Town Council 07-18-2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 Councilman Cook motioned to increase lateral transfer pay for the police and fire department to receive regular patrolman/firefighter pay instead of probationary pay. He disapproved of longevity and vacation days being granted on day one. Councilman Williams supported the policy as originally written but agreed it should exclude longevity pay. Motion seconded by Councilman Brown. Motion carried 3-2. Councilman Williams and Warthen opposed. New Business — Life -Insurance Renewal- Dean Mayfield presented the Symetra life insurance renewal, and it remains at the same rate as before, with no increase. Councilman Brown made a motion to approve the life insurance policy renewal. Councilman Cook seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Litchfield Health Insurance Renewal - Dean Mayfield gave an update on the utilization of some of the programs that are available with the current health insurance plan and presented rates for the renewal. Councilman Williams motioned to adopt the health insurance and remove the town council members' coverage for 2024. Councilman Cook expressed support for removing health insurance for council members and suggested using the cost savings to fund pay increases for employees. Councilman Cook seconded the motion. Motion failed 2-3. Councilmen Brown, Swinney and Warthen opposed. Councilman Swinney motioned to renew the Litchfield health insurance policy as presented. Councilman Brown seconded. Motion carried 3-2. Councilmen Cook and Williams opposed. Department Head Reports — Chief Dalton informed the town council members about hail damage on the fire station's roof, which required attention from the insurance adjuster. Additionally, they received a check from selling a surplus vehicle, and Chief Dalton requested that these funds be allocated to outfit the new vehicle with lights. Councilman Cook motioned to proceed with an ordinance, and Councilman Williams seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. Phil Cornelius, Parks Department Superintendent, provided an update on the Old Town Park restroom project, expressing optimism that it will be completed within the month. He also mentioned that the pool will close on August 2nd to prepare for the Old Settlers Reunion. Additionally, he informed the council that the park board has approved the master plan concept for Pioneer Park in northern parcels, and they are now working on transitioning from concept to implementation. He requested permission to present the plan at the next council meeting. He also sought the council's permission to draft the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Town's IT services. Councilman Cook motioned to grant Phil permission to draft the RFP, and Councilman Brown seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. Calvin Boultree with the Wastewater Treatment Plant department stated that the treatment plant is in compliance and running smoothly. Legal — There were none. Public Comments — Resident Dave Snyder appeared before the council to express his gratitude fortheir support in reevaluating the IT service agreement. He also suggested that the Town consider joining the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) to provide training opportunities for employees in HR matters. Additionally, he requested the council to explore the possibility of hiring an animal control officer.