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I I I Council Meeting Minutes January 23, 1996 Page 11 Council Business. continued Gunderman asked what was the initial discussion regarding disability insurance. Fulton said there were preliminary discussions, but the award resulted in a change in contribution level. Fulton said the City budgeted 2.5 % wage increases for all employees and it is frustrating the ruling occurred, but 3 % settlements are seen elsewhere. The City's labor consultant was also surprised by the arbitrator's decision to differ from a benefit standpoint of what other employees in the organization receive. Gunderman asked the amount of funds needed to bring other employees up to the ruling's level. Fulton believes the 2.5% increase was correct and would not recommend increasing wages by .5 %. Fulton will provide a cost analysis to Council. Williams commented that one option could be to approve the award, but then not provide the extra staff person that was originally budgeted. Benke feels the City needs to look at ways to fund this unbudgeted award. Larson has the same concerns as Williams, and suggested analysis of other benefits now being provided. Benke's sentiments are similar to Williams', but refusing to approve the settlement may involve financial consequences. Benke said the League of Minnesota Cities is in favor of eliminating binding arbitration, and feels we need to discuss this with our Legislators. Motion by Benke, seconded by Larson, to WAIVE THE READING AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ARBITRATION AWARD BETWEEN THE CITY OF NEW BRIGHTON AND LAW ENFORCEMENT LABOR SERVICES, LOCAL NO. 113; AND DIRECT STAFF TO DRAFT AND EXECUTE MASTER LABOR AGREEMENT WHICH INCORPORATES THE AWARD AND ADJUSTS SERGEANT WAGES AND BENEFITS ACCORDING TO CONTRACT. 3 Ayes - I Naye (Williams), Motion Carried. Council Business LELS 1995/96 Agreement Report 96-029 Resolution 96-007 Fulton explained that because of the recent ice storm; the City Forester, Mayor, and Ice Storm Clean-up Fulton concluded it would be appropriate to conduct a community-wide cleanup etlort. The policy provides for the pickup of storm damage branches through municipal contracted services. The pickup began January 22 and will run for two weeks. Also, some residents lost electrical power because of the storm, and the City offered the Family Service Center to those without power. In addition, the Red Cross provided relief services at Edgewood School. Gunderman and Benke suggested that in the future the City should work closely with the Red Cross to utilize the FSC during emergencies. In regards to the request for authorization tor continuation of banking services with First Banks, Gunderman asked if other institutions had the opportunity to participate. Fulton said the staff report indicates that because of the City's satisfaction with First Banks, the City did not solicit services from other institutions. Gunderman asked when other institutions could be given opportunity to participate. Fulton confirmed that the City performs an analysis every three years on its banking services, and the next scheduled review will be in 1997. Gunderman is not opposed to the recommendation, but would prefer other institutions be given opportunity to participate. Motion by Gunderman, seconded by Williams, to WAIVE THE READING AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CONTINUATION OF BANKING SERVICES WITH FIRST BANKS. 4 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. First Banks Banking Services Report 96-022A Resolution 96-004