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government sets the pace for inflation and representatives of the taxpayers <br />are viewed with resentment if they try to do anything about it. Ramsey has <br />good officers but Council must be responsible to the taxpayers as well as the <br />~ployees. <br /> <br />Councilmsmber Sorteberg stated that the police department rejected the offer <br />for a 3% salary increase and if Council is being realistic about negotiations, <br />there isn't much point in reducing the offer. Councilmember Sorteberg also <br />noted that in terms of dollars, the City could save 1-1/2% in overtime by way <br />of the 3 days (training and administrative time) without pay the City is <br />requesting. Councilmember Sorteberg referred to health insurance and state <br />that City Staff did not receive an increase to health insurance but police <br />negotiations are separate frcm Staff negotiations and he is willing to go with <br />a $10 increase in health insurance for the police. Councilmember Sorteberg <br />stated that he feels there is chance that the police depar~nent will accept a <br />4% salary increase and a $10 increase in health insurance; if the issue goes <br />to arbitration the police department might get the 5% increase. <br /> <br />Mr. Schnelle stated that if the police agree to 3 days without pay, the <br />highest net increase for an officer would be 3.61% and the lowest net increase <br />would be 1.3%. <br /> <br />Counciln~mber Re/mann stated that he sees arbitration as a 'no win' situation <br />and blackmail; he will not be a part of giving in to those people; and it is <br />his responsibility to be accountable to the taxpayers. <br /> <br />Mayor Heitman stated that if the matter goes to arbitration, the police could <br />get the 5%; going with Councilmember Sorteberg's offer of 4% and avoiding <br />arbitration could save the City 1%.. <br /> <br />Councilmember Reimann stated that offering 4% might save the City 1%, but he <br />doesn't want to be a part of it; where will it stop? can we afford this police <br />department in the future? <br /> <br />Mayor Heitman interpreted Councilmeaber Reimann's position as being that he is <br />willing to make that protest for 1%. <br /> <br />Mr. Schnelle noted that the life saving training Ramsey officers have received <br />has already been put to use in Ramsey; many cities don't require this <br />training. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmenber Schlueter and seconded by Mayor Heitman to offer the <br />Police Department a 4%. Cost of Living increase to 1985 annual salary (setting <br />top patrol annual salary at $28,729); a $10 increase to health insurance <br />benefits (setting health insurance benefits at $150/month); with respect to <br />training costs for POST credits for validation of license - the City will pay <br />tuition, mileage and meals only and attendance to the maximum of sixteen hours <br />will be at the officer's expense; with respect to administrative time - each <br />officer shall contribute twelve hours per year on a one hour per month basis <br />and not to be accumulated past each month. <br /> <br />Further Discussion: Councilmember Reimann stated that the key to the City <br />might as well be offered also. Councilmenber COx stated that Councilmember <br /> May 14, 1985 <br /> <br />Page 16 of 20 <br /> <br /> <br />