10-08-97 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 8,1997 Fahey asked about the City's cap on health insurance contribution. The Administrator reported that the City has not increased the cap amount of its contribution toward employee health insurance costs for three years. That cap is at $339 per month per employee. The Administrator indicated that the cap still appears to be adequate as a result of the Opt-Out Program for health insurance benefits. If an employee has health insurance covera~e from another source, that employee can Opt-Out of the City's pro~ram and receives half the amount of money the City would otheiwise expend for health insurance for that employee. The City saves the other half. The Administrator reported that employee health insurance renews on April 1, 1998. Based on projected increases, the Administrator budgeted for a 15% increase in that premium. Morelan asked if health insurance coverage was available through the League. The Administrator replied that it was, but the rates have not competitive. The Council reviewed the Public Safety portion of the General Fund Expenditure Bud~et, specifically the cost of police protection. The Administrator noted that the Ramsey County Sheriffls Department has been the recipient of COPS Ahead grants that are now expiring. Therefore, the City is having to pick up a bigger share of the Rice Street car as well as the Crime Prevention Officer's salary. LaValle asked if another full-time deputy was being added due to the new laws relating to sex offender notification. The Administrator replied that the cost of another deputy is being assigned Countywide, with a part of the cost apportioned between the contracting cities. The Administrator pointed out that the Sheriffls Department has been assigned with that duty pursuant to a State mandate. The activity level involved in sexual offender notification has yet to be determined. Once there is more history, the full-time position will be evaluated. If not warranted, the cost to the contracting cities will be reduced. In reviewing the Fire Department's portion of the budget, it was noted that the Fire Department has reduced their 1998 Budget request from 1997. Part of this reduction is the result of a savin~s in insurance costs, since the Department's insurance coverage has been placed with the League of MN Cities Insurance Trust. Fahey stated that the Fire Department should be complimented in turning in a Budget with a reduction, noting that this has not been the case in terms of the police budget. Fahey commended the Fire Department on holding the line in terms of expenses. 2