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