11-15-93 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 15, 1993 Council. Scalze felt that meetings where negotiations are taking place get hard on everyone and do no one any good. The Administrator indicated that it may be possible to get answers on this issue prior to finalization of the budget. LaValle suggested that the City Administrator stay on top of the issue and provide any new information he can at the next workshop meeting. Scalze indicated that the Council will take as long as needed to resolve the issue at the budget workshop meeting. The Chief asked if the majority of the City Council supported the benefit level which was approved in May of 1993. The Chief reported that it was his impression that the Council worked to get that benefit level to an equitable point. Scalze did not believe the Council had any desire to see the benefit level drop, and is not looking for ways to reduce it. However, if the State is saying that the benefit should be reduced, that is another issue. Hanson indicated that he would not want to see the benefit level reduced, but the City must safeguard against the City's contribution increasing too dramatically and against the loss of State aid. The City Administrator also pointed out that the 1993 contribution on the City's part of $16,500 will bring the three year average down even more. Morelan pointed out that the parameters that were being worked on would have dictated the benefit level based on a set City contribution. Now it appears that the Relief Association may end up with a decrease in benefit, or it will cost the City more money to maintain the current benefit. Scalze pointed out that the amount the City contributes is the key. Until the City knows what the State's intentions are, it is difficult to establish a City contribution amount. Morelan believed that the law change was impacting many departments, and that in the long run, this legislation will be corrected. Scalze asked the author of the legislation. Page 11