2006 Salary Commission - Report• CiTI' OF - • ECE[Wo
S #6Wa - ne
DEC 4 2006
valley °'TMO�ryO� „
11707 E Sprague Ave Suite 106 1 Spokane Valley WA 99206
509.921.1000 ♦ Fax: 509.921.1008 ♦ cityhall @spokanevalley.org
Memorandum
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:
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
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
Final 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 Indep 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 1 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 Resuonsibilities
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
1. 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 11. 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:
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.
Respeec / Submi d,
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
101,100
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
Bellingham
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 11: Summary of Public Survey Results
1. Given the responsibilities of Councilmembers, how much do you feel is an appropri�
salary?
$400 (no change): 31 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 Hall
Opportunity Conference Room, 8:30 a.m.
October 23, 2006
Commission Members Present:
Prankie DeWitt
Jim Huttenmaier
Robert (Rick) Larned
Gail Stiltner
Diane Tortorelli
Staff Present:
Staff Liaison: Cary Driskell, Deputy City Attorney
Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk
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 I, 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) Larned
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 8 ° i 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 a -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
Stiltner 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 Tortorelli, 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 came 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 Jinn Hutteninaier 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 Driskell, 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. Huttemnaier 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 Larned.
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
Larned. Opposed: Diane Tortorelli, Jim Huttemnaier. 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 responsihility 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
Councilmembers, 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