05-08-2024 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 89 2024 reviewed the current salary of the City Council and Mayor and the two options for increase as proposed by staff. She commented that the change would not have much of a budgetary impact. Mayor Fischer acknowledged that this is an awkward topic for the City Council as well as the fact that no one chooses to serve on the City Council for the money. He also recognized the time required for all the Council commitments. He stated that although he had considered tying the increase to a cost - of -living type increase in the past, after seeing Maplewood, he would not want to go that route. He acknowledged that Little Canada is behind in the salary and agreed that this change would bring them back into the comparable market. He noted that even though Little Canada is small community, the Council is very involved. He stated that he would support option three, with the Mayor at $7,500 and the Council at $6,250. D. Miller agreed. He noted that when he joined the Council, he had no idea if/what the compensation would be. He acknowledged that the Council gives more time than the two meetings per month, as there are other meetings and other liaison meetings that the Council also attend. Gutierrez agreed, noting that she also had no idea what the compensation was prior to joining the Council. She noted that money was not a motivating factor, but it is something that helps to keep people accountable and engaged as they are being paid for their time. Kwapick stated that the Mayor does attend more things and agrees with the pay increase, although finds it awkward to increase his own pay. He noted that he also considered the percentage increase in the past as that could remove some of the awkwardness in the future. The City Clerk commented that there are costs the Council incurs to attend meetings, such as gas and/or babysitters, etc. She noted that this is meant to offset those costs so that people can be involved and give their time serving. D. Miller recognized that this change would not just be for this Council but to ensure that people will continue to have interest in serving on the City Council. T. Miller agreed, noting that she does incur costs to attend meetings, including childcare. She also found the process awkward, but understood it is part of the job. She also understood that this increase is not just about the people in the seats currently, but those that will follow. Mayor Fischer introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2024-5-57 — APPROVING ORDINANCE 897 AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTER 204.010 BY INCREASING THE SALARIES OF THE MAYOR AND CO UNCIL MEMBERS TO: MA YOR $ 7, 500 PER YEAR AND CO UNCIL MEMBERS $6,250 PER YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 11 2 02 5. The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by D. Miller. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. 3