Agenda - Council - 12/09/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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lour 1111.1siion: To work together to reiposihty grow our community, and to provide quality, coat -effective, and efficient government ierrlcas. CC Regular Session 7. 2. Meeting Date: 12/09/2014 By: Colleen Lasher, Administrative Services Information Title: Adopt Resolution #14-12-257 to Approve a 2-Year Labor Agreement with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case is to settle a new 2-year labor agreement with AFSCME. The most recent labor agreement with AFSCME expires on December 31, 2014. Staff met with the City Council in a closed session on November 25, 2014, to discuss contract negotiations specific to wages and health insurance and to address the other outstanding negotiations items. As a result of the meeting, staff is prepared to present a tentative agreement between AFSCME and the City of Ramsey to settle a 2-year labor agreement effective January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016. Staff recommends that the City Council approve the 2015-2016 labor agreement with AFSCME, based on the consensus of the City Council at the November 25, 2014 work-sessiion, as follows: Background Information -- COLA/Wage Adjustment History 2014 Wages • Non -Union 2% 01-01-14 • AFSCME 2% COLA 01-01-14 & 07-01-14 1% market adjustment • LELS Patrol and Sergeants 2% COLA 01-01-14 & 2% market adjustment 07-01-14 2013 1% COLA for all groups 2012 2% for all employee groups, with the exception of Department Heads at 1% 2011 Zero % for all employee groups 2010 Zero % for all employee groups 2003 to 2009 3% each year for all employee groups Health Insurance The City is members with LOGIS (Local Government Information Systems) which is a consortium of Minnesota local government units. This consortium has many benefits including coverage by the group's health plan; currently administered by BCBS. The City is benefiting by five years of rate caps; 2015 will mark the 4 th year with rates capped at a maximum increase of 10.6%; which was the increase the City received for 2015. Employees may choose a health plan that best meets their needs by selecting one of four tiers and choosing between two networks; or they may choose to waive the City's health insurance. Note: The following 2015 and 2016 health insurance contributions are the same contributions proposed for all other employee groups; which has proven to be an effective way to maintain internal equity, minimize the complexity of the budget, keep the payroll process streamlined, and to mirror other city's business practices.