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MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 11, 1985 PAGE 4 Mayor Eggert explained that at the last meeting of the North Suburban Cable Commission the matter of proposed rate increases by Group W Cable were discussed, such rate increase being permitted by the government's deregulation of cable rates. The rates may be increased up to 5~ in 1985 and up to 5~ in 1986 without the Commission's approval, higher increases require Commission approval, with full deregulation after 1986. He stressed that the basic rates now charged by Group W are lower than any other system in the Twin Cities, and that most members of the Commission did not feel the proposed $2.00 increase unreasonable even though it is more than 5~. Group W felt the increase was justified due to the fact that they presently have low rates, and their penetration rates are lower than projected. The Cable Commission was of the opinion that it would be better to allow Group W to increase the base rate rather than increase the pay service, which presently is high.. Mayor Eggert stated that the majority of the Commission felt it should be allowed to happen, did not approve or disapprove the increase, but allowed it to happen passively. They recommended that the Cities not challenge the increase. Council took no action as recommended by the Cable Commission. Mayor Eggert asked for comments on the request from Community Human Services for assignment of a local representative to the Task Force on Program Development. The consensus of opinion was that there should be a representative from the. City, and that, perhaps a Planning Commission member would be a good selection. Clerk Administrator Barnes will attend the first meeting and request that the meetings be scheduled for evenings rather than afternoons. A Councilmember or Planning Commission member will hopefully be appointed in the near future. Engineer Schunicht requested that council authorize partial payment to Austin P. Keller Construction in the amount of $101,306.00 for work done on the Coffman site and Tatum/Lindig improvements. Mayor Eggert moved, seconded by Councilmember Ciernia, that payment be made as recommended by the Engineer. Motion carried unanimously. Council discussed at length whether or not it is necessary to purchase a transmitter for the Fire Department's newly acquired defibrillator at this time. Mayor Eggert explained that he had discussed the matter with Chief Renchin who indicated they would like the additional equipment as the Department desires to upgrade their EMT personnel and EMTI which would require use of the transmitter. They would also prefer to have the equipment for direct contact with the-physician at Ramsey Hospital due to possible liability. Chief Renchin also stressed that the cost of the transmitter will increase after January 1, 1986. Council also discussed the problem of retaining, recruiting, and up- grading personnel and the fact that the Department is at present under- staffed. They also addressed salaries vs. pension as an incentive for retaining and recruiting personnel, and questioned with the present personnel problem (shortage of members and inability to respond during• the day) there would be personnel available and willing to train for EMTI. Clerk Administrator Barnes will contact Chief Renchin and attempt to arrange a meeting for September 16, 1985. ~~~ CABLE TV UPDATE RATE INCREASE PROPOSED REQUEST FOR AN APPOINT- MENT TO HUMAN SERVICES TASK FORCE ON PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT PARTIAL PAY- MENT TO AUSTIN P. KELLER FOR COFFMAN/TATUN LINDIG FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET DISCUSSION