09/08/1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 1997 Council Member Neal moved that the Truth in Taxation Hearing be set for December 4, 1997 with the reconvening date, if necessary, being December 11, 1997. Council Member Kuether seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Consideration of SECOND READING, Ordinance No. 25 - 97, Amending City Code, Chapter 207, Defining Part -Time Employees, and Outlining Long -Term Disability and Pro -Rated Health Care - Ms. Vaske explained that the FIRST READING of this ordinance was approved at the August 25, 1997 Council meeting with no open questions or issues. She added that the City now employs five permanent part-time employees who are not provided with health care benefits. The proposed ordinance would provide these benefits on a prorated basis, depending upon the number of hours worked (not going below 20 hours). Ms. Vaske suggested that the severance package should also be adjusted to accommodate all employees equally. She explained that currently the City pays for short-term disability, which provides $100 per week for 26 weeks to qualifying employees. The proposed ordinance would eliminate the City's contribution for short-term disability and pay for long-term disability instead. The long-term disability benefit would provide 60% of the qualifying employee's wages with a 90 -day waiting period. Short-term disability would be offered at the employee's expense, should that option through AFLAC be chosen. Ms. Vaske added that the coverage would remain in effect until such time as the City terminated the contract, and that premiums would be guaranteed for two years. Staff recommended approval of Ordinance No. 25 - 97, which would amend City Code Sections 207.27, 207.29, and 207.36. Council Member Neal asked if employees seem satisfied with this proposal. Ms. Vaske responded that she had heard no negative reactions to the proposal. Council Member Kuether moved to approve Ordinance No. 25 - 97, as presented. Council Member Neal seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Ordinance No. 25 - 97 can be found at the end of these minutes. POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT, BILL HAMMAS Consideration of a COPSMORE Grant - Officer Hammas spoke on behalf of Chief Pecchia, explaining that the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services adopted a new program entitled "COPS MORE 96 AWARD", which allows for police departments to purchase new equipment/technology. The Lino Lakes Police Department has been selected to receive grant funds in the amount of $63,390 for the purchase of lap top computers to replace the MDTs currently being used in police squads. Officer Hammas requested that Council accept this grant on behalf of the City of Lino Lakes and the Lino Lakes Police Department, and agree to $15,848 in matching funds/local share included in the proposed budget. Council Member Lyden moved to approve the COPSMORE Grant. Council Member Neal seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.