2006 Salary Commission - Researchi
SALARY COMMISSION
Dec 4: File deadline for commission to submit schedule of salaries
Dec 8 : Publish the schedule 2 times, at least one week apart
Dec. 15: Second publication of schedule is considered official filing date of
salary schedule
REFERENDUM PROCESS: l `� -
Petition must be filed with Citv Clerk within 30 days aft
If referendum petition received, salary change not efffecti-,
Referendum submitted to voters at next following general
occurring 30 days or more after petition is filed
(See ordinance 06 -021 for verbiage for petition)
If goes to ballot, majority needed to repeal ordinance
official filing date
until approved by vote
or municipal election
IF NO REFERENDUM FILED:
Officials' salary adjustments effective as set in the schedule (final report)
Salary increases effective immediately regardless of terms of office
Any salary decrease effective at commencement of incumbent's next subsequent
term of office
Would a pay increase of comparable proportions be considered by the people?
Should the pay increase be a flat fee or a percentage?
In regards to the hours worked, do you think this increase will be sufficient?
With similar studies of cities our size with a Council- Manager form of Government a
high salary of $1950 and a low of $1191 for mayor (averaging approx. $1570) and a high
salary of $1650 and a low salary of $922 for Councilmember's (averaging $1286) Will
these figures be in line with what the public approves?
With a balanced budget and a budget surplus, does this mean the taxes of the city will not
rise in accordance with these salary increases?
If so, we can assure the people our Mayor and Councilmember's are working towards a
community goal that we all can approve.
* The 2006 Independent Salary Commission requested that the following information
and questions be made available to the public for review and comment
The City of Spokane Valley incorporated March 31, 2003 as the eighth largest city in
Washington, and the second largest newly- incorporated city by population in the history of the
United States. The average population of the other 14 new cities to incorporate in Washington
since 1990 was * *. Spokane Valley has grown, and is now the seventh largest city in
Washington.
State law mandates that the initial monthly salary for the mayor of a new city be $500, and that
the monthly salary for council members shall be $400. In addition to this salary, each Spokane
Valley Council member receives, en when averaged, $550 in monthly benefits. An independent
salary commission was established in 2004 to assess whether the minimum salary was
commensurate with the time spent on City business and level of responsibility the Council has.
The 2004 Salary Commission recommended an increase comparable with what similarly -sized
cities in Washington pay their council members. The proposed increase was submitted to voters
through a referendum petition, and City voters rejected the increase. A 2006 Salary Commission
has now been established.
This Salary Commission feels g_uestions whether it is unrealistic to expect the City to continue to
attract qualified citizens to run for elected positions that require between 15 hours and 30 hours
per week (outside of a normal work schedule at the current salary levels The Council is
responsible for a 76 million dollar annual budget, and makes policy decisions for a thriving
community relating to managing growth and protecting quality of life. The Salary Commission is
currently in the process of determining what an appropriate monthly salary should be for the
future.
The Salary Commission respectfully requests that interested members of the public respond to the
following questions. Your responses can be provided by telephone to City Clerk Chris
Bainbridge at 688 -0177, via e -mail to cbainbridge@spokanevalley.org or via mail to Ms.
Bainbridge at 11707 East Sprague, Suite 106, Spokane Valley, WA 99206.
1. Given that the average monthly time spent on City business for Council members, and
factoring in benefits, how much do you feel is appropriate for a monthly salary?
_$0 -300 _$400 (no change) _$500 -800 _$900 -1200 _$1300 -1500 $1600 -2000
2. The Mayor averages 130 hours per month on City business. Factoring in benefits, how
much do you feel is appropriate for a monthly salary?
_$0 -400 ® $500 (no change) _$600 -900 _$1000 -1300 _$1400 -1700 _$1800 -2100
3. Do you feel the salary level will affect the diversity or quality of candidates?
Yes No
4. Is there any other comment you would like to convey to the Salary Commission?
How long have you lived in the City of Spokane Valley?
Salary Commission — Website survey
The City of Spokane Valley was incorporated on March 31, 2003 as the 8` lamest city in
Washington State. In the last three years, the City has grown and is now the 7 largest
city in the State. (��
State law mandates the in salary for the Mayor of a new city. e $500 monthly and for
the Council member e.$400 monthly. The Council is responsible for a $76 million
n�r 4O budget and makes regular policy decision on our The Mayor averages
ours wee kly and Council members avera e 15g to 30 urs weekly attending to smess.
A Salary Commission has been established to determine what an appropriate monthly
salary should be in the future and requests your input by answering the following
questions. Your response can be provided by telephone to City Clerk Chris Bainbridge at
688 -0177, via e -mail to cbainbridge@spokanevallev.org or via regular mail to City Clerk,
City of Spokane Valley, 11707 E. Sprague, 4106, Spokane Valley, WA 99206.
1. Given the responsibilities of Council members, how much do you feel is an
appropriate monthly salary:
_ $400 (no change) _ $500 - $800 _ $900-$1200 _ $1300 - $1500 _ $1600-
$2,000.
Given the responsibilities of the Mayor, how much do you feel is an appropriate
monthly salary:
_ $500 (no change) _$600 - $800 _ $1000 - $1300 _ $1400 - $1700 _ $1800 -
$2100.
3. Are there any other comments you would like to convey to the Salary
Commission?
4. How long have you lived in the City of Spokane Valley?
Survey of Monthly Salaries
Municipality Population* Form of Government Mayor **
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
Commission ** Referendum
No
No
No
Yes * * **
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes * * * **
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
salary compara WA and showing which of those are Council /Manager (CM) gove
- who set the salary levels for the CM cities used as comps Hte- Gounc o r a Salary Commission);
ferendum on the recommendation; - --
*Official April 1, 2006 Population Estimates: Office of Financial Management (OFM).
* *Source: AWC 2006 Salary Data
** *Source: MRSC
ti � n a * T* f n c nn other pattern and is one of a kind
No
No
No
increase failed
l
A bit of history....
The City of Spokane Valley was incorporated march 31, 2003 as the eighth largest city in
Washington. A Council- Manager form of government was selected with the legislative
�g�oup being seven council members elected by the citizens. The Mayor is chosen from
the councilors.
The State mandates the initial salaries of the mayor, $500 per month, and the council
members, $400 per month. The City Council has used the formation of an independent
salary commission to analyze what the salary schedule should be for the time and
responsibilities involved.
The first salary commission met in 2004 and proposed increased salaries based upon time
spent on City business and salaries from comparable cities within the State. This '
commission adopted an ' Eased salary chedule but a petition was filed to submit the
schedule to the voters. t was defeated.
A second salary commission is now meeting to determine an acceptable salary schedule.
