11-20-2002 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 20, 2002 similar salary scale programs for positions and employees move up the scale based on years of service. The Administrator reviewed the proposed change in the City's employee health insurance program, and allocation of costs based on various single and family coverage situations. The Administrator also reported on an error in the way the Opt-Out Program has been allocated, which had an approximately $6,000 impact to the City. His proposal is to phase in a corrected program over athree-year period, resulting in a $2,000 savings to the City the first year, $4,000 the second year, and $6,000 the third year. Fahey stated that he supports the health insurance program as proposed, but indicated that the amount of cost to the employee should be monitored on an annual basis. Fahey suggested future consideration of capping employee participation at 20% of cost to ensure a reasonable benefit level to employees. The City Administrator noted previous discussion in the implementation of a fire inspection fee program in order to cover the City's costs relative to this service. The Administrator indicated that staff has not completed its research on this matter and will report back at a later date. The Administrator reviewed General Fund Budget revisions outlined in his report. He noted that although the Building Official position is changing from that of a consultant to an employee, no adjustment has been made in the building permit revenue amount at this time. The Administrator recommended this conservative approach at this time given the uncertainties related with estimating permit revenues. Anderson asked about the $1,150 fireworks permit revenue. The Administrator noted that the City had one such permit in 2002. He noted the political discussions related to the lowering of fireworks license fees and the potential State actions that would reduce Little Canada's license fee. Scalze noted the City's efforts to set license fees to reflect actual costs. The Administrator agreed, and noted that there at e substantial costs associated with fireworks licensing, i.e. continued inspecting to ensure proper fireworks storage, etc. The Council reviewed the CATV Fund, with the Administrator noting that Comcast is withholding the S% franchise fee on cable modem services. This has an impact of approximately $7,000 to Little Canada. The FCC is currently looking at the issue and will