2018, 11-20 packet Spokane
Valley° 10210 E Sprague Avenue ♦ Spokane Valley WA 99206
Phone: (509)720-5000 •Fax: (509)720-5075 •www.spokanevalley.org
Email: cityhall@spokanevalley.org
INDEPENDENT SALARY COMMISSION
November 20, 2018
11:00 A.M.
Spokane Valley City Hall
10210 E. Sprague Avenue, Spokane Valley, Wa.
Conference Room N117
AGENDA
1. Convene Meeting
2. Introductions
3. Applicable Revised Code of Washington (RCW)provisions relating to duties of
Councilmembers and of City Manager under the Council/Manager form of
government
4. Review and Discuss Spokane Valley Municipal Code 2.10
5. Final Report from 2006
6. Discuss and Elect Chair and Vice Chair
7. Review and Discuss Process Timeline
8. Set Meeting Dates and Times for Future Meetings
9. Public Comment
10. Wrap-up Comments
11. Adjourn
Sjö1Z
. " iL11ey
10210 E Sprague Avenue 4) Spokane Valley WA 99206
Office of the City Clerk: 509.720-5102 ♦ cityhall@spokanevalley.org
Notebook Materials Include:
1.Notice of Special Meeting for first meeting
2. Agenda for November 20th Meeting (first meeting)
3. Powers of Council, City Manager Powers and Duties--RCW 35A
4. SVMC 2.10
5. Copy of Final Report of 2006 Independent Salary commission
6. Procedure and timeline
Sci io ane
10210 E Sprague Ave ♦ Spokane Valley WA 99206
Vajj yr. 509.720-5000 • cbainbridee@sookanevailey.org
.•••*
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
SPOKANE VALLEY INDEPENDENT SALARY COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the Spokane Valley Independent Salary Commission has
scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday, November 20, 2018, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The
purpose of the meeting is for Commission members to discuss the task of establishing a salary
schedule for the mayor and councilmembers. The meeting will be held at City Hall, 10210 E.
Sprague Avenue, Conference Room N117, Spokane Valley, Wa, and public comments will be
solicited. Please note that individuals planning to attend the meeting who require special assistance
to accommodate physical, hearing,or other impairments, are asked to please contact the City Clerk
at(509) 720-5102 as soon as possible so that arrangements may be made.
Christine Bainbridge,MMC
Spokane Valley City Clerk
(509-720-5102)
DISTRIBUTED to Committee Members:November 9, 2018
PUBLISHED:November 16, 2018
The City of Spokane Valley is a non-charter code cities operating under
the provisions of RCA 35A.
RCW 35A.13.230
Powers of council.
The council of any code city organized under the council-manager plan provided
in this chapter shall have the powers and authority granted to legislative bodies of cities
governed by this title as more particularly described in chapter 35A.11 RCW, except
insofar as such power and authority is vested in the city manager.
RCW 35A.11.020
Powers vested in legislative bodies of noncharter and charter code
cities.
The legislative body of each code city shall have power to organize and regulate
its internal affairs within the provisions of this title and its charter, if any; and to define
the functions, powers, and duties of its officers and employees; within the limitations
imposed by vested rights, to fix the compensation and working conditions of such
officers and employees and establish and maintain civil service, or merit systems,
retirement and pension systems not in conflict with the provisions of this title or of
existing charter provisions until changed by the people: PROVIDED, That nothing in this
section or in this title shall permit any city, whether a code city or otherwise, to enact
any provisions establishing or respecting a merit system or system of civil service for
firefighters and police officers which does not substantially accomplish the same
purpose as provided by general law in chapter 41.08 RCW for firefighters and
chapter 41.12 RCW for police officers now or as hereafter amended, or enact any
provision establishing or respecting a pension or retirement system for firefighters or
police officers which provides different pensions or retirement benefits than are provided
by general law for such classes.
Such body may adopt and enforce ordinances of all kinds relating to and
regulating its local or municipal affairs and appropriate to the good government of the
city, and may impose penalties of fine not exceeding five thousand dollars or
imprisonment for any term not exceeding one year, or both, for the violation of such
ordinances, constituting a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor as provided therein.
However, the punishment for any criminal ordinance shall be the same as the
punishment provided in state law for the same crime. Such a body alternatively may
provide that violation of such ordinances constitutes a civil violation subject to monetary
penalty, but no act which is a state crime may be made a civil violation.
The legislative body of each code city shall have all powers possible for a city or
town to have under the Constitution of this state, and not specifically denied to code
cities by law. By way of illustration and not in limitation, such powers may be exercised
in regard to the acquisition, sale, ownership, improvement, maintenance, protection,
restoration, regulation, use, leasing, disposition, vacation, abandonment or
beautification of public ways, real property of all kinds, waterways, structures, or any
other improvement or use of real or personal property, in regard to all aspects of
collective bargaining as provided for and subject to the provisions of
chapter 41.56 RCW, as now or hereafter amended, and in the rendering of local social,
cultural, recreational, educational, governmental, or corporate services, including
operating and supplying of utilities and municipal services commonly or conveniently
rendered by cities or towns.
In addition and not in limitation, the legislative body of each code city shall have
any authority ever given to any class of municipality or to all municipalities of this state
before or after the enactment of this title, such authority to be exercised in the manner
provided, if any, by the granting statute, when not in conflict with this title. Within
constitutional limitations, legislative bodies of code cities shall have within their territorial
limits all powers of taxation for local purposes except those which are expressly
preempted by the state as provided in RCW 66.08.120, * 82.36.440, 48.14.020,
and 48.14.080.
