03-07-23 City Council Agenda Addendum - Sergeants Union Labor Relations Contract Agreement - LELS Local 3041
LABOR AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
SERGEANTS
(LELS LOCAL #304)
AND
THE CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY
2023-2024
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DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................................................. 3
ARTICLE 1. PURPOSE OF AGREEMENT .......................................................................................................... 3
ARTICLE 2. RECOGNITION ............................................................................................................................ 3
ARTICLE 3. EMPLOYER AUTHORITY .............................................................................................................. 3
ARTICLE 4. UNION SECURITY ........................................................................................................................ 4
ARTICLE 5. EMPLOYER SECURITY ................................................................................................................. 4
ARTICLE 6. EQUAL APPLICATION .................................................................................................................. 5
ARTICLE 7. SAVINGS ..................................................................................................................................... 5
ARTICLE 8. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................ 5
ARTICLE 9. SAFETY ........................................................................................................................................ 7
ARTICLE 10. SENIORITY AND TIME IN GRADE .............................................................................................. 7
ARTICLE 11. DISCIPLINE ................................................................................................................................ 7
ARTICLE 12. WORK SCHEDULES .................................................................................................................... 8
ARTICLE 13. COURT TIME ............................................................................................................................. 8
ARTICLE 14. SICK LEAVE ............................................................................................................................... 9
ARTICLE 15. FUNERAL LEAVE ....................................................................................................................... 9
ARTICLE 16. TERMINATION PAY ................................................................................................................... 9
ARTICLE 17. LEAVES OF ABSENCE .............................................................................................................. 10
ARTICLE 18. VACATION LEAVE ................................................................................................................... 10
ARTICLE 19. HOLIDAYS ............................................................................................................................... 11
ARTICLE 20. PAID-TIME OFF (PTO) ............................................................................................................. 11
ARTICLE 21. INJURY ON DUTY ..................................................................................................................... 11
ARTICLE 22. ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE/LIGHT DUTY ................................................................................... 12
ARTICLE 23. PERSONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE ........................................................................................... 12
ARTICLE 24. STANDBY ................................................................................................................................ 12
ARTICLE 25. EDUCATIONAL REIMBURSEMENT .......................................................................................... 12
ARTICLE 26. TRAINING ............................................................................................................................... 13
ARTICLE 27. SALARIES AND BENEFITS ........................................................................................................ 13
ARTICLE 28. OVERTIME PAY ....................................................................................................................... 14
ARTICLE 29. CALL BACK .............................................................................................................................. 14
ARTICLE 30. DURATION .............................................................................................................................. 14
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LABOR AGREEMENT
SERGEANTS
2023-2024
This Agreement dated March 7, 2023 is made and entered into by and between the City of
Golden Valley, hereinafter referred to as the Employer and Law Enforcement Labor Services, Local #304
representing the Golden Valley Police Sergeants, hereinafter referred to as the Union.
DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Agreement, the following terms and phrases shall have the meaning given to
them:
EMPLOYER: City of Golden Valley or its Representatives
UNION: Law Enforcement Labor Services Local 304 (LELS)
EMPLOYEE: A member of the exclusively recognized bargaining unit
OFFICER: Officer elected or appointed by the Union.
MEMBER: A member of the LELS Local 304 to which this contract applies.
ARTICLE 1. PURPOSE OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement has as its purpose the promotion of harmonious relations between the Employer, its
Employees and the Union, the furtherance of efficient governmental services; the establishment of an
equitable and peaceful procedure for the resolution of disputes that may arise without interference or
disruption of efficient operation of the department; and the establishment of a formal understanding
relative to all terms and conditions of employment. The Employer and the Union, through this
Agreement, continue their dedication to the highest quality of public service. Both parties recognize this
Agreement is a pledge of this dedication.
ARTICLE 2. RECOGNITION
Section 1. The Employer recognizes the Union as the exclusive representative under Minnesota Statutes
179.71, Subdivision 3, for all employees of the Golden Valley Police Department bargaining unit as
identified by the Bureau of Mediation Services, certification of Exclusive Representative dated January 1,
1982, Case No. 82-PR-277-A.
Section 2. In the event that the Employer and the Union are unable to agree as to the inclusion or
exclusion of a new or modified job class, the issue shall be submitted to the Bureau of Mediation for
determination.
ARTICLE 3. EMPLOYER AUTHORITY
Section 1. It is recognized and accepted by the Union and Employer that the management, direction
and control of the Police Department and its personnel are exclusively the function of the Employer.
