Minutes - 2002/05/13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council May 13, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 5 Council Member Marty commented that there was a lawsuit associated with the golf course and the City lost the lawsuit against the developer due to knowledge that was possessed by some individuals in the City which cost the City $300,000. City Attorney Riggs clarified that the City actually won the lawsuit but it cost more in attorney's fees than what the City won. Council Member Marty indicated that, if the lawsuit had not cost the City $300,000, Springstead has said that the course actually made more money than it was predicted to make. He further commented that the course has been making money but cannot catch up because of the initial $300,000 in attorney's fees. City Administrator Miller commented that the numbers referenced by Springstead were given to them by the former finance director and the former golf course manager and, therefore, are questionable in validity. Frank Blaziak of 2361 LaPort Drive said if the course is making money settle the strike and get everyone back to work because without the workers there would be no profit. David Jahnke commented that for the first five years the course did not have to make any payments but, as soon as those payments needed to be made, the taxpayers were asked to pay the bills which says to him that the course is not making a profit. If it were, residents would not be footing the bill. Michelle Sandback of 2356 Sherwood Road said there have been numerous lawsuit related issues pertaining to the golf course. She then said she would like to have the names of the cities that the striking employees live in so that she can call and find out how much those residents are paying for health insurance for the employees of the City they live in to compare it with what the employees are asking the residents of Mounds View to pay. City Attorney Riggs indicated that the data practices law does not allow the City to disclose the homes of employees because that is not subject to public review like positions and job titles. He then said that she could ask the employees herself if she wished. Ms. Sandback asked the employees to either tell her how much they pay in their cities for their employees insurance or tell her which city they live in so she could call and find out. Mary Tatarek, 11162 Nassau Circle, Blaine commented that the AFSCME employees are simply asking for the same medical that the other unions within the City get. She then said they are asking for equality in Mounds View. Bruce Broeffel indicated it seems the City is under the impression the golf course employees are asking for more money but all they are asking for is their jobs back.