CCP 03-08-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I \ ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 8,1999 13 . Mr. Fritsinger stated that the City had received information regarding the liability and workers compensation insurance. He stated that Staff had discussed the idea of setting up a special fund for the annual dividends. This would allow for any long-term insurance needs the City may have. Mr. Fritsinger noted that a few years ago the City carried a $500 deductible and this had been moved up last year to $1,000 in order to reduce the rates. The rationale behind setting up a special fund for the annual dividends would be to assist in ongoing claims and for the possibility to increase the deductible to further reduce the annual rates. A higher deductible could save the City up to $5,000 to $18,000 depending on the level of deductible. Mr. Fritsinger indicated that the Staff would present this option the City Council to determine if the Council is comfortable with Staff increasing the deductible. He noted that, in years with few claims this will be a good option, however in years with a large number claims there could be a down side. Mayor Probst stated that this option would be worth looking into. If the City has the opportunity to be self insured and the claims have been down it would be appropriate. . Mayor Probst asked if the insurance policy covers incidents such as high-speed police chases through the City. He also asked, since the Ramsey County Sheriff Department acts as the police department for Arden Hills, if a high-speed chase incident were to occur, would this be the City's or the County's liability. Mr. Fritsinger stated that, in such an instance, the City would probably be named co-party. The Ramsey County Sheriff's Department carries a policy in such a way that it does cover the City for those activities, however the City would most likely be named in a law suit. Mayor Probst asked if the liability and workers compensation insurance policy would be the policy which would deal with this sort of situation. Mr. Fritsinger stated that it would be. Counciimember Malone requested confIrmation that the workers compensation claims have been down over the last few years. Mr. Fritsinger indicated that this was correct. Councilmember n __Malone suggested tl1at this maybe d~eto the fact that theyha. d not been handled proptli"ly. in the ------.. ........-... past. Mr. Fritsinger stated that there had been only one claim last year. He noted that Mr. Stafford has, over the last few years, implemented training and managed care programs for the employees. He noted that most liability claims involve vehicles and there have not been any major claims. There had been one claim a couple of years ago when the tree chipper had been stolen out of the City's garage. . With relation to the schedule for the retreat, Mr. Fritsinger noted that there was also a Worksession scheduled for the same week. He asked if the Council would want to cancel the Worksession as the only item on the agenda was to review the marketing brochure which is nearing completion. He suggested Staff could play it by ear whether or not to hold the meeting.