Local Officers Compensation Committee

Local Officers' Compensation Commission City Hall 10 N. Division Street, Room 302A September 14, 2015 4:00 PM Members Present: Joan Dillman, John Godfrey, Scott Durham, Becky Squires, Walt McIlroy Members Absent: John Anderson Others Present: Victoria Houser, City Clerk: Brad Sysol, Deputy City Attorney Call to Order: City Clerk Houser called the meeting to order at 4:06 PM, recognizing a quorum was present. Nomination of Commission Chair Ms. Houser stated the first order of business was to nominate a Chairperson to preside over the meeting. A motion was made by Walt McIlroy, supported by Becky Squires, to nominate Joan Dillman as Chair. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. Approval of Minutes: Chairperson Dillman noted the next order of business was to approve the minutes from the last meeting, September 5, 2013. Ms. Dillman asked if there were any additions or deletions. There were none. A motion was made by John Godfrey, supported by Walt McIlroy, to approve the meeting minutes of September 5, 2013. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. Discussion on City Commission Compensation: Chair Dillman asked for discussion regarding the compensation increases for the City Commission. Mr. Godfrey commented on the research material, stating the Mayor and Vice Mayor are compensated similar to other municipalities, stating the Commissioner compensation is slightly lower than the average of other municipalities. A motion was made by Ms. Squires, supported by Mr. McIlroy, to retain Commission compensation at its current rate, expressing concern for economic impact, noting the current Commission compensation is very similar to other municipalities. Mr. Durham stated he is torn with the compensation issue, stating he had some concerns with the current Commission, but felt the decision to increase the compensation or not would have an impact on future Commissions. Mr. Godfrey noted economic conditions in the City of Battle Creek have improved over the last 2 years, noting unemployment is decreasing. Mr. Godfrey expressed his opinion the Mayor and Vice Mayor should receive a small increase while the Commissioners receive a slightly larger increase, noting it has been 10 years since the last Commission compensation increase. Ms. Squires expressed her concern that paying the Commission more does not guarantee better performance, also stating economic indicators demonstrate concerns that are expect to impact the economy in the next 12-18 months, expressing concerns with US finances. Chairperson Dillman asked if other City staff members had received pay increases recently. Ms. Houser noted City staff received increases of 2 - 3% in 2015. Chairperson Dillman stated she understood the need to consider an increase to the Commission compensation, noting there has not been an increase in 10 years and that 2 -3% would not have a big impact on the City’s budget. Mr. McIlroy stated he served on the committee when the Commissioners were paid $25 for each Commission meeting, stating he supported increases in the past to compensate Commissioners for their time and to encourage more people to run for Commission. Hearing no additional comment, Chairperson Dillman restated the motion was to retain the Commission compensation at its current rate of $200 per Commission meeting, also keeping the additional rate of $250 per month to the Mayor and $75 per month to the Vice Mayor. Ayes: Dillman, McIlroy, Squires Nays: Durham, Godfrey Motion Passed Public Comment: There was none Commission Comment: Mr. Godfrey noted the data provided showed that out of 40 communities that responded to the survey, Battle Creek was one of 4 communities to hold the Commission elections every 2 years, while a couple communities hold their elections every 3 years, noting the majority elect their commission /councils every 4 years. Mr. Godfrey recommended the City and the City Commission review the possibility of a change to the City Charter to hold elections every 4 years instead of every 2 years. Mr. Durham questioned the need for the City to provide $10,000 life insurance for all of the Commissioners, noting there are several options to the Commissioners to have personal life insurance. Mr. Durham recommended the City consider whether this is a valuable benefit to the Commissioners and the City. Chairperson Dillman expressed her appreciation to Clerk Houser for the collection and preparation of the data and the Committee members for their service. Adjournment: Chair Dillman adjourned the meeting at 4:22 PM.