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Mayor Reimann and Councilmember DeLuca stated that they were of the understanding that the <br />issue also did involve a lesser pay for entry level officers. <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley stated that if the time period to top patrol is going to involve a change in the pay <br />structure, then the matter will have to be dealt with as part of the total contract package for 1989. <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley explained that the police are considered essential employees in Minnesota and not <br />allowed to strike. Mr. Harfley went on to explain how mediation and arbitration are used when an <br />impasse is reached between the employer and the essential employees. <br /> <br />Karen Olson requested that City Council set some guidelines for her to operate under during <br />contract negotiations. <br /> <br />Those present briefly reviewed arbitration costs expended during the previous contract negotiation <br />with LELS. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cich was of the opinion that there needs to be more trust put back into contract <br />negotiations and this can be better accomplished without turning over the negotiations to outside <br />agencies. <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley stated that if Council desires, he will resume responsibility for contract negotiations <br />but he recommends that City Council proceed to utilize the services of professionals. Mr. Hartley <br />explained that he does not feel he has been able to maintain the integrity in past contract <br />negotiations necessary to be able to maintain integrity in future negotiations. <br /> <br />Chief Auspos stated that he feels using professional services this year could restore the trust and <br />reduce the need for outside negotiating agencies in future years. <br /> <br />The consensus was that Ms. Karen Olsen should continue to serve as the primary negotiator on the <br />LELS contract. <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley referred to the Stanton V report which indicates Ramsey is very close to the metro <br />average for pay for police officers. Mr. Hartley noted that if negotiations go to arbitration, there is <br />a very good chance the city's position would be granted. Mr. Hartley noted that other settlements <br />negotiated for police range from slightly less than 3.5% to 4.1%; currently judgements in <br />arbitration have been 1.5% with side money to 4.1%; the average metro area settlement is 3.5%. <br /> <br />Ms. Olsen noted that medical insurance costs have increased drastically; the LELS unit is <br />requesting a 33.3% increase in employer participation in health insurance contributions; the average <br />for the metro area on health insurance contributions in Group V is $185-$190; Ramsey is within <br />$10.00 of the metro average; $180/month is what is currently on the negotiating table with the <br />AFSCME unit. <br /> <br />Ms. Olsen stated that LELS is requesting one additional holiday; the LELS unit is currently at 10 <br />holdidays; the metro average for holidays is 10.7 - 10.8. <br /> <br />Ms. Olsen stated that LELS is requesting premium pay for holidays worked and it is not an <br />uncommon concept; the metro average for premium pay holidays ranges from 6 - 7. <br /> <br />Chief Auspos noted that LELS is also requesting the ability to sell holidays back to the City. Mr. <br />Auspos stated that it could be more economical for the City to buy back holidays at a straight rate <br /> <br />Closed Executive Session/March 8, 1989 <br /> Page 2 of 5 <br /> <br /> <br />