2016.04.26 CC Packet Combined - Laserfiche WebLink

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recently got a job at Menard's. He stated he was a junior in high school. Lotter encouraged Mr. Howard to take part in the junior fire program during his senior year. Public Safety Director Jacobson stated this would be a great fit for Mr. Howard. Councilmember Jacobsen asked if Mr. Howard was available to attend the Public Safety Commission meeting on the last Monday of the month. Mr. Howard reported he would be available. Mayor Johnson was impressed with Mr. Howard and thanked him for coming forward and applying for this position. She encouraged Mr. Howard to contact the Council with any questions or concerns that he had. She requested Mr. Howard excuse himself from the room to allow the Council to discuss his appointment to the Public Safety Commission. Mr. Howard thanked the Council for this opportunity. Lotter indicated Director Jacobson had been communicating with another student unsuccessfully when Councilmember Strub notified the City of Mr. Howard. Councilmember Bauman believed Mr. Howard was wise beyond his years and he had great life experiences. Councilmember Jacobsen asked if it would be possible to add this matter to the Consent Agenda this evening as this would allow him to attend the April Public Safety Commission meeting. Mayor Johnson supported this recommendation and asked if the Council had any objections to appointing Mr. Howard to the Public Safety Commission. There were no objections. She invited Mr. Howard back into the meeting and explained that the Council would like to appoint him to the Public Safety Commission this evening on the Consent Agenda. She indicated his first meeting on the Commission would be Monday, April 25th Fir- RaliPf Nathan Macheski, president of the Fire Relief Association, introduced himself to the Council and thanked them for their time. He provided the Council with a presentation on the diverse backgrounds of the New Brighton fire fighters. He discussed the great work has been done to reduce the number of alarms through community education and proper smoke detectors. He explained New Brighton had one of the most cost effective departments around due to the dual training provided to its members. He then discussed the pay the fire fighters receive for calls and training. He commented the New Brighton Fire Relief Association had been around since 1952. The members of the Fire Relief Board were noted. He provided comment on the success of the groups investments and the solvency of the fund. He discussed the differences between the lump sum and monthly payments that were paid to retired fire fighters. Mayor Johnson questioned why the fund was down slightly in 2015. Mr. Macheski reported this was due to the downturn in the market. He explained the fund was recovering in 2016. Mr. Macheski reported the Council approved a $500 increase in 2014. He inquired if the Council would consider a $200 increase at this time, or possibly a $200 per year increase for the next five years if the fund continues to perform. Mayor Johnson asked if the relief association had done a five year projection on its finances assuming the market were to remain level. Mr. Macheski explained this has been completed in the past. Further comment was provided on the historical performance of the fund.