Laserfiche WebLink
Mounds View City Council January 28, 2002 <br />Regular Meeting Page 6 <br />City Administrator Miller indicated that it was the responsibility of the department directors to <br />make sure information is passed on. She then noted that, if Mr. Pittman had a question <br />concerning the change, he was welcome to stop into her office at any time. <br />Assistant City Administrator Reed explained that 80% is $451.00 and noted that coverage was <br />not changing at this point. <br />Mr. Pittman commented that, if insurance rates change, the dollar amount will change and that is <br />why 80% is a good deal for employees. He then commented that he feels there was a lack of <br />communication because he was unaware of it until tonight's meeting. <br />Mayor Sonterre noted that, without a department head in public works, some things may have <br />fallen through the cracks. <br />City Administrator Miller explained there would not be an immediate change in coverage and <br />explained that the City needed to set a fixed dollar amount that it was willing to pay because the <br />costs of insurance are staggering and continuing to climb. She then noted that almost all other <br />cities are moving away from a percentage formula for insurance. <br />Mr. Pittman commented that he was in the acting directors position for a while and had been <br />attending Staff meetings but was never made aware of the proposed change to insurance. He <br />then commented that 80% was a nice benefit to employees and the City is taking something <br />away. <br />Tim Fredberg from the street department indicated that there are a lot of issues within the City <br />that are affecting employee morale. He then commented that the City has lost a lot of <br />experienced people and is poised to lose more valuable experience if it keeps treating its <br />employees in such a manner. He further commented that Council needed to keep in mind that <br />the employees run the City. <br />Council Member Thomas indicated that the City was aware when it started discussing this <br />change it would not be the popular opinion. She then asked those employees in attendance to <br />turn around and explain to the residents in attendance at the meeting why, with revenue dropping <br />and taxes rising, the employees feel it is fair to ask residents to pay in a manner different than <br />any surrounding citiy. She further explained that the City is not doing anything different than the <br />rest of the business world when it comes to health insurance. She concluded her comments by <br />saying that insurance rates are rising at such a high rate that the City is not able to budget for it. <br />Mr. Pittman stated that the public works group is a group of guys that bend backwards to save <br />the City money and, in return, they are questioned on everything and are constantly criticized. <br />• Council Member Thomas indicated that she, as well as the rest of the City, appreciates the efforts <br />of the public works Staff. <br />