Court Opinion

ID: 9737505
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 19:27:26.594474+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:23:59.472202
License: Public Domain

RANDALL, Judge
(dissenting).
I agree with the majority where it concludes formulation of a physical examination policy is a matter of inherent managerial policy and not subject to mandatory bargaining. I disagree with the conclusion that the implementation is so distinct that it is severable and thus has to be negotiated independently when the decision to institute mandatory physical examination does not.
Here, the policy decision to establish physical examinations for police officers is non-negotiable. That policy promotes one of the essential reasons that cities have taxing power and exist at all, namely, the protection and the health and welfare of its citizens. This policy serves that purpose by helping to ensure the ability of officers to perform their duties. I believe separating implementation from the policy decision is a round about way of defeating the conceded power of the City to manage its police force. See Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. v. Hennepin County, 449 N.W.2d 725, 729-30 (Minn.1990).