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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApr 28, 1980 (2)MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT RELIEF ASSOCIATION, VOLUNTEER DIVISION APRIL 28, 1980 The meeting was called to order at 10:30 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki -- present Also present were members of City staff, Fire Chief Don Johnson, and members of the Fire Department. PURPOSE OF THE MEETING The prime purpose of the meeting was to discuss several changes in pension benefits for the Volunteer Division of the Fire Department. DISCUSSION The City Manager stated that copies were previously submitted to the Coun- cil ef additional actuarial data prepared by Gabriel. Roeder, Smith and Company regarding proposed changes in benefit levels to presently retired (receiving benefits) members of the Relief Association to increase benefits by $25 plus $3 per month for each year of service beyond twenty years. They were also asked to provide information regardino increase in benefit level for presently existing fire fighters and retired members of the Volunteer force who were covered under provisions of the new plan. The actuary has come back with the information. Also, the Manager reported on legislation which authorized increases in benefit levels for Volunteer fire fighters who had previously been in the Relief Association and had retired and are pre- sently receiving benefits. There was further discussion of legislation by the City Attorney. The City Manager reported that the actuarial study con- sidered changes in disability based on three levels of definitions that were presently submitted to the actuary. He referred to the City Attorney's memo of December 20 which lists seven possible definitions of disability, the first being equal to our existing plan and the third being more open. Harold Ostmoe stated that, for the record, he would like to call the meeting of the Board of Examiners to order. He stated that after his discussions with the City Manager and the firefighters, they would like to hold out for definition #7 of the City Attorney's letter of December 20, 1979. This number states that total disability is the inability of the injured or ill volunteer to perform any of the duties of a volunteer fire fighter in the usual or customary manner. Discussion continued as to the duties and the vagueness of this definition. Harold related statistics on increased calls, training, and sleep ins. It was stated that disability would be determined by the Fire Chief and the City doctor. Also, that injury on the fire scene does not mean receiving benefits if the volunteer can serve some useful duty and be utilized. Coun- cilman Norberg felt it was better not to leave anything up to the discretion April 28, 1980 page two not to leave anything up to the discretion of one person. Bruce Shellito felt that this is where the Board of Trustees and the Board of Examiners come in. The Fire Chief stated that there are checks and balances; that the Benefit Association has an executive board that can act in the role of support for the Chief. Councilman Norberg felt that we need a good clean set of rules that we can interpret the same every time. Roy ~ein- hart stated that they have the by-lavJs from several communities and the Mayor suggested that photocopies be made of the definition section (defi- nition of disability) and circulated to the Council. Ralph Volkman felt that definition t/3 was unacceptable because it didn't give the Volunteer anything. Tom Hosch asked the Council for their feelings on the matter and the Mayor stated there was no question with the concept, just the ]anguage. They (to not want to give benefits to someone who doesn't de- serve them. Als(), that /z~ was the concensus of the Council. He also felt that there was no lack of open-mindedness on the issue, and that another formal meeting was needed. The Fire Chief suggested this could be on the next regular Council meeting agenda, at the end of the meeting and after the Fire Department drill. The Mayor indicated that as quickly as the information is received, the Council will look at it. ~otion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz to adjourn. Roll Call: All Ayes Meeting of the Board of Trustees adjourned at 12:00 midnight. Brut.~-6~ Na~.~rocki, Mayor Ardelle Butt, Secretary Pro-rem ab/kk