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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-26-2015 Council Work Session MinutesMINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION October 261 2015 5:00 o'clock p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Lili Tod McMillan, Council Members Jim Cornick, Jr, Lizz Levang, and Denny Walsh. Representing Staff City Administrator Jessica Loftus, Finance Director Ron Olson, Police Chief Correy Farniok, Public Works Director/ Engineer Adam Edwards, Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart and City Clerk Diane Tiegs GUEST: Park Commission Chair Rick Meyers 1. Compensation Study Next Steps City Administrator Loftus summarized the Compensation Study results. The goal of this study was to obtain updated job descriptions and duties along with analyzing the current salary plan to ensure the City is keeping up with the market. Loftus provided a recommendation to Council for implementing the updated salary plan. The Compensation Study provided updated job descriptions and duties for all positions. Council agreed with Loftus' recommendation that Council should formally approve the job descriptions at an upcoming regular meeting. Loftus distributed a handout of the COLA history for Orono and survey results of salary adjustments from the lake communities for Council review. Loftus reviewed the implementation options of the Compensation Study and recommended Option 1 which is a phased in plan. Employees would move to the new step and grade program and be placed at the step closest to their current salary. Employees compensated more than the Compensation Study recommendation would remain frozen at their current wage. All Council Members in attendance agreed with implementing Option 1 beginning January of 2016. Chief Farniok addressed Council and distributed wage information of communities that are comparable to the Orono Police Department. The communities used in the study did not take into consideration the contracted cities the Orono Police Department serves which could change the Compensation Study recommendations for the Police Department. Farniok stated the wage recommendation is not equitable for the number of residents served and does not keep pace between the union and non-union employees. Council Member Walsh said that when the contract to provide police services for the City of Mound was accepted, a new Deputy Chief position was created to assist with the management of 11 more officers. Orono City Council Work Session, October 26, 2015 Page 1 Compensation Study Next Steps (continued) Council Member Walsh felt the compensation was fair when considering the staff additions. Loftus suggested reviewing the Police Department compensation portion of the study if Council felt it was not a true picture of the department. Council Member Cornick stated that the Compensation Study should be implemented as presented. This has been in discussion for several months and it's time to move forward. It is not right to pick and choose certain areas or positions for adjustment. Council reviewed the recommendation of a 2.75% cost of living adjustment (COLA). Council discussed increase options of somewhere between 2 to 2.75%. The decision of whether the increase would be a combination of a lump sum and COLA or if an increase would be strictly COLA will be discussed at the November work session. 2. Park Commission Purpose and Guidance Public Works Director Adam Edwards provided information on the Park Commissions plans to provide park services for the Orono residents. The information also identified Council concerns of the group regarding their focus compared to the Councils intentions when re -instituting the group in 2014. Park Commission Chair Rick Meyers addressed the Council on the goals and activities of the Commission. The Park Commission has focused on the maintenance and housekeeping of the current parks in Orono. The Livingston Park improvement is their first major park renovation and the goal is to have the parks maintained and accessible to all residents. The Park Commission advises and makes recommendations to the Council and the Commission cannot move forward without their approval. There have been many compliments received from residents on the improvements that have been made to date. Council discussed rotating the Council Liaison for each meeting. Council Member Walsh felt there should be one Council Liaison to keep consistency in communication and other Council Members are welcome to attend the meetings at anytime. Council appreciates the Park Commission's accomplishments. Council discussed an annual work session to review the proposed projects and goals. Orono City Council Work Session, October 26, 2015 Page 2 3. Order of Reports on City Council Agenda Mayor McMillan would like to discuss the meeting agenda items and the order in which the Council hears them. The Planning and Zoning agenda items make up the major portion of the meeting and take the largest amount of time. In an effort to support the Police Department and Public Works it would be prudent to hear their items before the Planning and Zoning agenda items. Residents would be able to hear what projects and issues the City is currently addressing. Council was in favor of the changing the meeting agenda order. The change will begin at the next Council meeting on November 9, 2015. ADJOURNMENT: 6:32 p.m. ATTEST a-� legs, G4 Clerk &�� -JWO&&J& Lill Tod McMillan, Mayor Orono City Council Work Session, October 26, 2015 Page 3