RCW 35A.13.080
City manager—Powers and duties.
The powers and duties of the city manager shall be:
(1) To have general supervision over the administrative affairs of the code city;
(2) To appoint and remove at any time all department heads, officers, and
employees of the code city, except members of the council, and subject to the
provisions of any applicable law, rule, or regulation relating to civil service: PROVIDED,
That the council may provide for the appointment by the mayor, subject to confirmation
by the council, of a city planning commission, and other advisory citizens' committees,
commissions, and boards advisory to the city council: PROVIDED FURTHER, That if
the municipal judge of the code city is appointed, such appointment shall be made by
the city manager subject to confirmation by the council, for a four year term. The council
may cause an audit to be made of any department or office of the code city government
and may select the persons to make it, without the advice or consent of the city
manager;
(3) To attend all meetings of the council at which his or her attendance may be
required by that body;
(4) To see that all laws and ordinances are faithfully executed, subject to the
authority which the council may grant the mayor to maintain law and order in times of
emergency;
(5) To recommend for adoption by the council such measures as he or she may
deem necessary or expedient;
(6) To prepare and submit to the council such reports as may be required by that
body or as he or she may deem it advisable to submit;
(7) To keep the council fully advised of the financial condition of the code city and
its future needs;
(8) To prepare and submit to the council a proposed budget for the fiscal year, as
required by chapter 35A.33 RCW, and to be responsible for its administration upon
adoption;
(9) To perform such other duties as the council may determine by ordinance or
resolution.
/115/2018 Chapter 2.10 SALARIES AND POSITION CLASSIFICATION
Chapter 2.10
SALARIES AND POSITION CLASSIFICATION
Sections:
2.10.010 Salary.
2.10.020 Independent salary commission.
2.10.010 Salary.
A. Council Members. Each city council member shall be entitled to receive a salary as established by the
independent salary commission, or as established through adoption by city council of a separate ordinance
setting the salary for city council members. This salary shall be paid once per month.
B. Mayor. The mayor shall be entitled to a salary as established by the independent salary commission, or as
established through adoption by city council of a separate ordinance setting the salary for the mayor. This salary
shall be paid once per month.
C.Adjustment by Independent Salary Commission. If the City's independent salary commission establishes a
salary schedule for the mayor and council members, those salaries shall take effect at the times, in the amounts,
and under the conditions established in the schedule or as otherwise provided by law. (Ord. 18-021 § 2, 2018;
Ord. 04-018§ 1, 2004).
2.10.020 Independent salary commission.
A. Independent Salary Commission.
1. Creation of Independent Salary Commission. The City may appoint an independent salary commission.
2. Purpose. The purpose of the independent salary commission shall be to review and establish the salaries
of the mayor and the council members.
3. Composition. The independent salary commission shall consist of five members appointed by the mayor
and confirmed by the city council.
4. Compensation.The independent salary commission shall serve without compensation.
5.Term.The term of appointment is up to one year.
6. Qualifications.
a. Each person appointed to serve as a member of the independent salary commission shall be a
citizen of the United States, a resident of the City for at least one year immediately preceding such
appointment and while serving on the independent salary commission, and a registered voter in
Spokane County.
b. No officer, official, or employee of the City or any of their immediate family members may serve on
the independent salary commission. "Immediate family member" as used in this section means the
parents, spouse, siblings, children, or dependent relatives of the officer, official, or employee, whether or
not living in the household of the officer, official, or employee.
7. Operation.
a. The independent salary commission shall elect a chair and vice chair from among its members.The
independent salary commission may establish and adopt rules of procedure for the efficient and fair
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11/5/2018 Chapter 2.10 SALARIES AND POSITION CLASSIFICATION
conduct of its business.
b. The city manager shall appoint staff and make available supplies and equipment to assist the
independent salary commission in preparation of its reports and records.
c.Any communication from the independent salary commission to any member of the city council while
reviewing the schedule of salaries shall be in writing and made part of the record of the independent
salary commission's proceedings.
d. The independent salary commission shall keep a written record of its proceedings, which shall be a
public record in accordance with state law, and shall actively solicit public comment at all meetings
which shall be subject to the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 42.30 RCW.
e.The first meeting of the independent salary commission shall occur no later than 20 days after the
appointments are made by the city council, and the commission shall review and, if it so determines,
amend and file its schedule of salaries with the city clerk within 90 days after appointments are made by
the city council.
f.Three members of the independent salary commission shall constitute a quorum and the affirmative
vote of three members shall be sufficient for the decision of all matters and the transaction of all
business.
8. Responsibilities.To determine the appropriate rate of compensation, the independent salary commission
shall assess the market rate of compensation for elected city officials and study the relationship of salaries to
the duties of the mayor and the city council members. Salaries shall be established by an affirmative vote of
not less than three members.
9. Removal.A member of the independent salary commission may only be removed during the appointment
term for cause such as incapacity, incompetence, neglect of duty, malfeasance, or for a disqualifying change
of residence.
10. Filing Date—Salary Schedule.The independent salary commission shall file its salary schedule with the
city clerk who will publish the schedule two times, at least one week apart, in the official newspaper of the
City.The second date of publication shall be considered the official filing date of the salary schedule.
11. Effective Date—Salaries. The independent salary commission's salary schedule shall become effective
in the amounts, at the times, and under the conditions established in the schedule unless a referendum has
been filed pursuant to SVMC 2.10.020(B). Once filed, the schedule shall be incorporated into the City
budget without further action of the city council or independent salary commission. Salary adjustments
established by the independent salary commission that result in a salary increase shall be effective
immediately as to all council members and/or the mayor, regardless of their terms of office. If the salary
adjustment established by the independent salary commission results in a salary decrease, the decreased
salary shall be effective at the commencement of the incumbent's next subsequent term of office.
