HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 EOCC MinutesMINUTES
Elected Officers Compensation Commission
Tenth Floor City Council Conference Room, City Hall
Friday, February 11, 2011 - 1:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 1:03 p.m.
Roll Call
Patricia Curran, Chair
Don LeDuc, Vice Chair
Thomas Hay, Member
Brian T. Huggler, Member
Joan Nelson, Nelson, Member
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OTHER PRESENT
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Don Kulhanek, Law
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Karen Hulett, Council Staff
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Darnell Oldham, Jr. Citizen
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John Pollard, Citizen
Susan Vila, LSJ
Excused Absence
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mr. Kulhanek explained the official approval process of the Elected Officers
Compensation Commission. Due to the current two (2) vacancies on the Commission,
only five (5) members are serving in 2011. Therefore, four Commissioners equal a
quorum and four votes are required to pass business items.
Law and the EOCC Chairperson noted that the Commission has 45 days in which to
conduct its business with a maximum of 15 meetings allowed.
BUSINESS
Election of 2011 EOCC Officers
Joan Nelson nominated Patricia Curran to the position of Chair, seconded by
Tom Hay. Motioned carried, 5-0. 2011 EOCC Chair Patricia Curran.
Brian Huggler nominate Don LeDuc to the position of Vice Chair, it was
seconded by Pat Curran. Motioned carried, 5-0. 2011 EOCC Vice Chair Don
LeDuc.
2. Determination of 2011 EOCC Meetinq Schedule
2/16/11 1 st Meeting -Invite Jerry Ambrose -Financial Report
3/2/11 2"d Meeting -Invite Mayor, & City Clerk
3/8/11 3d Meeting -Invite City Council
3/16/11 4th Meeting
3/23/11 5th Meeting VOTE
3. Reports, Presentations, Commission Questions and Discussion
March 24, 2011-Due Date — Recommendation to be submitted to the City
Clerk to be placed on the City Council Agenda for 3/28/11
Commission Vacancies - Don LeDuc questioned what it would take to
appoint individuals to fill the vacancies on the Commission. Don Kulhanek
stated that it is unlikely to be able to fill the vacancies in time to be part of the
2011 EOCC session because it takes 30 days minimum to complete the
process, and the Commission has only the next 45 days. Joan Nelson and
Patricia Curran thought it best to proceed with the necessary steps in the
process to fill the vacancies.
Overview Chart of Revised EOCC Past Recommendations — The
Commission reviewed the EOCC past recommendations. Law noted that the
2009 EOCC changes made to benefits were the most extensive of any
previous Commission's recommendations in recent years.
Invitation Letters for Upcominq Meetinqs - The Commission requested to
send a letter inviting participants to the upcoming scheduled meetings. The
participants include Finance, Mayor and City Councilmembers.
Chart of Municipalities Comparison - Need Salary, benefits, part time, full
time, etc. information gathered from the following cities: Ann Arbor, Grand
Rapids, Livonia, and Warren.
4. Commissioners Comments
Handlinq of Press Inquiry - Patricia Curran suggested that all press
inquiries be directed only to the EOCC Chair.
Public Contact List Request - Patricia Curran asked for the City Council
Public Contact List.
PUBLIC COMMENT
John Pollard spoke regarding City Council meetings being shorter in time length. With
incomes down for the population of Lansing, now would be the time for Council to meet
longer. Neighborhood meetings in his opinion are not considered the same relevance of
an actual City Council meeting. Even though Councilmembers are part time, the
meetings have also been condensed by combining Committee of the Whole on Monday
night with City Council meetings. He asked the EOCC to heavily consider in their
decision making the actual time City Councilmembers spend working. He suggested
that perhaps the City Councilmembers compensation be on a per diem basis.
Darnell Oldham, Sr. emphasized that elected city officials should be servants not rock
stars. He supported John Pollard comments.
ADJOURN
This meeting adjourned at 1:45 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen Hulett
Recording Secretary
Approved by the Commission on 2-16-11
MINUTES
Elected Officers Compensation Commission
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tenth Floor Council Conference Room, City Hall
12 Noon
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 12:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Patricia Curran, Chair
Don LeDuc, Vice Chair
Thomas Hay, Member
Brian T. Huggler, Member
Joan Nelson, Member
OTHERS PRESENT
Don Kulhanek, Law
Terese Horn, Council Staff
Karen Hulett, Council Staff
John Pollard, Citizen
Darnell Oldham, Citizen
Angela Bennett, Budget
COMMUNICATIONS
None.
