01-04-2021 Regular CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 4 January 4, 2021 ----------------------------- 10. Council Liaison Updates Councilmembers provided updates which are outlined in the respective advisory board's minutes. Councilmember Wagner provided an update of the Northwest Metro Mississippi River Crossing Feasibility Analysis Policy Advisory Committee, which consisted of councilmembers, representatives, and senators. She stated the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the need to add more bridges across the river, noting current traffic flow patterns were reviewed. She stated there didn't seem to be much interest in a bridge crossing at this time. Council recessed at 7:28 p.m. and reconvened at 7:32 p.m. to go into work session. 1 I.1 Compensation Plan for Fire Department Chief Dickinson presented the staff report noting the last pay change for this group is unknown. He stated all firefighters get the same pay rate regardless of how long they have been working so he suggested a tiered pay structure to improve recruitment and retention. He stated the change would have minimum budget impact. Council questioned how this would be budget neutral and history where firefighters care more about the pension then the pay. Chief Dickinson stated he has been averaging a $12,000 surplus at the end of each budget cycle. He stated Council could focus more on pay incentives versus the retirement plan. He further noted issues with getting firefighters to attend calls. Council discussed generational changes. Council directed staff to provide financial data for the proposed adjustment. Mayor Dietz read the statement on the agenda outlining the need to hold a closed meeting. Council recessed at 7:49 p.m. and reconvened in a closed meeting at 7:50 p.m. 12. Closed Meeting Members Present: Mayor John Dietz, Councilmembers Garrett Christianson, Mike Beyer, Matt Westgaard, and Jennifer Wagner Members Absent: None P 0 1 1 A I I l i NATURE