09-27-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION DRAFT 2 changed even more. He discussed with Ms. Moore how the health and welfare checks 44 are occurring (differently?) in this City. 45 46 Director Swenson noted that Alexandra House has been a major resource for the Lino 47 Lakes Public Safety Department. Police officers encounter domestic violence situations 48 and being able to refer to Alexandra House is at the core of trying to resolve issues long 49 term. A police officer visit is a short term fix. With respect to sexual assault advocacy, 50 he cannot overstate the value of their services – the value to victims is vital. When this 51 community experienced an uptick in domestic assault, Alexandra House was ready to 52 help. 53 54 When Councilmember Lyden asked how much funding they seek from the City, Ms. 55 Moore noted $5,000. She added that they receive funding from other cities (some request 56 a contract for services). Alexandra House does keep information on the cost for their 57 services in the City and it is $12,720. 58 59 Director Swenson added that he knows that the court system relies on advocates and the 60 prosecutor for the City does as well. 61 62 Councilmember Cavegn asked how they cover the shortage if the City doesn’t pay it. 63 Ms. Moore noted fundraising, foundations, community organizations, government 64 funding. The larger foundations may not fund in Anoka County so that’s a bit of a 65 challenge. 66 67 Mayor Rafferty thanked Ms. Moore for her time and information provided. 68 69 Statewide Volunteer Firefighters Retirement Plan – Human Resources and 70 Communications Manager Sawyer read her written report that outlines the City’s option 71 to increase its benefit level to full time firefighters under the Statewide Volunteer 72 Firefighter Retirement Plan, based on recent state legislation. Noted was information 73 provided by the Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERA) that indicates the City’s fund 74 is financially able to support an increase. Ms. Sawyer also reviewed state law changes 75 that will allow for reimbursement of pension costs for full-time fire personnel, indicating 76 that increased benefits would come at no cost to the City. 77 78 Mayor R afferty remarked that firefighters serve the City well and this proposal would 79 increase the retirement benefit to them. The increase should also help with retention in 80 the firefighter position. 81 82 Councilmember Ruhland asked for further information on the law change on 83 reimbursement. Director Swenson explained that the City’s ability to increase the 84 benefit level has always been there; in terms of City dollars, there have been no general 85 revenue funds past the first year as it is fully funded by fire state aid dollars. Public 86 Safety Director Swenson added that the City cannot seek the reimbursement noted unless 87 the fund is fully funded. 88