BUSINESS SESSION
Approval of Minutes
BRIAN HUGGLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE OF THE MINUTES OF THE ELECTED
OFFICERS COMPENSATION COMMISSION MEETING ON FEBRUARY 11, 2010, AS
REVISED. MOTION CARRIED
Reports, Presentations, Commission Questions. and Discussion
1
Budget Presentation by Angie Bennett
Ms. Bennett, Budget Manager, submitted an overview on the "Financial Update Given to
City Council December 20, 2010" and a memo of February 14, 2011 from Jerry
Ambrose to the W&M Committee, "Update to the FY 12 Budget Development". She
reviewed some background leading up to the deficit, decrease of revenue sharing,
property taxes, and income taxes. These have all decreased due to the poor economy.
In the FY 2010 budget, revenue sharing was cut by $300,000. The loss in income tax
revenue sharing and other areas, ended FY 2010 revenue shortfall of $4.5 million.
However, expenses were also under, which helped, but still had to balance the budget
by using funds out of the $10 million Reserve Fund, which left about $5.5 million.
The Reserves Account was explained like a savings account. The City has two pots of
reserve funds, money in the General Fund (Fund Balanced) and a separate Budget
Stabilization Fund, which takes Council action. When the Reserve Fund is referred to, it
considers both. Remaining in the Reserve Account in general funds is about a $.5
million and about $5 million in the Budget Stabilization Fund.
She reported that the change in the multiplier for the auto industries affected the City's
budget.
There was $112.5 million allocated in the FY 2010 General Fund budget but revenues
ended up short, $108 million. The adopted budget for FY 2011 is $109 million.
This year's expenditure and revenues are on track; however, they are concerned about
Property Tax and Income Tax is very volatile. They are trying to assess the effect of
Income Tax. They have found that it is now stabilizing, but it is not to the amount the
City use to receive.
The continuing decline in property values and probable reductions in state revenue
sharing along with the possibility of eliminating personal property tax are very much a
concern. There is a deep concern also about healthcare and pension costs.
When looking forward while in the process of developing the budget to begin July 2011,
if costs continue as normal, they anticipate expenses being $118 million. They
anticipate revenues of $103 million, leaving a projected gap of $15 million. However,
there is a potential reduction in revenue taxes of $2 or 3 million. They figure the gap
could grow to $20 million due to the potential decrease in personal tax. This is a
substantial challenge.
Ms. Bennett highlighted information obtained in the Financial Update Report given to
Council on December 20, 2010. The projected General Fund gap trend is expected to
last for a few years. The General Fund Budget Summaries compare the FY 2010
budget to the adopted FY 2011 budget and the General Fund Status Report is the FY
2011 budget as reported as of September 30, 2010. She reported that Administration
would like to build back up the reserve level to 10%-15% of the general fund revenues.
2
Since Mayor Virg Bernero was elected Mayor, a balanced budget has been proposed
and adopted. When the budget is finalized for the next fiscal year, it will be a balanced
budget. Ms. Bennett explained that reserve funds are used for unplanned expenses,
emergency needs.
The ballot proposal for a formal increase in taxes if passed will increase revenues by
about $8.5 million. The ballot proposal will go before the people in May, the Mayor will
propose his budget in March, and it must be adopted in April. There will be a lot of
education and debate on the proposed tax increase prior to the actual vote.
Ms. Bennett explained the budget process put forth to departments outlining targets so
departments know restraints. They review and ask to receive recommendations on the
budget. Last year they consolidated efforts and had some success with cuts in
healthcare for employees. In the current fiscal year, they incorporated many structural
changes, park merger, and a number of things to align ourselves for the future.
Commissioner Curran questioned if there has been any talk about raising city income
taxes. Mr. Bennett indicated that there are restraints governed by the state statute. It
would take state action to raise those taxes. We do not have a lot of flexibility in raising
taxes.
Ms. Bennett commented upon regionalization in order to save on costs. She reported on
regionalization agreements established in the past, such as the zoo and currently the
process of transferring the 911 Center to the County. There have been talks with the
townships about consolidating police and fire.
Commissioner Huggler questioned the revenue sharing factor. Ms. Bennett stated that
when they figured the $15 million gap, they figured about a $2 million reduction in
revenue sharing, about $12 million, but they now anticipate it may be more than that.