We value your opinions and ask that yours nd to the following quesions:
1. Given that the average �y time spent on City related business for each
councilor is hours, do you think $ 400 per month plus benefits is:
low
about right_
high
2. The Mayor averages 30 hours per week on City business. What is your opinion of
the monthly salary of $500 plus benefits? .
low
about right_
high_
3. Do you think the salary affects the diversity of candidates willing to seek the
office?
yes_
perhaps
no
Please comment on any issues that might be helpful to the Salary Commission in
their deliberations:
P YV Y
Page 1 of 6
2006 Salary Data.- Cities and Towns
JOB TITLE: Mayor and Councilmember
- - JOB CODE: 100 and 110
P' The amount of compensation shown is set by ordinance. Some councilmembers maybe given a lesser amount for their current terms of service.
Ju.._jiction
Mayor's Compensation
Councilmembers' Compensation
Cities 50,000 and over
Bellevue (117,000)
$1950 1month
$1650 /month
Bellingham (73,460)
$9285 /month
$1585 1month
Everett (101,100)
$10,742 /month
$1759 1month
Federal Way (86,530)
$1375 /month
$1075 /month
Kennewick (61,770)
$11911month
$922 /month
Kent (85,650)
$8516 1month
$1146 /month
Lakewood (59,000)
$900 1month
$700 /month
Renton (58,360)
$9666 1month
$950 /month
Seattle (578,700)
$12,378 /month
$8657 /month
Shoreline (52,830)
$875 /month
$700 1month
Spokane (201,600)
$11564 /month
$1500 1month
Spokane Valley (87,000)
$500 /month
$400 /month
Tacoma (199,600)
$6276 1month
$2844 1month
Vancouver (156,600)
$1885 1month -
$1260 1month
Yakima (81,710)
$1600 /month
$1075 /month
Cities 30,000 to 49,999
Auburn (48,955)
$9362 /month
$975 1month
Bothell (31,690)
$700 /month
$500 /month
Bremerton (35,910)
$7308 /month
$1000 1month
Burien (31,080)
$750 /month
$600 1month
Edmonds (40,360)
$8245 1month
$600 1month, $50 1meeting, maximum 8 meetings/month
Kirkland (47,180)
$1200 /month
$900 /month
La 1 34,060)
$1000 /month
$900 /month
Lc x (35,570)
$960 /month .... ... . _. - ... ..
.. -. $540 /month . .... .... ..... .. .... _.
Lynnwood (35,230)
$7065 /month
$1550 /month
Olympia (43,740)
$2043 1month
$1390 1month
Pasco (47,610)
$1100 1month
$900 /month -
Puyallup (36,360)
$1210 /month
$800 /month
Redmond (49,890)
$8833 /month
$850 /month
Richland (44,230)
$1177 /month
$927 1month
Sammamish (39,730)
$950 /month
$850 /month
University Place (31,140)
$1500 /month
$1250 /month
Walla Walla (30,660)
$350 1month
$300 1month
Cities 15,000 to 29,999
-
Aberdeen (16,470)
$873 /month
$315 1month
Anacortes (16,170)
$7333 /month
$850 1month
Bainbridge Island
$4420 1month
$600 /month
(22,600)
Camas (15,880)
$1300 1month
$500 /month
Centralia (15,430)
$400 /month
$200 1month
Covington (17,240)
$5001month
$4501month
Des Moines (29,020)
$3501meeting, maximum 36 meetingstyear
$250 /meeting, maximum 36 meetings/year
Ellensburg (17,080)
$500 /month
$250 /month
Issaquah (19,570)
$4343 /month
$700 /month
Kenmore (19,680)
$500 /month
$400 1month
Maple Valley (19,140)
$825 1month
$550 1month
Marysville (32,150)
$6150 1month
$461 1month
Mercer Island (21,860)
$400 /month
$200 1month
Mon- (16,170)
$3000 1month
$100 1meeting, maximum $400 /month
Mc ike (16,830)
$700 /month, $30 1meeting
$300 1month, $30 1meeting
Mount Vernon (28,710)
$7014 1month
$600 /month
Mountlake Terrace
$1000 /month
$800 /month
(20,390)
Mukilteo (19,620)
$1800 1month
$500 /month
Oak Harbor (22,290)
$3660 /month
$525 /month
http:// www. awenet. orgl compensationreporting IReportsISalaryMayorCouncil .asp ?UserProfileID =O &Stu... 11/15/2006
Goldendale (3,715) -.
$1000 /month _.
' ',Granger (2,880)
$650 /month - -
Granite Falls (3,095)
$1000 /month
- Lake Stevens (9,650)
$1200 1month - .�
L' Lake (5,805)
$750 1month
M, .ia (3,330)
$500 /month
Medical Lake (4,510)
$500 1month
Medina (2,945)
No compensation
Milton (6,490)
$1500 /month
Montesano (3,550)
$550 /month
Normandy Park (6,415)
No compensation
North Bend (4,690)
$1200 /month
Ocean Shores (4,605)
$500 /month
Omak (4,705)
$1200 /month
Orting (5,560)
$1000 /month
Othello (6,205)
$500 /month
Pacific (5,940)
$750 /month
Poulsbo (7,490).
$4819 /month
Prosser (5,045)
$417 /month
Quincy (5,395)
$500 /month
Raymond (3,005)
$371 /month -
Ridgefield (3,225)
$100 /council meeting, $60 1additional meeting, maximum
Or '1,665)
$6,000/year
Selah (6,840)
$520 /month
Sequin (5,030)
$250 1month, $20 /meeting, maximum $330 /month
Snoqualmie (7,815)
$1667 /month
Stanwood (4,940)
$1200 1month
Steilacoom (6,200)
$750 /month
Sultan (4,440)
$500 1month
Union Gap (5,685)
$2000 /month -
Wapato (4,540)
$833 /month
W (2,575)
$400 /month
W� ,nd (4,730)
$800 1month
Yelm (4,565)
$1250 1month
Zillah (2,635)
$464 /month
Page 3 of 6
$50 /meeting,.maximum$100 /month.
