Council discusses legacy recognition policy that would honor long-serving city employees

City staff introduced a draft “Legacy Recognition Program” (policy 1019) at the Jan. 9 workshop to create a formal process for honoring long-serving, retired city employees.

Angela (Human Resources) described eligibility in the draft as completing a minimum of 20 years of service, being fully retired for two years, and leaving in good standing; eligible honorees could be living or deceased. Nominations would be accepted in the fall, and a selection committee appointed by the mayor would include representatives from Human Resources, City Administration and retirees. The first year of the program would honor six people and subsequent years two people per year; honorees would receive a plaque and the city would create a rotunda display at City Hall.

Council members asked for clarifications and suggested adjustments. One councilmember said the mayor should not unilaterally handpick committee members and recommended council input on selections. Councilmembers also discussed whether the retirement requirement should be continuous service or allow combined service; staff said the policy could permit exceptions but that including many exceptions makes the policy harder to administer. A councilmember suggested reducing the waiting period from two years to one year so honorees might be recognized sooner.

Staff said departmental recognition already exists (for example, plaques at police and fire headquarters and employee-of-the-month programs) and that this policy is intended to create a citywide council-level recognition. Staff asked for council feedback and said they will return with a revised policy and additional details.