Minutes - Council - 06/22/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case #6: Report from Personnel Committee Human Resources Manager Reed reported the Personnel Committee discussed the following cases: 1) Introduction of an Ordinance Authorizing a Salary Increase for the Mayor and Council Members Human Resources Manager Reed explained in response to a request by members of the City Council, at the May 18, 2004 worksession, the Assistant City Administrator presented information regarding current compensation for mayors and council members in other cities. It was the consensus of the City Council that staff should bring back an ordinance proposing a salary increase for the mayor and council members in the amounts of $10,000 and $6,000, respectively. If approved, the salary increases will take effect January 1, 2005, and will apply to all members who sit on the City Council on the effective date. Councihnember Elvig stated he believes an increase in the mayor's salary, due to the growth in the City and the additional work is very well warranted. He would like to split this motion because he would like to vote two different ways. He would like to vote yea for the mayor's increase and nay for the Council increase. Motion by Counciimember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Kurak, to split the action on the proposed ordinance into two votes, with one vote for the mayor's salary increase of $10,000, and one vote that there be no increase in the council members' salaries. Further Discussion: Mayor Gamec stated when the Council looked at this originally, they looked at it as equal, with equal people having the salary increase at the same time. This would fall much better in line for incoming Councils. The Councilmembers are more involved in projects as well. The salary increase should be across the board with what was originally looked at. Councihnembcr Kurak commented she could agree with the mayor. However, there will be another election in two years, and it is a little uncomfortable to give themselves raises now when they are cutting back on other things. She does agree, however, that the mayor's job is more involved. Mayor Gamec stated he brought this up and thinks it has merits for everyone for an increase in the work and the time put in. Councilmember Elvig commented he could agree, and if they are going to get quality people to serve they have to compensate them for their time. The work of the Council is a tremendous drain on earning money at their businesses. However, he just cannot see the increase when they are wrestling with the budget yet. He would raise the mayor's salary to $12,000, rather than $10,000, it is that important to have that type of exposure to the office out there. He is trying to temper that with the budget situations they have been ~vrestling with. Councilmember Strommen indicated she is not opposed to raising both of the salaries, as people need to be compensated for the time they spend on this Council. The City of Ramsey is one of the lowest paid and if they do not do anything they perpetuate that. However, she is not comfortable with the great degree of increase in either the mayor or the Council amounts. Councilmember Pearson stated there has not been an increase in the Council's pay since 1988. He was on the Council before, and he puts in a lot more hours on this Council than 10 to 12 years ago. He would be in favor of taking the pay increase as it is proposed. Councihnember Cook stated he does not think these increases are unreasonable. The increases City Council/June 22, 2004 Page 11 of 32