The exercise of the City’s management rights shall take place “without hindrance or interference by the
Union”, except as limited by the terms of this Agreement. City’s management rights include, but shall
under no circumstances be construed to be limited to, the right to:
a. Manage the operation through the selection and direction of the work force, including the right
to hire and promote, transfer Employees to positions, departments and classifications both
covered and not covered by this Agreement, except that no Employee shall be transferred out of
the Bargaining Unit as a disciplinary action.
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b. Lay off Employees
c. Demote, suspend, discipline or discharge Employees
d. Make such operating changes as deemed necessary by the Employer for the efficient,
economical operation of the City, including but not limited to the right to sub-contract work
performed by members of the Bargaining Unit, to change the normal work week, the length of
the normal work day, hours of work, the beginning or ending time of each shift or assignment
and the number of shifts to be operated.
e. Determine the organizational structure, number of personnel and the assignment of duties,
including the right to increase, decrease or change duties.
f. Establish functions, programs, its overall budget and the utilization of technology.
g. Promulgate work rules and regulations.
Section 2. Any specifically enumerated management right not limited by the terms of this Agreement
shall not be eligible to be grieved by the Union.
Section 3. Any terms and conditions of employment not specifically established or modified by this
Agreement shall remain solely with the discretion of the Employer to modify, establish or eliminate.
ARTICLE 4. UNION SECURITY
Section 1.
A. The Employer agrees to cooperate with the Union in the deduction of regular monthly dues,
for those Employees who request in writing to have regular monthly Union dues checked off by payroll
deduction. The Employer agrees to remit such regular monthly dues in a manner to be determined by
the Union and Employer.
B. The Union agrees to indemnify and hold the Employer harmless against any and all claims,
suits, orders or judgment brought or issued against the Employer as a result of any action taken or not
taken by the Employer under the provisions of paragraph A of this Section.
Section 2. The Union may designate members to act as stewards or officers and shall inform the
Employer of such choice and of any changes in stewards or officers in writing.
Section 3. The Employer agrees to make space available on the Employer bulletin board for the posting
of Union notice(s) and announcements and to make space available for Union meetings when it does
not conflict with the operation of the department.
Section 4. The Employer agrees to allow the officers and representatives of the Bargaining Unit
reasonable time off and leaves of absence, with prior approval and without pay for the purpose of
conducting Union business when such time would not be detrimental to the work programs of the
Employer.
Section 5. The Employer agrees to post on the department bulletin board all promotional opportunities
within the Bargaining Unit; to publish the method by which promotions shall be made within the
Bargaining Unit; and to make copies of all work rules and regulations available to Employees.
ARTICLE 5. EMPLOYER SECURITY
Section 1. Neither the Union, its officers or agents, nor any of the Employees covered by this
Agreement will engage in, encourage, sanction, support or suggest any strike, slowdown, mass
resignations, mass absenteeism, the willful absence from one’s position, stoppage of work or the
absence in whole or part of the full, faithful and proper performance of duties of employment for the
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purpose of inducing, influencing, or coercing a change in the conditions, compensation or the rights,
privileges or obligations of employment.
Section 2. Any Employee who engages in a strike may have his/her appointment terminated by the
Employer effective the date the violation first occurs. Such termination shall be effective upon written
notice served upon the Employee.
ARTICLE 6. EQUAL APPLICATION
Section 1. The provisions of this Agreement shall be applied equally to all Employees in the Bargaining
Unit without discrimination as to race, color, creed, sex, national origin, religion, political affiliation or
marital status. The Union and the Employees covered by this Agreement shall share equally with the
Employer the responsibilities established by this Article.
Section 2. The Employer shall not discriminate against, interfere with, restrain, or coerce an Employee
from exercising the right to join or not to join the Union or participate in an official capacity on behalf of
the Union, which is in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. The Union shall not
discriminate against, interfere with, restrain, or coerce an Employee from exercising the right to join or
not to join the Union and will not discriminate against any Employee in the administration of the
Agreement because of non-membership in the Union.
Section 3. The Union accepts its responsibilities as exclusive representative and agrees to represent all
Employees in the Bargaining Unit without discrimination.
ARTICLE 7. SAVINGS
Section 1. This Agreement is subject to the laws of the United States and the State of Minnesota.
Section 2. In the event that any provision of this Agreement shall be held to the contrary of law by a
court of competent jurisdiction from whose final judgment or decree no appeal has been taken within
the time provided, such provision shall be voided. All other provisions of this Agreement shall continue
in full force and effect. The voided provisions may be renegotiated upon written request of either party.
ARTICLE 8. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Section 1.
A. For the purpose of this Agreement, the term “grievance” means any disputes arising
concerning the interpretation or application of the express provisions of this Agreement.
B. In the event of such grievance arising there shall be no suspension of operations but an
earnest effort shall be made to resolve such grievances in the manner prescribed by this Agreement.
