06-10-2026 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JUNE 10, 2026 2026 LITTLE CANADA FIRE RELIEF INCREASE The Finance Director provided background information on the City's contract with the Little Canada Fire Department, which includes a formula for determining increases to the Fire Relief benefit level. The last time this benefit level was increased was at the July 23, 2025, City Council meeting, which was an increase of $155 per year pursuant to contractual provisions. A request from Fire Chief Don Smiley, on behalf of the Little Canada Fire Department (LCFD) Board of Directors, requesting an increase of $770 to the benefit amount for the Little Canada Fire Relief Association (LCFRA) was included in the packet. If approved, this would increase the LCFRA benefit level from $5,545 to $6,315 per year of service. Staff recommends approval of the increase as presented. Mayor Fischer commented that the City Administrator and Schwalbach are recusing themselves from this discussion as they are members of the Fire Department. Miller asked about the pension liability calculation. The Finance Director explained that the liability factors in all members of the Fire Association and is calculated by their age and years of service, times the rate. Kwapick asked about the 20 percent asset loss analysis and whether that is the minimum that would need to occur for the City to incur more cost. The Finance Director was not entirely unsure, explaining that is a statutory what -if scenario. Kwapick asked if it has ever gone to that 20 percent historically. The Finance Director replied that perhaps around 2008/2009 or 2020. Kwapick stated that he is always comfortable increasing if it is at that level, but also wants to remain cautious and track data. The Finance Director provided additional explanation on how the formula is built to mitigate that potential. Miller asked and received confirmation that this does not impact the budget or levy. The Finance Director explained that this is a fund managed and overseen by the Fire Relief Association, and the City has oversight over it. He commented that the fund is mostly composed of State Aid dollars and investment gains. Malone recognized that there was a pause in 2008, 2009, and 2019. She recognized that the formula was developed to help mitigate the ups and downs. Mayor Fischer stated that the contract has been in place for over 20 years and is numbers -driven to help prevent contention between the City and the Fire Department. He stated that the formula makes sense and is market -driven and helps to ensure there can be a strong partnership between the entities. Malone introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO.2026-6-82 — APPROVING AN INCREASE TO THE BENEFIT LEVEL FOR THE LITTLE CANADA FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATION BY $770 PER YEAR PURSUANT TO ATTACHMENT A OF THE CITY CONTRACT W►TH THE LITTLE CANADA FIRE DEPARTMENT 3