B. Referendum.
1. Salary Schedule Subject to Referendum Petition.
a. The independent salary commission's adopted salary schedule shall be subject to referendum
petition by the people of the City.Any such petition shall be filed with the city clerk within 30 days after
the official filing date of the salary schedule. In the event of the filing of a valid referendum petition, the
salary increase or decrease shall not go into effect until approved by a vote of the people.
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b. Referendum measures shall be submitted to the voters of the City at the next following general or
municipal election occurring 30 days or more after the petition is filed, and shall be otherwise governed
by the provisions of the Washington State Constitution or other laws generally applicable to referendum
measures.
2. Referendum Statement.A referendum statement on a petition shall be phrased in the following language:
Should the salary schedule filed with the City Clerk of the City of Spokane Valley by the Independent Salary
Commission on be repealed in its entirety?Your signature on this petition indicates your vote in
favor of repeal of the attached salary schedule in its entirety.
A copy of the salary schedule or ordinance to such referendum petition shall be attached to each
referendum petition for the information of the parties requested to sign such petition.
3. Initiative Provisions Applied to Referendum Process.All state law provisions applicable to the form of the
petition and sufficiency of signatures required for an initiative petition as set forth herein, and to the
submission to the vote of the people as set forth herein, shall apply to a referendum petition and to the
salary schedule sought to be defeated thereby.
4. Referendum—Effective Date— Record. If a majority of the number of votes cast on the referendum
oppose the salary schedule or ordinance, such salary schedule or ordinance shall be deemed repealed
following the certification of the vote. (Ord. 18-021 § 2, 2018; Ord. 06-021 §§ 1, 2, 2006).
The Spokane Valley Municipal Code is current through
Ordinance No. 18-022, passed October 23, 2018.
Disclaimer:The City Clerk's Office has the official version of the
Spokane Valley Municipal Code. Users should contact the City
Clerk's Office for ordinances passed subsequent to the ordinance
cited above.
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fitEcEniro
S1o1i 2006
leiCITY ,
11707 E Sprague Ave Suite 106 ♦ Spokane Valley WA 99206
509.921.1000 • Fax: 509.921,1008 ♦ cityhalL®spokanevalley.org
Amoy
Memorandum
To: Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
From: Cary P. Driskell, Deputy City Attorney
CC: Dave Mercier, City Manager
Date: December 4, 2006
Re: 2006 Independent Salary Commission Recommendation
The Spokane Valley 2006 Independent Salary Commission was formed pursuant to
Ordinance 06-021. The purpose of the Commission was to review and establish the
salaries of the Mayor and Council.
According to the Ordinance, the Commission was to begin meeting no later than October
23, 2006, and was to file its schedule of salaries with the City Clerk no later than
December 4, 2006. The Commission met on October 23, November 1, November 8,
November 15, November 20, November 29, and December 4, 2006.
Attached is the final report of the City of Spokane Valley 2006 Independent Salary
Commission. The report includes the salary schedule along with their rationale.
The monthly salary schedule is as follows:
Position Current Monthly Proposed
Santry Monthly
Salary
Mayor $500 $975
Councilmember $400 $750
•
Please let me know if you have questions.
Cary P. Driskell
Staff Liaison to the Spokane Valley 2006 Independent Salary Commission
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
2006 INDEPENDENT SALARY COMMISSION
P inal Report: December 4, 2006
Members:
• Diane Tortorelli, Chair
• Jim Huttenmaier, Vice Chair
• Rick Larned
• Frankie DeWitt
• Gail Stiltner
• Cary P. Driskell, Deputy City Attorney, Staff Liaison
Introduction
The City of Spokane Valley was incorporated effective March 31, 2003. It was the largest incorporation
in Washington State, and the second largest incorporation in the country by population. With a
population of 87,005, it is the seventh largest city in Washington.
Spokane Valley operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The legislative branch is made
up of a seven member Council, with the Mayor chosen by his or her fellow Councilmembers. The City
Council hires a professional City Manager as the City's Chief executive Officer. He or she is responsible
for the administration of the city, and carrying out the policy directives of the City Council.
According to the state law, upon incorporation of a city of 15,000 or more, the starting salary for council
members is $400, and a councilmember holding the position of mayor shall be entitled to an additional
25%. The Mayor of Spokane Valley receives $500 per month, and the Councilmembers receive $400 per
month. The Spokane Valley City Council adopted this salary schedule at incorporation until they could
form an independent salary commission to provide a more in-depth analysis.
The City Council formed the 2004 Independent Salary Commission to recommend a salary level, That
Commission recommended that the Mayor receive $1,200, the Deputy Mayor receive $1,000, and that the
other five Councilmembers each receive $900 per month. A referendum petition relating to the proposal
was filed with the City pursuant to RCW 35.21.015. The issue was placed before the electorate of the
City at the next general election, and the increase was defeated.
Description of 2006 Independent Salary Commission
On September 19, 2006, the City of Spokane Valley City Council approved Ordinance 06-021, creating a
five-member 2006 Independent Salary Commission. The purpose of the Commission is to review and
establish the salaries of the Mayor and Council.
The City advertised the Commission openings, received applications, and appointed five members. The
term of the Commission is one year, and members serve without compensation.
Pursuant to Ordinance 06-021, the Independent Salary Commission was to begin meeting no later than
October 23, 2006, and was to file its schedule of salaries with the City Clerk no later than December 4,
2006.
