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Councilmember Shachner asked why this change needed to be codified instead of just <br /> implementing a policy change. Assistant Director Swallow indicated that the ordinances of <br /> Lakewood govern employee work hours and pay. If employees are not at work, they are <br /> going to be required to use some type of leave. The city of Lakewood utilizes part time <br /> employees, some in high-risk categories, and in order to promote social distancing and have <br /> employees work from home, this provides the mayor the flexibility to pay them and the <br /> employees peace of mind that they are still going to get paid, despite not being able to do <br /> their full duties. He also asked how this ordinance affects union contracts. Assistant Director <br /> Swallow indicated that management met with the unions the previous week to vet out <br /> specific issues that have arisen as a result of the crisis. <br /> Councilmember Kepple noted that the ordinance is dated for March 16' and inquired as to <br /> whether it would be backdated if passed. Assistant Director Swallow confirmed that it would <br /> be backdated and referenced the Mayor's memo on March 16'h encouraging employees to <br /> work remotely. The memo was based off the recommendations from the Cuyahoga County <br /> Board of Health. The date also lined up with the pay period. <br /> Councilmember Bullock stated that he thinks the city should strive to hold normal order as <br /> much as possible, clearly explain to the public how to get their business done, and explain the <br /> scope of usage of the authority that is being asked for. He would like to know how many <br /> employees are affected and for how long, along with the dollar amount associated with these <br /> things. Mayor George noted that there have been 7 updates on essential business on the city's <br /> website and that have been sent out via social media. She noted that there is a coronavirus <br /> page on the city's website and shared the scheduling alterations her taskforce has made for its <br /> daily meetings. Councilmember Bullock shared his thoughts on the changing nature of work <br /> and raised the future possibility of altering the code to accommodate jobs that can be done <br /> remotely. <br /> Councilmember Rader inquired as to whether this situation has any negative or positive <br /> affect on the budget. Assistant Director Schuster confirmed that all the ordinance is doing is <br /> allowing employees to keep receiving their 80 hour paychecks, and that the budget would <br /> continue as planned. <br /> Vice President Litten raised concerns about lower revenues coming into the city. Assistant <br /> Director Swallow stated that the city will be applying for FEMA funds that have become <br /> available due to the passage of federal legislation on the matter. This will allow the city to <br /> recoup costs of the COVID-19 crisis. <br /> Councilmember Kepple questioned whether there would be extra costs associated with work <br /> that isn't getting done currently that would be need to made up for down the road. Assistant <br /> Director Swallow indicated that she cannot speak for every division, but surmised that this <br /> crisis would likely not put the city in a situation where people are working overtime to <br /> complete essential functions. <br /> Councilmember Kepple inquired as to the level of activity occurring in the Building <br /> Department. Mayor George indicated that her administration is balancing operating <br /> 2 <br />