Agenda - Council - 04/14/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Musgrove stated that she does not agree with applying the COLA to the position as these would most likely be entry-level workers. She stated that she would rather review the position in the future if additional increases are needed. Councilmember Kuzma stated that he would support the starting wage at $12 with the discretion for staff to increase to $13. Councilmember Musgrove stated that she would prefer to start at $13, with discretion for staff to increase. Mayor LeTourneau recognized that staff was being cautious in its ask for a higher starting rate and asked if the best opportunity to recognize the retention for the position would be at $12 per hour with discretion, or $13 per hour with discretion. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that he believes the $13 per hour rate with discretion would result in a larger number of applicants and better retention. He stated that staff continues to monitor the budget throughout the season. He explained that if the budget runs tighter towards the end of the season, the City keeps on only the higher quality seasonal workers for the remainder of the time in order to receive the most amount of work for the cost. Administrative Services Director Lasher stated that the position was posted the previous week, noting that the posting states that the City will pay up to $12 per hour. She reported that 23 people viewed the position and only one applied. Mayor LeTourneau stated that he would support increasing to $13 per hour with discretion for staff on either side. Administrative Services Director Lasher asked if the discretion would increase to $14, which is currently the top level, or whether the levels would increase appropriately as well. Councilmember Specht stated that he would trust staff to make the adequate adjustments to the levels. Councilmember Musgrove stated that she would be comfortable with the position rate ranging from $13 to $15 and not applying COLA. Mayor LeTourneau confirmed the consensus of the Council to have a starting rate of $13 per hour with a cap at $15 per hour, and not tying the position to COLA increases. 2.03: Discussion Regarding Section 2-156 of the City Code — Boards and Commissions Administrative Services Director Lasher reviewed the staff report. Councilmember Kuzma commented that he has no interest in changing the language. City Council Work Session / March 16, 2020 Page 3 of 12