09-01-99 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Personnel and Finance Committee September 1, 1999 Page 4 Discussion then took place with regard to a proposed four-year salary ordinance and the 2000 Council budget. Council Member King stated that he likes the concept of establishing four-year salaries now so that sitting Council Members would not set their own salaries. Council Members Aranowski and Ujdak agreed. Council Member Ujdak stated that setting a 3.5 % standard would set the wrong precedent since he personally is against an increase. Council Member Pfeifer noted that the current Council is composed of persons who have other jobs. She noted that the position should be one which attracts all persons including those where the Council salary is their only source of income. She asked that the Council consider this concept since she is concerned about narrowing the parameters for who serves on the Council. Council Member King agreed with Council Member Pfeifer noting that when a Council Member is in meetings,he or she is unable to bill others. After further discussion, the Committee suggested that the Council President prepare a four-year salary ordinance reflecting 1.75 % increases which would then be published so that the Council could have public hearing at its October 11th meeting. Council Member Pfeifer also voiced concern about the meeting expense line-item noting that the two(2) loitering conferences were jointly sponsored by the City and IUSB with the police department and the Council sharing expenses. Based on that experience the amount proposed is not sufficient. Council Member Varner agreed with Council Member Pfeifer that there should be more involvement by the Council in proactive activities. He suggested that the Council needs to be better informed and should have additional support staff. He voiced concern regarding the lack of separation between the administrative and legislative branches which he has witnessed as a resident of the community for many years and as a Council Member. He suggested that neutral opinions on issues are necessary and that under past City Attorneys was not provided complete information on specific topics. Council Member Ujdak voiced concern that several of the items in his memo to the Council President have not been addressed such as encumbering funds not used the current year from the "additional legal services" line-item". He noted that the City will meet with the Fire Union next year and must have adequate funding in its budget to cover those expenses. Cathy Roemer noted that those funds could be reappropriated. Council Member King asked for a definition of"staff support". He agreed with Council Member Varner that the Council needs to be well-informed on all issues coming before it. The Council Attorney noted that in 1986 she was selected by Mayor Parent to sit on the 4- person City Negotiating Team to negotiate with the Teamsters, Fire and Police Unions. Her fees were paid out of the Controller's budget since it was a joint Administration/Council project. Prior to 1986,the Board of Public Safety would negotiate