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Tom Hoxter. Ramsev.~ire 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 expresse~ 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 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. 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 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 Clch, Seconded by Peterson, to table It until the 22nd of January. FURTHER DISCUSSION: Counncllmember Pearson felt the Department ls 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 carried unanimously. CASE ~5: Short-term Disability for the Ramsey Fire Department Ms. McA]oney explained to a]]evlate some of the disparities between Workers' Compensation and the Flreflghters' 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 o£ 15 days for a maximum of two years for accident or sickness. The cost Is approximately $19 per Fireflghter, or $5,?00 annually. She contacted only one insurance company for thls 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 provide the short-term disability policy; and If so, whether it should be handled by the Relief Association or through the City tike any other benefit. Da~e Griffin, Fire Chief - explained the Fire Department is in favor of the proposal because they have found that Workers' Compensation does not adequately meet the needs of the Firefighters in case of accident or sickness. The Department recommends the monies of at least $230 per current firefighter be a]]ocated and put in the Firefighter Relief Association Genera] Fund, and they would obtain the insurance policy and manage the program. It would eliminate the maintenance and work done by City Staff. CITY COUNCIL/DECEMBER 11, 1990 Page 8 of 17