03-10-1997 CC MINSPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, MARCH 10, 1997
Members Present:
Mayor Duitsman, Councilmembers Dietz, Thompson, Farber, and
Holmgren
Members Absent: None
Staff Present:
Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Lori Johnson, Assistant City
Administrator; Debbie Kleckner, Recording Secretary
1. Call Meetinq To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council
was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Mayor Duitsman.
2. Consider Council Aqenda
Mayor Duitsman indicated he had some letters to discuss.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.
COUNClLMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
,%0°
3. Discussion on Fire Department Compensation Proposal
Mayor Duitsman explained his proposal to convert from the existing defined
benefit to a defined contribution plan. He indicated the compensation package
could be looked at each year for increases, in the same way wages are
reviewed for other city employees. In the past, the firefighters favored keeping
the defined benefit plan and increasing it on a yearly basis. Mayor Duitsman
explained that with using this approach, the city would not be able to predict its
liability, since the rate of return on investments and the number of firefighters the
city will need each year is unknown. Mayor Duitsman felt since firefighting is a
hazardous duty, the hourly wage should be increased to reward those fire fighters
who put in more hours. Mayor Duitsman discussed the $22.25 per hour pay for
emergency calls and $8.00 per hour for all other calls.
Councilmember Farber discussed the benefit package for firefighters in the City
of Fridley. He added that special legislation was needed to implement their
current plan.
Discussion followed regarding opposition to the Mayor's plan when it was
previously proposed to the task force committee. Mayor Duitsman ex. plained he
was not given an opportunity to present the proposal to the entire group of
firefighters.
Lori noted the firefighters are anticipating all their members will be present at the
meeting on April 3, 1997, and they have asked that all City Councilmembers
attend, as well. Questions which the firefighters may raise include whether or not
Special City Council Meeting
March 10, 1997
Page 2
the $17,500 city funds will apply to the shortfall, if they will be guaranteed a cost
of living increase, and whether or not the city will continue to contribute. Mayor
Duitsman explained that when the accounls are converted, the total of account
is taken times the number of months of service. Some accounts will be less than
the number of years times the defined benefit and the city will make up the
shortfall on these accounts.
It was the consensus of the City Council for the Mayor and Lori Johnson to make a
presentation as outlined to the firefighters on April 3rd at the fire hall.
4. Other Business
4.1,
Herita.qe Festival
Mayor Duitsman noted the Heritage Festival will be held August 9 and 10,
1997.
4.2,
Health Span Report
Mayor Duitsman indicated he received a report by Health Span with a
request to attend a workshop.
4.3,
Community Recreation
Councilmember Holmgren noted the Community Recreation recently
held a 5th anniversary celebration.
4,4o
Lake Oronq
Mayor Duitsman indicated he will be attending the Lake Orono
Improvement Association meeting.
4.5.
Wild & Scenic River Act
Mayor Duitsman indicated he and Steve Rohlf will be meeting with Dave
Hills regarding the Wild & Scenic River Act and its affect on development
in Elk River.
5. Adjournment
There being no further business, COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO
ADJOURN THE MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
The special meeting of the Elk River City Council was adjourned at 5:54 p.m.
~A~~~' ~Re~pectfully submitted,
Debbie Kleckner
Recording Secretary