C. It is recognized and accepted by the Union and the Employer that the processing of
grievances, as herein provided, is limited by the job duties and responsibilities of the Employee and shall
therefore be accomplished during normal working hours only when consistent with such Employee
duties and responsibilities. The aggrieved Employee and the Union Representative shall be allowed a
reasonable amount of time without loss in pay when a grievance is investigated and presented to the
Employer during normal working hours provided the Employee and the Union Representative have
notified and received prior approval from the designated supervisor who has determined that such
absence is reasonable and would not be detrimental to the work programs of the Employer.
Section 2. Grievances, as defined by Section 1, shall be resolved in conformance with the following
procedure and all references to days in Steps 1-4 are calendar days:
Step 1. An Employee who feels that the City has misinterpreted or misapplied any section of the
Agreement in dealing with that Employee, should discuss his/her claim with the Employee’s
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immediate supervisor. This should be done within fourteen (14) calendar days from the occurrence
of the believed violation or from when the Employee became aware of it. The Employee should
complete the grievance notice sheet and submit it to the supervisor at the time of the discussion with
the supervisor. The supervisor will respond, in writing, within ten (10) days from the date the
grievance sheet was received. Every effort shall be made to settle the grievance at this step. Nothing
shall prevent an Employee from seeking guidance from the Union at this step.
Step 2. If the dispute is not solved at Step 1 between the Employee and the supervisor, then the
Employee should meet with the Union and the dispute should be put in writing, stating the nature of
the grievance, the name or names of the Employees involved, the provisions of the Agreement
believed violated and the remedy requested. This shall be submitted to the Employer-designated
Step 2 Representative within ten (10) calendar days of the Step 1 written response. The Step 2
Representative shall render an answer, in writing, within ten (10) days of the receipt of the Step 2
submittal and the answer shall be transmitted to the Employee and THE UNION.
Step 3. If the dispute is not solved by the Step 2 process, the written grievance with the information
required in Step 2, shall be presented to the Employer-designated Step 3 Representative. This shall
be submitted within ten (10) days of receipt of the Step 2 answer. The Step 3 Employer-designated
Representative shall render a written answer within ten (10) days from receipt of the Step 3
grievance and the answer shall be transmitted to the Employee and THE UNION. Where no Employer
Step 3 Representative is appointed, the grievance shall progress from Step 3 to Step 4.
Step 4. A grievance unresolved in Step 3 may be appealed by the Employee and THE UNION to Step
4. Notification of intent to appeal to Step 4 shall be made within ten (10) days of receipt of
Employer’s Step 3 answer. The Union shall notify the Bureau of Mediation Services within ten (10)
calendar days of the notice of appeal to the Employer that the Union is submitting the matter to
arbitration and the Union shall request that the Bureau of Mediation Services provide the parties
with a list of arbitrators. The selection of an arbitrator shall be made in accordance with the rules and
regulations as established by the Bureau of Mediation Services. The Union must provide the
Employer with written communication within one-hundred eighty (180) calendar days of the date
that the Bureau of Mediation Services has mailed the parties a list of arbitrators as to whether or not
the Union intends to proceed to arbitration. The one-hundred eighty (180) calendar days may be
extended by written, mutual agreement by both parties.
Section 3.
A. The arbitrator shall have no right to amend, modify, nullify, ignore, add to or subtract from,
the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The arbitrator shall consider and decide only the specific
issue(s) submitted in writing by the Employer and the Union, and shall have no authority to make a
decision on any other issue not so submitted.
B. The arbitrator shall be without power to make decisions contrary to, or inconsistent with, or
modifying or varying in any way the application of laws, rules or regulations having the force and effect
of law. The arbitrator’s decision shall be submitted in writing within thirty (30) days following close of
the hearing or the submission of briefs by the parties, whichever be later, unless the parties agree to an
extension. The arbitrator shall consider and decide only the specific issue or issues submitted to him by
the parties of this Agreement and shall have no authority to make a decision on any other matter not
submitted to him, and the decision shall be binding on both the Employer and the Union.
C. The fees and expenses for the arbitrator’s services and proceedings shall be borne equally by
the Employer and the Union provided that each party shall be responsible for compensating their own
representative and witnesses. If either party desires a verbatim record of the proceedings, they may
cause such a record to be made providing they pay for the record. If both parties desire a verbatim
record of the proceedings, the cost shall be shared equally.
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Section 4. Waiver. If a grievance is not presented within the time limits set forth above, it shall be
considered “waived”. If a grievance is not appealed to the next step within the specific time limit or any
agreed extension thereof, it shall be considered settled on the basis of the Employer’s last answer. If
the Employer does not answer a grievance or an appeal thereof within the specified time limits, the
Union may elect to treat the grievance as denied at that step and immediately appeal the grievance to
the next step. The time limit in each step may be extended by mutual written agreement of the
Employer and the Union in each step.
