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I I I Council Meeting Minutes October 10, 1995 Page 5 Council Business. continued Benke noted that according to the survey, the average salary for a mayor of a city with population more than 20,000 is $7,888; New Brighton's current salary is $7,200. The average salary for a Councilmember is $6,094; New Brighton's current salary is $5,600. These averages suggest that some adjustment could be argued as warranted and may merit some consideration. In comparing New Brighton to communities with population less than 25,000 but not more than 10,000, New Brighton is closer to the average. It all comes down to how we compare cities, but the comparison should reflect population, type of operation, and working environment. Samuelson noted that one community lists its salaries at $4,800 for Mayor and $3,600 for Councilmember which then brings down this average. Williams supports the staff recommendation for a slight increase. Given the Council's propensity to not revisit this issue each year and the fact there has been no change for the last six years, he feels it is reasonable to raise compensation. He feels it is important to stay at the average and revisit the issue in the future. He supports the staff recommendation, minus the accelerator clause. Gunderman supports the staff recommendation minus the accelerated clause. Benke feels the staff recommendation increase is too much and recommends the Mayor's annual salary be set at $7,500; and the annual Council salary at $6,000. Williams noted the amounts quoted in the staff recommendation are 1995 levels. Larson would support the Benke recommendation. He feels some increase is justified, but noted concern brought on by Federal and State budgetary considerations . Benke noted that Council does not only attend two Council meetings a month, but also attends many work sessions and other meetings held with staff and other governmental agencies. Samuelson supports Benke's recommendation. Fulton said the communities identified are used when comparing staff compensation levels. Motion by Williams to WAIVE THE FIRST AND SECOND READING AND ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY CODE TO ESTABLISH COMPENSATION FOR MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS. EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 1996, THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL ANNUAL COMPENSATION SHALL BE ADJUSTED TO $8,200 AND $6,600 RESPECTIVELY. Motion died due to lack of a second. Motion by Benke, seconded by Larson, to WAIVE THE FIRST AND SECOND READING AND ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY CODE TO ESTABLISH COMPENSATION FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS. EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 1996, THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL ANNUAL COMPENSATION SHALL BE ADJUSTED TO $7,500 AND $6,000 RESPECTIVELY. 5 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. Council Business Council Compensation Report 95~ 182 Ordinance 614