Minutes - Council - 12/11/1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Tom ~o×ter, Ramsev Fire Department - stated the Fire Department is ]ooklng for some commitment from the Council, as they see no backing or commitment from the Council as of yet. He expressed frustration at the Council wanting a quality Fire Department, yet It is not willing to back them. Right now they want a contribution toward the tlme they have already put in for the City, which is only a portion of the money being saved by the City by having its own Fire Department. He also stated they have tried to accommodate the Council in making changes whenever asked to. Councl]member Clch noted it is a volunteer organization, and the Council is trying to make a commitment in terms of insurance coverage. Mayor Relmann noted the Council has supported the Fire Department In a number of ways, but this is something the Council didn't expect and was not budgeted in advance, and it is hard to get that amount of money out of the budget. MOTION by Cich, Seconded by Peterson, to table it until the 22nd of January. FURTHER DISCUSSION: Counncilmember Pearson felt the Department is looking for Council commitment that they are behind them, that the Council is willing to continue supporting them, and that once the money is available, that the Council will appropriate ~ to the Relief Association. Motion carried unanimously. CASE #5: Short-term Disability for the Ramsey Fire Department Ms. McA]oney explained to alleviate some of the disparities between Workers' Compensation and the Flreflghters' regular salaries, they have proposed a short-term disability policy. The total disability income benefit that is being suggested is for $800 with an e]lminatlon period of 15 days for a maximum of two years for accident or sickness. The cost is approximately $19 per Flrefighter, or $5,700 annually. She contacted only one insurance company for this proposal; however, they did look at several options, and this proposal was agreed to by the Fire Department. Ms. McA]oney stated the question Is whether to provide the short-term disability po]icy, and If so, whether it should be handled by the Relief Association or through the City like any other benefit. Dave Griffin, Fire Chief - explained the Fire Department is in favor of the proposal because they have found that Workers' Compensation does not adequately meet the needs of the Firefighters in case of accident or sickness. The Department recommends the monies of at least $230 per current firefighter be allocated and put in the Firefighter Relief Association General Fund, and they would obtain the insurance policy and manage the program. It would eliminate the maintenance and work done by City Staff. CITY COUNCIL/DECEMBER 11, 1990 Page 8 of 17