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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />MARCH 13, 2024 <br />Mayor Fischer thanked staff for consolidating the volunteer opportunities in a meaningful way. D. <br />Miller asked if all catch basins would be included, regardless of whether they are owned by the City or <br />County. The Community Relations Manager confirmed that all the facilities in the city would be <br />available. She commented that there are detailed instructions on what the volunteer can assist with and <br />when they should notify staff for assistance. <br />Gutierrez asked if there would be a similar system for rain gardens. The Public Works Director <br />explained that rain gardens are installed with the agreement that the homeowner will maintain the <br />facility, but acknowledged that does not always happen. He stated that if this program is successful, <br />they will look to add rain gardens. <br />Mayor Fischer recognized the willingness of residents to volunteer in the community and hoped that <br />this program is a success. <br />UPDATED WAGE SCALE FOR PARKS AND PUBLIC WORKS SEASONAL WORKERS <br />The City Clerk explained that this is the time of year when they begin to hire seasonal staff, which <br />includes a review of the wages to ensure the City is competitive. She stated that in that review she <br />noted that most cities had a large jump in seasonal wages and therefore Little Canada fell to the bottom <br />of that list. She stated that in order to remain competitive and attract seasonal workers, staff <br />recommends increasing the seasonal wage scale. She reviewed the proposed increase of $3 per hour <br />for all the seasonal wages, which would bring Little Canada back into the middle of the pack for <br />comparison communities. She stated that they could then further discuss the topic again during the <br />budgeting process later this year. <br />D. Miller asked if this includes the instructors for skating lessons and gymnastics programing. The <br />City Clerk replied that those people are paid a flat fee for that service. <br />D. Miller commented that in watching a recent Parks and Recreation Commission meeting the <br />comment was made that the City was unable to attract an instructor for the gymnastics program. He <br />stated that during the meeting, the Youth Commissioner provided additional background, noting that <br />the low pay detracted young people from applying for the position. He hoped that an increase for <br />those positions could be considered as well. The Finance Director commented that those positions are <br />funded through the Park and Recreation Fund rather than the General Fund, and therefore this <br />proposed increase applies strictly to seasonal positions. The City Administrator stated that the pay for <br />the instructors is determined based on the fees for participation, as the goal is to have a balance for the <br />program offering to be self -sustainable. He stated that staff can make note of that and attempt to make <br />appropriate adjustments. <br />Kwapick asked the number of seasonal workers for the summer. The Public Works Director replied <br />that the maximum would be seven, with a range of three to seven seasonal workers. <br />D. Miller thanked staff for taking the initiative to compare the wages of neighboring communities to <br />ensure the City can remain competitive. The City Clerk replied that the city has been successful in <br />obtaining seasonal employees every year so far. <br />rd <br />