2017.04.11 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Strub requested further information on the members that are vested and partially vested, along with a timeline projecting their retirement. Councilmember Bauman wanted to better understand how the increase would impact the fund along with when partially vested members would become vested. She asked why the Fire Relief Association continued to ask for increases when this fire department was already at the top for payouts. City Manager Lotter explained he would create a three or five year forecast for the fund for the City Council to review. He commented the presentation was brought forward annually for the Council to consider, keeping in mind this was a benefit for those serving on the fire department. He encouraged the Council to look at the benefit as part of the culture of a healthy public safety department. He believed this fund greatly assisted in keeping public safety costs down for the City. Mayor Johnson reported this fund was not made up of taxpayer dollars. Rather, it was made up of investment dollars and dollars from the State. She explained this fund was managed by the Fire Relief Association and a small increase was being requested based on their proper management of the fund. Mayor Johnson asked what would happen to the fund if the Council were not to authorize the requested increase. Mr. Schmidt reported the fund balance would continue to increase. Councilmember Burg appreciated the discussion and agreed it would benefit the Council to have further information on the upcoming retirements along with the long-term liability of the fund. Councilmember Bauman noted a 2% tax was charged to homeowners on their insurance premiums to assist in funding the Fire Relief Fund. Mr. Schmidt reported this was the case noting the State charged a 2% tax that was contributed to the fund. Councilmember Strub clarified that this was not funding that was levied or distributed by the City. Councilmember Jacobsen appreciated the adjustments that had been made to the fund in the past and thanked the Fire Relief Association for their proper management of this fund. Councilmember Burg was pleased the City of New Brighton had an ample number of qualified individuals willing and able to serve on the fire department. She stated this was not the case for all departments. She explained she appreciated the discussion held by the Council and noted she supported the increase as proposed. Mayor Johnson encouraged the Fire Relief Association to provide the Council with the requested projections and stated she appreciated how well the Fire Relief Association had managed their fund. Commission Liaisons Mayor Johnson proposed to move Rachel Nelson from the Planning Commission to the EDC and Nasreen Fineweaver from the EDC to the Planning Commission. She explained Ms. Fineweaver had a conflict with her schedule and was not able to attend EDC meetings. Councilmember Strub supported this recommendation. Councilmember Jacobsen and Councilmember Burg were also in agreement. Councilmember Bauman supported the switch but stated she would not be voting in favor of the appointments due to the fact members had been taken off a commission prior to the expiration of their term.