The Commission met on October 23, November 1,November 8, November 15,November 20, November
29, and December 4, 2006, and submitted its report on December 4, 2006. With the exception of the
December 4 meeting, the Appendix III contains a summary of each meeting. The December 4 meeting
summary will be available later from the City clerk.
The Process
The Salary Commission analyzed Mayor and Council salary information compiled by the Association of
Washington Cities of over 250 cities throughout the state. They narrowed their comparison to the twenty
largest cities in the state. Additional analysis led the Commission to again refine its focus to four cities:
Bellevue, Federal Way, Yakima and Kennewick. See Appendix I for more information on comparables.
The Commission members focused on three factors in their deliberation: (1) what council members and
mayors receive in other cities of similar size (market comparison); (2) a thorough understanding of the
Page 2 of 16
work and responsibility of Spokane Valley Councilmembers; and (3) public opinion of what constitutes a
fair salary.
The Commission requested and received information from the Spokane Valley City Council regarding
how many hours each Councilmember spends, on average, each month attending to City business.
The Commission held public meetings, and the City posted the meeting agendas and meeting summaries
on its website. Commission members also compiled a survey that was placed on the City's website with
questions regarding various potential salary levels. See Appendix II for a summary.
The Commission as a whole discussed various salary proposals, and reached consensus on a final salary
schedule.
Council Roles and Responsibilities
Based upon a survey of the Councilmembers, the Commission determined that the average time spent
monthly for the six Councilmembers, excluding the Mayor, is 78 hours. The Mayor averages 100 hours
per month.
There are typically two regular Council meetings and two study sessions per month. These meetings and
study sessions last two to three hours each. In addition to the meeting attendance, the Mayor and
Councilmembers prepare for each meeting by reading the material and sometimes following up with staff
members in advance with questions they may have.
In their role as policy makers for the City, Councilmembers need to stay informed on issues such as
provision of public services; land use and zoning; levels of taxation and spending; and regional, state and
federal legislative proposals.
•
In addition to these regular commitments, Councilmembers represent the City's interests on various
regional Boards and Commissions. Councilmembers are currently Board members of the Spokane
Transit Authority, the Spokane Regional Transportation Council, the Spokane Regional Health District,
the Convention & Visitors Bureau and the International Trade Alliance. They also represent the City at
the state and national level, with a Council member serving as the Vice President of the Association of
Washington Cities, and two Councilmembers serving on steering committees for the National League of
Cities.
They interact both formally and informally with other elected officials in the region, representing
Spokane Valley's interests on a broader level. Examples of current issues include the future of
wastewater treatment, regional emergency management, potential construction of a jail facility, regional
transportation, and management of region-wide growth.
The responsibilities of the Mayor and Councilmembers also include maintaining contact with the
community. They are active in community organizations and events such as the Spokane Valley
Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Council, the Spokane Valley Business Association,
and ValleyFest.
On a periodic basis, they hold Conversations with the Community at various locations around the city.
During the school year, they also visit area high schools to discuss issues of importance to Spokane
Valley's youth. They regularly receive and respond to letters, a-mails and telephone calls.
Page 3 of 16
The Mayor and Councilmembers develop and deliver presentations to community organizations, such as
the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis. They write articles and guest editorials,
conduct press conferences and conduct on-air interviews, They attend ceremonies such as ribbon
cuttings, ground breakings, grand openings, open houses, graduations, and special events at local
elementary schools. At some of these events they are simply in attendance, and at others they are writing
and delivering speeches or acting as master of ceremonies.
In addition to the above responsibilities, the Mayor manages the agenda and presides at Council meetings.
The Deputy Mayor assumes the responsibilities of the Mayor in his or her absence.
Rationale for the Proposal
The City of Spokane Valley adopted the state-mandated $500 per month for the Mayor and $400 per
month for Councilmembers until an independent salary commission could be appointed to review the
amounts. The Commission members uniformly agreed that the amount was too low for the amount of
time elected officials were obliged to devote to the City, and for the responsibility of representing the City
and its residents. However, the Commission believes the basis for the Spokane Valley City Council
should be grounded in a sense of volunteerism, and a desire to serve the community. Every Commission
member expressed appreciation for the work of each member of the City Council.
The Commission recognizes that a Councilmember is never "off-duty." He or she is approached by
citizens not only at official events, but also in his or her everyday life, such as at work, at the grocery
store and at church. The Commission members feel this accessibility is important to the community.
While the Commission didn't feel it was appropriate to propose a full salary, they did feel the City should
compensate its elected officials at a higher rate than they currently receive.
The Commission had a general discussion regarding total compensation, including salary and optional
benefits. The Commission is also aware that the value of the benefits package received, when averaged,
is $569 per month. They weighed this information as they developed the proposal; however, they
recognized that the scope of their work was limited to salary,which does not include benefits.
The salary schedule proposed for the Spokane Valley Mayor and Councilmembers is less than the average
monthly salary for comparable cities (See Appendix I)
The Salary Commission considered three general factors in arriving at its proposal:
I. the amount of time spent, and work performed on behalf of the City, set forth above;
2, a market analysis of salary for mayors and councilmembers in comparable cities in
Washington, set forth in Appendix 1;
3. survey results and other public input received directly by Commission members, set forth
in Appendix TI. A majority of survey respondents indicated support of a salary increase
at some level.
Page 4 of 16
Salary Schedule Proposal
The Spokane Valley 2006 Independent Salary Commission proposes the following salary schedule for the
City of Spokane Valley Mayor and Councilmembers:
[' t .: . `I sPasittou' Curr iiitMonthlyPr opnsed'l'Ianihty."
f' 'S:al.rrr = Sala►y
Ma or $500 $975
Councilmember $400 $750
Pursuant to state law (RCW 35.21.015), this salary schedule shall become effective and incorporated into
the city budget without further action of the City Council or Salary Commission, subject to a referendum
of the people.
