Minutes - Council Work Session - 02/08/2022

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member has concerns and doesn't seek reappointment as a result, Staff is to direct them to contact their Councilmembers. 2.05: Discuss Council Member Compensation Administrative Services Director Lasher reviewed the Staff report highlighting that the last time Council compensation was adjusted was in 2005. She also stated that the Ramsey City Council ranks 29 out of 31 in terms of being the lowest paid. She stated that an increase is recommended. Councilmember Woestehoff asked if math was done in the COLAs between 2005 and now and what that would equate to if Councilmembers were compensated with the same level of COLA increases as Staff. Administrative Services Director Lasher replied she did not. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that it would be good to keep up with the times. He stated that the Mayor was paid a certain percentage of the current governor's salary, Council was also set on a percentage. He stated then it wouldn't be a set number. He also agreed with COLA increases as well. Councilmember Howell stated she will not support an increase. She stated that the Council has to find ways to cut little amounts here and there. Administrative Services Director Lasher commented that Columbia Heights, Fridley and Stillwater offer their Councilmembers benefits,primarily health insurance benefits, and they offer that at the same contribution rate the employees receive. She also found that Fridley offers a waiving benefit of almost$5,000 a year, there are three cities that are considering that instead of a monthly wage. Councilmember Musgrove commented that she thought the consensus was not to increase the Council's salary. She asked if this is a new budget year and if that is why it is coming up. She stated that she is concerned that Staff time was spent on this because the consensus was not to increase it. She stated she will not be supporting this either. She stated that as a public representative and elected official they should not be making a lot of money from it and she was happy with the current salary even though it is low. City Administrator Ulrich stated that the reason it came up is because there is an election coming up, that Council has an opportunity every two years to consider an increase. Councilmember Specht agreed, adding that even though it hasn't been adjusted since 2005, they are only $1,000 below average. He stated he wanted to make sure the resident's money was used for the City. Councilmember Heineman agreed that he isn't interested in an increase either. The consensus of the Council was to not increase Councilmember wages. City Council Work Session/February 8, 2022 Page 8 of 12