11-20-2002 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 20, 2002 dollars (State Aid to cities) yet this year. The Administrator indicated that, as a result of this potential impact, he advises the Council to take a cautious approach to the 2003 Budget. The Council reviewed wages proposed for 2003. The Administrator reviewed wages in detailed, noting that proposed wages are based on external comparisons with wages paid by other Ramsey County cities as well as a comparison of cities with populations above and below Little Canada's by 4,300. He further explained his proposal for equalizing the salary scales for the Building Official, Accounting Supervisor, and Parks & Recreation Director positions. Fahey noted that he has reviewed the wage data with the City Administrator and supports his recommendation. However, he indicated that his position is that Future salary scale analysis for the position of Parks & Recreation Director should be based on comparables rather than solely tying that scale to the Building Official and Accounting Supervisor positions. Fahey suggested that the mean salary in the accounting field is likely increasing more rapidly than in the parks and recreation field. Fahey requested that the Public Works Director prepare a report on an annual basis, including the year 2002, outlining the project work he has been involved with from an engineering standpoint. He noted that in hiring the current Director for the position, the City felt that his engineering background would result in acost-savings for the City. Fahey stated that the report would measure the value that the City is achieving by retaining an engineer in the position of Public Works Director. Fahey stated that he would like this report on an annual basis as part of the budget review process. Anderson requested that similar information be prepared for the position of,Building Official based on the new arrangement for a shared position with the City of Falcon Heights. Anderson stated that he would like acost/benefit analysis for this position based on consultant Building Official versus City employee. Scalze asked if the increase in wages from 2002 to 2003 is in the area of 7%. The City Administrator estimated that average wage increases were at 3%. However, noted that several employees moved up a step on respective salary scales that brings the increase in total salary dollars to the 7% range. The Administrator reported that in his discussions with other city officials, salary increases are averaging in the 3% range. He further noted that other cities have