HomeMy WebLinkAbout041602 MINUTES
Citizens’ Commission on Council Salaries
Tel 360-478-5926
Fax 360-478-2333
239 4th Street
Bremerton, WA 98337
MINUTES 4/16/02
PUBLIC HEARING
PRESENT: Jan Hillman, Joanne Morris, Alan Strange, Mariwyn Tinsley, HR Staff-
Charlotte Belmore
ABSENT: David Grindstaff
Approval of Minutes: M/S/C/U (Tinsley/Morris)
Open for Public Input: Public Hearing was opened and due to lack of public
attendance closed.
Discussion on Council Salaries: There was discussion on the draft ordinance that
would add $25.00 to Council salaries effective June 1, 2002 and an additional $25.00
effective January 1, 2003. The Commission felt that this increase would bring the
Council in line with minimum wage. It was suggested that the Commission could
increase salaries by $25.00 for 2002 and by a higher amount for 2003.
There was a question about why the sentence referring to benefits for Council members
that was in the 1998 ordinance was not included in the draft ordinance. The sentence
stated that Council members were not eligible for any benefits that employees receive.
They discussed the fact that the State of Washington gives elected officials the right to
participate in PERS and this sentence may be interpreted as denying them this right.
The Commission asked that Charlotte find out from the City Attorney what the reason
for removing the sentence was. The Commission discussed having the ordinance
written so that the increase for 2003 would be $650.00 per month or equivalent to
minimum wage which ever is greater. They reviewed the City of Lacey’s ordinance
which did allow for an increase based on the cost of living increase, but had been
modified to call for a set $25.00 increase each year. The idea of tying the Council’s
increases to minimum wage increases was brought up. It was decided that because
this Commission is required to meet every year having an escalation clause annually
wouldn’t serve the Commission’s purpose. The Commission asked that Charlotte find
out whether or not the State uses some type of formula to project future increases.
The Commission discussed whether they had data supporting anything different than
Page 2 April 16, 2002
what the proposed ordinance does. They felt they had data that could support
increasing the salaries based on minimum wage.
The Commission requested that for the 2003 meetings the duties of Council members
from the cities surveyed be obtained.
The issue of terms for the Commission members was brought up. Charlotte said she
would ask the Mayor’s office for input on this subject.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:05 PM