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I <br />iob. Oouncilmember Cox stated that he hasn't been presented with information <br />' at he views as reasons to hire without credentials. Oouncilmember 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 />1 Q& Police Union Ncaotiations: <br />Mr. Schnelle stated that police counter offer is a two year contract with a <br />' 4.58 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 items previously agreed to can be reopened for discussion and <br />changed. <br />Councilmenber Reimann stated that he was under the assumption that arbitration <br />would only address those items that have not been resolved in negotiations. <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 />' Councilmanber Cox stated that Ramsey is in the bottom of Class 5 cities <br />population and tax base wise and when comments like this are made, it appears <br />like we are against the police department. Councilmember Cox stated that <br />Council represents the taxpayers and it is responsible to realize that Ramsey <br />is not a high local aid city. Oouncilmenber Cox stated that the police <br />department is being unfair in expecting a community having financial trouble to <br />bear that kind of increase. Ouuncilmember Cox stated that 4.08 and 4.58 does <br />' not represent the total increase: the public never knows what the total <br />increase amounts to after the increase in benefits are figured into it. <br />ODuncilmember Cox questioned why this information is hidden fran the public. <br />Oouncilmember 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. Councilmember Cox stated that he is viewed as being mean and that <br />' is not the case at all. <br />Mr. Schnelle stated that the only recommendation he can make at this time is <br />' that the matter be referred back to the Personnel Committee for their review, <br />taking into consideration what is staring the City in the face. <br />Commcilmember Cox stated that the fact that Andover is 16th lowest in tax levy, <br />17th highest in income, and ranks in the top 58 in home values and has the <br />lowest crime rate in the Metro area should be considered. <br />' Councilmember Sorteberg stated that the only concern now is does the city want <br />to go to arbitration and if not, how to keep out of arbitration, a poor or rich <br />community does not have any bearing now — those points are valid in <br />' arbitration. <br />Motion by Councilmember 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 />' Page 16 of 22 <br />