Salary Commission

City o.t SALARY COMMISSION MINUTES THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019 CITY HALL 22710 E. COUNTRY VISTA DRIVE 2:30 P.M. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Wissmann called the meeting to order at 2:32 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Chairman Joan Wissmann, Salary Commissioner James Baumker, and Salary Commissioner Holly Woodruff City Staff: RJ Stevenson, City Finance Director, Tricia Prince, Office Assistant AGENDA APPROVAL: Commissioner Woodruff moved to amend the March 28, 201 9 agenda to include a brief discussion on scheduling a public hearing and wrap up date. Commissioner Woodruff moved to approve the agenda as amended and the March 20, 2019 meeting minutes, seconded by Commissioner Baumker. Motion carried unanimously. REVIEW SALARY DATA: Mr. Stevenson explained the information provided regarding the city council salary in comparison to total revenue. The total revenue is rounded but accurate. Commissioner Baumker made the following observations: 1. If this were a comparison of revenue at a corporate level, this percentage would be extremely low. 2. The Council and Mayor compensation as a percent of total revenue is very small. Commissioner Woodruff asked what the total budget outlay of the city is. Mr. Stevenson explained how cash reserves set aside effect the budget. The Salary Commission reviewed the compensation spreadsheet and agreed to remove all cities with full time mayors, leaving Anacordes and Tukwila. PUBLIC HEARING: Commissioners discussed when the public hearing should take place. Commissioner Woodruff suggested that the public hearing be scheduled soon. Mr. Stevenson reminded the Commission that multiple public hearings could be scheduled. Chairman Wissmann suggested a meeting scheduled for an evening. After discussion, Commissioner Woodruff moved to have the public hearing on April gth at 7:00 pm in the council chambers. COUNCIL MEMBER INTERVIEW AND SURVEY RESPONSES: Commission members discussed conversations with Councilmembers and the Mayor. Made the following observations: 1. Nobody said that Liberty Lake is unique to other cities. 2. There was no consensus of whether Liberty Lake was in growth mode. 3. It was brought up that the population of Liberty Lake is more educated that others, therefore expectations are higher. 4. Meetings are an important part of the council role. 5. It was said that Liberty Lake is a regional leader. Mr. Stevenson clarified that Liberty Lake is very involved, we have a good relationship with transportation, the school district, fire district, working with lobbyists in Olympia, involved on several boards and that we participate in LIFT, which could make the city appear as a regional leader. Commissioners agreed that they need to find out what the public expectation is. Commissioner Woodruff agreed that the community has a high expectation. Commissioners also agreed that the interviews were valuable. They will go back, look at the numbers and decide where to go from here at the next meeting. WRAP UP DATE: Commissioner Woodruff requested that the Salary Commission decide on a date to shoot for having a decision. She added that her availability will decrease in May, and she is concerned about drawing out the process. Commissioner Baumker added that he would also like to come to a timely conclusion. Chairman Wissman voiced that she does not feel comfortable with a hard final date. The Salary Commission agreed to keep going the way they are going and all would like to expedite the decision making process. No date was agreed on. PUBLIC COMMENT: Bret Hamblet: Asked about the public hearing date and clarified that there will be another public hearing at a later time. Agreed that expectations of the community in Liberty Lake are high and that is what attracts people to the City. Mr. Hamblet also clarified with the committee that the word “role” means job description, and that the “scope” of the job will be applied later. He also confirmed that the City of Spokane Valley has a different form of government. Mike Kennedy: Commented that the time frame is important that we are different because the City is the 1 0th biggest growing city in Washington. He also added that the money is important to attract quality candidates. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the special salary commission meeting immediately adjourned at 3:30 p.m. These minutes are approved April 9, 2019. Joan issmann, Salary Commission Chairman City of Liberty Lake Notes and Transcription by RJ Stevenson, Finance Director. This Salary Commission meeting was also audio taped. Anyone desirmg to listen to the recording may contact the City Clerk