$25/meeting, maximum $150 1month
$100 /month
$300 /month, $50 /meeting, maximum 4 meetings/month
$250 /month
$62.50 /meeting, maximum $125 /month
$200 /month
No compensation
$400 /month
$200 /month
No compensation
$400 /month
$350 /month
$150 1meeting
$100 /month
$250 /month
$200 /month
$500 /month
$40 /meeting
$250 /month
$247 /month -
$50 /meeting, maximum $3,000/year
$255 /month
$150 /month, $20 1meeting, maximum $230 1month
$500 /month
$75 /council meeting, $301workshop, committee meeting
$300 /month
$150 /month
$400 /month
No compensation
$40 /meeting, maximum $80 /month
$150 /month, $25 1meeting, maxiumum $250 1month
$400 /month
$40 /meeting
Cities 1,500 to 2,499
Brewster (2,200)
$750/Month
Bridgeport (2,075)
$600 /month
Carnation (1,900)
$400 1month
Castle Rock (2,135)
$150 /month
Chewelah (2,315)
$559 /month
Cle Elum (1,810)
$400 1month
Cosmopolis (1,635)
$500 /month
Coupeville (1,820)
$4834 /month
Davenport (1,745)
$625 1month
Eatonville (2,385)
$622 1month
Everson (2,135)
$750 /month
Friday Harbor (2,210)
$148 1meeting, maximum 4 meetings /month
Gold Bar (2,125)
$300 1month
Kalama (2,025)
$300 /month
Kettle Falls (1,600)
$400 /month
La Center (2,315)
$450 /month
Leavenworth (2,195)
$586 /month
Mabton (2,075)
$240 /month, $60 meeting
Millwood (1,645)
$600 /month
Newport (1,985)
$700 /month
Okanogan (2,485)
$750 1month
Or '1,665)
$450 /month -
Pon. -...y (1,525)
$200 /month
Rainier (1,665)
$450 /month
Ritzville (1,730)
$200 1 st year, $300 2nd year, $400 subsequent years
Royal City (1,875)
$490 /month
Soap Lake (1,740)
$600 /month
$37 1per meeting
$15 /meeting
$200 /month
$20 /meeting; maximum 4 meetings/month
$50 /month
$100 /month
$150 /month
No compensation
$40 /meeting
$25 /meeting
$100 /month
$85 /meetng, maximum 4 meetings/month
$100 /month
$50 /month
$25 /meeting
$100 /month
$75 1meeting, maximum 2 meetings/month
$40 /meeting maximum $160 1month
$40 /meetng, maximum $80 1month
$50 /meeting, maximum $200 /month
$100 /month
$75 1meeting, maximum $150 /month
$100 /month
$100 /month
$65 1meeting, 2 meetingstmonth
$40 1meeting
$70 /month
http:// www. awenet. orgl compensationreporting /ReportsISalaryMayorCouncil .asp ?UserPIof leID =O &Sur... 11/15/2006
Page 5 of 6
. I Yacoll (1,220) $400 /month .... .. $25 1meeting ...
I_Yarrow Point (970) ` $11001month — - No compensation
A f280) $100lmonth
Bc. . Arts Village (300) No compensation
Colton (415) $1800 1year
Conconully(190) $100 1month
Creston (255) No compensation
Cusick (205) $100/ month
Elmer City (24 1) No compensation
Endicott (335) $25 1meeting
Farmington (145) $400 1month
Hamilton (330) $600 1month
Harrington (420) $200 1month
Hartline (135) $15 /meeting
Hatton (105) $75 /month
Hunts Point (480) No compensation
Index (155) No compensation
Kahlotus (220) $150 /month
LaCrosse (340) -- $100 /month -
Lamont (95) No compensation
Latah(207) $100 /month
Lyman (450) $100 /meeting
Marcus (168) $75 /month
Mesa (440) $150 /month
Metaline (165) $50 /month
Metaline Falls (225) $75 /meeting
Mossyrock (485) $200 /month
Nespelem (210) No compensation
Northport (275) $100 1month -
O ile (420) $525 1quarter .. .. .
Preewtl (315) $50 1month
Rockford (488) $75/ regular meeting, $25 1special meeting, maximum
$150 /month
Skykomish (210) $50 1month
South Prairie (440) $40 1month
Spangle (275) $50Krst meeting, $10 /additional meeting
Sprague (495) 150 1month
Springdale (270) No compensation
Starbuck(130) $25 1meeting
Uniontown (345) $50 1month
Washtucna (260) $300 /month
Waverly (125) $7801year
Wilkeson (450) $30 1month
Wilson Creek (240) $75 1month
Winthrop (370) $650 1month
$25 /meeting, maximum $50 /month
No compensation
$600/year
No compensation
No compensation
$70 /month
No compensation .
$15 /meeting
No compensation
$50 /month
No compensation
$15 /meeting
$20 /meeting
No compensation
No compensation
No compensation
$20 1per meeting -
No compensation
$35 /meeting
$25 1meeting
$ .50 per meeting
$10 1meeting, maximum $40 1month
$20 /month
$25 /meeting
$20 1meeting, maximum 2 meetings/month
No compensation
$5 /month
$180 1quarter
$20 /month
$20 /meeting, maximum $40 month
No compensation
$25 /month
$30 1first meeting. $10 1additional meeting
$50 /month
No compensation
$15 /meeting
. $10 /meefing
$20 /month
$450/year
$20 /month
$25 /meefing
$50 /meeting, $10 /special meeting, maximum $120 1month
http:// www. awcnet. orgl compensationreporting /ReportsISalaryMayorCouncil .asp ?UserProfileID =O &Sur... 11/15/2006
A f280) $100lmonth
Bc. . Arts Village (300) No compensation
Colton (415) $1800 1year
Conconully(190) $100 1month
Creston (255) No compensation
Cusick (205) $100/ month
Elmer City (24 1) No compensation
Endicott (335) $25 1meeting
Farmington (145) $400 1month
Hamilton (330) $600 1month
Harrington (420) $200 1month
Hartline (135) $15 /meeting
Hatton (105) $75 /month
Hunts Point (480) No compensation
Index (155) No compensation
Kahlotus (220) $150 /month
LaCrosse (340) -- $100 /month -
Lamont (95) No compensation
Latah(207) $100 /month
Lyman (450) $100 /meeting
Marcus (168) $75 /month
Mesa (440) $150 /month
Metaline (165) $50 /month
Metaline Falls (225) $75 /meeting
Mossyrock (485) $200 /month
Nespelem (210) No compensation
Northport (275) $100 1month -
O ile (420) $525 1quarter .. .. .
Preewtl (315) $50 1month
Rockford (488) $75/ regular meeting, $25 1special meeting, maximum
$150 /month
Skykomish (210) $50 1month
South Prairie (440) $40 1month
Spangle (275) $50Krst meeting, $10 /additional meeting
Sprague (495) 150 1month
Springdale (270) No compensation
Starbuck(130) $25 1meeting
Uniontown (345) $50 1month
Washtucna (260) $300 /month
Waverly (125) $7801year
Wilkeson (450) $30 1month
Wilson Creek (240) $75 1month
Winthrop (370) $650 1month
$25 /meeting, maximum $50 /month
No compensation
$600/year
No compensation
No compensation
$70 /month
No compensation .
