer Coburn with a candidate from the eligible register.
Budget Impact
Continuing to extend unpaid leave to Officer Coburn makes it extremely difficult for the Department to
balance the training requests and leave entitlements of other employees with the need to cover shift
minimums without paying out overtime. Supervisors within the Police Department will continue to do
everything possible to limit overtime costs, however, this action is likely to result in at least some
increase in overtime costs for the Department.
Requested Action
The Counci{ is asked to offer a motion to approve an unpaid leave of absence for Officer Frank Cobarn
from November 9, 2011 through January 18, 2012.