Tomorrow night the Governor will announce the budget and Administration hopes to get
a better idea of what will happen with state sharing revenues. There are two parts to
revenue sharing, constitutional and statutory. At this time, they do not understand if
there will be cuts to the whole thing or if there will be cuts to just half of it. The
anticipated $2 million cut could now be up to $5 million.
In consideration of the upcoming budget, Administration has asked department heads to
consider their structure and make recommendations on cuts based on that. They will
have to assess what is priority. They will need to look at what services should continue
and what will need to change. There is consideration of cutting 15% - 20% of their
budget.
Commissioner LeDuc questioned if there are certain cuts recommended on
compensation for employees or elected officials. Ms. Bennett indicated that she did not
have that answer.
3
Ms. Bennett explained the process used to review the department's proposals. She
explained that some scenarios brought forth on cuts would be acceptable but others
would not. They also look at other approaches with Labor and other things to obtain
cuts outside of the departments.
The $601,000 for the Council budget includes salaries for Councilmembers, staff
members, operation, and city events for the community. The figures and percentages
used in the handout are numbers as of September 30, 2010.
The forecast on expenditures and revenues going out and coming in at the same pace
predicted to happen in 2015 now expected later.
Ms. Bennett explained the property tax situation with respect to taxable value and state
equalize value. When the taxable value is higher, taxes go up at inflationary rate but
when taxable value drops at or below the SEV, the property tax will go down. She
explained that about two -third of properties are at or below but are leveling off.
The budget figures do not consider the taxes from the Accident Fund but the 2012
budget will reflect it.
Old Business
The Commission requested comparables be available at the next meeting. The
Commission requested that comparables be sent out by e-mail prior to the meeting.
New Business
None.
Commission Member Comments
Mr. LeDuc questioned the value of the financial report presented by Ms. Bennett
because it was not up to date. If things do not pick up, they will have no basis to do
anything.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Pollard expressed his support of Mr. LeDuc comments. He voiced opposition to
raising income tax. It was his opinion that taxes from the Accident Fund will not pay off
due to the tax abatements granted them. State law allows the City their tax base up to
20 mills; however, the ballot proposal increases it beyond that. He suggested Council
be paid on a per diem pay scale to be paid for what they do.
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Darnell Oldham commented about the attitude of the City Council. He suggested cutting
pay for all Councilmembers. He supported Mr. LeDuc's comments about the Financial
Report not being up to date and unhelpful and Mr. Pollards suggestion that the Council
be paid on a per diem basis.
The Commission requested Law to provide the Commission with a legal opinion on
whether a per diem pay scale is allowable and if the Commission has the authority to do
that.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 1:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Terese Horn
Recording Secretary
Lansing City Council
Approved by the Commission on: 3-2-11
5
MINUTES
Elected Officers Compensation Commission
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Tenth Floor Council Conference Room, City Hall
12 Noon
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 12:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Patricia Curran, Chair
Don LeDuc, Vice Chair
Thomas Hay, Member
Brian T. Huggler, Member
Joan Nelson, Member
OTHERS PRESENT
Don Kulhanek, Law
Terese Horn, Council Staff
Karen Hulett, Council Staff
John Pollard, Citizen
Darnell Oldham, Citizen
Chris Swope, City Clerk
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COMMISSIONER LEDUC MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE AGENDA, SECOND BY
COMMISSIONER NELSON. MOTION CARRIED, 5-0.
COMMUNICATIONS
None.
BUSINESS SESSION
Approval of Minutes
1
COMMISSIONER LEDUC MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE OF THE MINUTES OF THE
ELECTED OFFICERS COMPENSATION COMMISSION MEETING ON FEBRUARY 16, 2011,
AS REVISED. MOTION CARRIED, 5-0.
REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS, COMMISSION QUESTIONS, AND DISCUSSION
Opinion on Per Diem Salary
Mr. Kulhanek reported on his determination that the Commission could change compensation to
the per diem. He highlighted his opinion. The EOCC acts under the authority of the Lansing City
Charter and Lansing Code of Ordinances. He highlighted the definition of "salary." The EOCC
may consider compensation other than salaries. As he understood the question to be if per
diem could be used to compensate for services provided at meetings rather than for things
associated with the meeting. He reported that he does not foresee a problem with changing the
salary to a per diem basis.
Municipal Comparatives Report
Commissioner Curran questioned the reference to Councilmembers as an employee. Mr.
Kulhanek referred to his opinion made in the 2009 session and clarified that Councilmembers
have always been considered employees.