$15 /meeting
No compensation
$50 /month
No compensation
$15 /meeting
$20 /meeting
No compensation
No compensation
No compensation
$20 1per meeting -
No compensation
$35 /meeting
$25 1meeting
$ .50 per meeting
$10 1meeting, maximum $40 1month
$20 /month
$25 /meeting
$20 1meeting, maximum 2 meetings/month
No compensation
$5 /month
$180 1quarter
$20 /month
$20 /meeting, maximum $40 month
No compensation
$25 /month
$30 1first meeting. $10 1additional meeting
$50 /month
No compensation
$15 /meeting
. $10 /meefing
$20 /month
$450/year
$20 /month
$25 /meefing
$50 /meeting, $10 /special meeting, maximum $120 1month
http:// www. awcnet. orgl compensationreporting /ReportsISalaryMayorCouncil .asp ?UserProfileID =O &Sur... 11/15/2006
$25 /meeting, maximum $50 /month
No compensation
$600/year
No compensation
No compensation
$70 /month
No compensation .
$15 /meeting
No compensation
$50 /month
No compensation
$15 /meeting
$20 /meeting
No compensation
No compensation
No compensation
$20 1per meeting -
No compensation
$35 /meeting
$25 1meeting
$ .50 per meeting
$10 1meeting, maximum $40 1month
$20 /month
$25 /meeting
$20 1meeting, maximum 2 meetings/month
No compensation
$5 /month
$180 1quarter
$20 /month
$20 /meeting, maximum $40 month
No compensation
$25 /month
$30 1first meeting. $10 1additional meeting
$50 /month
No compensation
$15 /meeting
. $10 /meefing
$20 /month
$450/year
$20 /month
$25 /meefing
$50 /meeting, $10 /special meeting, maximum $120 1month
http:// www. awcnet. orgl compensationreporting /ReportsISalaryMayorCouncil .asp ?UserProfileID =O &Sur... 11/15/2006
Spokane
,;
11707 E Sprague Ave Suite 106 * Spokane Valley WA 99206
509.921.1000 4 Fax: 509.921.1008 ♦ cityhall @spokanevalley.org
SPOKANE VALLEY INDEPENDENT SALARY COMMISSION
Spokane Valley City Hall
Opportunity Conference Room, 8:30 a.m.
October 23, 2006
Commission Members Present: Staff Present:
Frankie 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.
Survey of Monthly Salaries
Municipality
Population*
Form of Government
Mayor **
Councilmembers **
Salary Commission Referendum
Seattle
578,700
Mayor - Council
12,378
8,675
No
Spokane
201,600
Mayor - Council
11,564
1,500
No
Tacoma
199,600
Council- Manager
6,276
2,844
No
Vancouver
156,600
Council- Manager
1,885
1,260
Yes * **
Bellevue
117,000
Council- Manager
1,950
1,650
Yes
Everett
101,100
Mayor- Council
10,742
1,759
Yes
Spokane Valley
87,000
Council- Manager
500
400
Yes
Federal Way
86,530
Council- Manager
1,375
1,075
No
Kent
85,650
Mayor- Council
8,516
1,146
Yes * * **
Yakima
81,710
Council- Manager
1,600
1,075
No
Bellingham
73,460
Mayor - Council
9,285
1,585
No
Kennewick
61,770
Council- Manager
1,191
922
No
Lakewood
59,000
Council- Manager
900
700
No
Renton
58,360
Mayor- Council
9,666
950
No
Shoreline
52,830
Council- Manager
875
700
No
Redmond
49,890
Mayor - Council
8,833
850
Yes
Auburn
48,955
Mayor - Council
9,362
975
No
Pasco
47,610
Council- Manager
1,100
900
No
Kirkland
47,180
Council- Manager
1,200
900
Yes
Richland
44,230
Council- Manager
1,177
927
No
salary comparables for the 20 largest cities in WA, and showing which of those are Council/Manager (CM) governments;
- who set the salary levels for the CM cities used as comps (whether the Council or a Salary Commission);
- if any of the comps went through a referendum on the recommendation;
*Official April I, 2006 Population Estimates: Office of Financial Management (OFM).
* *Source: AWC 2006 Salary Data
***Vancouver established such a commission by a charter amendment. It follows no other pattern and is one of a kind.
* ** *Repealed in 2006
Council -
Municipality Population* Form of Government Mayor ** members ** Commission * **
Seattle
578,700
Mayor - Council
$12,378
$8,675
No
Spokane
201,600
Mayor - Council
$11,564
$1,500
No
Everett
101,100
Mayor - Council
$10,742
$1,759
Yes
Kent
85,650
Mayor - Council
$8,516
$1,146
Yes * * * **
Bellingham
73,460
Mayor - Council
$9,285
$1,585
No
Renton
58,360
Mayor - Council
$9,666
$950
No
Redmond
49,890
Mayor - Council
$8,833
$850
Yes
Auburn
48,955
Mayor - Council
$9,362
$975
No
Tacoma
199,600
Council- Manager
$6,276
$2,844
No
Vancouver
156,600
Council- Manager
$1,885
$1,260
Yes * * **
Bellevue
117,000
Council- Manager
$1,950
$1,650
Yes
Spokane Valley
87,000
Council- Manager
$500
$400
Yes
Federal Way
86,530
Council- Manager
$1,375
$1,075
No
Yakima
81,710
Council- Manager
$1,600
$1,075
No
Kennewick
61,770
Council- Manager
$1,191
$922
No
Lakewood
59,000
Council- Manager
$900
$700
No
Shoreline
52,830
Council- Manager
$875
$700
No
Pasco
47,610
Council- Manager
$1,100
$900
No
Kirkland
47,180
Council- Manager
$1,200
$900
Yes
Richland
44,230
Council - Manager
$1,177
$927
No
*
To raise.,Q not�.t o ,,' raiS „e When you were
find a nickel on th
�-... ...._ .. .. �....,. .... -_ - that onv .1 the In7
523 N. Pines Road
Advertising
Representatives
Fabian Medina
Carol Campbell
DeeAnn Sporn
Legal Advertising
Spokane Valley, WashiPeog MY
q S 'iop `,C.
Publisher ,00aa = s,
William IM
Managing Editor :d UO
Craig Howard ,,y PI OU S,
Advertising, Director/
General Manager,
`you were I expecti
If you want a hot - potato issue in Spokane Valley try raising
portion of that cas
council salaries.
pig. My pig's stop
The last time the council appointed an independent
years: It soon ha
commission to make recommendations, the outcry , from the
me by grandmotb
anti - incorporation group was deafening. It was so loud, in fact,
birthdays and 0
that 60 percent of the voting citizens in the.city -.not all of whom
. portion of my allc
are against incorporation — voted against a council pay raise.
Now, the council has done it again.. A five- member
spend on candy at
commission is being formed.to study council salaries, and while
Sometimes I
the commission could decide otherwise, there is little doubt that
the money out. 1
its members will recommend pay raises. That these city leaders
didn put stoppe'
are woefully underpaid is obvious.
piggy banks. I € ”
But, Ike so many other things in life, there is a split in opinions
assumed that if �w
when it comes to salaries. You know, the CEOs and company
to take the mor
presidents with their multi - million dollars salaries and benefit
No I had to to
packages are overpaid. All the rest of us are.underpaid.
through the slot&
In this case,, one side — the negative side — claims that the
coins and bills 'cz
council members.knew what the wage was when they ran for
If this becaP
the office. They should live with that salary, well, forever.
you really, real/?
