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1 <br />COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 9, 1990 <br />DISCUSSION OF MUNICIPAL LIABILITIES - DOUG HOLM, NORTHSTAR <br />RISK <br />Mr. Schumacher introduced Mr. Holm who is a loss control <br />consultant with Northstar Risk. Northstar Risk is contracted <br />by the League of Minnesota Cities who carry the liability <br />insurance for the City. Mr. Holm visits each city <br />participating in the League insurance and discusses methods <br />of controlling risk which in turn keeps the premiums lower. <br />Mr. Holm explained that he works with the municipalities to <br />assist them to make cities successful in keeping potential <br />risk areas low and costs down. Mr. Holm noted that when <br />handling an upset party, what we say in the beginning can be <br />held against the City. He gave examples and noted that <br />although the City should not have been held negligent, what <br />the employee said hurt the case in the court proceedings. He <br />advises employees as to what appropriate responses are when <br />confronted by an upset party. <br />Mr. Schumacher indicated that he was aware of the liability <br />caused by city employees and asked if elected officials could <br />also be held negligent. Mr. Holm said yes, the situation <br />would be similar. <br />Council Member Kuether asked if Mr. Holm's company paid for <br />attorneys fees and what was the limit of the policy currently <br />held by this City. Mr. Holm said that attorneys fees are <br />usually covered and Mr. Schumacher noted that the City is <br />covered for $1,000,000.00 of liability. However, Mr. Holm <br />said that he was concerned that this limit could be exceeded. <br />Council Member Kuether asked for examples of liability. Mr. <br />Holm noted injuries on the playground where the plaintiff <br />alleges that the City was negligent by not keeping equipment <br />maintained and up to standards. Mr. Holm suggested that the <br />City could avoid this type of suit by inspecting and <br />documenting all equipment. A second example could be that an <br />angry caller or upset citizen was intimidated or handled <br />unsatisfactory. <br />Mr. Holm noted that loss control workshops are held each <br />spring and all participating cities are notified of the dates <br />and times. He also noted that he can provide helpful videos <br />that can be shown to employees. <br />Mayor Bisel thanked Mr. Holm for coming this evening. <br />CIRCLE PINES GAS FRANCHISE UPDATE - JIM KEINATH AND AL ROSS <br />Mr. Ross appeared before the Council to update them regarding <br />the operation of the Lino Lakes Gas Franchise Operations. <br />Mr. Ross read the year -end report. Mr. Ross introduced Mr. <br />Keinath, City Administrator for the City of Circle Pines. <br />Mr. Keinath said that he was very pleased with the progress <br />