HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_07Oct10Meeting Minutes of the Falcon Heights City Council
October 10, 2007
Members present: Mayor Gehrz, Council members Harris, Lindstrom, Kuettel, and Talbot, Administrator Miller, Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk Kreuser.
Mayor Gehrz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
The minutes of the September 26, 2007 meeting were approved as submitted.
Consent Agenda:
Council member Kuettel asked about what would happen to the paper records once they go to the Historical Society. Miller replied some may be scanned depending on the condition of the
record, but they would continue to be preserved as paper records.
The following five items were moved for approval by Council member Kuettel. The motion passed unanimously.
General disbursements through 10/4/07: $104,651.97
Payroll through 9/26/07: $15,341.85
Resolution authorizing SCORE Grant application
Approval of election judges for November 6
Approval of donation of documents to Ramsey County Historical Society
2007 License
Policy Agenda:
1. Proclamation of October 15 as University of Minnesota Equine Center Day
Mayor Gehrz explained that Minneapolis, St. Paul and Falcon Heights were asked by the U to proclaim October 15 as Equine Center Day. The grand opening for the center is at 2:00 p.m.
on the 15th, in addition to walking tours of the facility and equipment.
Council member Kuettel moved to approve the proclamation. The motion passed unanimously.
2. Establishment of a Flexible Spending Account Plan for City Employees
Administrator Miller began the item by stating the plan made financial sense to both the employee and the City, by saving money paid in taxes. He explained the plan contribution is
decided by the employee, up to $2500 for health care and $5000 for dependent care, with administration of the plan handled outside the city to maintain privacy. He added that employees
were on board with the plan.
Council member Harris stated that in her office the administration of the plan is handled internally. Council member Kuettel stated she liked having that distance for privacy. Harris
countered by saying it raises the fees paid.
Council member Talbot asked what would be covered by the administration company. Miller replied they handle all reporting, claims, processing payments, among other duties. Talbot said
he was behind going with a private administrator.
Council member Lindstrom asked about the $2500 maximum. Miller replied that whatever the maximum dollar amount contributed by the employee was, it is available the first of the calendar
year. Having a limit, he added, protects the city from having to spend dollars should an employee leave mid-year, using all his/her contribution. He said there also would be a three
month grace period at the beginning of each year to use up the previous year’s contribution dollars.
Mayor Gehrz asked where the unused money goes. Miller replied that it stays in the city account to spend should the city have an employee contribution to cover if they left. He said
that employees can estimate their expenses and can set aside that amount to spend, tax-free.
Council member Kuettel stated it is not as scary as it sounds.
Mayor Gehrz asked Harris about her concerns about privacy with internal administration. Harris said it never bothered her. Council member Lindstrom said he could see the concern, especially
with sensitive medical data.
Mayor Gehrz asked if there were enough employees to meet the minimum enrollment of seven. Miller stated that at least five employees were interested, and some were undecided.
Council member Talbot moved to approve the establishment of a flexible spending account plan for City employees. The motion passed unanimously.
Information/Announcements:
Council member Harris said she attended the Parks and Rec Commission meeting earlier in the week, where they discussed the budget and items relating to the parks plan. At the next meeting,
the commission will begin to discuss Winterfest planning.
Council member Lindstrom announced he went to the Environment Commission meeting. He stated Dorothy Walz would be speaking about rain gardens at an upcoming meeting, which will be publicized.
Mayor Gehrz said having a how-to and development guidelines for a rain garden would be a great idea for the commission to undertake.
Council member Talbot reminded residents of the election coming up on November 6, and that precinct two voters will cast their ballots at the church.
Administrator Miller announced the Fire Department Open House on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is welcome to attend to see the equipment, fire hall, and the firefighters
put out a car fire as a drill.
Mayor Gehrz adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey Kreuser
Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk