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Mounds View City Council June 12, 2000 <br />Regular Meeting Page 16 <br /> <br />attempt to make these positions more desirable, in light of the general economy and the overall <br />unemployment figures, which are vastly different than they were in the past. <br /> <br />Council Member Stigney stated he stood by his statement. He indicated the League of Minnesota <br />Cities provided the Council with a survey, which indicated that a percentage based calculation <br />was more prevalent in eastern cities, however, within the State of Minnesota, the vast majority of <br />all cities utilize a fixed rate formula. <br /> <br />Mayor Coughlin stated it was his understanding that this particular issue was a significant <br />sticking point in the negotiations. He advised that the costs attempting to arbitrate this matter <br />would exceed the cost of this adjustment. <br /> <br />Council Member Marty stated it was brought forward that the cost of arbitration would far <br />outweigh any possible increases in insurance costs, in terms of the City’s legal fees. He added <br />that this would also keep the negotiations open, and the issue would remain unresolved. <br /> <br />Council Member Stigney requested he be allowed to respond. <br /> <br />Mayor Coughlin stated in the interest of fairness, he would yield the Floor to Council Member <br />Stigney, and would not speak further to this issue. <br /> <br />Council Member Stigney stated he would like to make a clarification with regard to the costs of <br />arbitration. He stated this represented the cost of arbitration over a one, two or three year <br />contract period, versus a change in policy established for the City from this point forward into the <br />future. He added that this policy would not only affect the Police Department employees, but <br />would trickle down through to the entire City. <br /> <br />Council Member Quick stated he has been with the City almost 16 years, and has dealt with this <br />issue many times. He stated he has always been impressed by the Police Department, and their <br />professionalism, and he is certainly glad that in the event he required a Police Officer’s <br />assistance, he would know the Police Officer who comes to his aid. He stated as a Council <br />Member and a citizen, he feels that this is a small concession to make, and if he is able to make <br />their jobs a little easier by putting their minds at rest regarding their hospitalization, which is <br />likely one of the most important areas of their benefit plan, so be it. <br /> <br /> Ayes - 3 Nays – 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. <br /> <br />Interim Administrator Ulrich stated this contract has been discussed by various staff members, <br />and as Council Member Stigney has stated, such requests would probably come from the other <br />bargaining units and the remaining City staff, therefore, staff is seeking direction in this regard. <br /> <br />Mayor Coughlin requested the Council’s consent to refer this discussion to the next Council <br />Work Session. <br /> <br />The Council agreed.