They have a point, of course. That's what makes it so hard
just a ,
for everyone, including the council members. In fact, they'd
you used
rather not talk about it.
the bank.
But there is another side to the argument. By state law, each
t think I had
city that incorporates must set a certain amount for council
when my moil]
and mayor salaries. In this case, it's $400 for council members
enough to oru(
and $500 for the mayor. It's doubtful if very many community-
That was m
minded individuals stepping into this position` would. think that
the miracle let
this pay level would continue forever. With the amount of time
I listened wuo;
they must spend in doing their jobs, that pay computes out to
told storice
less than half of minimum wage. I
growing tcq p;
It's a matter of fairness. If a teen -ager must be paid $7.65 per
after they slma
hour to flip hamburgers, shouldn't a person who is responsible
years or scyUrl
for a multi - million city operation be worth at least that much?
The int , :uc
- were prettogor'
_ Charlie Plumb ' . = • .. —
IUD ¢
agsue
Th e
sapnp
o,qt ann
Spokane Valley New�� aMq
per
523 N. Pines Road
Advertising
Representatives
Fabian Medina
Carol Campbell
DeeAnn Sporn
Legal Advertising
Spokane Valley, WashiPeog MY
q S 'iop `,C.
Publisher ,00aa = s,
William IM
Managing Editor :d UO
Craig Howard ,,y PI OU S,
Advertising, Director/
General Manager,
Date: Nov. 6, 2006
To: Mr. Cary Driskell, De uty City Attorney
From: Bill Gothn .a
Subject: Information Requested by You for Salary Commission
I have been keeping records of my time spent on City business since taking office
January 1 of this year. Attached are the spreadsheets. As can be seen, through October, I
spent an average of 114 hours, 20 minutes per month on City business.
The following are some abbreviations used on the spreadsheets:
PPT — Power point
HCDAC - Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee
Cdbg — Community development block grant
o, t, h, in — office, travel, home miscellaneous
ph — phone calls
em — email
C of C — Chamber of Commerce
W &S — Weed and Seed
BOH — Board of Health
Prep — reading and miscellaneous work
SNAP — SNAP board
Awc — Association of Washington Cities
City of Spokane Valley _ --
NNO — — National Night Out
I belong to six committees:
1. Ex -Officio Member of Chamber of Commerce
A. Board meets once per month
B. Breakfast meeting for all members once per month
C. I attend the Government Affairs meeting once per month.
2. Member and Vice -Chair of Housing and Community Development Advisory
Committee. They meet once per month, except for summer.
3. Member, Spokane Neighborhood Action Program Board of Directors (SNAP)
A. They meet once per month. They just recently spun off a separate financial
Entity and I am on its board. However, this meets after SNAP's meeting.
4. Member, Edgecliff Weed and Seed Board of Directors
A. They meet once per month
5. Member, Spokane Regional Health District Board of Directors
A. They meet once per month
I
Hours spent on City business
Month
hr:min:sec
days in
Average hrs /day
Average hrs /day
Average.hrs /week
worked
month
(7 day week)
(5 day week)
Jan
184:35:00
31
5:57:15
8:20:10
41:40:48
Feb
140:25:00
28
5:00:54
7:01:15
35:06:15
Mar
170:55:0b
31
5:30:48
7:43:08
38:35:39
Apr
77:55:00
30
2:35:50
3:38:10
18:10:50
May
98:15:00
31
3:10:10
4:26:14
22:11:08
Jun
117:05:00
30
3:54:10
5:27:50
27:19:10
Jul
89:00:00
31
2:52:15
4:01:10
20:05:48
Aug
87:00:00
31
2:48:23
3:55:45
19:38:43
Sep
96:40:00
30
3:13:20
4:30:40
22:33:20
Oct
80:05:00
31
2:35:00
3:37:00
18:05:00
Nov
tot
1141:55:00
304
3:45:23
5:15:32
26:17:39
Average hours per month
114:19:49
Io
cdbg sync axim 1:15
0:45:00
It
:25
o
comp, Ian 4:00
1/18/2006
t
1:00 hrs
8:20:001
99:40:00
0:00:00
2:05:00
0:35:00
5:40:001'
- 21
m
sta 3:20
t
1:05 hrs
1
o
cd :35
0:35:00
m
cvb 2.20
1/19/2006
t
:25 h
10:05:00
109:45:00
2:40:00
1:35:00
5:50:00
2
o
cdbg & email 1:10
0:35:00
m
2:15 h CTR@ Dv pt
o
0:25 h email & phone
t
1:15 h
t
1:00 h
m
hodac 3:35
3:35:00
1/20/2006o
:45 met cit. cvsd
6:00:00
115:45:00
0:45:00
0:30:00
2:30:00
2:15:00
21
CF report 1:15;
od :30
t
:30 travel
m
met cit 2:15
h
phone cit :30
h
email 0:15
1/21/2006
h
email 0:45 h
1:45:00
117:30:00
1:45:00
h
1:00 ' research zones
1/22/20 06
t
:10 /u charger
3:05:00
120:35:00
2:55:00
0:10:00
h
2:55 h zoning matrices
1/23/2006
h
council packet 3:05h
9:45:00
130:20:00
3:20:00
1:35:00
4:50:00
2
h
0:15 email
[
0:50 h
M
Mark Richard 1:45
t
:45 h
m
cvsd 3:05 h
1/24/2006
h
hone Mumm; SNAP
6:25:00
136:45:00
1:15:00
0:50:00
4:20:00
0:30 h• write email :45
o
mist 1:20 h
t
0:50:00
0
3:00:00
1/25:00
t
5:25 to 01 .
16:25:00
153:10:00
5:25:00
11:00:00
3
m
AWC Ol 11:00
1/26/2000
m
AWC Ol . 5:15:00
9:25:00
162:35:00
0:40:00
3:30:00
5:15:00
4
t
to SV 3:30:00
h
email 0:10• phone 0:30
1/27/2006
t
0:25
5:10:00
167:45:00
0:40:00
0:25:00
2:30:00
1:35:00
1
o
email billbds 2:30 h
h
0:15 travel sheet
h
0:25 addresses
m
met cit 1:35
1/26/2006
h
1:00 email; 0:30 schedj
3:10:00
170:55:00
1:30:00
0:25:00
1:15:00
t I
0:25
0
0:10 mail; 1:05 billbds
1/29/2006
h
email re BoCC m ;
2:30:00
173:25:00
2:30:00
under mundin 0:45
LRT 1:45
1/30/2006
h
0:30 hr email
0:30:00
173:55:00
0:30:00
1/31/2006
t
0:25 to office
10:40:00
184:35:00
1:40:00
8:0000
1:00:00
- 3
o
3.5 h: met Marina
comp Ian email
t
0:50 to courthouse
m
1:00 BoCC
t
0:25
0
4:50 Council
TOTALS FOR JANUARY
184:35:00
43:40:00
27:50:00
54:05:00
59:00:00
31
20:35:00
184:35:00
R
bd. Health
1 1:00:00
1 2:45:001
11
22
0.75
council
0:25:00
4:45:00
1 1
24
research nbh
7:45:00
5:00:00
1
prep mtg
1 2:00:00
pu computer
1
0:25:00
0:20:00
25
research nbh
4:15:00
2:00:00
prep mtg
1:30:00
email
0:45:00
26
rpt on councils
1:35:00
1:35:00
27
W&S book
6:45:00
1:20:00
W&S, organ., SRHD
0:25:00
2:45:00
auditor /MD
0:25:00
1:50:00
.2
28
email
7:50:00
0:25:00
1:25:00
prep mtg
1:30:00
council..