Respectfully S0m1 d,•-----D 1 /I/ `'
OW ` "
Diane Tortorelli,
Chair of the Spokane Valley Independent Salary Commission
Page 5 of 16
APPENDIX I: Comparables
Survey of Monthly Salaries
Municipality Population* Form of Government Mayor** Councilmembers**
Seattle 578,700 Mayor-Council 12,378 8,675
Spokane 201,600 Mayor-Council 11,564 1,500
Tacoma 199,600 Council-Manager 6,276 2,844
Vancouver 156,600 Council-Manager 1,885 1,260
Bellevue 117,000 Council-Manager 1,950 1,650
Everett 10I,100 Mayor-Council 10,742 1,759
Spokane
Valley 87,000 Council-Manager 500 400
Federal Way 86,530 Council-Manager 1,375 1,075
Kent 85,650 Mayor-Council 8,516 1,146
Yakima 81,710 Council-Manager 1,600 1,075
Bel lingham 73,460 Mayor-Council 9,285 1,585
Kennewick 61,770 Council-Manager 1,191 922
Lakewood 59,000 Council-Manager 900 700
Renton 58,360 Mayor-Council 9,666 950
Shoreline 52,830 Council-Manager 875 700
Redmond 49,890 Mayor-Council 8,833 850
Auburn 48,955 Mayor-Council 9,362 975
Pasco 47,610 Council-Manager 1,100 900
Kirkland 47,180 Council-Manager 1,200 900
Richland 44,230 Council-Manager 1,177 927
*Official April 1, 2006 Population Estimates: Office of Financial Management
(OFM).
**Source: AWC 2006 Salary
Data
Page 6 of 16
APPENDIX II: Summary of Public Survey Results
1. Given the responsibilities of Courtcilmembers, how much do you feel is an appropri.
salary?
$400 (no change): 3I 43%
$500-$800: 6 8%
$900 -$1200: 16 22%
$1300-$1500: 12 16%
$1600-$2000: 7 10%
TOTAL 72
2. Given the responsibilities of the Mayor, how much do you feel is an appropriate monthly salary?
$500 (no change): 30 42%
$600-$900: 5 7%
$1000-$1300: 7 10%
$1400-$1700: 17 24%
$1800-$2100: 13 18%
TOTAL 72
Page 7 of 16
APPENDIX III: Meeting Summaries
SPOKANE VALLEY INDEPENDENT SALARY COMMISSION
Spokane Valley City Mall
Opportunity Conference Room,8:30 a.m.
October 23,2006
Commission Members P resent: Staff Present:
Prankie DeWitt Staff Liaison: Cary Driskell, Deputy City Attorney
Jim Huttenmaier Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
Robert(Rick)Larned
Gail Stiltner
Diane Tortorelli
Meeting Summary:
The meeting began at 8:30 .a.m. There were no members from the public in attendance.
After everyone introduced themselves, Deputy City Attorney Driskell briefly reviewed the contents of the
distributed notebooks, which included today's agenda, copy of signed Ordinance 06-021 creating the
Salary Commission; Powers and Duties of Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Councilmembers per RCW;
Spokane Valley Municipal Code 2.10 stating the current salary levels of the Mayor and Councilmembers;
and the August 2, 2004, final report of the previous salary commission.
Commission members discussed whether to elect a chair and vice chair now or at the next meeting; they
voiced their preference to have the Salary Commission information included on the City's website,
including meeting schedules and meeting notes; they reviewed Ordinance 06-021 and the report due date
of December 4 was announced. Commission members asked questions about and discussed the process
from the last commission; discussed the importance of public education; and Mr. Driskell briefly
explained the structure of City Hall and the Council/Manager form of government.
It was determined that Mr. Driskell will survey the Mayor and Council as to the amount of time they
spend in the capacity as members of the Council; and the idea was broached to put an interactive survey
on the City's website to put the question to the public concerning a salary increase. Mr. Lamed said there
are three things for the commission and the public to consider: are they (Mayor and Council)worth it; can
the City afford it, and is it equitable in the public's mind.
Mr. Driskell will, prior to next week, e-mail the requested information to each Salary Commissioner. Mr.
Driskell will examine the list of comparable cities used last time, and will update that list, and research a
total of twenty cities, comparable in size, and ones which use the Council/Manager form of government.
It was determined that the next meeting will be held Wednesday, November 1, beginning at 4 p.m. in the
Opportunity Conference Room; a tentative further meeting was set for the same time the following week
(November 8), keeping in mind the date can change if necessary. Ms. DeWitt mentioned there were a
couple recent newspaper articles relative to the Salary Commission and the Council's salary.
The Commission elected Diane Tortorelli as Commission Chair, and Jim Huttenmaier as Vice Chair.
The meeting adjourned at 9:32 p.m.
Page 8 of 16
SPOKANE VALLEY INDEPENDENT SALARY COMMISSION
Spokane Valley City Hall
Opportunity Conference Room,4:00 p.m.
November 1,2006
Commission Members Present: Staff Present:'
Diane Tortorelli, Chair Staff Liaison: Cary Driskell, Deputy City Attorney
Jim Huttenmaier, Vice Chair Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
Gail Stiltner
Commission Members Absent:
Frankie DeWitt
Robert(Rick) Lamed
Meeting Summary:
The meeting began at 4:00 p.m. There were no members from the public in attendance.
