09-07-2021 Council Work Session Minutes

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 44 changed even more. He discussed with Ms. Moore now the health and welfare checks 45 are occurring (differently?) in this City. 46 47 Director Swenson noted that Alexandra House has been a major resource for the Lino 48 Lakes Public Safety Department. Police officers encounter domestic violence situations 49 and being able to refer to Alexandra House is at the core of trying to resolve issues long 50 term. A police officer visit is a short term fix. With respect to sexual assault advocacy, 51 he cannot overstate the value of their services — the value to victims is vital. When this 52 community experienced an uptick in domestic assault, Alexandra House was ready to 53 help. 54 55 When Councilmember Lyden asked how much funding they seek from the City, Ms. 56 Moore noted $5,000. She added that they receive funding from other cities (some request 57 a contract for services). Alexandra House does keep information on the cost for their 58 services in the City and it is $12,720. 59 60 Director Swenson added that he knows that the court system relies on advocates and the 61 prosecutor for the City does as well. 62 63 Councilmember Cavegn asked how they cover the shortage if the City doesn't pay it. 64 Ms. Moore noted fundraising, foundations, community organizations, government 65 funding. The larger foundations may not fund in Anoka County so that's a bit of a 66 challenge. 67 68 Mayor Rafferty thanked Ms. Moore for her time and information provided. 69 70 Statewide Volunteer Firefighters Retirement Plan — Human Resources and 71 Communications Manager Sawyer read her written report that outlines the City's option 72 to increase its benefit level to full time firefighters under the Statewide Volunteer 73 Firefighter Retirement Plan, based on recent state legislation. Noted was information 74 provided by the Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERA) that indicates the City's fund 75 is financially able to support an increase. Ms. Sawyer also reviewed state law changes 76 that will allow for reimbursement of pension costs for full-time fire personnel, indicating 77 that increased benefits would come at no cost to the City. 78 79 Mayor Rafferty remarked that firefighters serve the City well and this proposal would 8o increase the retirement benefit to them. The increase should also help with retention in 81 the firefighter position. 82 83 Councilmember Ruhland asked for further information on the law change on 84 reimbursement. Director Swenson explained that the City's ability to increase the 85 benefit level has always been there, in terms of City dollars, there have been no general 86 revenue funds past the first year as it is fully funded by fire state aid dollars. Public 87 Safety Director Swenson added that the City cannot seek the reimbursement noted unless 88 the fund is fully funded.