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job. Coun~ilm~mber Cox stated that he hash' t been presented with information <br />that he vieWs as reasons to hire without credentials. Councilmember Cox stated <br />that in view of the fact that the Ramsey Coalition put out literature regarding <br />the high salaries in Ramsey, he thinks applicants should be reviewed in the <br />most extensive manner prior to hiring. <br /> <br />Police Union Negotiations: <br /> <br />Mr. Schnelle stated that police counter offer is a t~o year contract with a <br />4.5% cost of living and $10 health insurance increase. Mr. Schnelle stated <br />that in speaking with the mediator and labor relations, he has found out that <br />Ramsey is below the average. Mr. Schnelle stated that if it goes to <br />arbitration, any irons previously agreed to can be reopened for discussion and <br />changed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Reimann stated that he was under the ass~nption that arbitration <br />would only address those items that have not been resolved in negotiations. <br /> <br />Mr. Schnelle stated that arbitration will look at Ramsey in the eyes of all <br />other Group 5 cities, cities with a population of 10,000-40,000. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cox stated that Ramsey is in the bottom of Class 5 cities <br />population and tax base wise and when con~nents like this are made, it appears <br />like we are against the police department. Councilm~mber Cox stated that <br />Council represents the taxpayers and it is responsible to realize that Ramsey <br />is not a high local aid city. Councilm~nber Cox stated that the police <br />department is being unfair in expecting a community having financial trouble to <br />bear that kind of increase. Councilm~nber COx stated that 4.0% and 4.5% does <br />not represent the total increase; the public never knows what the total <br />increase ~ot%nts to after the increase in benefits are figured into it. <br />Councilmember COx questioned why this information is hidden from the public. <br />Councilm~nber COx stated that going from $40,000 to $46,000 is more than a 4 or <br />5 percent increase. Councilmember COx stated that the burden of intimindation <br />or harassment is all towards Council because Council is trying to be <br />responsible. Councilmenber COx stated that he is viewed as being mean and that <br />is not the .case at all. <br /> <br />Mr. Schnelle stated that the only reco~en~tion he can make at this time is <br />that the matter be referred back to the Personnel Committee for their review, <br />taking into oonsideration what is staring the City in the face. <br /> <br />Councilm~m~er Cox stated that the fact that Andover is 16th lowest in tax levy, <br />17th highest in income, and ranks in the top 5% in home values and has the <br />lowest crime rate in the Metro area should be considered. <br /> <br />Councilm~m~er Sorteberg stated that the only concern now is does the City want <br />to go to arbitration and if not, bow to keep out of arbitration; a poor or rich <br />con~nunity does not have any bearing now -- those points are valid in <br />arbitration. <br /> <br />Motion by Oouncilm~nber COx and seconded by Mayor Heitman to refer this police <br />negotiation issue back to the Personnel Committee for their review keeping in <br />mind those items discussed this evening. Further, that the Personnel Committee <br /> July 29, 1985 <br /> <br />Page 16 of 22 <br /> <br /> <br />