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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />SEPTEMBER 14, 1992 <br />LaValle pointed out that once the fund is over 1000 <br />funded, the pension level can be increased without City <br />approval. <br />DeBace pointed out that the Board of Directors of the <br />Fire Relief Association has not determined what benefit <br />level will be requested. DeBace stated that the Board <br />is concerned about getting the fundedness up, and they <br />have some ideas for controlling increases. However, <br />these are separate issues from the benefit level, and <br />DeBace requested that the Council wait for a <br />recommendation from the Board before that decision is <br />made. <br />Collova pointed out the need to set the 1993 Budget. <br />Blesener stated that he would support a City <br />contribution to the fund of between $15,000 and $16,000 <br />and a pension benefit level of $2,000 per year of <br />service. Blesener pointed out that with the decrease <br />in State aid it is almost mandated that the City <br />contribute $15,500 to the fund. <br />The City Administrator estimated the City contribution <br />at $16,500 based on Collova's recommendation. <br />Hanson asked who has the authority to set the per year <br />of service benefit level. <br />DeBace reported that the Board of Directors of the <br />Pension Board makes a recommendation to the Council for <br />their approval. <br />Scalze again pointed out that Little Canada's pension <br />level of $2,000 is more than what Maplewood and <br />Roseville fire fighters are getting. Scalze stated <br />that the City always tries to compare with cities of <br />similar size, and felt this should be the case in this <br />instance as well. Scalze pointed out that City <br />employees are paid less than what they would make in <br />another city. Scalze felt that the City has <br />short-changed its employees for years. <br />Collova agreed, and stated that this is why he did not <br />support an increase in the benefit level. <br />Hanson stated that he would like to see some freezing <br />of the benefit level for about a two year period of <br />time, and increase the City's contribution to the fund <br />to the amount requested. <br />Scalze disagreed and did not feel the City was in a <br />position to raise the support level when it is #1 in <br />Page 8 <br />