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to have been here for 16 years. A point system and averages would have to be worked out. For example, if you demonstrate extra capability you may rate a 5, superior would be a 7, etc. He questioned if the Officers would be willing to work on this system. Officer Kuhn commented with regard to jumping to 9% - it would be hard to keep track of and to justify the jump. Councilmember Peterson stated it could include community service work off the job, (clean-up day, bike-a-thou, coaching, etc.) Officer Kuhn commented they would have to see how it can be worked out - 3, 5, 7 and 9% in conjunction with 4, 8, 12, and I6 years. If you're here longer, you should know more. He added it makes sense to correlate them and also added that they would have to see how the proposed system would work. Officer Gustafson reiterated that Ramsey is the only Police Department that tests. Chief Auspos stated that a few months ago, South Lake Minnetonka went to a pay increase that was different than longevity. It was more of a proficiency raise and this replaced the longevity raise. He commented that "maybe we've been right all these years". Officer Gustafson stated that the concept of testing created a "better than average" officer. He commented do we want to throw out the test now or go back to the original intention of making better officers; however, it doesn't seem right to not be getting anything extra but still having to take the test. Chief Auspos explained that one advantage is to design one test that fits all. He had been looking at tests designed for 4, 8, 12 and 16 years and obviously a person with 12 to 16 years will have no problem passing the test. He stated if there is no objection to updating the test, what would it take this year to not drop the test, but work at it in 1991 and come up with something to deal with in 1992. He wanted to know what it would take to settle the contract this year. Discussion ensued regarding percentages and proficiency. Officer Gustafson suggested putting dollar amounts in this year for 3, 5, 7 and 9%. Officer Way suggested to get together to work on the test updating. Test standards were discussed. Councilmember Peterson stated the agreement is to keep the test and attempt to update it. Years of service would probably cause you to do better; however, the younger officers could move up faster since it is not tied to longevity. He added that this may end up costing more and maybe the offer should stay at flat dollars. Officer Gustafson stated that some police departments get the same percentage for "just being there". He added that with the testing, Ramsey is getting "more for its money". Officer Way commented that if he takes a test, he should get more money. If he went to Anoka, he could get the same money and not be required to take a test. He asked why someone would want to stay in Ramsey, take the test and not be compensated for it. Officer Gustafson added that a lot of the work the officers do are things a clerk might do such as computer "things", but because of lack of people, the officers have to do these things themselves. Councilmember Peterson reviewed what was discussed - willing to keep the test ~ change the dollar amounts to reflect 3, 5, 7, and 9% increase on flat dollars (stay at flat dollars if they represent 3, 5, 7, and 9%). Officer Way added looking at upgrading the test for 1992, come to an agreement and then decide on the dollar amount. Going back to: 2) Medical Insurance: Ms. McAloney stated that City Council now acknowledges that the City of Ramsey falls in the Stanton Group 5 cities and the average for insurance contributions is $230 to $240. Officer Gustafson stated that for the last four or five years, the City has strived to bring to parity the insurance for the civilians and the police officers. Councilmember Peterson stated that AFSCME settled at $230.00 and asked if LELS would be willing to settle for the same? Officer Gustafson answered maybe. l) Wages: Councilmember Peterson stated that they don't expect AFSCME and the Police Department to be the same. Ms. McAloney commented that the average is just under 4% for the cities who have settled. The Top Patrol average of the 17 cities is $16.99 and Ramsey's is $16.95. Officer Way stated that 5.5% puts them at what they thought the metro average was - $30,088.00. Officer Gustafson stated that Anoka is at $30,081.00 LELS Negotiations/February 22, 1991 Page 3 of 5