Minutes - Council - 02/26/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion by Councilmember Strommen, seconded by Councilmember Look, to approve the. off- sale intoxicating liquor license application for Pine Island, Inc. d/b/a T &T Liquors and Fine Wines. Motion carried. V oting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Strommen, Look, Dehen, Elvig, and Olson. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Jeffrey. Mayor Gamec welcomed Mr. English to the City and clarified for the audience that this store is located in Sunfish Lake Commons. Mr. English stated that he looks forward to this new venture as he has been a stockbroker for 8 years. Case #2: Consider Optional Excess Municipal Liability Insurance Limits Assistant City Administrator Nelson stated that the City's insurance agent, Mark Lenz of T.C. Field and Company was present to answer questions. She stated that at the November 27,2007 Council meeting, staff was directed to request quotes for increasing the City's liability limits of municipal insurance coverage. She stated that at the December 11, 2007 Council' meeting the Council approved not waiving the statutory tort limits with the understanding that this could be revised if the Council so chose. She reviewed the difference between waiving statutory tort limits and purchasing excess liability coverage and reviewed the quotes from T.C. Field and Company. She stated that staff is recommending that the City stay with the limits set by the State Legislature and not purchase excess coverage because of the cost. Councilmember Dehen stated that he has been a plaintiff s lawyer for 20 years and has seen many cases where people are hurt and go under compensated because of these types of limits. He stated that he feels the $400,000 limit is seriously deficient and suggested that the City consider setting aside money and not use it as an insurance premium, but so it is available should there be someone injured and the $400,000 coverage amount wouldn't be enough. Mayor Gamec stated that the League of Minnesota Cities handles the defense in these types of cases and he thinks if the City held extra money aside, just in case, it would create a problem. Mr. Lenz stated that he understands this is a delicate decision because the potential injured party could be a constituent. He stated that the City can tax to pay for potential judgments, similar to the recent case where Anoka County taxed citizens after a prisoner died in custody and was given a large settlement. He stated that typically, businesses have different coverage policies than those of government entities. Councilmember Dehen stated that this is creating problems in situations like the 35W bridge collapse where the City has $1.2 million to divvy up between the many people hurt or killed. Councilmember Look left the Council Chambers at 7:23 p.m. City Council /February 26, 2008 Page 5 of 13