07-13-10, City Council Meeting, Oral Communications, Mike Mohill, “Glendale Pension Plan”

I have been doing some thinking since last week when the City Council agreed with the FIRE FIGHTERS UNION to a new contract. (GNP 6-30-10 FIRE FIGHTERS AGREE TO CONCESSIONS)

I propose a different solution. Let the Fire Fighters have their retirement at age 50, but change the percentage back to 2.5% at 50 rather than the agreed 3%@55. This would reduce the amount the city has to pay out for the pension obligations in the near future. This will also insure that our Fire Fighters are in top physical condition.

Council Members, put your trust in our Fire Chief. Let HIM manage by eliminating the “CONSTANT MANNING” policy of our fire stations. We do not have major fires or crises every day of the week. For example, I asked my local fire station to do an inspection of my property. A fire truck and four Fire Fighters came to my house. Why? In years past only one Fire Fighter came to my house for the same inspection?

Like the Glendale Police Department I believe the Glendale Fire Department needs to change their staffing model. Fire Stations should be manned “ON DEMAND” rather than “CONSTANT MANNING” method. Having a constant 64 or 66 Fire Fighters always on duty is a luxury the city can no longer afford. Managing by “ON DEMAND” lets our Battalion Commanders adjust the fire personnel based on daily need.

Simply by changing fire personnel policy, they will generate an immediate savings of several million dollars for the city.

I also propose the Glendale Police Department be given the same 2.5% @50 and not a 3% @55 pension plan.

Furthermore, why not have “shift swaps” with our safety personnel as in other cities and counties.

Glendale Management Association and the Glendale City Employees Association should have the plan of 2%@55 instead of the present system of 2.5% @55. Two percent @ 55 plan will not bankrupt the city and show fiscal responsibility for both parties.

The economy has changed and government pension plans must change too. What the city council and Fire Fighters unions did last week was not a FIX… they just kicked the can down the road.

Also, all employees should share with the city fifty-fifty in the increase of health care insurance.

I also propose council amend the city charter that would limit utility rate increases to 3% per year. Additional rate increases would require voter approval. Furthermore, any city bonds over $10 million would require the approval of the voters.

This, council members, would go a long way in putting our house in order. Our children and grandchildren will thank you for doing the right thing!

Again, this may be an opportunity to fix our broken system, if you chose to do so.

Mike Mohill

Note by Hal Weber: Video of Mohill’s presentation before the Glendale City Council.