There was mention of previous news articles that Frankie DeWitt was going to bring. It was also
mentioned that Charlie Plumb of the Valley News Herald may be doing an article soon. Mr. Driskell said
of the three goals mentioned at the last meeting, that the only goal this Commission should focus on is the
actual salary itself, and should not be concerned with whether the City can afford it as Council determines
budget.
Discussion continued on the information from the other cities,whether other councils are part-time or full
time, how much time councilmembers spend on their duties as compared with other cities; and the
difficulty in a strict absolute comparison among all cities. Mr. Driskell also explained the public input
referendum process. Mr. Driskell said he will explore the "cost of living" issue, as the previous Salary
Commission's recommendation included"no automatic annual cost of living increase."
It was determined that Mr. Driskell will ask councilmembers about the number of hours they spend in
their capacity as Councilmembers, and hopes to get that information quickly. Mr. Driskell will also
determine of those twenty cities researched, which cities have part-time councils. It was also determined
to get specific time commitments from councils in Kennewick, Bellevue, Federal Way, and Yakima, and
compare that information with that of our Councilmembers.
•
The Commission will continue to work on phrasing of the question for the website, and will explore this
further when all commission members are present.
There was consensus that Mr. Driskell contact the media (Spokesman Review and Valley News Herald)
after the November 8 meeting in the hope that they will run a public service announcement directing
citizens to our website so citizens can give us their input.
The meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
Page 9 of 16
SPOKANE VALLEY INDEPENDENT SALARY COMMISSION
Spokane Valley City Hall
Opportunity Conference Room, 4:00 p.m.
November 8,2006
Commission Members Present: Staff Present:
Diane Tortorelli, Chair Staff Liaison: Cary Driskell, Deputy City Attorney
Frankie DeWitt Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
Robert(Rick) Lamed
Gail Stiltner
Commission Members Absent: Others Present:
Jim Huttenmaier Bob Blum
Meeting Summary:
The meeting began at approximately 4:15 p.m. Mr. Bob Blum, member of the public (and member of the
Spokane Valley Planning Commission),was also in attendance.
The following discussion took place:
1. Calculation of benefits as part of councilmember's compensation: determined difficult to compare
exactly internally and with the other four cities (Bellevue, Federal Way, Yakima, Kennewick), as some
discrepancy likely to occur concerning benefits compensation, as number of family members vary, health
benefits may be available but some would chose not to sign up for those benefits. It was determined to
use an average for Spokane Valley councilmembers, that of $549.43 monthly. Mr. Driskell will work on
exact wording for the website.
2. Suggestions for questions for the website: Ms. DeWitt: "Considering the fact that the salary for council
of start-up cities is mandated by state law of$500 For mayor, and $400 for other councilmembers, and the
City of Spokane Valley incorporated as the 8111 largest city in the state, what salary would you recommend
for our councilmembers?" Discussion was also held concerning Mr. Huttenmaier's e-mailed suggestions.
3. Discussion on the process: whether to go forth with the report, or educate the citizens first. It was
determined that questions would be placed on our website as soon as possible to gather citizen feedback,
Mr. Driskell will also contact the City's Public Information Officer Carolbelle Branch, and Charlie Plumb
of the Valley News Herald after today's meeting to discuss a public service announcement. Salary
Commission members were reminded that the report must be completed and filed with the City Clerk by
December 4, 2006. Ms. DeWitt asked if it was appropriate for each salary commissioner to write a letter
to the editor; and Mr. Driskell said that would not be inappropriate.
Concerning other cities' councilmember's salaries, staff will research to see how far down the list we
have to go to find a $400 monthly councilmember salary. Staff will also research to determine the annual
budgets for the other four comparable cities.
It was also determined to add the following for the website information: Prior to Spokane Valley's
incorporation, the average population of a newly incorporated city was ;" and "how long have
you been a resident of the City of Spokane Valley;" and to include the name, phone number and e-mail
address of Chris Bainbridge as the person to send website responses to.
Mr. Driskell will take.all the comments and draft what he understands is to be placed on the website; and
will send to all commission members for input,
Page 10 of 16
Mr. Blum stated that it appears we are readying public information before a salary decision is made; and
perhaps the commission should determine if council should get paid more and if so, how much, then place
the information on the website.
It was determined that the next meeting will be held next Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. in the Opportunity
Conference Room; and to tentatively schedule a subsequent meeting for the following Monday at 4:00
p.m. It was determined that Diane Tortorelli will be the spokesperson for media contact.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:25 p,m.
Page 11 of 16
•
SPOKANE VALLEY INDEPENDENT SALARY COMMISSION
Spokane Valley City Hall
Opportunity Conference Room, 4:15 p.m.
November 15,2006
Commission Members Present: Staff Present:
Diane Tortorelli, Chair Staff Liaison: Cary Driskell, Deputy City Attorney
Frankie DeWitt Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
Robert(Rick) Lamed
Gail Stiltner
Commission Members Absent:
Jim Huttenmaier
Meeting Summary: The meeting began at approximately 4:15 p.m.