Section 5. Choice of Remedy. If, as a result of the written Employer response in Step 2, the grievance
remains unresolved, the grievance may be appealed either to Step 3 of Article 8 or a procedure such as:
Civil Service, Veteran’s Preference, or Fair Employment. If appealed to any procedure other than Step 3
of Article 8 the grievance is not subject to the arbitration procedure as provided in Step 4 of Article 8.
The aggrieved Employee shall indicate in writing which procedure is to be utilized - Step 3 of Article 8 or
another appeal procedure - and shall sign a statement to the effect that the choice of any other hearing
precludes the aggrieved Employee from making a subsequent appeal through Step 4 of Article 8.
ARTICLE 9. SAFETY
The Employer and Union agree to jointly promote safe and healthful working conditions, to cooperate in
safety matters and to encourage Employees to work in a safe manner.
ARTICLE 10. SENIORITY AND TIME IN GRADE
Section 1. Definition. Seniority shall mean an Employee’s length of services as a patrol officer and/or
sergeant with the Department since his/her last date of hire. An Employee’s continuous service record
shall be broken only by separation from service by reasons of resignation, discharge for cause,
retirement, death or leave of absence without pay. When two or more Employees have the same
seniority date, their position on the seniority list shall be determined by their position on the Civil
Service list when hired. Time in grade shall mean an Employee’s length of service in his or her current
rank with the department since his/her last date of promotion. Time in grade may only be broken by
the same acts as defined above for seniority. The Union shall prepare a time in grade list and a roster by
time in grade, to be submitted to the Employer for approval and posting. When two or more Employees
have the same time in grade list, their position on the time in grade list shall be determined by total
seniority at the City as a sworn officer at the City.
Section 2. Lay Offs. When a reduction in the work force becomes necessary, the Employee with the
least seniority shall be laid off first. The last Employee laid off shall be the first to be recalled for work.
No new Employees shall be hired until the lay-off list has been exhausted. If a reduction in the number
of sergeants becomes necessary, the sergeant with the least time in grade shall be permitted to bump
back into a patrol officer’s position with less departmental seniority.
Section 3. Probationary Employees. During the probationary period, a newly hired or rehired Employee
may be discharged at the sole discretion of the Employer. During the probationary period a promoted
Employee may be returned to his/her previous position at the sole discretion of the Employer. The
probationary period shall be 1 year for promoted Employees and 1 year for new Employees from date of
hire.
ARTICLE 11. DISCIPLINE
Section 1. The Employer will discipline for cause only. Discipline will be one or more of the following
forms:
a. oral reprimand
b. written reprimand
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c. suspension
d. demotion, or
e. discharge
Section 2. An Employee who is to be suspended, demoted or discharged, shall receive a written
statement of cause of the suspension, demotion or discharge within 72 hours after the action has been
taken. Suspension will set forth the time period for which the suspension shall be effective. Demotions
will state the classification to which the Employee is demoted. The Union shall be provided with a copy
of such notice.
Section 3. Written reprimands, notices of suspension or demotion and notices of discharge which are to
become part of an Employee’s personnel file shall be read and acknowledged by signature of the
Employee. Such signature shall not be an admission of guilt but only an acknowledgment of receipt and
the Employee shall have the opportunity to attach a response to the reprimand or notice to the copy in
the Employee’s personnel file. The Employee will receive a copy of such reprimands and/or notices.
Section 4. A. Employees shall have the opportunity to request to have a representative present when a
Garrity Warning is given prior to being questioned regarding a possible disciplinary action
Section 5. Employees may not be suspended without pay for more than sixty (60) working days in any
calendar year.
Section 6. Employees may examine their own individual personnel files at reasonable times under the
direct supervision of the Employer. Union representatives may, upon invitation of the Employee, also
examine the personnel files.
Section 7. Grievances relating to this Article may be initiated by the Union in Step 3 of the grievance
procedure.
ARTICLE 12. WORK SCHEDULES
Section 1. Sole authority in establishing work schedules is the Employer. The normal work year shall
consist of 2,080 hours to be accounted for by each Employee through schedule of hours worked,
holidays, roll call, training, vacations and/or paid-time off (PTO). Nothing contained in this or any other
Article shall be interpreted to be a guarantee of a minimum or maximum number of hours the Employer
may assign Employees. This Section shall also not be used for the computation of overtime.
Section 2. Split shifts shall not be scheduled except by mutual agreement of City and affected
Employees.
