08-28-12 Special CouncilAugust 28, 2012
A special meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date. Mayor Randall
Simonson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following were present: Council members
Connie Amos, Jim Schneider, Sally Swanson, Chris Ness and Mayor Randall Simonson. Staff
present: Administrator Anne Hurlburt, Public Works Superintendent Tim Kieffer, Treasurer
Colleen Firkus and City Attorney Vince Stevens.
Expense Reimbursement Policy
At the request of the Mayor, the Council reviewed the City’s Expense Reimbursement Policy as
he thought he should not be required to pay for gas for all the trips he makes investigating citizen
complaints and requests. Council member Ness asked if the Mayor has a record of his expenses.
The Mayor indicated he did not as they are not currently reimbursable. After reviewing a
spreadsheet compiled by Administrator Hurlburt summarizing the policies of 33 other cities, a
consensus was reached to make no changes to the city’s current policy.
Health Insurance Rates for 2013
The draft 2013 budget assumed a 10% increase in rates for health insurance, but the city has been
notified that the increase will actually be 15%. The city’s share of the costs would be about
$2,650 more than assumed by the budget. The city is still experiencing the affects of the
catastrophic claims from a former employee since there such a lag in the time period that is
reviewed (March 2012 – February 2012). Experience rating is expected to be better next year and
it may make it worthwhile to shop for a new plan. However, all employees covered under the
plan will be required to go through an extensive health history. Council decided to move to
accept the renewal of the current plan at its September 18 meeting.
2013 Budget
Simonson, seconded by Ness, moved to approve Resolution 08-28-12-01 Certifying
Maximum Property Tax Levy Payable in 2013 at $2,175,171. The motion carried 5-0.
Ness, seconded by Schneider, moved to set the date for the public meeting for December 11,
2012 at 6:30 p.m. The motion carried 5-0.
Budget amendments discussed earlier will be brought to the September 18 meeting.
A consensus was reach to cancel the September 5 scheduled budget meeting and to hold the next
Special Meeting to discuss the budget on October 23 at 7:00 p.m.
City Administrator Employment Agreement
The employment agreement for Kristina Handt was signed by her and accepted by the Council.
Schneider pointed out one correct on page 4, item C, change the word “Employer” to
“Employee.” Simonson, seconded by Ness, moved to accept the Employment Agreement
with Kristina Handt for the position of City Administrator. The motion carried 5-0.
August 28, 2012
Scandia City Council
Page 2
Taco Daze Parade Participation
It was decided that Kieffer would drive the new Mack plow truck, minus the plow, and a council
member would drive the F250 truck for council members to ride in the back and distribute
candy.
ADJOURNMENT
Ness, seconded by Amos, moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Colleen Firkus
Treasurer