11-13-2013 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 13, 2013 Montour indicated his support for PTO noting that it gets the City out of the situation of monitoring sick leave usage. Montour suggested that the Administrator put together a draft PTO program for the Council's review. The Administrator suggested that this draft policy would be available for Council review at their next meeting. The Administrator again stated that he was not proposing an increase in the holiday schedule. Keis asked if holidays are outside of the PTO days. The Administrator replied that they were. McGraw asked about the carry- over of PTO days from one year to the next. The Administrator felt it was common to carry over a number of days, similar to allowances for the carry -over of vacation days. The Administrator indicated that staff would review PTO policies in place in other cities and bring forward a recommendation. There was also discussion about how PTO is accrued — on a per pay period basis as vacation and sick leave are currently accrued versus all PTO days being accrued at the first of the year. These issues will be addressed in a draft policy to be submitted to the Council. The consensus of the Council was in support of a conversion of vacation and sick leave to PTO. Staff will put together a draft policy for Council consideration. With regard to Fire Relief, the Administrator reported that he has a meeting with the Fire Chief and Relief Association President tomorrow evening. The Administrator noted that the Fire Department is requesting that the City increase its voluntary contribution to the Fire Relief Fund from $15,000 per year to $31,000 per year. He indicated that he will review some projected runs with the Relief Association relative to fund performance and City contribution amounts resulting in various benefit levels. The Administrator pointed out that regardless of the City's voluntary contribution to the Fire Relief Fund, the City is obligated to make up any shortfalls in the Fund. While the City's voluntary contribution has been $15,000 for a number of years, its average contribution has been $22,000 for several years due to some years that had a higher "required" contribution. An increase in the City's contribution creates a larger asset base which is the basis for benefit increases. The Administrator commented on a recent presentation made by Nyle Zikmund, St. Louis Park/Blaine /Mounds View Fire Department. This department is currently at $2,000 per fire fighter and Zikmund is recommending a flat contribution per fire fighter moving toward $3,000 per fire fighter annual contribution. It was pointed out that this 4