04-09-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

April 9, 2013 Page 5 of 9 Pat Keenan, 157 Windsor Court, commented this past fall was quite dry and the pond elevation was extremely low at this time. He was pleased that the City would be working on the pond. Public Works Director Wyffel;&.reported the pond would be dredged and the current outlet water level would be restored. Pat Keenan also expressed concern with the water quality of the pond noting in August the pond becomes extremely green with algae. Councilmember Burg encouraged the association to place a pump or fountain in the pond to keep the water moving and aerated. Motion by Councilmember Samuelson, seconded by Councilmember Jacobsen to close the Public Hearing. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays - Motion Carried The Public Hearing was closed at 7:49 p.m. Motion by Councilmember Jacobsen, seconded by Councilmember Burg to adopt a Resolution ordering Project 13 -1, 2013 Street Rehabilitation as proposed in the Feasibility Study, authorize staff to proceed with the preparation of the plans and specifications and designate the City Engineer as the engineer for this improvement. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays -Motion Carried Council Business 1. Consideration of Increase in Firefighter Relief Association Benefit Level. Report No. 13 -086. Resolution No.13 -029. Deputy Director Paetznick indicated the Firefighter Relief Association was funded by State Fire Aid, ongoing investment earnings and a City contribution. The Association was seeking an increase to the pension benefit level for firefighters to $6,000 per year of service. The Council last approved an increase to $5,700 per year on April 10, 2012. It was noted the 2013 budget was $82,000 with the City's contribution to this fund being $46,200, an amount that has remained unchanged for the past five years. Deputy Director Paet zmek discussed the services provided by the Association in detail noting there were 304 calls for service in 2012. The organization and historical timeline of the Firefighter Relief Association was noted along with the paid/on -call efficiencies. The finances of the organization were reviewed. Staff requested the Council approve a resolution amending the pension benefit level for firefighters to $6,000 per year of service . Mayor Jacobsen indicated the fund was currently 111 % funded. He questioned how the proposed increase would affect the fi1r>d balance. Deputy Director Pae9znick explained that based on projections, the fund would be drawn down to 97.6% with the proposed increase. Councilmember Bauman discussed the rate of return for the Fire Relief Association pension with the Council. She commented the average lump sum benefit paid out by other local Fire Relief Associations in the metro area was $3,788. She indicated the New Brighton Fire Relief Association was at the 9e percentile compared to the twin cities associations. She explained she valued the work completed by the organization, but did not agree with constant increases. She was in favor of decreasing the City's contribution given this fund was over -fimded at this time. Councilmember Burg stated it did make sense for the City to reduce its contribution given the fact the fund was currently over 100%. She questioned how this would affect the fiord. Deputy Director Olson indicated this would drop the fund several percentage points. Deputy Director Paetznick stated it was a goal back in 2000 to keep the City's contribution level and this has been the case over the past five years. He indicated the organization would be very disappointed to lose all contributions fiorn the City given the aid provided to the Council Business 1. Consideration of Increase in Firefighter Relief Association Benefit Level. RepoitNo.13-086. Resolution No 13 -029