Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/10/1991

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Tom ~oxter. Ramsev.Flre Department - 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 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 time they have already put In for the City, which Is only a portion of the money being save~ by the City Dy having its own Fire Department. He also stated they have tried to accommodate the Council In making changes whenever asked to. Councllmember 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 ~ldn't expect and was not budgeted In advance; and It ts 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 them to the Relief Association. Motion carrie~ unanimously. CASE ~5: Short-term Disability for the Ramsey Fire Department Ms. McAloney explained to alleviate some of the disparities between Workers' Compensation and the Flrefighters' regular salaries, they have proposed a short-term disability policy. The total disability income benefit that Is being suggested Is for $800 with an elimination period of I5 days for a maximum of two years for accident or sickness. The cost Is approximately $19 per Firefighter, 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 Dy the Fire Department. Ms. McAloney stated the question is whether to provide the short-term disability policy; and if so, whether it should be hand]ed by the Relief Association or through the City like any other benefit. Dave GrJ.~f.;n, Fire Chief - explained the Fire Department is in favor of the proposal because they have found that Workersl Compensation ~oes not a~equately meet the needs of the Firefighters in case of accident or sickness. The Department recommends the monies of at ]east $230 per current firefighter De a]]ocateG an~ put in the Firefighter ~elief Association General Fund, and they would obtain the insurance policy and manage the program. It wou]~ eliminate the maintenance and work done Dy City Staff. CITY COUNCIL/DECEMBER Page 8 of 17