COMMISSIONER LEDUC REQUESTED COPIES OF THE 2009 EOCC RECOMMENDATION.
COMMISSIONER CURRAN SUGGESTED CONTACTING THE UNIONS AND TO PROVIDE THEM AN
OPPORTUNITY TO SUBMIT IN WRITING A RECOMMENDATION.
The Committee reviewed the comparatives from surrounding municipalities. It was noted that
some governmental units were made of a different structure than Lansing and was governed
with a week Mayor and strong Council.
Update on Invites to Councilmembers
Staff reported that the Council President and Councilmember Quinney have responded and plan
on attending the next meeting.
Discussion on Salaries
Commissioner Huggles questioned how to budget if Councilmembers were paid on a per diem
basis.
Commissioner Curran commented about how quickly salary could increase if paid on a per diem
basis for each meeting.
Commissioner Huggler suggested dividing up the number of Council meetings to determine a
per diem basis. However, it was noted that committees would also have to be considered.
2
Commissioner LeDuc indicated that he was considering setting a rate on a Council and
Committee meetings basis of $200 for Council meetings and $100 for Committee meetings with
a cap of $10,000 and $5,000.
Mr. Kulhanek indicated that he could foresee a number of issues with this. He reported that
Council meeting are still meeting 50 times a year but also every other week is a Committee of
the Whole meeting.
There was consideration to who and how member to committees were assigned and how often
they meet.
Commissioner Curran noted that Councilmembers attend City Boards as Lansing representative
member.
Mr. Kulhanek suggested that the Commission could consider a blend of base rate and a per
diem for meetings or other services determined. However, it could get very complicated quickly.
Commissioner Hay commented about committee day and times set by the Chair, which may
conflict with a standing commitment of a member.
Commissioner Nelson commented about Councilmembers attending neighborhood meetings
and their involvement in the community through this venue. These meetings should be
considered "work" not campaigning.
Commissioner Hay voiced concern about paying on a per diem basis because it could result in
the opposite effect and Councilmembers not attend meeting or stay in touch with constituents.
Citv Clerk Chris Swope Interview
Mr. Swope asked Commissioners to consider all factors; the economy, job requirement,
and city revenue. He thanked the Commission for their diligent work. However, he did
provide an opinion on the consideration of Councilmembers paid on a per diem basis.
He explained his request to change the City Charter to reduce the number of required
City Council meetings. He reported that he has asked the City Council to put this
consideration on a ballot for a public vote. This would take five votes of Council or a
petition of 4,000 signatures. The current practice is to hold a Committee of the Whole
twice a month rather than holding a full Council meeting every week, and they have
found that there are about the same number of action items within the year as when
they held full Council meetings weekly. He asked the Commission, if a per diem basis is
determined, to establish the per diem in a way not to discourage the Council from
moving forward to a more efficient and effective Council meeting.
In response to Commissioner Hay, Mr. Swope stated that he did not have a
recommendation on his salary.
Commissioner Curran questioned overtime use in the City Clerk's Office. Mr. Swope
stated that there is overtime pay for his staff but not to him.
Mr. Swope reported that his staff collected information outlining the frequency of
meeting times for other municipalities and would be glad to provide it to the
Commission.
Continued Discussion on Salaries
Commissioner Huggler noted that the Clerk is comparable to Ann Arbor and Livonia but
others make more and with respect to the four comparisons, Council and Mayor are in
the middle.
Commissioner Nelson questioned reasoning for considering per diem basis.
Commissioner LeDuc indicated it was something that he thought should be seriously
considered but he is not strongly supportive of it. Lansing has a complex structure.
Commissioner LeDuc recommended operating on the premise that things stay as they
are except to update the language in the Elected Officials Fringe Benefits. He
suggested it be a continuation package with exceptions. If acceptable, he suggested
that a draft be prepared for consideration by the Commission at the next meeting.
Commissioner Nelson commented that it was her opinion that the Councilmembers'
salaries look reasonable.
Commissioner Huggler commented that for the last 10 years salaries have remained the
same other than the Clerk, which raised only about $4,500.
Commissioner LeDuc voiced his support to have Randy Hannan back at the next
meeting along with the Councilmembers.
The next meeting is to be held on Tuesday, March 8th for 1.5 hours.
Public Comment
John Pollard maintained Councilmembers have cut their meetings in half. He suggested
consideration of the population in the comparative municipalities and City's income. He
supported per diem basis for Councilmembers. He commented about the cancelation of
meetings. People are taking a hit and he believes it needs to be considered. He would like to
see a tally of how many hours the Mayor worked for the City and how many hours worked to
become Governor. He maintained the Mayor only attended 10% of City Council meetings.
