HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-07-29 Special MinutesJuly 29, 1976
7:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
M I N U T E S
ROLL CALL OF GARDNER, HILL, MS. PESICKA, SAUL, TRAYNOR, VAN DUSEN
COUNCIL MEMBERS
/4o.3
Fire Station #1
Conference Room
Mayor Bauch, presiding, called the Special Meeting of the Tukwila
City Council to order. The meeting was called for the purpose
of discussing withdrawal from Social Security by the employees of
the Fire Department.
COMMITTEE OF THE MOVED BY PESICKA, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT THE SPECIAL MEETING
WHOLE BE DISSOLVED AND THE COUNCIL GO INTO A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING.
MOTION CARRIED.
Discussion Council President Hill turned the meeting over to Councilman
Van Dusen who introduced the speakers for the evening. Those
present were Mr. Lee Elliott, Manager of the Burien Social Security
Office; Mr. Lee Stowell, Assistant Director from the LEFF office
in Olympia; Mr. Wesley Franklin and Mr. Ron Robinson from the
Hartford Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company.
Ken Brush, Fire Department, read a statement announcing the Fire
Department's intent to file for withdrawal from Social Security
through proper channels. After investigation, it was found that
the particular circumstance of the Fire Department allows withdrawal.
The Department is already covered under the Law Enforcement Officers
and Fire Fighters Retirement System,and they feel that this system
will provide them a comfortable retirement.
Council Van Dusen questioned whether the Council was looking at
withdrawal for all employees or just the Fire Department?
Fire Fighter Sam Ruljancich stated that they had requested the
meeting to discuss just the Fire Department, and they want to
be considered separately.
Councilman Hill stated that if they find this good for one group
maybe it is good for all.
Sam Ruljancich explained that the Fire Fighters are in the position
to withdraw immediately whereas the rest of the employees would
have to wait two years. It has to be determined now whether
the Fire Fighters are going to go on Social Security legally
or withdraw.
Van Dusen suggested addressing the issue to all of the employees
withdrawing.
Councilman Hill reminded the Fire Fighters that once this becomes
a part of the wage package, it is negotiable and this Council
cannot lock future Councils into an agreement. Once the City
withdraws from Social Security, it can never go back on.
Mr. Lee Elliott from the Burien Social Security office, gave a
presentation and answered questions regarding Social Security.
He discussed the three benefits disability, retirement and
survivors. He further discussed the benefits under Medicare.
Mr. Lee Stowell of the LEFF office explained the LEFF benefits
and compared them to the Social Security benefits.
Mr. Ron Robinson of the Hartford Variable Annuity Life Insurance
Company discussed the Deferred Compensation Plan as a possible
alternate investment plan should the Fire Fighters definitely
withdraw from Social Security.
After the speakers had finished their presentations, discussion
continued.
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
July 29, 1976
Page 2
Discussion Cont. Sam Ruljancich, Fire Department, stated that the Fire Fighters
would like the Council to seriously consider some type of a program.
Ken Brush again encouraged Council's consideration in their proposal
to withdraw from Social Security and enter into an investment plan.
Traynor stated that now that the information has been submitted,
the Council will need time to consider it. Hill suggested a
committee of four be appointed to investigate a savings plan
and not make a hasty decision.
Van Dusen suggested seeking legal advice on whether this Council
can bind future Councils in an agreement of this kind.
There being no further discussion, MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY
TRAYNOR, THAT THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURN.
MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Bauch stated that the Council has a moral obligation to the
future employees of the City; this would be a committment, for all
time, for all the employees of the City.
Pesicka stated that any future employee can make their own decision
knowing where the City stands on Social Security.
SPECIAL MEETING MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY PESICKA, THAT THE COUNCIL GO BACK INTO
THE SPECIAL MEETING. MOTION CARRIED.
ADJOURNMENT
10:30 P.M.
MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE SPECIAL MEETING ADJOURN.
MOTION CARRIED.
Edgar Bauch, Mayor
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ne Anderson, City Clerk Pro Tem