Everett Salary Commission

EVERETT SALARY REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING March 2, 2017, 2:00 PM Mayor’s Conference Room Those present: Commission Members: Chris Adams John Dickson Angie Sievers Bobby Thompson Art Thomson City Staff: Bob Bolerjack, Executive Director Sharon DeHaan, Labor Relations/Human Resources Director Joni Siewert, Labor Relations/Human Resources Department, minutes Christina Wiersma, City Attorney’s Office The meeting commenced 2:00 PM. Introductory Comments Sharon DeHaan began the meeting by asking those present to introduce themselves, and to update their contact information if it differed from the insert provided for the 2017 Salary Commission notebook. She added that, at one of the upcoming meetings, Ramsey Ramerman from the City Attorney’s Office will make a presentation about the Open Public Meetings Act. Sharon DeHaan continued by saying the Commission’s role is to determine base salaries for elected officials for the City of Everett over the next two years. Those elected officials are the Mayor, seven Councilmembers, and two elected Judges. The work has to be done by May 1, pursuant to the City Charter. It is required that the Commission holds two public hearings. There are seven members of the Commission. The five members here today are returning, and are tasked with naming two more appointees. The appointees serve for four years. It is required that they live in the City of Everett, are over 21 years of age, are registered to vote, and are not related to someone working for the City of Everett. Commission Chair Sharon DeHaan invited discussion as to who would serve as Chair. Chris Adams nominated Angie Sievers, who served as Chair for the last Commission two years ago. John Dickson seconded the nomination. The nomination carried. Everett Salary Review Commission 1 March 2, 2017  Commission Appointments Bob Bolerjack said he sent out an ad last week, and one person applied. He distributed an application from Tony Anthonissen. The Commission members agreed that if someone is interested he should be considered as an appointee. The Commission members continued discussing possible appointees who might want to get involved in serving. Sharon DeHaan suggested coming up with several names, putting them in priority order. She recalled that two years ago some people would have liked to participate, but their schedules would not allow them to meet the timelines. Bob Bolerjack encouraged diversity in age, gender, and geography. He mentioned a couple of possibilities who would represent the South Everett area. After much discussion, it was decided Bob Bolerjack will call Tony Anthonissen as well as the South Everett possibilities. Bobby Thompson and Angie Sievers have potential candidates in mind as well. Information for Future Meetings Sharon DeHaan said that Staff was assembling information for the next meeting. It will include historical information, salaries from other cities, and updates of information the Commission requested two years ago. She asked that if the Commission wants a budget presentation or to invite elected officials, please let Christina Wiersma or Bob Bolerjack know. John Dickson asked for information on how the City has done on its budget, Sharon DeHaan replied she will ask the City Finance Manager to make a presentation. Art Thomson requested CPI information. Sharon DeHaan said it will be supplied, as well as salary increases for City employees, and retirement systems information. Sharon DeHaan continued that the Judges’ salary has historically been tied to that of District Court Judges. The State has a Salary Commission for the State elected officials, and they are looking at 4% for Judges in September 2017 and 2% in September 2018. Regarding City Council, Sharon DeHaan explained the City Council President receives 30% higher than the other Council members. Future Meeting Dates In looking back over the minutes, Joni Siewert said there were seven meetings two years ago, and two of them included public hearings. The Commission members discussed and decided that Thursdays after 4:00 PM were preferred, followed by Tuesdays 4:00 PM. The meeting schedule established is, all at 4:00 PM: Everett Salary Review Commission 2 March 2, 2017 Thursday March 9 Thursday March 16 Thursday March 23 Thursday March 30 Tuesday April 11 Thursday April 20 (John Dickson will not be available) It was suggested to have public hearings at the beginning or end of two of the meetings. In order to have the two new Commission members on board at the next meeting March 9, March 16 will start with a 4:00 meeting and 5:00 public hearing to get public input. April 20 will be the second public hearing and meeting. The meeting adjourned 2:55 PM. Respectfully submitted, Joni Siewert Everett Salary Review Commission 3 March 2, 2017