10-21-2010 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION October 21,2010 APPROVED 90 The council reviewed the police department's ten year FTE Chart. Chief Strege 91 explained that there are five sergeant positions currently, not all assigned geographically 92 since adjustments must sometimes occur to ensure proper supervision. The council 93 discussed the number of squad cars (there are 10 marked cars) and the number on the 94 street at any given time(normally 2-3). 95 96 The council moved to discussion of the capital equipment levy. Mr. Rolek noted that the 97 budget includes equipment replacement for public services as well as public safety and a 98 contribution to the Centennial Fire District budget for their equipment replacement plan. 99 There was a review of the formula used by the fire district for funding from the three 100 cities they serve. The mayor noted the benefit of having the capital replacement fund - it 101 allows the city to save the interest on borrowing money to buy equipment as well as not 102 lose interest on funds being held for purchases; he would be in favor of increasing that 103 fund rather than decreasing. 104 105 The council discussed the energy savings item. The improvements will be paid for(no 106 debt used to fund them) so the reduction noted is true savings. The Building and 107 Facilities Fund will be used to fund the improvements. A council member noted that he 108 has received information on the benefits of retrofitting lighting at city hall; lighting costs 109 could be cut in half Public Services Director DeGardner indicated that he has met with 110 the lighting representatives and will provide information to the council in their weekly 111 update. 112 113 The council discussed the employee health insurance budget. Administrator Karlson 114 noted that the city's current insurance provider, HealthPartners, indicated that rates for 115 2011 would go up 17 percent and higher for the HSA (Health Savings Account)plan. 116 Staff received an offer from Medica for a one year contract with a zero percent increase. 117 The council was informed that employee labor union contracts contain language on health 118 insurance, including the waiver option, so that must be a consideration when changes are 119 considered. Staff will be presenting to the council the concept of eliminating the 120 traditional HMO/copay option for employees and offering only the HSA Plan with some 121 minor changes. Staff would like to continue the process by meeting with employees on 122 the subject and continue meeting with the labor unions. Mr. Karlson also distributed 123 information on the city's labor obligations under the PELRA (Public Employees Labor 124 Relations Act) law. A council member remarked that after speaking with several private 125 companies, he found none that offer an employee payment for opting out of coverage; 126 another council member noted discussions with other cities and that he found few that 127 offered an opt out. The council also confirmed that any new federal health care mandates 128 are being considered in discussions. The council will receive an update as negotiations 129 continue. 130 131 The council discussed the street reconstruction budget. The mayor noted that he has 132 recommended that the city start building a fund for street reconstruction. He recommends 133 setting aside $250,000 per year, with the idea being to start something and keep it 134 growing. The council concurred that the idea merits further discussion. 3