0:25:00
4:05:00
1
em
1
1 0:25:001
1
1
28
em, mtg
4:15:00
0:15:00
0:25:00
3:35:00
1
'•
29
dave
3:20:00
0:25:00
0:30:00
1
bus. fair
0.03
0.05
1
18.00
em
1 0:25:00
30
em
2:40:00
0:20:00
Herald; CH
0:30:00
0:30:00
1:00:00
1
meals on wh.
0:20:00
1
31
council re
1:40:00
0:25:00
1:15:00
1
May 2006
ITOTALS
Home
Travel
I Office
Misc.
IMtgs
IMiles
Park
jExp.
Day
I Description
98:15:00
8:35:00
16:25:00
27:20:00
42:05:00
291
3121
5.00
0.00
1
em
0:15:00
0:15:00
2
em
0:15:00
0:15:00
3
em
0:15:00
0:15:00
4
em
0:10:00
0:10:00
5
em;phone
0:20:00
0:20:00
6
em
0:15:00
0:15:00
7
em
0:15:00
0:15:00
8
prep
7:25:00
0:25:00
2:15:00
0:15:00
council
0:25:00
1:50:00
1
prep; em
2:15:00
9
police memor.
7:35:00
0:50:00
1:15:00
. 1
22
council
0:25:00
5:05:00
1
10
sfcc; office
2:15:00
0:50:00
.0:15:00
1:00:00
- 1
22
radio
1 0:10:00
1
11
pray bk; 190
6:40:00
2:40:00
1:30:00
0:30:00
.2
35
hcdac
0:50:00
1:10:00
1
21
12
Idr pryr bkfst
4:25:00
1:00:00
0:45:00
2:40:00
1
20
13
parade
4:00:00
0:50:00
3:10:00
1 22
16
council
5:35:00
0:50:00
4:45:00
1
17
best west.
1:45:00
0:25:00
1:20:00
10
'
18
police & s pines
11:10:00
0:25:00
0:30:00
6:15:00
2
10
ponderosa
2:15:00
4
weed
0:20:00
1:25:00
8
19
bkfst; police
11:20:00
0:25:00
5:20:00
2
10
scope & off.
0:25:00
1:20:00
1
20
study
2:00:00
2:00:00
21
study
0:30:00
0:30:00
22
homebldrs
1:20:00
0:40:00
0:40:00
1
8
23
sched & misc
4:30:00
0:25:00
1:00:00
council
0:25:00
2:40:00
1
24
chamber bd
10:10:00
0:20:00
1:00:00
1
14
prep Ewers
0:10:00
2:55:00
2
SNAP: Dalton
0:20:00
2:00:00
2
16
hmless mtg
0:55:00
1:00:00
1:30:00
1
22
25
matt e.
4:50:00
1:00:00
2:45:00
2
18
chamber 85th
0:20:00
0:45:00
1
6
26
sched., em
0:20:00
0:20:00
30
coun.
2:55:00
0:25:00
2:30:00
1
31
co. officials
7:45:00
0:45:00
2:20:00
1
22
agora
0:45:00
3:15:00
11
22
5.00
em h
0:40:00
.
mm
m
m.'
on 1 1
WIMIM
1 1 1 1
----m
®1�g
s p no
MOUTH
1 0:40:001
0:05:001
1:M66
v�
. e
Aug time 2006
TOTALS
IHome
Travel
Office
Misc.
Day
I Description
87:00:00
17:50:001
13:05:00
38:45:00
48:00:00
11
NNO
2:40:00
1
2:40:00
21
setup
1:40:00
0:15:00
misc.
0:25:00
1:00:00
7
em; h; re
1:45:00
1:10:00
0:25:00
0:10:00
8
prep; em
6:30:00
1:20:00
council
0:25:00
4:45:00
9
prep
2:35:00
0:25:00
1:30:00
air res
0:40:00
10
em; reno pre
1:10:00
1:10:00
11
andemic
3:45:00
1:00:00
1:30:00
em
0:20:00
pre
0:25:00
0:30:00
12
Igreen thumb
0:25:00
0:25:00
14
pre
7:15:00
1:15:00
misc; exp rept
0:25:00
2:30:00
mtg devl.
0:15:00
1:45:00
em; ph
1:05:00
15
prep rep
11:10:00
0:20:00
3:15:00
EDC
1:15:00
rep
0:20:00
1:10:00
council
0:25:00
4:25:00
16
pre
7:50:00
0:25:00
1:35:00
mcmorris
0:50:00
1:35:00
sunshine
0:20:00
0:30:00
chester
0:20:00
2:15:00
17
misc
1:55:00
0:25:00
1:30:00
18
em
0:10:00
0:10:00
19
em
0:10:00
0:10:00
20
prep
0:30:00
0:30:00
21
prep
5:15:00
1:50:00
0:25:00
1:00:00
Bdwy& misc
0:15:00
0:15:00
re
1:30:00
22
prep; thompso
9:00:00
1:40:00
0:25:00
0:20:00
wlkr ctr
0:45:00
1:10:00
council
0:25:00
4:15:00
23
c of c
3:00:00
1
0:35:00
1:55:00
em
0:30:00
24
gvrnance
4:00:00
1:30:00
gma mtg
0:25:00
2:05:00
25
exit
1:50:00
0:25:00
1:05:00
reparation
0:20:00
26
Austin
0:45:00
0:45:00
28
h; em
2:05:00
0:20:00
Sam
0:25:00
1:20:00
291
cccs; court
4:35:00
1:00:00
2:45:00
em ph
0:50:00
30
em; re
3:30:00
0:25:00
3:05:00
31
em delete
3:30:00
0:30:00
exec sess
1
0:25:00
2:35:00
1
Oct time 2006
TOTALS
Home
Travel
Office
Misc.
