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

Home

Councilmember Kuzma agreed that he does not want to change the language. Mayor LeTourneau stated that it appears that the consensus of the Council is to have the language reviewed. Administrative Services Director Lasher reminded the Council that a 7-0 vote would be necessary to change the language in the Charter and asked if the Council would still like staff to spend the time to review the language. Mayor LeTourneau stated that he did not believe the item would pass through the Council at a vote of 7-0 but noted that perhaps members could learn something new from additional discussion that could change their position. Councilmember Heinrich stated that she believed that valuable input could be gained from the Charter Commission that could perhaps be workable for the Council. Administrative Services Director Lasher continued to review the staff report related to the language related to compensation and stipend. Councilmember Heinrich stated that she is surprised by the number of cities that do not have a stipend and by the number of Ramsey Board and Commission members that waive their stipend. Councilmember Riley commented that people volunteer for these positions and have the expectation that they are volunteering. Councilmember Musgrove asked for additional details on the seven out of 12 members that have chosen to waive stipends. Administrative Services Director Lasher replied that seven out of 12 Board and Commission members have chosen to waive their stipend since November of 2016, when the option to waive stipends was offered. She stated that she did not ask existing members whether they would like to waive the stipend that they have been receiving. She noted that five of the members that joined since 2016 did accept the stipend. Councilmember Specht stated that he likes the option of offering the stipend as members could have expenses in return for attending meetings. He stated that those that chose to waive can choose that option. Councilmember Menth stated that he believed that the question that arose from Councilmember Musgrove was not related to the amount of the stipend and whether it is offered but the language used in the ordinance. Administrative Services Director Lasher stated that staff simply provided the background information as the topic was being discussed and because of the staff time expended. She noted that some cities do not offer a stipend and instead offer an appreciation event, which Ramsey City Council Work Session / March 16, 2020 Page 5 of 12