Minutes - Council - 01/12/1991 - Special Workshop

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Council agreed to discuss it further one the resolution has been researched. b. Fire Fighters' Relief Association Request for City Contribution Fire Chief Griffin explained that the request of $17,500 from the City toward the Ramsey Fire Fighters' Relief Association is not an annual request of that amount. From 1988 to now, there has been no contribution from either the City or insurance premium rebates. Starting in 1992, they will receive approximately $23,000 a year in insurance rebates for the pension fund. They would like some indication from the Council that there is support for the fire fighters in the way of City contribution to their pension plans. Fire Chief Griffin noted the amount of contribution in surrounding cities varies considerably and he reviewed the two basic types of pension plans established by relief associations. Several Councilmembers were concerned about the rapid growth of the Department, about still having to contract with Elk River at the cost of $300 per call, of contributing to a private pension plan and of setting a precedent. Fire Chief Griffin did not think this would be setting a precedent; it is actually only $5,800 per year. He also said that the contract with Elk River is only for insurance, that they would be able to protect the City without it and they would be willing to cancel it if it is an issue. He invited the Council to attend their meetings and drills to see how they train and how they operate. Councilmember Beyer was hesitant about giving money for the years 1988, 1989, and 1990. The $17,500 is about 75 cents per capita, which she felt is in line with what other communities give. She suggested putting on the 1991 levy for contribution in 1992 and start from there. After further discussion, the Council agreed to look into the possibility of special levy funding for contribution to the Relief Association to be levied in 1991 and payable in 1992. Miss Ashley was asked to research the feasibility of a special levy before the January 22, 1991 Council meeting and to calculate the amounts that would be received by levying 25, 50 or 75 cents per capita. Fire Chief Griffin was agreeable to that suggestion. He also noted the fund raising done by the fire fighters, the auxiliary that is being started, and the support from the community in over $25,000 worth of contributions, $18,000 of it from the Ramsey Lions Club. Council recessed for lunch at 12:18 and reconvened at 1:00 p.m. Councilmember Hardin was absent for the remainder of the meeting. 7. Legal Services for 1991 Finance Officer Ashley reviewed the charges of the City's attorney for meetings, legal work, prosecutions, etc. Those charges have not changed for the last several years. Police Chief Auspos noted because of the City's growth and the addition of four new police officers, more tickets are written, generating increased costs for Tom Fitzpatrick, the City's prosecuting attorney. Councihnember Cich also noted the additional expenses of having to travel to Columbia Heights to go to court rather than to Anoka, which he felts is a waste of time and should be changed. City Council / January 12, 1991 Page 9 of 13