Description
80:05:00
13:35:00
13:45:00
21:10:00131:35:00
1
lem
0:10:00
0:10:00
2
em
0:05:00
0:05:00
3
gov't aff.
6:15:00
0:15:00
1:50:00
council
0:25:00
3:30:00
ph;em
0:15:00
4
boh
3:10:00
1:00:00
2:00:00
em
0:10:00
5
em
4:45:00
0:25:00
ph; em; misc
0:25:00
2:05:00
Pines rd o.h.
0:40:00
1:10:00
6
office
3:15:00
0:10:00
0:55:00
good sam
0:40:00
1:30:00
7
prep
3:10:00
3:10:00
8
em
0:50:00
0:05:00
prep
0:45:00
9
prep
1:15:00
1:15:00
10
prep
6:00:00
0:20:00
0:25:00
5:15:00
11
3:35:00
0:10:00
Mawc
0:20:00
3:05:00
12
6:45:00
0:15:00
0:45:00
0:25:00
1:45:00
0:50:00
2:45:00
13
office
8:20:00
0:15:00
1:05:00
2163 meeting
1:00:00
1:30:00
goodwill
1:00:00
2:45:00
em; ph
0:45:00
22
em
4:45:00
0:10:00
prep
3:45:00
em
0:50:00
23
mtgs
2:50:00
0:10:00
1:00:00
mtgs & prep
0:25:00
1:15:00
24
devieming
5:45:00
0:20:00
1:25:00
em
0:10:00
council
0:25:00
3:25:00
25
c of c
4:50:00
0:20:00
2:05:00
SNAP
0:10:00
1:45:00
em
0:30:00
26
to csv for boh
4:15:00
0:25:00
0:05:00
boh
1:00:00
2:20:00
em
0:25:00
27
dave; misc
2:40:00
0:15:00
2:15:00
em
0:10:00
28
rotary
4:45:00
1:00:00
3:45:00
30
homis awd
2:00:00
1:00:00
1:00:00
31
em• msc
0:40:00
0:10:00
0:30:001
RCW 35.21.005: Sufficiency of petitions.
RCW 35.21.005
fficiency of petitions.
Wherever in this title petitions are required to be signed and filed, the following rules shall govern the sufficiency thereof
Page 1 of 2
(1) A petition may include any page or group of pages containing an identical text or prayer intended by the circulators, signers or
sponsors to be presented and considered as one petition and containing the following essential elements when applicable, except that the
elements referred to in (d) and (e) of this subsection are essential for petitions referring or initiating legislative matters to the voters, but are
directory as to other petitions:
(a) The text or prayer of the petition which shall be a concise statement of the action or relief sought by petitioners and shall include a
reference to the applicable state statute or city ordinance, if any;
(b) If the petition initiates or refers an ordinance, a true copy thereof;
(c) If the petition seeks the annexation, incorporation, withdrawal, or reduction of an area for any purpose, an accurate legal description of
the area proposed for such action and if practical, a map of the area;
(d) Numbered lines for signatures with space provided beside each signature for the name and address of the signer and the date of
signing;
(e) The warning statement prescribed in subsection (2) of this section.
(2) Petitions shall be printed or typed on single sheets of white paper of good quality and each sheet of petition paper having a space
thereon for signatures shall contain the text or prayer of the petition and the following warning:
WARNING
jery person who signs this petition with any other than his or her true name, or who knowingly signs more than one of these petitions, or
signs a petition seeking an election when he or she is not a legal voter, or signs a petition when he or she is otherwise not qualified to sign,
or who makes herein any false statement, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Each signature shall be executed in ink or indelible pencil and shall be followed by the name and address of the signer and the date of
signing.
(3) The term "signer' means any person who signs his or her own name to the petition.
(4) To be sufficient a petition must contain valid signatures of qualified registered voters or property owners, as the case may be, in the
number required by the applicable statute or ordinance. Within three working days after the filing of a petition, the officer with whom the
petition is filed shall transmit the petition to the county auditor for petitions signed by registered voters, or to the county assessor for petitions
signed by property owners for determination of sufficiency. The officer or officers whose duty it is to determine the sufficiency of the petition
shall proceed to make such a determination with reasonable promptness and shall file with the officer receiving the petition for filing a
certificate stating the date upon which such determination was begun, which date shall be referred to as the terminal date. Additional pages of
one or more signatures may be added to the petition by filing the same with the appropriate filing officer prior to such terminal date. Any
signer of a filed petition may withdraw his or her signature by a written request for withdrawal filed with the receiving officer prior to such
terminal date. Such written request shall so sufficiently describe the petition as to make identification of the person and the petition certain.
The name of any person seeking to withdraw shall be signed exactly the same as contained on the petition and, after the filing of such
request for withdrawal, prior to the terminal date, the signature of any person seeking such withdrawal shall be deemed withdrawn.
(5) Petitions containing the required number of signatures shall be accepted as prima facie valid until their invalidity has been proved.
(6) A variation on petitions between the signatures on the petition and that on the voter's permanent registration caused by the substitution
of initials instead of the first or middle names, or both, shall not invalidate the signature on the petition if the surname and handwriting are the
same.
/) Signatures, including the original, of any person who has signed a petition two or more times shall be stricken.
http: // apps .leg.wa.gov /RCW /default.aspx ?cite= 35.21.005 10/23/2006
RCW 35.21.005: Sufficiency of petitions. Page 2 of 2
(8) Signatures followed by a date of signing which is more than six months prior to the date of filing of the petition shall be stricken.
,) When petitions are required to be signed by the owners of property, the determination shall be made by the county assessor. Where
vandation of signatures to the petition is required, the following shall apply:
(a) The signature of a record owner, as determined by the records of the county auditor, shall be sufficient without the signature of his or
her spouse;
(b) In the case of mortgaged property, the signature of the mortgagor shall be sufficient, without the signature of his or her spouse;
(c) In the case of property purchased on contract, the signature of the contract purchaser, as shown by the records of the county auditor,
shall be deemed sufficient, without the signature of his or her spouse;
(d) Any officer of a corporation owning land within the area involved who is duly authorized to execute deeds or encumbrances on behalf
of the corporation, may sign on behalf of such corporation, and shall attach to the petition a certified excerpt from the bylaws of such
corporation showing such authority;
(e) When property stands in the name of a deceased person or any person for whom a guardian has been appointed, the signature of the
executor, administrator, or guardian, as the case may be, shall be equivalent to the signature of the owner of the property; and
(f) When a parcel of property is owned by multiple owners, the signature of an owner designated by the multiple owners is sufficient.
(10) The officer or officers responsible for determining the sufficiency of the petition shall do so in writing and transmit the written certificate
to the officer with whom the petition was originally filed.
