11-10-99 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 10, 1999 the threat of legislation which would usurp the City's authority to collect franchise fees. The Administrator reviewed 2000 salary information with the Council, noting the City's method of comparing salary scales with cities having populations 4,300 above and below that of Little Canada. He also noted that salary comparisons are based on salaries bein~ paid during 1998; therefore, there is a one year lag in Little Canada employees' salaries with that of the comparison group. Morelan asked about the 2.5% increase proposed for the two position where a comparison warranted no increase in the scale. The Administrator reported that in reviewing salaries with the Mayor, it was felt that a cost- of-living increase was warranted for these two positions. Based on information that the Mayor had, it was felt that a 2.5% increase was an appropriate cost-of-living increase. Scalze questioned the Water & Sewer Capital Improvement Replacement Fund, specifically funds budgeted for purchase of land and construction of a new Public Works facility. Scalze noted that this is the first she has heard of this, and questioned when the decision was made to proceed with a new Public Works facility. The City Administrator indicated that the decision has not been made to proceed with a new Public Works facility, and indicated that the issue is open for discussion. The Administrator further noted the proposal to increase the health insurance cap for City employees from $360 to $386 per month. Based on the discussion at the last workshop meeting, the Administrator indicated that he reviewed the percentage of contributions that other cities are making to employee health insurance, and while other cities are not paying 100% of the cost, Little Canada employees have made efforts to keep health insurance costs at a minimum. This has been done as a result of the type of plan chosen, participation in the opt-out program, and also the age and experience of the group. The Administrator noted that the $386 per month insurance cap proposed is the average of what other cities in our comparison group are offering to employees. Fahey indicated that he had no problem with the cap as long as there are controls on the amount that the City is contributing toward employee health insurance. The Administrator noted the proposed increase in the rental fee for the Old Fire Hall from $75.00 to $]00.00 for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday rentals.