Mr. Oldham supported Mr. Pollard's comments about the Mayor. If the city is really in a crisis,
every elected official should take a hit along with everyone else. He commented that elected
officials had a great idea of what would be expected of them as an elected official when they
took the job. He supported a per diem basis still be considered and to check with the County on
how they do it.
CI
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 1:04 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Terese Horn
Recording Secretary
Lansing City Council
Approved by the Commission on: 3-8-11
MINUTES
Elected Officers Compensation Commission
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Tenth Floor Council Conference Room, City Hall
12 Noon
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 12:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Patricia Curran, Chair
Don LeDuc, Vice Chair
Thomas Hay, Member
Brian T. Huggler, Member
Joan Nelson, Member
OTHERS PRESENT
Don Kulhanek, Law
Terese Horn, Council Staff
Karen Hulett, Council Staff
John Pollard, Citizen
Darnell Oldham, Citizen
Randy Hannan, Mayor's Office
Abby Grimmah Channel 6
Rachel Thomas, Channel 10
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
THE COMMISSION ACCEPTED THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
COMMUNICATIONS
None.
BUSINESS SESSION
Approval of Minutes
COMMISSIONER HAY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ELECTED OFFICERS
COMPENSATION COMMISSION MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF MARCH 2, 2011, AS
SUBMITTED. MOTION SECOND BY DON LEDUC AND CARRIED, 5-0.
REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS, COMMISSION QUESTIONS, AND DISCUSSION
Mavor Representative Randv Hannan
Mr. Hannan submitted in writing a recommendation from the Mayor for 2012 salaries and
benefits for City of Lansing elected officials. He commented about the economic crisis and
budget deficit. The challenge continues with significant declines in residential, commercial and
industrial property tax revenues, reduction in state revenue sharing, and increase in cost for
providing city services. The continued financial situation requires the city to make additional
spending cuts, as well as asking Lansing residents to approve new revenues. He commented
upon other aspects related to costs associated with personnel. The City does not have an option
to raise city income tax without approval from the State; therefore, revenue options are limited.
He reviewed past actions taken to reduce costs; reduced workforce through nutrition, elimination
of comp time for department heads and Mayor's staff, restructuring of healthcare, and an
increase in co -pays. The recommendation made by the Mayor in 2009 reducing salaries and
other benefits was reviewed and appreciation expressed to the EOCC members for their actions
taken. In light of the ongoing fiscal challenges, even though the Mayor's salary has not been
increase since 2002, he recommended that salaries for elected officials are frozen at current
levels for the next two years. The Mayor indicated that if employees must make more sacrifices,
he would also.
Commissioner Hay questioned the staff level in the Mayor's office. Mr. Hannan reported that
they have five full time employees and approximately nine to eleven department heads.
Council President Robinson's Written Report/Kathie Dunbar Interview
Unforeseen circumstances transpired that prevented Council President Robinson and Council
Vice President Dunbar from attending this meeting.
The Commission reviewed a schedule highlighting general commitments of Council President
Robinson in 2010. Staff explained that her chart is representation of Councilmembers
commitments.
Councilmember Derrick Quinnev
Commissioner Curran explained unanticipated commitments also developed with
Councilmembers Quinney and Wood requiring their attendance and involvement elsewhere,
and, therefore, would not be able to attend today's meeting. She reviewed the volunteer give
back information submitted by Councilmember Quinney and donation to a non-profit
organization, and her understanding that all Councilmembers volunteered to give back 10% of
their salary to the City. Councilmember Quinney recommended that EOCC freeze all elected
officials salaries and benefits for the next two years.
Update on Invites to Unions
Staff reported that no responses were received to this date.
Communication from Clerk Swope
The Commission reviewed the information on the number of meetings held compared to
resolutions adopted obtained in the letter from City Clerk Chris Swope.
RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE.
Draft of Fringe Benefits for 2011 from Don Kulhanek
Mr. Kulhanek submitted, as requested, a revised copy of the Elected Officials Fringe Benefit
proposed for 2012, including markups. The major change in the section for the Mayor and City
Clerk was inserting "Mayor and City Clerk" for "eligible retirees" to make it read clearer.
There were move significant changes in the section for City Councilmembers:
• Wording "now serving" as it related to "City Councilmembers" was removed.
