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and Ramsey is at $29,047.00 and a 4.5% increase would still put Ramsey behind Anoka. Officer Way added "it puts us behind and we're doing more". The meeting recessed at 4:20 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 4:36 p.m. 5) Proficiency Pay., The City agrees to add 3, 5, 7 and 9% to the flat dollar rates. 4) Premi~m Pay:. The City is staying at the offer of two days for premium pay. 2) Medical Pay: The City has increased their offer to $230.00 on hospital and medical insurance. 1) Wages; Councilmember Peterson stated the offer for wage is what the City feels it can afford. The City is not "pleading poverty" but there is limited money and the salaries are comparable to the average. The City is willing to up the offer to 3.75% because of the number in the Department. If there were more officers, the offer could not be "upped". If the Department is willing to take a split, they could have 2% now and 2% later in the year. Officer Gustafson stated that with the testing, the City of Ramsey is keeping a "better than average" Police Department and yet the increases are based on the bottom 17 cities in the Stanton Group 5. He questioned if their pay would always be based on that or if it is temporary because the City is just "strapped" for money. Councilmember Peterson commented that it is a possibility the Department will not always be in the bottom third. Officer Gustafson stated they were not against a split as that pushes the base wage up. He also asked if the City intends for the Police Department to grow. Councilmember Peterson answered yes. The growth discussed is the addition of a sergeant, CSO, etc. He added that the general public is demanding more service. He stated there have been hard feelings and difficult negotiations in the past and this is the first time we've negotiated. Officer Kuhn commented that "it is a treat to sit down and talk with someone who could negotiate". Officer Gustafson added that he is also pleased with the negotiations. Officer Kuhn stated they had a new proposition. He asked if the City would be willing to change the starting patrol wage to 72% (it is presently 79%) and extend out top patrol from three years to four years in exchange for 3.75% to start and an additional $50.00 a month starting July 1st on top patrol. Officer Way pointed out that it would be a huge savings even if only one officer was hired. Officer Gustafson added that it is a "one-time giveaway" for the Police Department and a forever benefit to the City. The meeting recessed at 4:54 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 5:20 p.m. Going back to: l) Wages;. Councilmember Peterson stated that they reviewed the newest proposal and added he was pleased with the fact that the Department is willing to bargain. He stated the City would be willing to look at 3.75% plus $25.00 on July 1, 1991. Officer Way suggested adding another $25.00 in October. Councilmember Peterson stated that would present a problem with where negotiations would start for the following year. Officer Way suggested the dollar amount instead of percentage on top patrol. Officer Gustafson added that with $50.00, the Department would be where they want to be. Councilmember Peterson stated that the City is willing to pay what it takes to have a quality department, but if the department wants it all this year, he again expressed concern for next year. He added that 3.75% plus $25.00 July 1, 1991 wouldn't drop the department any more. Officer LELS Negotiations/February 22, 1991 Page 4 of 5