Minutes - Council - 12/13/2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7:06 Consider Waiving/Not Waiving Statutory Tort Limits Finance Officer Lund reviewed the staff report. Councilmember Tossey stated his intention to vote against waiving tort limits, thinking the City should be held responsible if found negligent. City Attorney Goodrich read the League finding relating to Tort limits. Councilmember McGlone stated his intention to vote against waiving tort limits because he believed coverage of $1.5 million per incident is not a high enough award in some cases. The Council discussed the tort limits, difference between publicly owned facilities (parks, swimming pools) versus privately owned property, and cost to purchase additional coverage. It was noted the Council is the fiduciary for the City's taxpayers and if the statute regulating tort limits is not supported, the statute should be addressed at the State level. City Attorney Goodrich advised that if the Council takes action tonight, that action can be reversed at a future meeting should the Council determine to purchase additional insurance coverage. Motion by Mayor Ramsey, seconded by Councilmember Backous, to Adopt Resolution #11 -12- 256 Not To Waive Statutory Tort Limits for LMCIT Liability Coverage. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Ramsey, Councilmembers Backous, Elvig, Strommen, and Wise. Voting No: Councilmembers McGlone and Tossey. 7 :07 Review and Adopt 2011/Payable 2012 Tax Levy and 2012 General Fund Budget Finance Officer Lund reviewed the staff report. Councilmember McGlone stated his intention to oppose this action, noting his property value went down 18% in the past year, but his taxes increased. Finance Officer Lund and City Administrator Ulrich answered questions of the Council relating to reducing the debt service on the municipal building and General Fund budget. It was noted the Council did reduce spending if not for debt service on the municipal building. Motion by Councilmember Strommen, seconded by Mayor Ramsey, to Adopt Resolution #11- 12 -258 Adopting the 2011, Payable 2012 Municipal Tax Levy and Adopt Resolution #11 -12 -259 Adopting the 2012 City of Ramsey General Fund Operating Budget. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Ramsey, Councilmembers Strommen, Backous, Elvig, Tossey, and Wise. Voting No: Councilmember McGlone. City Council / December 13, 2011 Page 13 of 15