Mr. Driskell mentioned as an information item, that approximately a month ago someone asked the
Attorney General if an increase in health benefits is considered an increase in salary and therefore not
allowed. Mr. Driskell explained that the Attorney General issued an opinion that such an increase would
be considered an increase in salary, would not be allowed, and therefore, the official would have to pay
the increased cost. Mr. Driskell said that he and our City Attorney Mike Connelly are working on
language between now and Monday to propose to the AWC (Association of Washington Cities) to
address this issue,
Website survey: (see"Website Survey draft below):
It was moved by Diane Tortorelli and seconded to accept the survey draft. It was then moved by Gail
Stiliner and seconded to amend that motion to include the mention of benefits in the document. After
brief discussion, Commission members voted unanimously to amend the motion. Commission members
concurred to add a new sentence after the words $400 monthly: "The Spokane Valley City Council
receives those salaries,plus optional benefits. "
Mayor/Council Work Hours:
Commission members discussed monthly and weekly -average council work hours, and came to the
consensus to amend the website survey to include that the Mayor averages 20-25 hours a week; and the
council members each average 15-20 hours a week. Discussion then turned to average monthly salaries
of the cities of Spokane Valley compared to Yakima, Bellevue, Federal Way, and Kennewick, resulting in
an average mayor's salary of$1529; and an average council member's salary of$1180, Discussion then
turned to the issue of if or how to include on the website survey,the survey of monthly council and mayor
salaries of the twenty largest Washington cities. It was determined that a document will be drafted
showing the municipality, population, form of government, and monthly salary of the Mayor and
Councilmembers (along with mention of the source of the information), and to link that document to the
website survey, Commission members concurred to add the new information, by adding the following
sentence "click here to see the salaries of councilmembers of the 20 largest Washington State cities" and
to add that information as a new sentence in the third paragraph, after the word "questions."
Page 12 of 16
SPOKANE VALLEY INDEPENDENT SALARY COMMISSION
Spokane Valley City Hall
Opportunity Conference Room, 4:00 p.m.
November 20,2006
Commission Members Present: Staff Present:
Diane Toitorelli, Chair Staff Liaison: Cary Driskell, Deputy City Attorney
Frankie DeWitt Carrie Acosta, Deputy City Clerk
Robert(Rick)Lamed
Gail Stiltner
Jim Huttenmaier
Meeting Summary: The meeting began at approximately 4:10 p.m.
Potential Recommendations for Future Salary:
Mr. Driskell discussed the issues City Attorney Connelly researched in regard to increasing council
salaries. He stated one potential option is to have councilmembers pay the cost increase of benefits
themselves or the Salary Commission can include the benefits as part of their salary recommendation.
Discussion was held as to whether benefits are part of the salary or if recommendations on benefits should
be a separate issue. Mr. Driskell explained that the Attorney General's definition of salary varies, some
include benefits and some do not. He further stated the report approved by the Salary Commission should
indicate that discussion of benefits carne up during the meetings, helping to provide full disclosure. Mr.
Driskell explained that the Salary Commission could help clarify its own definition of"salary" by giving
a concise recommendation for the councilmember's salary and include benefit verbiage. Legally the
commission can include terms such as "plus benefits" in their report. The commissioners discussed
keeping the benefits at the current level. it was moved by Jim Huttemnaier and seconded that any salary
recommendation shall include an optional benefits package that is the same as what the City Council
currently receives. Commissioners concurred.
Mr. Driskell will prepare a draft report for the commissioners to review and will e-mail to the
commissioners by Wednesday, November 22, 2006. The draft report will not include specific dollar
amounts.
Commissioners discussed as part of their focus the need for assessing the market value of salary levels
and whether increasing salaries will be acceptable to public opinion and the public perception of whether
the city can afford it. The concern is that the recommendations by the Salary Commission may not be
marketable to the public; however, marketing is not the purpose of the commission. The Salary
Commission was formed to make a fair and equitable recommendation and the final report needs to
justify the numbers recommended by assessing the market value of compensation and area wage rates. A
fixed dollar amount on benefits cannot be included in the report because that amount varies depending on
the benefit option chosen, Mr. Driskell indicated it is not necessary for the report to have a City
fundability comparison showing the cost of salary and benefits now and the additional cost in the overall
package being proposed. The City's budget does not have anything to do with the market rate, but is a
consideration in the assessment of public opinion,
Public Comment:
Bob Blum asked if the Salary Commission is to determine if the City Council gets benefits as part of their
salary. It was determined that the purpose of the Salary Commission is to include benefits language in its
recommendation. The question again came up as to the definitions of salary and compensation. Mr. Blum
Page 13 of 16
questioned if benefits should be recommended by this Salary Commission or if they should just discuss
the salary without including benefits. He also asked if the proposed salary increase would be retroactive.
Good of the Order:
The survey ends Thursday,November 28,2006 at 4:00 p.m.
The next meeting will be held Wednesday,November 29, 2006 at 3:30 p.m.
The final meeting will be Monday, December 4, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. to adopt the report.
The meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
Page 14 of 16
SPOKANE VALLEY INDEPENDENT SALARY COMMISSION
Spokane Valley City Hall, Opportunity Conference Room
November 29, 2006 4:00 p.m.
Commission Members Present: Staff Present:
Diane Tortorelli, Chair Staff Liaison: Cary DriskeIl, Deputy City Attorney
Jim Huttenmaier,Vice Chair Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
Frankie DeWitt
Robert(Rick) Larned Others: Bob Blum, Citizen
Gail Stiltner
Meeting Summary: The meeting began at approximately 4:10 p.m.
Call for Public Comments: No comments were offered.
Discussion of issues:
Salary Recommendation: The results of the website survey were reviewed and discussed. Discussion
included the process once the report is finalized; leaving the salary as is or making an increase, and if an
increase, how large; that survey results indicated a majority agreed to an increase; and that commission
members realize that this survey is only one way to get some public input and is only one factor in their
deliberations on the matter.