Section 3. Changes in the format of duty schedules shall be posted two weeks in advance.
ARTICLE 13. COURT TIME
Section 1. An Employee who is scheduled to appear in court during their off-duty time shall receive a
minimum of four (4) hours straight time pay or pay at 1 1/2 times the Employee’s pay rate for the actual
number of hours spent in court, whichever is greater. An extension or early report to a regularly
scheduled shift does not qualify the Employee for the minimum. When an Employee is notified of a
cancellation of a court appearance less than 24 hours before the scheduled appearance, four (4) hours
of straight time shall be paid. When an Employee is notified of a cancellation of a court appearance
more than 24 hours prior to the scheduled appearance, no court time shall be authorized. Court time
shall also include time spent in depositions and in attorney preparation meetings with attorneys
representing the City of Golden Valley.
Section 2. The City shall make reimbursements for necessary parking fees incurred when appearances
in Court are required.
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ARTICLE 14. SICK LEAVE
Each permanent full-time Employee shall be granted eight (8) hours sick leave with pay for each month
of full-time employment and will be allowed to accrue credit for earned sick leave to a total of eight
hundred (800) hours. For every day of sick leave an Employee earns after he has accumulated eight
hundred hours, he/she will be given credit for four (4) hours additional vacation and four (4) hours of
pay, computed at the end of each year. Sick leave shall not be considered as a privilege which an
Employee may use at his/her discretion, but shall be allowed in the case of actual illness, legal
quarantine or disability of the Employee, or because of death or critical illness in his/her immediate
family*, or to receive dental or medical care or other sickness preventative measures. Employees
claiming sick leave may be required to file competent written evidence that he/she has been absent as
authorized above, or if more than two days, that he/she has been under treatment and supervision of a
doctor or dentist who recommended work not be performed.
If Employee has been incapacitated for the period of his/her absence or a major part thereof, he/she
may be required to provide evidence that he/she is again physically able to perform his/her duties. Sick
leave shall be computed on a working day basis when used.
Sick leave is intended as a benefit primarily to the Employee himself/herself and as a protection or
insurance of earning power. While it is permitted due to death or critical illness in the immediate family,
it is intended to be available on a restricted basis and in limited amounts for this purpose. For
discretionary attendance on family illness or medical needs, vacation or leave of absence should be
used. All provisions and definitions of the Family and Medical Leave Act are incorporated into this sick
leave provision.
Employees hired under the PTO plan are subject to the provisions under Article 20.
ARTICLE 15. FUNERAL LEAVE
Up to five (5) days leave with pay without deduction from sick leave and/or PTO shall be granted to
death of spouse, child or stepchild. Up to three (3) days sick leave and or PTO where applicable shall be
granted for death in the immediate family or person residing as a member of the employee’s immediate
household and up to one day in the case of death in the next degree of kindred.
Immediate family includes any person having the following relationship to an employee or a living or
deceased spouse:
• parent
• mother-in-law/father-in-law
• sister/brother
• sister-in-law/brother-in-law
• son-in-law/daughter-in-law
• grandparents
• grandparents-in-law
• grandchildren
• stepparents and/or legal guardians
ARTICLE 16. TERMINATION PAY
Termination removes job rights and benefits and rehire status benefits as with a new Employee.
Settlement of all benefits for the Employees who have been laid off, retired, or whose actions were not
a factor in their termination shall be made at termination as follows: Upon termination of service and
after completion of five years of continuous service to the City as a full-time permanent Employee, an
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Employee shall be entitled to receive in pay 1/3 of unused sick leave in addition to accrued annual leave.
Also, after 10 years of service or PERA certifiable disability that results in termination of employment,
such Employees shall receive one days’ pay for each full year of service to the City. In the event of
death, payment shall be made to the survivor.
ARTICLE 17. LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Section 1. Jury Duty. Employees called for jury duty shall suffer no loss in their normal salary.
Employees claiming jury duty pay shall sign over all jury duty fees to the Employer.
Section 2. Military Service. Employees serving in the military shall suffer no loss in their normal salary to
the extent provided by Minnesota Law or Federal Law.
Section 3. Illness or Injury. A leave of absence without pay may be granted by the City Manager for up
to 90 days for extended illness or personal hardship if such absence would not be detrimental to the
Employer’s work program. The Employee shall not be entitled to accrue leave or seniority while on a
leave of absence without pay granted pursuant to this section.
Section 4. Parental Leave. Employees shall be eligible for pregnancy and parenting leave granted in the
Employee Handbook. (See Time Away from Work Section of Employee Handbook).
Section 5. Military. Employees shall be granted unpaid military leaves consistent with applicable
Minnesota Statutes. Requests shall be made in writing to the City Manager.
