Council Employment Committee Meeting Date: October 5th, 2026
To: Members of the Council Employment Policy Committee
From: Keenan Knutelski, Human Resources Manager
Title
Funeral Leave (Bereavement) policy.
Body
Action Requested:
The Council Employment Policy Committee reviews the changes made to the Funeral Leave (Bereavement) Policy and provide feedback and direction to staff.
Summary Report:
The current policy provides employees with funeral leave following the death of a qualifying family member and requires verification of the death via an obituary or funeral notice. Staff have modified the Funeral Leave Policy to clarify that funeral leave may be used following pregnancy loss, miscarriage, or stillbirth involving an employee, an employee’s spouse, or domestic partner. The policy is further amended to modify the verification requirement; it would allow the City to request reasonable verification when necessary to confirm eligibility for leave.
The amendment to the policy recognizes that pregnancy loss constitutes a significant personal and family loss. Similarly, the amendments recognize that an obituary, funeral notice, or similar documentation may not exist or be customary for every qualifying loss, including pregnancy loss.
Financial Impacts:
None.
Tentative Timelines:
Staff will add the policy and motion to the December 1st, 2026 City Council meeting consent agenda.