09-01-98 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Personnel&Finance Committee September 1, 1998 Page 2 Councilmember Pfeifer inquired about the two (2) women on the Fire Department. Chief Taylor noted that one has been with the department over a year and the other will soon reach her one(1)year anniversary. The more senior woman has a lead-medic status and is interested in the Dive Team. Chief Taylor added that the time and money spent on sensitivity training was time and money well spent. Chief Taylor noted that the department is looking into a physical fitness program which will contain among other things education,cessation of smoking, self-assessment, etc. 78 % of the department are non-smokers. The Council Attorney suggested that information in this area should be considered to be shared with the Police Department since they also will be gathering information in light of the September 2000 deadline to begin a physical fitness program which will have a monetary incentive for health insurance as a component part. Fire Pension Fund # 701 1998: $ 3.976.269 1999: $ 2.886.797 Assistant Chief Switalski then reviewed the handout in this area. Numbers reflect the Firefighter First Class salary at $25,000 in 1998, $ 25,650 in 1999 (2.6% increase) and$ 28,045 in the year 2000 (9.3% increase). The proposed numbers further reflect eight (8) payouts each year. Senate Bill 120 was also highlighted. As a result, a $ 1,089,472 reduction from the current year will take place. Police Pension Fund # 702 1998: $ 3.693.017 1999: $ 3.568.283 Paul F. Niezgodski of the Police Department made the presentation. He noted that three(3) schedules are required, namely: Schedule I: Retired; Schedule II: Eligible to Retire; and Schedule III:Widows and Dependents. Cathy Roemer noted that a shortfall is projected in the year 2001. 60 % of what we pay out we get in pension relief on the average. Unless the state law changes,property tax dollars will be necessary to shore up in this area. Assistant Chief Switalski noted that the state law changes include changing the death benefit form$6,000 to$9,000 and increasing the death benefit for being killed in the line of duty from $75,000 to$ 150,000. Both are effective on January 1, 1999. Dr. Varner inquired into the Y2K computer issue. Cathy Roemer noted that the 1999 capital budget will address this issue. Not all PC's are in compliance. Chief Taylor noted that he has been advised that the CAD system will be okay. The Committee members thanked the members of the Fire Department for their presentation and detailed handouts.