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Tom ~o~ter. Rarnsev Fire D.9~_~[_~RP,_D_~ - stated the Fire Department is looking for some commitment from the Council, as they see no backing or commitment from the Council as of yet. He expresse~ frustration at the Council wanting a quality Fire Department, yet it ts not willing to back them. Right now they want a contribution toward the time 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. CouncllmemSer Clch noted it is a volunteer organization, and the Council is trying to make a commitment in terms of insurance coverage. Mayor Reimann 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: Counncllmember 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 wi]] appropriate them 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 FIrefighters' regular salaries, they have proposed a short-term disability policy. The total disabi]ity Income benefit that is being suggested is for $800 with an elimination per]od of 15 days for a maximum of two years for accident or sickness. The cost is approximately $1g per Firef]ghter, or $5,?00 annua])y. She contacted only one insurance company for this proposal; however, they did look at several options, and this proposal was agreed to Dy the Fire Department. Ms. McA]oney stated the question is whether to proviOe the short-term disability policy; and ]f so, whether it should De handled Dy the Relief Association or through the City like any other benefit. Dave Griffin, F]re Chief - explained the Fire Department is in favor of the proposal because they have found that Workers~ Compensation Goes not adequately meet the needs of the Firefighters in case of accident or sickness. The Department ~ecommenos the monies of at least $230 per cusrent firef]ghter De allocated and put in the Firefighter Relief Association General Fund, and they wou]~ obtain the insurance policy and manage the p~ogram. It ~ou]~ eliminate the maintenance an~ wosk done Dy City Staff. CITY COUNCIL/DECEMBER 1~, ~990 Page 8 of 17