• Health Insurance — Old language deleted on full health coverage. Councilmember are
now in -line with the same terms as part-time employees, who must purchase these
benefits. Language on when this benefit terminated deleted.
• Vision Plan — Clean up language.
• Opt Out — Was reorganized in a different location of the document.
• Dental Insurance — Old language deleted on full health coverage. Councilmember are
now in -line with the same terms as part-time employees, who must purchase these
benefits. Language on when this benefit terminated deleted.
• Retiree Dental Insurance — Language deleted and added to clarify. Those
Councilmembers taking office after January 1, 2010 shall not be eligible for this benefit.
• AFLAC — Remained the same with the exception of language in the last sentence which
was changed to "Councilmembers first taking office after January 1, 2010 shall not be
eligible for this benefit."
• Life Insurance — Majority of the old language deleted to clarify elected official are not
eligible for City provided group life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance.
• Vacation — No Change.
• Parking/Transportation — Removal of the last sentence that was unnecessary.
• Deferred Compensation - A deletion to read more clearly.
• Defined Contribution Retirement System — Language added to clarify those who formerly
participated continue but those elected after Jan 1, 2010 are not eligible. Language
added to clarify.
• Retirement Health Care — Language changed to clarify that those who already are
eligible remain eligible but new elected officials are not eligible.
• Opt Out — This was moved to appropriately refer to the Retirement Health Care only for
those who were eligible will continue to be able to opt out.
Mr. Kulhanek reported that he did not have an opportunity to have Human Resources review
this document. They may have some input on how this reads.
The cover letter is also included with the fringe benefit. Direction was requested on how to
formulate the letter. Mr. Kulhanek explained that within the last session, there was a problem
with the letter as it relates to the fringe benefits. The documents worked off from the payroll
system and that made the dollars off by a margin. Adjustments were made to the numbers to
correct the them to reflect the intent of the Commission. Salaries were reduced 5% as intended.
The correct numbers should be plugged into the letter for this year. Correction should be as
follows:
Mayor $101,650
City Clerk — $72, 555
Council President - $22,200
Council Vice President - $20,950
Councilmember - $20,200
Commissioner LeDuc suggested that the "elected officials" in part II of the Fringe Benefits
should be referred to as "Councilmembers" and not as elected officials. Part I should also reflect
"Mayor and City Clerk' and not "elected officials."
The Dollar figures in the cover letter to reflect the revised Fringe benefits figures.
Commissioner Curran reviewed Councilmember Quinney's report that the City Council
volunteered to give back of 10% to the City and some also gave to United way or another non-
profit organization.
Commissioner Huggler questioned if the consensus of the Commission to leave everything
alone and only consider salary.
Commissioner Curran questioned if Councilmembers could be required to take furlough days.
Commissioner Huggler questioned if the per diem is off the chart. Commissioner Curran noted
the number of meetings submitted by the Council President that could lead to an increase in
salary.
Commissioner Hay voiced his opposition to a salary on per diem basis. He commented about
Mr. Swope's comment on the number of meetings attended compared to the number of
resolutions adopted along with comments made last session by Councilmember Allen
considering the number of community meetings attended.
Commissioner Nelson indicated she did not support the per diem basis and her consideration of
the salaries being in the middle of the row along with salaries, other than City Clerk, remaining
the same for ten years. She recommended freezing the current salary levels.
Commissioner Huggler voiced his support for a freeze or a small decrease in salary.
Commissioner Hay made note about healthcare being removed at the last session.
Commissioners Hay and LeDeuc supported a salary freeze.
COMMISSIONER NELSON MADE A MOTION TO FREEZE THE SALARY FOR THE MAYOR
OF $101,650. MOTION SECOND BY COMMISSIONER LEDUC. ROLL CALL: CURRAN,
LEDUC, HAY, HUGGLER, NELSON; 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS. MOTION CARRIED, 5-0.
0
COMMISSIONER LEDUC MADE A MOTION TO FREEZE THE CLERK'S SALARY OF
$72,555; MOTION SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HUGGLER. ROLL CALL: CURRAN,
LEDUC, HAY HUGGLER, NELSON; 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS. MOTION CARRIED, 5-0.
COMMISSIONER HAY MADE A MOTION TO FREEZE THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT SALARY
OF $22,200. MOTION SECOND BY COMMISSIONER NELSON. ROLL CALL: CURRAN,
LEDUC, HAY, HUGGLER, NELSON; 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS. MOTION CARRIED, 5-0.