It was moved by Mr. Huttenmaier and seconded, that the salary commission recommend that the mayor's
salary be increased to $1100 monthly and the salary for the councilmembers be increased to $900
monthly. Discussion on the motion included the need for an acceptable range; other budget implications,
and the service to the public; to make a salary fair and equitable for what the councilmembers do; the
public's perspective of what these councilmembers do; salaries for other councils of comparable cities;
that a majority of those responding to the survey were in favor of an increase; and whether there should
be a differentiation in the Deputy Mayor's salary. Mr, Huttenmaier called for the question. Vote on the
motion to increase the mayor's monthly salary to $1100 and the monthly councilmembers salary to $900:
In favor: Jim Huttenmaier, Diane Tortorelli. Opposed: Frankie DeWitt, Gail Stiltner, and Rick Lamed.
Motion failed.
After further discussion, it was moved by Ms. Stiltner and seconded, to set the mayor's monthly salary at
$975 and the councilmember's monthly salary at $750. After discussion on whether to have a separate
salary recommendation for the deputy mayor, it was the Commission's consensus to keep the salary at the
two levels: mayor and councilmembers. Vote on the motion. In favor: Frankie DeWitt, Gail Stiltner, Rick
Lamed. Opposed:Diane Tortorelli, Jim Huttenmaier. Motion passed.
Report Discussion: Using the previous commission's report as a base, it was the Commission's
consensus to make the following changes:
Introduction; third paragraph, add: "According to the state laws on incorporation, for cities of 15,000 or
above, the starting salary for council is $400 per month and the mayor receives $500 per month."
Introduction,third paragraph, last sentence, add the words"at incorporation" after the word salary.
Before the "Description of the Commission" add a discussion on the history of the first salary
commission, including what was recommended and how that progressed. [Mr. Driskell will add the
appropriate language.]
Page 15 of 16
Rationale for the proposal: first sentence, change the word"declared"to "Mandated."
Rationale for the proposal: delete the sentence: "In many cases, this meant that Councilmembers were
paid in effect less than half the minimum wage."
Rationale for the proposal: add to the sentence "The Commission members uniformly agreed that the
amount was too low for the amount of time elected officials were obliged to devote to the city"—and for
the responsibility of representing the City and its residents.
Council Roles and Responsibilities: add to the first paragraph: "Based upon a survey of the council
• members, the salary commission determined that the monthly average time spent for the six
Councilmetnbers, excluding the Mayor, is 78 hours. The Mayor averages 100 hours per month.
Council Roles and Responsibilities: Paragraph 4, In addition to these regular commitments, omit the
words "for instance" in the second sentence.
Page 4, Rationale for the proposal: omit the second paragraph.
Rationale for the proposal, third paragraph: change the second sentence to read: However, they believe
the basis for the Spokane Valley Council should be grounded in a sense of volunteerism and a desire to
serve the community.
Rational for the proposal, add: The Commission had a general discussion about total compensation which
includes salary and optional benefits. The commission was also aware that the average benefit package
for each councilmember is $569 per month. They weighed this information as they developed the
proposal; however, they recognize that the scope of their work was limited to the salary, which does not
include benefits.
Page 5—top paragraph, change the word "stipend"to"rate."
Page 4, bottom of the page, last sentence, omit"and want it to continue."
Top of page 5: "every day" should be one word.
Page 5, paragraph beginning "Looking at the ten comparable cities," omit "the ten," omit "deputy
mayor," and omit the last two sentences.
There was also consensus to include a summary in the rationale,that this rationale is based on the amount
of time spent (scope of activities) in their (council and mayor) duties of representing the city; after
looking at comparable communities around the state, after a survey and examination of the survey results
which showed that the majority favored an increase; and that public input was also gained by individual
commission members talking to members of the public.
It was also determined that the survey results to include in the final report will only include the first two
questions.
The next and final meeting will be held Monday, December 4 in the Opportunity Conference Room, at
3:00 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
Page 16 of 16
SALARY COMMISSION PROCEDURE AND TIMELINE
Feb 4 File deadline for commission to submit schedule of salaries
Publish the schedule 2 times, at least one week apart
Second publication of schedule is considered official filing date of
salary schedule
REFERENDUM PROCESS:
Petition must be filed with City Clerk within 30 days after official filing date
If referendum petition received, salary change not effective until approved by vote
Referendum submitted to voters at next following general or municipal election
occurring 30 days or more after petition is filed
(See SVMC 2.10 for verbiage for petition)
If goes to ballot, majority needed to repeal ordinance
IF NO REFERENDUM FILED:
Officials' salary adjustments effective as set in the schedule
Salary increases effective immediately regardless of tetuis of office
Any salary decrease effective at commencement of incumbent's next subsequent term of office
NECESSARY STEPS—SVMC 2.10 Date
1st reading of ordinance 09-11-18
2"d reading of ordinance 09-25-18
Ordinance published 09-28-18
Ordinance effective 10-3-18
Advertise for commission members Sept 28
Advertise for commission members Oct 5
Advertise for commission members Oct 12 ,f Initial monthly salary:
Re-advertised Oct 19 & 26 Mayor: $500 Councilmembers: $400
Deadline to apply (deadline 4 pm, Oct 30 [Mayor's salary 25% greater]
extended to Oct 30 as only rec'd 2 Revised effective 1-17-2007:
apps) Mayor: $975 Councilmembers: $750
Member appointments Nov 6 [Mayor's salary 30% greater]
Commission's 1st meeting—no later
than Nov 26
Report of commission
recommendations before Feb 4
Commission files schedule w/clerk
1St publication of schedule
2' publication of schedule *
*considered official filing date
Contact Information: City Attorney Cary Driskell: cdriskell�a7snokanevalle .org 720-5150
City Clerk Chris Bainbridge: cbainbridge@spokanevalley.org 720-5102