City of Northfield MN
File #: 25-561    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Information/Discussion Item Status: Filed
File created: 9/30/2025 In control: Council Employment Committee
On agenda: 10/6/2025 Final action: 10/6/2025
Title: Discuss 2026 Minnesota Paid Leave law.
Attachments: 1. 1 - 8.35 pregnancy and parental leave, 2. 2 - 8.36 Paid Family Parental Leave, 3. 3 - 8.30 family medical leave, 4. 4 - State of Minnesota Paid Leave website, 5. 5 - New! MN Paid Family Leave handbook policy, 6. 6 - Gallagher Presentation from 7/23/2025 Council Employment Committee Meeting

Council Employment Committee Meeting Date:                     October 6, 2025

 

To:                                          Members of the Council Employment Committee

 

From:                                          Michelle Mahowald, Communications/Human Resources Director

 

Title

Discuss 2026 Minnesota Paid Leave law.

 

Body

Action Requested:                     

Recommend action to be taken at October 21, 2025 City Council meeting.

 

Summary Report:

 

Staff have worked with Flaherty & Hood Senior Attorney Christina Petsoulis, Gallagher Benefits Consultants Jessica Nikunen and Katie Reger to understand the new law and implementation considerations to be effective January 1, 2026.

 

Flaherty & Hood Senior Attorney Christina Petsoulis will join the meeting via TEAMS.

 

The City of Northfield’s employee handbook 8.36 Paid Family and Parental leave policy will end on December 31, 2025.  Staff recommends implementing Flaherty & Hood’s policy effective January 1, 2026.   

 

Staff recommends premium cost share with employees.

 

Alternative Options:

None.

 

Financial Impacts:                     

50% premium share with city employees.

 

Tentative Timelines:                     

2026 MNPFL paid leave policy, cost share resolution, and resolution abolishing current paid leave policy will be added to the October 21, 2025 City Council meeting agenda.