2021.11.09 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 26,2021 Page 11 of 12 Councilmember Allen discussed how full-time departments compensate their employees versus how the City pays its paid on call firefighters.He believed the City was very fortunate based on how well the fire relief investments have been doing.However,he understood there was no guarantee.He supported the City keeping its compensations packages competitive.He was of the opinion a proper compensation package would assist the City with retaining firefighters. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas explained she viewed this plan as a retention strategy. She noted she prompted this conversation after attending a fire board meeting.She indicated she supported the City renewing its commitment to yearly contributions to the fire relief fund.She commented the more the City puts in the more the State will put in. She believed the City had an obligation to provide for its paid on call firefighters. Councilmember Abdulle appreciated how mindful the Council was of using taxpayer money but noted he supported the City making contributions to the fire relief association again.He reported these individuals were protecting the community and its residents.He believed the proposed contributions would be money well spent. City Manager Massopust discussed how a contribution would be funded in 2021 if approved by the Council, which would be from excess revenues from 2020. Councilmember Axberg asked if these monies were earmarked for anything else.City Manager Massopust reported these funds were placed in the Community Investment Fund with no earmark other than projects within the community. He reported one time costs were a great use for these funds. Motion by Councilmember Abdulle,seconded by Councilmember Allen to restore funding voluntary municipal contributions to the New Brighton Firefighters Relief Association. Councilmember Axberg stated she would have liked to have seen this at a lower amount,but noted she would be supporting this request. A roll call vote was taken. 5 Ayes,0 Nays-Motion Carried Commission Liaison Reports,Announcements and Updates Commission Liaison Reports, Announcements and Devin Massopust Updates City Manager Massopust reported the Pumpkin Walk would be held on Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Veterans Park. He indicated staff was recruiting for the new Equity Commission and stated there has been interest in these positions. He explained the new DEI Coordinator Mark Suggs will begin working with the City on Tuesday and he would be attending a future Council meeting. Graeme Allen Councilmember Allen reported the Public Safety Commission would meet next on Monday, November 8 at 6:30 p.m. He thanked all of the Public Safety Department members for putting on a great open house last night. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas reported the City was seeking feedback on Silver Lake Road and the survey would be available through October 31, 2021. She encouraged residents to consider completing the survey. She noted there would be an election on Tuesday,November 2. She noted she attended a Regional Council for Mayors meeting and the group discussed increasing transportation options and water appropriation rules. She reported a pumpkin carving event was being held at the Community Center on Thursday, October 28 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. She expressed concern regarding the eviction moratorium and stated this may be a concern for the City in the future. She noted tickets were now available for the Irondale High School musical.