ARTICLE 18. VACATION LEAVE
Section 1. Employees shall be entitled to a paid vacation based upon service in the prior years. Annual
leave shall be earned as follows:
Date of Hire until completion of 5 years 2 weeks
Over 5 years until completion of 10 years 3 weeks
Over 11 years 3 weeks plus 1 day
Over 12 years 3 weeks plus 2 days
Over 13 years 3 weeks plus 3 days
Over 14 years 3 weeks plus 4 days
Over 15 years 4 weeks
Over 16 years 4 weeks plus 1 day
Over 17 years 4 weeks plus 2 days
Over 18 years 4 weeks plus 3 days
Over 19 years 4 weeks plus 4 days
Over 20 years and above 5 weeks
Section 2. Vacations will, so far as possible, be granted at times most desired by the Employee except
that the Employer shall have the final right to allot vacations in order to ensure the orderly operation of
the City.
Section 3. Employees shall be permitted to carry over double their current accumulation from one
calendar year to the next.
Section 4. Employees may request additional time off without pay up to a maximum of one year in a
five-year period. Such requests shall be made in writing and are subject to the approval of the City
Manager.
Section 5. Employees hired under the PTO plan are subject to the provisions under Article 20.
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ARTICLE 19. HOLIDAYS
Work schedules for Employees are made up without regard for weekends and holidays. In view of this
fact, each Employee is granted 13 days (with two of those days as an unnamed floating holidays) leave
each year in lieu of holidays. Holiday leave is added to vacation/PTO leave on a pro rata basis each pay
period and shall be credited whether or not the Employee is scheduled to work on a holiday.
These days must be taken during the year earned, except 2 holidays may be carried over to the
following year. Arrangements for taking vacation time must be arranged in advance with the supervisor
in charge of the work schedule.
Work on January 1, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Veteran’s
Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day and Christmas Day, will be
compensated at the rate of time and one-half (1 1/2) the Employee’s regular rate of pay for all hours
worked on these holidays plus holiday time.
ARTICLE 20. PAID-TIME OFF (PTO)
Section 1. Employees hired after December 31, 2008 shall participate in the City’s PTO plan and shall
have all of the rights and benefits granted in the Employee Handbook. PTO shall be earned as follows:
PTO Accrual Schedule: Public Safety Employee
Years of
Service
Number
of 8-Hour
Days
PTO Hours
Per Pay
Period
Holiday Hours
Accrued Per
Pay Period
PTO + Holiday
Total Hours
Accrued Per
Pay Period
Maximum
Accrual in
Hours
Required
Accrual Balance
for PTO Payout
0-5 17 5.23 4.0 9.23 348 232
Over 5 22 6.77 4.0 10.77 408 272
Over 11 23 7.08 4.0 11.08 420 280
Over 12 24 7.38 4.0 11.38 432 288
Over 13 25 7.69 4.0 11.69 444 296
Over 14 26 8.00 4.0 12.00 456 304
Over 15 27 8.31 4.0 12.31 468 312
Over 16 28 8.62 4.0 12.62 480 320
Over 17 29 8.92 4.0 12.92 492 328
Over 18 30 9.23 4.0 13.23 504 336
Over 19 31 9.54 4.0 13.54 516 344
Over 20 32 9.85 4.0 13.85 528 352
Section 2. PTO will, so far as possible, be granted at times most desired by the Employee except that
the Employer shall have the final right to allot paid time off in order to ensure the orderly operation of
the City.
ARTICLE 21. INJURY ON DUTY
Employees injured during the performance of their duties for the Employer and thereby rendered
unable to work for the Employer will be paid the difference between the Employer’s regular pay and
Worker’s Compensation insurance payments for a period not to exceed one hundred twenty (120)
working days per injury, not charged to the Employee’s vacation, sick leave, PTO or other accumulated
paid benefits, after a three (3) working days initial waiting period per injury. The three (3) working days
waiting period shall be charged to the Employee’s sick leave or PTO account less Worker’s
Compensation insurance payments. Employees on Worker’s Compensation shall continue to receive the
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Employee’s contribution to health insurance for the duration of the injury on duty on the same basis as
an active employee.
ARTICLE 22. ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE/LIGHT DUTY
The City recognizes that from time to time, as a result of traumatic incidents happening on the job,
Police Sergeants may experience stress reactions or other emotional problems that impact their ability
to work efficiently and effectively. In light of the foregoing, the City’s decision to grant administrative
leave or light duty will be based on the following criteria:
1. That the sergeant is referred to a psychologist or other qualified mental health professional by
the Police Chief. Self-referral with the concurrence of the department head will be deemed to
be referral by the City.
