Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident asks why lifeguard WSI training and travel time weren’t paid
Summary
At the July 20 Pipestone City Council meeting, resident Jody Jensen said her daughter completed WSI certification and has taught lessons but was not paid for training hours or travel. City staff said certification cost is reimbursed but mileage and training time were not preapproved; council will research and respond at the next meeting.
Jody Jensen told the council she came to seek clarification after her daughter, Brianna Jensen, completed Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification and “we're just trying to get clarification on why she's not being paid those hours of training and travel time.” Jensen said the course required travel to Westbrook — “51 miles approximately 1 hour” each way — and long training days (about 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
Stephanie, the recreation director, said the city’s past practice has been to reimburse the certification cost but not to pay mileage or training time unless the training had prior approval. “As our typical policy in the past, anybody that's returning lifeguard ... they're encouraged to get their WSI, but it's optional,” Stephanie said. “If they choose to do that, we will reimburse them for their certification cost. But the mileage and the time to do it is on their own.” She said the city reimburses roughly $250 for the certification itself.
At the meeting a speaker cited Minnesota administrative guidance on hours worked, saying “the wage must be paid for all hours worked. Hours worked to include training time.” The council chair reminded the public that statutes and enforcement can be complex and noted that by law the council cannot act on community concerns at the same meeting. Mayor Delaney said staff would research the matter and bring a response to the next council meeting.
Why it matters: The dispute raises local questions about how the city applies its personnel and reimbursement policies when employees or contractors undertake off‑site certification, and whether the city’s written policy and communications to prospective lifeguards clearly describe compensation for travel and training time. Jensen urged clearer communication and a resolution; the council did not take immediate action but committed to follow up.
