HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP December 3, 1992
CA. CITY of ANDOVER
Special City Council Meeting - December 3, 1992
Call to Order - 7:30 P.M.
1. Salary Schedule
2. Water & Sewer Budget
3. Approve Amendments to Ord. 42 & By-Laws (Fire Dept.)
3a. Approve Fire Deprtment Election Results
4. Adjourn
CA. CITY of ANDOVER
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SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING - DECEMBER 3, 1992
MINUTES
A Special Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by
Mayor Ken Orttel on December 3, 1992, 8:28 p.m. , at the Andover City
Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota.
Councilmembers present: Jacobson, McKelvey, perry, Smith
Councilmembers absent: None
Also present: Public Works Supervisor, Frank Stone
City Finance Director, Daryl Sulander
City Administrator, James Schrantz
Others
WATER AND SEWER BUDGETS
Mr. Sulander explained the budgets are based on no increase in user
rates. Mr. Schrantz pointed out the sewer rate will increase
automatically by 5 percent and the water will go up according to the
Engineering News Record Index. That portion of the water rate increase
will go in the Debt Retirement Fund. Staff also noted a lot of time was
spent in water this year. Also, the well has not been pulled yet. Mr.
Stone also stated they haven't had the manpower to clean the sewers,
which is beginning to result in a big problem.
It was noted the budgets balance without an increase in rates. Mr.
Sulander was asked to correct the budgets based on the automatic user
rate increases and bring them back for Council action.
Mr. Sulander requested the Council establish a Central Equipment Fund
Budget. With the addition of the City's first mechanic to maintain all
the vehicles and equipment, he felt it would be best to consolidate all
of those activities into one central service fund rather than trying to
distribute the service charges throughout the various funds. The same
amount would be spent on vehicle maintenance activities. The budget
would also act as an accounting area that would provide for the future
replacement of the existing vehicles. A reserve would start to
accumulate; so instead of selling equipment bonds and paying interest,
the City would be able to fund them internally, thereby increasing the
buying power of those dollars.
Mr. Sulander explained to start the budget, each fund would make a
contribution of retained earnings as an initial start up fee. It can be
an advance or a permanent transfer. Because the mechanic will not be
expected to perform the major repairs at this time, some items will need
to be sent out, which would come from the reserve. He is also
recommending that the Public Works maintenance activities be placed in
this fund as well. The Council felt it was a good idea to establish
the Central Equipment Fund budget and asked that it be brought to them
at a regular meeting for approval.
Special Andover City Council Meeting
Minutes - December 3, 1992
Page 2
APPROVE FIRE DEPARTMENT ELECTION RESULTS
MOTION by Smith, Seconded by McKelvey, that we approve the election
results. (Dave Reitan, Assistant Fire Chief) Motion carried
unanimously.
AMENDMENTS TO ORDINANCE 42 AND BY-LAWS (FIRE DEPARTMENT)
Fire Chief Dale Mashuga was in attendance. Council reviewed the
proposed amendment to the By-Laws, Section 3, Suspension/Removal/
Reinstatement of members, a grievance policy, and an amendment Ordinance
No. 42. Council recommended the following changes to the proposed By-
Laws amendment:
Section 3, c. Suspension. To clarify the difference between a
grievance and an appeal for a reprimand, it was recommended the
Grievance Committee be called the Discipline Review Board.
Section 3, d. Dismissal. Though the Council did not wish to have
all cases of dismissal brought before them, they felt they are
responsible for everything within the City. Therefore, they should be
notified of any pending dismissal so they can take executive action if
they feel it is warranted. It was suggested the wording in the second
to last sentence read: Within thirty days of the decision of the
department on dismissal, the City Administrator shall notify the Council
before making a determination on whether to uphold the dismissal...
Mr. Schrantz recommended a change in Section 2 - Election, of the
ordinance: delete "the Fire Marshal" from the first sentence, since the
Fire Marshal is no longer an elected position. Mr. Schrantz also
suggested the term of the Fire Chief be for a minimum of two years.
That eliminates having to run for office every year and allows time to
implement plans, etc. Council suggested the Firefighters be asked to
consider a two-year term and make a recommendation to the Council. Mr.
Schrantz agreed to bring that issue to the Firefighters. It was also
suggested the ordinance be made gender neutral.
Mr. Schrantz explained the grievance policy relates to all items of
concerns the firefighters might have, and the decision stops with the
Fire Chief. There is no appeal.
Mr. Schrantz asked whether the Personnel Committee would be more
appropriate to handle grievances rather than the Public Safety
Committee. Mayor Orttel agreed it is more of a personnel issue, that
the intent of the Public Safety Committee is to oversee the overall
police and fire protection needs of the City. Council asked that the
corrected items be brought back for action at a regular meeting.
MOTION by Smith, Seconded by Jacobson, to adjourn. Mayor Orttel
declared the meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
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~lla A. P~, Recor ng Secretary