Minutes - 1999/03/08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council March 8, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 10 City Administrator Whiting explained that the City has gone through somewhat of an evolution in terms of managing long distance telephone calls, in that they previously wrote down the telephone number and name of the party called, and the purpose of the call. He noted that when they went to a different telephone system, they would enter a code that would indicate which phone was being utilized. He stated they are currently circulating an envelope to collect payment for personal calls, and this is essentially conducted on the honor system. City Administrator Whiting indicated that staff would be able to determine the tracking capabilities of the next telephone system when it is installed. He pointed out that employees were aware that they were only to make local or long distance telephone calls for business, and very minor personal calls. He stated he would attempt to obtain details regarding the specific telephone calls that were made, however, this would involve reviewing each bill, and would require some time. He indicated the City does conducts business in a many different areas of the Country, for different reasons. Mayor Coughlin stated his only concern in this regard was in terms of having people who are earning considerable salaries, spend their time looking up telephone bills. He explained that they are probably paying more for this research than the telephone bills total in charges, and at some point, there is a diminishing return in this regard. Council Member Stigney explained that his concerns were not so much an issue of dollars, but rather in regard to policy, and how this matter is being managed. 8. RESIDENTS REQUESTS AND COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR Bruce Brazenly, S 127 Long Lake Road, presented the Council with a letter he had composed in rebuttal to a letter presented to the Council by new Planning Commission member, Michael Berke. He indicated his intent was to set all personal feelings aside, and work with the Council to the best of his abilities. He stated although a few of the issues might irritate some of the Council Members, he was firmly committed to working with them, and not against them. He indicated that if the Council Members had any questions, they should feel free to contact him. There were no further requests or comments from the floor. 9. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Consideration of Resolution No. 5313, Chief Ramacher's Severance Agreement. City Administrator Whiting stated there was some discussion regarding this item at the last Council Work Session, and at that time, there did not appear to be any consensus regarding how to resolve this matter, therefore, he placed it on the Agenda, in conjunction with a resolution for consideration. City Administrator Whiting explained that Chief Ramacher had requested the option, which is available to some employees of the City, to utilize a portion of his accumulated sick leave toward the payment of health insurance premiums, upon retirement from the City. He stated the City's policy indicates that employees who have accumulated over 960 hours of sick leave could receive half of those hours as a severance payment, upon retirement. He advised that this policy