2018.04.10 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 10, 201$ Harrick, Lauderdale resident, and member of Minnesota for Clean Elections, explained the Council was being asked to counter the Supreme Court decision in order for legal limits to be set at the Federal, State and local level for all elections. He did not believe it was right for corporations to have the same right as citizens, when it came to corporate contributions to campaigns. He stated he also wanted the Council to recognize the fact that money was not free speech, but rather money was money and free speech was free speech. Lastly, he wanted to see the Council support campaign contributions having full disclosure. Councilmember Dunsworth thanked Mr. Bardal for his presentation. She asked what other cities in Minnesota have adopted a similar Resolution. Mr. Harrick reported Duluth, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Lauderdale and eight to ten other cities were in the process. Councilmember Burg stated she was proud to offer her support to this Resolution. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays -Motion Carried 3. Consideration of Benefit Level Increase for New Brighton Fire Relief Association. Motion by Councilmember Dunsworth, seconded by Councilmember Burg to Approve a Resolution to Authorize an Amendment to the New Brighton Firefighters' Relief Association Bylaws to Increase the Pension Benefit Level for Firefighters to $7,700 per year of service effective April 11, 2018. City Manager Lotter indicated himself, Public Safety Director Paetznick, and Firefighter Brian Schmidt would be presenting this item to the Council. He discussed the high level oftraining members ofthe fire division must attend on a yearly basis. He described the cost-effective staffing model that was utilized by the New Brighton Fire Division for paid on-call volunteer firefighters. He noted the average New Brighton firefighter makes $5,000 per year but are trained to the same level as full-time firefighters. He requested Public Safety Director Paetznick discuss how the Fire Relief Association benefited these volunteers. Public Safety Director Paetznick explained beginning in 2014, the Relief Association first offered to Council a long-term financial forecast that budgeted annual increases in the benefit level commencing in 2016. Consistent with that discussion, the Relief Association will again provide updated projections to Council, with the intention to continue this approach of annual planning for benefit level increases to assure ongoing recruitment and retention of firefighting personnel for the City of New Brighton. City Manager Lotter reviewed the New Brighton Fire Divisions 2018 operational budget in comparison to neighboring communities. He explained New Brighton has seen much success in their organization along with great cost savings. Public Safety Director Paetznick commented briefly on the firefighter training and education that was completed by firefighters on an annuals basis. He described the makeup of the Fire Relief Board along with the health of their fund. City Manager Lotter discussed the pension that was provided to members that put in 20 years of service. He reported partial vesting was offered to members that invest 10 years in the Fire Division. He noted the plans provides for disability and survivor benefits. He discussed the projected future liabilities of the Fire Relief Fund, the impact of a proposed increase, and requested the Council consider raising the benefit level for firefighters to $7,700 per year of service effective April 1 ltn Councilmember Dunsworth thanked staff for the detailed presentation. She believed the information presented was valuable to the public and commented on what a huge asset the fire division was to the community. She was of the opinion the proposed benefit increase was an important tool in assisting the City in retaining its firefighters. Councilmember Allen agreed stating the New Brighton Public Safety Department was an incredible asset for the community. He explained he supported the proposed increase. Councilmember Burg thanked staff for the valuable presentation. She commented on the great Page 5 of 7 3. Considaamon ofBernefit Level k== forNew Brite Fue Relief Association.