2. The cost of any evaluation recommended by the Department will be borne by the City and the
time spent by the sergeant undergoing the evaluation will be considered duty time.
3. Administrative leave/light duty shall be granted based on the recommendation of the Evaluator
and a finding that the need for administrative leave/light duty is reasonably related to an
incident occurring in the course and scope of the sergeant’s employment with the City.
4. The Police Chief will be advised of all findings and recommendations of the Evaluator, excluding
any background material that led to the finding and recommendation.
5. Any administrative leave/light duty granted will be for the purpose of obtaining treatment
and/or counseling or participating in other activities prescribed by medical/mental health
Evaluator.
6. Light duty or other assignment, consistent with medical recommendations may be granted.
Persons on special assignment or light duty shall not be eligible for any special assignment pay
unless they were so assigned at the time administrative leave or light duty was granted.
7. Treatment for drug and alcohol rehabilitation is specifically excluded from consideration for
administrative leave.
ARTICLE 23. PERSONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE
The City will maintain current personal injury liability insurance coverage throughout the duration of the
contract. The Employer shall furnish legal counsel to defend any police officer in all actions brought
against such officer to recover damages for alleged false arrest or alleged injury to person, property, or
character, when such alleged false arrest or alleged injury to person, property, or character was the
result of an arrest made by such officer in good faith and in the performance of his or her official duties
and pay reasonable costs and expenses of defending such suit, including witness fees and reasonable
counsel fees.
ARTICLE 24. STANDBY
Employees specifically required by the Employer to stand by shall be paid for such standby time at the
rate of one-hour regular pay for each hour of standby, with a minimum of two (2) hours of pay.
ARTICLE 25. EDUCATIONAL REIMBURSEMENT
The City will reimburse 100% of the Employee expenses per calendar year, up to the non-taxable IRS
maximum, for tuition, fees and books required for job-related educational courses, including but not
limited to second language training courses, upon completion of the course provided that:
1. The course has received prior approval of the Employee’s department head and the City
Manager.
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2. The Employee has passed the course (if the course is graded, the Employee must receive a grade
of “C” or better to be eligible for reimbursement) and is so certified to the City.
3. The Employee’s attendance at course sessions is satisfactory.
4. No other reimbursement is claimed or applied for from another agency or source.
All other non-related course work will be reimbursed at rate of 50%, with an annual cap of $500.
ARTICLE 26. TRAINING
The City will provide training to meet Post Board Certification standards and will pay for ongoing Post
Board licenses required of each sergeant.
ARTICLE 27. SALARIES AND BENEFITS
Salary
Effective January 1, 2023, and subject to the market adjustment implementation plan below, hourly
wage rates for grade 15 are as follows:
Step 1
(Start)
Step 2
(Yr. 1)
Step 3
(Yr. 2)
Step 4
(Yr. 3)
Step 5
(Yr. 4)
Step 6
(Yr. 5)
Step 7
(Yr. 6)
$42.93 $45.04 $47.25 $49.56 $51.98 $54.54 $57.21
Effective January 1, 2024, monthly wage rates shall be increased by a minimum 3% COLA increase,
which may be adjusted higher at the City’s discretion based on the City’s 2024 Budget.
Step increases normally occur on the date of the employee’s service anniversary in accordance with
established city policies.
Education Incentive
Employees having completed a Bachelor’s degree will be paid $210 per month. Employees having
completed a Master’s degree will be paid $260 per month. Incentive will only be paid for the highest
degree completed and not compounded. To receive Education Incentive, the degree completed must be
in a major field of study related to law enforcement. Employees shall provide their supervisor an official
transcript, showing proof that degree has been completed.
Education Incentive shall be effective starting January 1, 2017. For employees completing a degree after
January 1, 2017, payment will begin the first day of the pay period following the date the degree is
completed. Maximum back pay of 90 calendar days will be paid out.
Detective Sergeant Premium Pay
The Police Chief may appoint a Sergeant into the role of Detective Sergeant. The assigned Detective
Sergeant shall receive five percent (5%) additional compensation for the duration of the assignment.
Buyback of Comp Time
The City will buy back comp time paid at a straight hourly rate on a quarterly basis. Sergeants will, if
they so choose, be allowed to carry over (20) comp hours into the next quarter.
Health Insurance
The City will contribute the same dollar amount per month in 2023 toward health insurance that it
contributes to all other Golden Valley employees, including $20 per month for those who successfully
participate in the wellness initiative in 2022.
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The City will contribute the same dollar amount per month in 2024 toward health insurance that it
contributes to all other Golden Valley employees, including $20 per month for those who successfully
participate in the wellness initiative in 2023.