COMMISSIONER CURRAN MADE A MOTION TO FREEZE THE COUNCIL VICE
PRESIDENT SALARY OF $20,950; MOTION SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HUGGLER.
ROLL CALL: CURRAN, LEDUC, HAY, HUGGLER, NELSON; 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS. MOTION
CARRIED, 5-0.
COMMISSIONER HUGGLER MADE A MOTION TO FREEZE COUNCILMEMBERS
SALARIES OF $20,200. MOTION SECOND BY COMMISSIONER LEDUC. ROLL CALL:
CURRAN, LEDUC, HAY, HUGGLER, NELSON; 5 YEAS, 0 NAYS. MOTION CARRIED, 5-0.
The Commission requested Mr. Kulhanek draft the letter along with the fringe benefits package.
A quorum is not possible for the meeting of March 16, 2011, and Commissioner Hay is
not available for the March 23, 2011 meeting but a quorum is possible.
There was discussion on whether or not to vote on the Fringe Benefits. Mr. Kulhanek
indicated he understood the situation and did not have the problem with voting on it with
the understanding of the possibility of something major needing to be changed and
requiring reconsideration at the next meeting.
COMMISSIONER HAY MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE DRAFT PROPOSAL ON
ELECTED OFFICIALS FRINGE BENEFITS' CONTINUATION AS RECOMMENDED
IN 2009 WITH THE REVISION TO THE LANGUAGE AS PROPOSED AND REVISION
RECOMMENDED IN PART I OF "MAYOR AND CITY CLERK" IN PLACE OF
"ELECTED OFFICIAL" AND PART II OF "COUNCILMEMBERS" REPLACING
"ELECTED OFFICIALS" SUBJECT TO CHANGES THAT NECESSITATE A NEED
FOR REVISION. ROLL CALL: CURRAN, LEDUC, HAY, HUGGLER, NELSON; 5
YEAS, 0 NAYS. MOTION CARRIED, 5-0.
MEETING OF MARCH 16, 2011 CANCELLED. NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON MARCH
23, 2011.
Public Comment
Mr. Pollard submitted a copy of the resolution adopted by Ingham County Board of
Commissioners outlining salaries and per diem basis for attending meetings. They get
paid a per diem basis for attending standing committees and Board meetings. There is
a way to control per diem. It is his opinion that the Mayor is overpaid. He voiced concern
about the Council Meeting and COW meeting schedule. He commented about the
population decrease in the City of Lansing. City has less money in the budget and
voiced concern about no recommendation received on the deficit at this time. Lansing
residents are to poor to have elected officials paid this much.
Darnell Oldham opposed freezing salaries but instead should cut wages.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Terese Horn
Recording Secretary
Lansing City Council
Approved by the Commission on: 3/23/11
1'30
MINUTES
Elected Officers Compensation Commission
Tenth Floor, City Council Chambers, City Hall
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 — 12:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
t
Meeting called to order at 12:00 p.m. r:
ROLL CALL M`
r:
Patricia Curran, Chair i
Don LeDuc, Vice Chair
Brian T. Huggler, Member
Joan Nelson, Member
Excused Absence: Thomas Hay, Member
PATRICIA CURRAN MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THOMAS HAY'S ABSENCE AS
EXCUSED. JOAN NELSON SECONDED, CARRIED 4-0.
OTHERS PRESENT
Don Kulhanek, Law
Karen Hulett, Council Staff
Andy Balaskovitz
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
THE COMMISSION ACCEPTED THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
COMMUNICATIONS
None.
BUSINESS SESSION
Approval of Minutes
COMMISSIONER LEDUC MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ELECTED OFFICERS
COMPENSATION COMMISSION MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF MARCH 08, 2011, AS
SUBMITTED. MOTION SECOND BY BRIAN HUGGLER AND CARRIED, 4-0.
C;7
w
REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS, COMMISSION QUESTIONS. AND DISCUSSION
Document Review and Discussion Initiated by Don Kulhanek, Law
Don Kulhanek opened the discussion by noting that the information regarding the Mayor's
vehicle was removed from the most previous placement within the 2009 EOCC
Recommendation Letter and placed within the 2011 City of Lansing Elected Officials Summary
of Fringe Benefits.
Mr. Kulhanek also noted that the salaries listed in the 2011 Recommendation Letter are slightly
different due to a miscalculation by the payroll system which was used previously in 2009. That
is, the salaries in the 2011 Recommendation Letter are precise and correct, yet slightly different
than the salaries listed in the 2009 document.
