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Council votes to issue Rice notices to part‑time employees ahead of health‑benefits discussion
Summary
Council voted unanimously to issue Rice (advance notice) letters to part‑time employees who could be affected by proposed changes to part‑time health benefits; the vote was 7–0 after a roll call.
The Clifton Municipal Council voted to issue Rice notices to part‑time employees eligible for city health benefits, notifying them that the council will consider changes to those benefits at a future meeting.
What the council did: The motion directed staff to issue notices to the affected part‑time employees in advance of a council meeting where elimination or changes to part‑time health benefits could be considered. Council members discussed legal guidance about Rice notice requirements and asked the city attorney and legal advisers to re‑review whether a Rice notice is required for a policy change versus individual personnel actions. The council instructed administration to issue the notices to the list of affected employees and to return with the matter on a future agenda.
Vote: The council called the roll and recorded seven affirmative votes. The roll call recorded “yes” from: Councilman D’Amato; Councilman Gibson; Councilman Kolodziej; Councilman Latona; Councilwoman Rosemary Pino; Councilwoman Latoya Sadracula; and Mayor Joseph Grabowski.
Why it matters: Council members said they wanted affected employees to have an opportunity to be heard before the council considers changes. The legal adviser present noted differing views on whether Rice notices are required for a policy‑level change; counsel advised that issuing notices and allowing employees to speak would avoid extended procedural litigation over notice requirements before the substantive debate.
Next steps: Notices will be issued to the identified group; administration will place the health‑benefits item on a future agenda and provide supporting materials. The council did not change benefits at the April 21 meeting.
