Agenda Packets - 2000/02/14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council March 8, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 11 was modified through the collective bargaining agreement, to provide an alternative, which allows the employee to put 65 percent of accumulated sick leave toward payment of health insurance premiums. He indicated that once an employee decides to utilize this option, those funds are paid out over time, on a monthly basis, until they expire, and could not be utilized for any other purpose. City Administrator Whiting stated Chief Ramacher has been with the City for 28 years, and has accumulated far more sick leave than any other employee. He explained that if the Council was to consider this alternative, which Chief Ramacher has requested, it warranted discussion regarding how many hours would pertain to this equation. He indicated he had arrived at an amount of $1,800, which, at 65 percent of sick leave, would equal approximately $38,000, and that would be used to pay for health insurance premiums until the funds ran out, or Chief Ramacher was 65 years of age. City Administrator Whiting stated this matter raises several questions in terms of whether or not such a policy should pertain to the non-collective bargaining groups or City employees. He indicated staff would respect Council’s decisions in this regard, however, he was not prepared to go into the alternatives to the policy at this time. He explained that in recognition that Chief Ramacher would be requesting this alternative, and in light of the circumstances of his employment, which are somewhat unique, it would be preferable from his perspective as Administrator, to address this request, and deal with the policy question at a later date. Council Member Marty indicated that during the budget discussions of the previous Council, a $7,000 difference had come forward, and by the end of that discussion there was a $14,000 difference, however, this difference was ultimately resolved. He stated Chief Ramacher’s contract indicates that he would receive 50 percent of 960 hours Council Member Quick requested clarification in regard to whether or not the Police Chief has a contract, which indicates a percentage. City Administrator Whiting stated this was only in terms of the accumulation of 960 hours. Council Member Quick inquired if the Police Chief was covered under that policy. City Administrator Whiting stated this was correct. Assistant to the City Administrator Schmidt stated there is a Section in the beginning of Municipal Code, which exempts all Police personnel from the Municipal Code provision. She explained that this matter was brought before the Council, because the Police Chief had fallen through the cracks at some point, in that he is not covered under the union provisions, and the Municipal Code not necessarily apply to him. Council Member Quick inquired therefore, if Council Member Marty had been incorrect in his statement that Chief Ramacher was covered under the 65 percent clause. Assistant to the City Administrator Schmidt stated not necessarily. She indicated that this was a new situation, therefore staff was bringing it forward for determination at this time. Council Member Quick explained that Council Member Marty indicated Chief Ramacher was covered under the 65 percent clause, which relates to the maximum number of 960 hours of