Minutes - Council - 11/27/1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Tom Hoxter, Captain of Ramsey Fire Department and Vice President of the Ramsey Relief Association stated that the By-Laws for the Ramsey Fire Relief Association must be filed with the State of Minnesota for the purpose of the Relief Association receiving their allotment of state aid. The By-Laws must be completed and filed by December 31, 1990 to receive money for 1991. Mr. Hoxter explained that the Fire Department is currently short six members, however, they voted to not accept any additional members until the Relief Association is in place because it is so important to get this taken care of. He explained that Ramsey was not eligible before because Anoka and Elk River got what Ramsey would have gotten but since the Ramsey Fire Department would be standing on its own in 1991, that makes them eligible for the money. City Attorney Goodrich stated that he has read the By-Laws and there are some questions reaised which Mr. Hoxter and himself can work out, however, he wanted to point these out to the City Council. One of the sections reads that when a Fire Fighter reaches the age of 50 years, and provided that at the time he/she has been a member of the association for at least 10 years, upon application therefore he/she shall be paid a sum of $1,100 per year of service. Mr. Goodrich commented he thinks if there is not sufficient monies in the fund, the City will have to kick in the deficient amount. It would depend on whether or not the defined benefit is chosen or the defined contribution. Councilmember Cich asked with regard to Article VII if disabled meant on the job as a Fire Fighter or if it meant disabled at any time from any kind of accident or illness. Mr. Hoxter stated he assumed it meant on the job as a Fire Fighter but that he would get that information for Councilmember Cich. Mr. Goodrich read an article pertaining to a relief fund. He stated that if the "piece of the pie" option is chosen, the Fire Fighters would each get a piece and are paid according to how the investments are doing. You can stand to make money or possibly lose, there are no guarantees. The other option is a set amount. It appears to be the more "safe" option. Mr. Hoxter stated the City could have a say in the way the Fire Fighter's invest the money. The Mayor and the Finance Officer would represent the City's opinion on the Board of Trustees. He stated that the State could have a say in the way the money is invested also. He said the figure of $1,100.00 mentioned is based on the calculations for state aid and the City would not have to contribute anything. Councilmember Cich stated he didn't want to see the By-Laws written making it mandatory that the City has to contribute a set amount to the fund each year. Mayor Reimann asked Mr. Hoxter how he "sold" people on the idea of joining the Fire Department when they know it's a volunteer department. Mr. Hoxter stated that the Relief Association is a good selling tool. He assured Mayor Reimann that no figures were mentioned, only that there would be a fund set up with money accumulated in it from State Aid. He added that a lot of cities do contribute to the fund also. Mayor Reimann commented that the money shouldn't be the most important issue. He feels the volunteer work should be done because of your feelings for the City of Ramsey and the pride in doing good for your own community. Mr. Hoxter agreed with Mayor Reimann's statement. Mayor Reimann suggested the By-Laws should be reviewed with the Fire Board and the City Attorney and that a meeting should be scheduled to get this done prior to the next Council meeting. City Council/November 27, 1990 Page 6 of 9