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need to be negotiated with the two unions. <br />Councilmember Jacobsen questioned what the long -term considerations were from the insurance committee. Lotter <br />believed that the group has had lively discussions over the past seven weeks and understood that a new direction may be <br />needed in the future. He explained that the group would continue to meet through the end of the year and into the New <br />Year in order to fully consider the City's options. <br />Kevin indicated he has had a number of conversations with employees talking about their best options for coverage. He <br />anticipated that the City would have additional considerations on what types of health insurance coverage would be <br />available in the coming years. <br />Councilmember Jacobsen supported the insurance committee looking long -term to ensure the City is not facing this <br />scenario again next year. <br />Councilmember Strub feared how the City employees would be impacted by delaying the open enrollment period and the <br />stress this would place on them. He hoped that the same scenario did not play out in 2015. <br />Councilmember Bauman did not believe that the City was requiring their employees to pay too much. Kevin stated there <br />has been a progression of employees selecting the higher deductible. She supported staff's recommendation on the <br />insurance coverage, however she did not support where the money came from. She did not believe additional money had <br />to be spent within the 2015 budget. <br />Further discussion ensued regarding the budget and spending levels for the coming year. <br />Lotter asked if the Council was comfortable reallocating internal funds within the 2015 budget. He reported there would <br />be no net change to the budget amount. <br />Mayor Jacobsen, Councilmember Jacobsen, Councilmember Strub and Councilmember Burg supported this <br />recommendation. <br />Councilmember Jacobsen requested further information on the wellness program and how this would impact the City's <br />insurance premiums. Hatch reported he had a discussion with the League regarding the wellness program and noted he <br />would look into this option further. <br />Worksession adjourned at 6:13 pm. <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />Terri Haarstad <br />City Clerk <br />