08-22-1994 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes August 22, 1994 Page 3 e Johnson explained that the remainder of the City employees will be eligible for the lower rates under the Minnesota Care law in July, 1995. Vice Mayor Farber questioned what would happen with the health insurance premiums until July. Lori suggested that the City could rebid its health insurance in January or February if certain health conditions are resolved. She indicated that PEIP requires that the City stay with the plan for a minimum of two years and that this might not be in the best interest of the employees as premium rates could increase dramatically. Lori Johnson explained that the City will save approximately $10,000 to $16,000 with the reduction in the premiums from the police union in 1994-95. She suggested that the Council consider subsidizing the family rates for the City employees with the savings from the police union until the City could rebid its insurance and receive coverage under the Minnesota Care Law. At that time, when the premiums are decreased, the City would then withdraw its subsidization of family insurance premiums. . . The Finance Director also indicated that the Council may want to consider a co- pay plan. She indicated that this could be a savings of up to five percent. It was the consensus of the Council to authorize the Finance Director to provide written documentation to the Council on August 29, regarding the savings in premiums from the police union and the cost of health insurance premiums for family coverage under a co-pay plan. e 4. Open Mike Ken Jude, State Senate District 19 candidate introduced himself to the Council. Steve Stewart - 18290 Ogden St. NW questioned whether the Council read the letters that were presented at the 8/15/94 City Council meeting. The Council indicated that the letters had been read and the City Clerk indicated that they were made part of the official record of the Council Meeting. Deb Kelly of 19352 Carson Circle questioned whether the public hearing notice of the Northeast trunk sewer and water improvements would affect her neighborhood. Terry Maurer, City Engineer, informed Ms. Kelly that there would be no assessments to the neighborhood because the developer is bearing the cost of the improvements. 5.3. Review City and County Transportation Issues e The City Administrator indicated that the City had requested to purchase an additional .67 acres of property from the County for the construction of Orono Parkway. The .67 acres would allow the City to save some trees in the area. The County indicated that the only way it would concede the .67 acres to the city is through an equal land exchange. The City Administrator indicated that due to a variety of issues the City staff is recommending that no land exchange be made and that the City move forward with the construction of Orono Parkway using the 1 .3 acres that was purchased from the County in 1993.