Council Employment Committee Meeting Date: September 15, 2025
To: Members of the Council Employment Committee
From: Michelle Mahowald, Communications/Human Resources
Title
Gallagher presentation: Northfield's transition to Minnesota Paid Leave effective January 1, 2026.
Body
Action Requested:
Receive presentation and ask questions as we transition to Minnesota Paid Leave.
Summary Report:
Gallagher Benefits consultants Jessica Nikunen and Katie Reger will present an update on the 2026 employee benefits renewal and implementation of Paid Leave as approved in the 2025 legislative session.
City Administrator Martig, Finance Director Angelstad, and Communications & Human Resources Director Mahowald had a meeting with Jessica and Katie on September 8, 2025.
The City of Northfield employee benefits committee had a meeting with Jessica and Katie on September 10, 2025.
The Northfield City Council approved Resolution 2018-128 Approving Paid Family and Parental Leave as a Council Administrative Policy December 4, 2018 and updated the policy in October 5, 2021 for the employee handbook which is now 8.36 paid family and parental leave. The current policy is included as an attachment in this agenda item.
The following tables show the number of approved requests with the reason since 2019:
Costs for paid family leave requests:
2019 $46,198.09
2020 $110,245.22
2021 $116,447.17
2022 $128,820.32
2023 $47,453.02
2024 $58,005.55
2025 (YTD) $
In preparation for MN Paid Leave, City staff have:
* attended several webinars, conferences, and Minnesota Department of Labor presentation to Northfield businesses at Carleton College
* prepared a census for Gallagher to assist with a quote for a private plan
* surveyed employees who elect AFLAC. Voluntary short term disability plans are available for employee purchase each benefits renewal. AFLAC will meet with employee groups the week of August 18-22 to educate plan benefits before open enrollment to allow better...
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