Council declines to advance purchase of office power-nap pods after no second on motion

Human Resources presented a proposal to purchase three ‘‘power-nap’’ pods to be installed at City Hall, Public Works and Utilities. HR representatives said each pod would cost about $10,000 and highlighted potential wellness benefits (citing research such as a NASA statistic on nap benefits), proposed design features (privacy visors, timers, noise-cancelling and cleanable materials) and suggested funding could be drawn from the HR budget or wellness insurance allowances.

Council questioned logistics, labor-law impacts, sanitation and administration. The city attorney advised that rules around paid breaks and lunch periods could affect how pods are used; staff said pods would be used during break periods and that HR would administer access. The HR budget was described as approximately $1,000,000 and presenters said the $30,000 purchase would represent a small fraction of that amount.

Vice Mayor Kate Sweeney moved to approve purchase of three pods; the motion did not receive a second and therefore failed. No purchase was authorized at the meeting.

Council asked staff to consider labor-law implications and operational policies (e.g., whether use would take place during unpaid breaks or lunch periods) before any future motion.