The City shall make health insurance coverage, including the City insurance contribution, effective the
first of the month following the employee’s start date.
Disability Insurance
The City will provide Long Term Disability Insurance to the employees.
Uniforms
City will provide uniforms and equipment. Employee(s) in the role of Detective Sergeant will receive a
plain clothes allowance in the amount of $950.00 per year to be paid quarterly.
Multilingual Pay. Employees with multilingual skills (i.e. speak English and at least one other language
fluently) shall receive $100 per month incentive.
Restorative Practices Training. Employees who complete Restorative Practices training will receive a one-
time incentive of five hundred dollars ($500).
Peace Commission. Employees who apply and are appointed to the Peace Commission will receive
$50/month and time attending Peace Commission meetings will be considered as time worked. Employees
are expected to serve at least one full year on the commission.
ARTICLE 28. OVERTIME PAY
Section 1. Overtime shall be worked only at the specific authorization of the Employee’s supervisor.
Hours reimbursed at the overtime rate shall include callbacks and schedule extensions. These hours
shall be compensated at one and one-half times the employee’s base rate of pay for hours worked
beyond the Employee’s regularly scheduled work shift. Changes in shifts do not qualify the Employee
for overtime. For the purpose of computing overtime compensation, overtime hours worked shall not
by pyramided, compounded or paid twice. Overtime shall be calculated to the nearest 1/10 of an hour.
Section 2. Employees earning overtime shall, at the end of each payroll period inform their supervisor
whether they wish to take the hours in pay, or time off (referred hereto as accrued time); and shall
receive one and one-half (1 1/2) hours off for each overtime hour worked and hour for hour for straight
time worked. Accrued time shall be taken in the same manner as vacation time, or reimbursed as
provided in this Agreement.
ARTICLE 29. CALL BACK
An employee called back to work outside of their regularly scheduled shift shall be paid for a minimum
of three (3) hours at 1.5 times their regular base rate of pay. However, nothing in this Section shall be
construed to prevent a supervisor from requiring an Employee to report early to their shift which shall
be compensated at straight time provided that the total hours worked on the early report do not exceed
that which is scheduled normally. Call back starts from receipt of order to return.
ARTICLE 30. DURATION
The term of this Agreement shall be from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024.
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GOLDEN VALLEY POLICE CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY
SERGEANTS, LOCAL 304
_______________________________ _____________________________
Tom Buffie, President/Treasurer Shepard M. Harris, Mayor
_______________________________ _____________________________
Adam Burnside, Business Agent (LELS) Timothy J. Cruikshank, City Manager
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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
To The 2023-2024 Labor Contract Between
Golden Valley
And
Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. (Local #304)
Sergeants
FIELD TRAINING OFFICER PAY
This Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter, “MOU”) is entered into between the City of Golden
Valley (hereinafter, “City”) and Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc., Local #304 (hereinafter, “Union”),
on behalf of the Sergeant bargaining unit.
WHEREAS, the City and Union are parties to a 2023-2024 collective bargaining agreement (hereinafter
“CBA”); and
WHEREAS, the City desires to assign field training officer duties to members of the bargaining unit; and
WHEREAS, the CBA is silent on the compensation for these additional duties.
WHEREAS, the parties addressed the matter in a prior Memorandum of Understanding and wish to
continue it as modified.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the parties hereto agree as follows:
Sergeants assigned as Field Training Officer shall receive one (1) and one-half hour of straight
time pay or one (1) and one-half hour accrued time for each four (4) hour period actually
worked.
The additional pay It will remain in effect through December 31, 2023 or such earlier time that the
Police Chief determines that Officers become sufficiently staffed with FTOs in order to address the
existing hiring process and initial training need. The parties agree to meet and confer in November 2023
over extending this Memorandum of Understanding to December 31, 2024.
By entering into this Memorandum of Understanding, the parties are addressing a unique and limited
term issue related to increased needs for field training officers during a temporary time of increased
hiring. Accordingly, by entering into this Memorandum of Understanding, the City is not waiving or
limiting any management rights and the Union is not waiving or limiting any right to negotiate over
wages and terms and conditions of employment. Further the parties specifically agree that this
Memorandum of Understanding and resulting application will not establish any precedent, may not be
utilized as an aid to interpret existing language in the collective bargaining agreement or operate as
evidence of a binding practice for the collective bargaining agreement to become effective on January 1,
2025 or any subsequent collective bargaining agreements.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this MOU on this 7th day of March 2023.
FOR: FOR:
GOLDEN VALLEY LAW ENFORCMENT LABOR SERVICES,
INC. (LOCAL #304)
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SERGEANTS
_____________________________ _____________________________
_____________________________ _____________________________
_____________________________ _____________________________