Commissioner Joan Nelson asked if the Mayor's vehicle was mentioned in a letter from the
Mayor, removing it from the Recommendation Letter. Don Kulhanek responded there was no
letter. There was an inadvertent oversight at the last Elected Officers Compensation
Commission meeting when the motions were made on Salaries and Fringe Benefit Summary.
The motions and the vote did not include the car. Since, the motions did not include the vehicle;
it was removed from the Recommendation Letter and place within the 2011 City of Lansing
Elected Officials Summary of Fringe Benefits to preserve the original intent of the commission.
Mr. Kulhanek said that the City of Lansing Human Resource Department, Lisa Thelen has also
reviewed the 2011 City of Lansing Elected Officials Summary of Fringe Benefits document. She
clarified that the Health Care benefit for Dental Care for Councilmembers was the UAW dental
plan currently offered for part time employees. Ms. Thelen also requested to change the
heading to Retiree Healthcare Opt Out.
Don LeDuc offered that the Elected Officers Compensation Commission is maintaining the
previously decided Fringe Benefits for Elected Officers as was decided prior to 2011. His
suggestion is that the Fringe Benefit Summary document be further reduced in the future to
reflect the conciseness of the 2011 Recommendation Letter. Don Kulhanek added that the
Fringe Benefit Summary was created in the 1990's and is a document that has evolved over
time.
Don Kulhanek noted the named change for the current bank to Wells Fargo. The last change
Mr. Kulhanek stated was the previous wording of "Elected Officials" under the Mayor and City
Clerk Only Section was changed to Councilmembers under the City Councilmembers Section.
Approval of EOCC 2011 Recommendation Letter to the Citv Council
COMMISSIONER JOAN NELSON MADE A MOTION TO CORRECT AND RESTATE THE
2011 RECOMMENDATION LETTER TO THE CITY COUNCIL. MOTION SECOND BY
COMMISSIONER DON LEDUC . ROLL CALL VOTE: PATRICIA CURRAN, CHAIR -YES
DON LEDUC, VICE CHAIR -YES, THOMAS HAY, MEMBER -EXCUSED ABSENCE, BRIAN T.
HUGGLER, MEMBER -YES, JOAN NELSON, MEMBER -YES; 4 YEAS, 0 NAYS. MOTION
CARRIED, 4-0.
2
Approval of EOCC 2011 Citv of Lansina Elected Officials Summary of Frinae Benefits
COMMISSIONER LEDUC MADE A MOTION TO CORRECT AND RESTATE THE 2011 CITY
OF LANSING ELECTED OFFCIALS SUMMARY OF FRINGE BENEFITS. MOTION SECOND
BY COMMISSIONER BRIAN HUGGLER. ROLL CALL VOTE: PATRICIA CURRAN, CHAIR -
YES, DON LEDUC, VICE CHAIR -YES, THOMAS HAY, MEMBER -EXCUSED ABSENCE,
BRIAN T. HUGGLER, MEMBER -YES, JOAN NELSON, MEMBER -YES; 4 YEAS, 0 NAYS.
MOTION CARRIED, 4-0.
Old Business
None.
New Business
Don Kulhanek reviewed the final minutes approval process previously used by the
Commission for the last 2011 EOCC meeting. The recording secretary would complete
the minutes and email them to all Commissioners. After a two week period, if no one
responds indicating corrections needed, the minutes would be deemed approved. If
corrections are required, the secretary would make the changes and email them back to
all Commissioners. Another two week period starts at that point to allow
Commissioners time to respond indicating any further corrections. The process would
continue as stated above until no changes are requested. At that time, the minutes
would be deemed officially approved and submitted to the City Clerk.
COMMISSIONER BRIAN HUGGLER MADE A MOTION TO USE THE ABOVE STATED
FINAL MINUTES PROCESS. MOTION SECOND BY COMMISSIONER JOAN NELSON.
ROLL CALL VOTE: PATRICIA CURRAN, CHAIR -YES, DON LEDUC, VICE CHAIR -YES,
THOMAS HAY, MEMBER -EXCUSED ABSENCE, BRIAN T. HUGGLER, MEMBER -YES,
JOAN NELSON, MEMBER -YES; 4 YEAS, 0 NAYS. MOTION CARRIED, 4-0.
Commission Member Comments
None.
Public Comment
None.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 12:35 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen Hulett
Recording Secretary
Lansing City Council
Approved by the Commission on: 4/19/11