[2003 c 331 § 8; 1996 c 286 § 6.1
Notes:
Intent -- Severability -- Effective date -- 2003 c 331: See notes following RCW 35.13.410.
http: // apps.l eg .wa.gov /RCW /default.aspx ?cite= 35.21.005 10/23/2006
Average Monthly Salaries -- 10 Comparable Jurisdictions
•
Vancouver
Bellevue
Federal Way
Yakima
Lakewood
Kennewick
Shoreline
Kirkland
Olympia
Richland
Average Monthly Salary
Spokane Valley
Population
Mayor
Dep. Myr
Councilor
145,300
$1,885
$1,260
$1,260
111,500
1,950
1,650
1,650
83,890
1,375
1,075
1,075
73,040
1,044
800
696
58,190
900
700
700
55,780
1,191
1,091
992
53,421
875
700
700
45,770
950
650
650
42,530
933
739
656
39,350
1,125
875
875
$1,223
$954
$925
$500 $400 $400
Washington -- New Incorporations (Since 1986)
All non - charter code cities
November 14, 2006
REB
Incorporation
Initial
Form of
City
County
Date
Population
Government
Covington
King
8/31/1997
12,900
Council - Manager
Edgewood
Pierce
2/28 -1996
10,534
Council - Manager
Federal Way
King
2/28/1990
58,000
Council - Manager
Kenmore
King
8/31/1998
17,168
Council - Manager
Lakewood
Pierce
2/28/1996
62,786
Council- Manager
Liberty Lake
Spokane
8/31/2001
3,265
Mayor - Council
Maple Valley
King
8/31/1997
11,964
Council- Manager
Newcastle
King
9/30/1994
8,052
Council- Manager
Sammamish
King
8/31/1999
26,200
Council - Manager
SeaTac
King
2/28/1990
22,701
Council - Manager
Shoreline
King
8/31/1995
48,195
Council - Manager
Spokane Valley
Spokane
8/31/2003'
82,135
Council - Manager
University Place
Pierce
8/31/1995
28,751
Council- Manager
Woodinville
King
3/31/1993
9,407
Council- Manager
All non - charter code cities
November 14, 2006
REB
RCWs Title 35A Chapter 35A.13 > Section 35A.13.040
35A.13.035 << 35A.13.040 >> 35A.13.050
RCW 35A.13.040
Compensation of councilmen — Expenses. -
The salaries of the councilmen, including the mayor, shall be fixed by ordinance and may
be revised from time to time by ordinance, but any increase or reduction in the
compensation attaching to an office shall not become effective until the expiration of the
term then being served by the incumbent: PROVIDED, That compensation of councilmen
may not be increased or diminished after their election nor may the compensation of the
mayor be increased or diminished after the mayor has been chosen by the council.
Until councilmen of a newly - organized council- manager code city may lawfully be
paid as provided by salary ordinance, such councilmen shall be entitled to compensation
in the same manner and in the same amount as councilmen of such city prior to the
adoption of this council - manager plan.
Until a salary ordinance can be passed and become effective as to elective officers of a
newly incorporated code city, the first councilmen shall be entitled to compensation as
follows: In cities having less than five thousand inhabitants -- twenty dollars per meeting
for -not more- than two meetings per month; in cities having more than five thousand but - -- --
less than fifteen thousand inhabitants -- a salary of one hundred and fifty dollars per
calendar month; in cities having more than fifteen thousand inhabitants -- a salary of four
hundred dollars per calendar month. A councilman who is occupying the position of
mayor, in addition to his salary as a councilman, shall be entitled, while serving as mayor,
to an additional amount per calendar month, or portion thereof, equal to twenty-five
percent of the councilmanic salary: PROVIDED, That such interim compensation shall
remain in effect only until a salary ordinance is passed and becomes effective as to such
officers, and the compensation provided herein shall not be construed as fixing the usual
_. ......_ ._.compensation of such officers. Councilmen. shall receive reimbursement.for.their actual
and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of the duties of their office, or the
council by ordinance may provide for a per diem allowance. Procedure for approval of
claims for expenses shall be as provided by ordinance.
[1979 ex.s. c 18 § 25; 1967 ex.s. c 119§ 35A.13.040 .1
Notes:
Severability - -1979 ex.s. c 18: See note following RCW 35A.01.070
V alley News Herald 9/15/06
Commission to study possible wage increase for Valley Council
By CHARLIE PLUMB
StafWriter
If Spokane Valley Council Wnnber Bill
Gotnnan's a perierne is common among other
members of the City Council, minimum wage for
the hours they put in would be it dream Conte hve.
Outhman's revelation came after the council
approved the first reading of,n ordinance creating
an independcnfsadary commission to study wench
wages and make reconlrendntions for possible
increases. Currently, each of the council mv.itl;en
earn $400 per month, while due mayor is paid $600
per inouth for the limo they spend raring the
city,
Got nian said that ticevcrages a little more Limn
118 hours a month, nneaning that iris snlary lvottd
be $3.38 per hour.
In the past, council membershaveheen reluctant
to talk about their wages. After till, they ran for the
positions knowing what their wages would be. The
salaries originally set for them were the result of
state law affecting newly Incorporated cities.
A previous salary eommLmion, created in 2004,
hadlecorhmended that salaries be raised to $900
per month fur council member and $1,200 per
mmith for the mayor. one of the comparisons the
cormnission most likely used was with Federal Way
-- where the ptpulation is the closest to Spokane
Valluy.'rhere the mayor made S 1,375 por month at-
that tfirm while erouncil members mccived $1,075.,
When the cmnmisslon's rocorrunendations
v,e!e aired, the disincorporulion Mks, led by Salty
Jaclomm, prctcstu - She gathered 8,200 Agntalures
to force the vote on the nnhGr in 2004, but the
Election Office did not certify the signatures until
it cons too late for that fall's electimt 'rhe council
voted to delay the raises, anyway. and put the
mailer on the ballot the following year.
Valley News Herald 9/22/06
Letters to the Editor
amity Council deserves greater pay
Dear Editor:
1 would liketo use this opportunity
to thank nay marry Spolcvic Valley
friends for their sympathy on the
passing of my wife, Gloria.
As many of your readers may
be aware. Gloria and I worked
for over 20 yaan with Democrats
and Republicans, rich and poor
Young and old, environmentalists
and developers, liberals and
conservatives, to successfully
educate voters in the Valley they
wen subsidizing the nest Of the
county Wore then $13 mdlion more
then die value of the services they
v;cre getting.
They should than seek the right to
vote through the self- doenidraniun
of becuming a city.
State sizo nos prohibited us from
sorting; salaries for dre mayor and
City Council rncmbers.
The salaries the statutes
mandated wore always thought to
be unreasonably low, requiring a
commission to be formed, when
appropriate, to establish conser
votive, reasonable, salaries.
Do not be blindsided by the
demagogues who oppose any
aplxoprittc Sol:uiCS being approved.
Grow smonly!
Age and illness neccewtae i my
nanwa to Chunuroy to live with my
daughter. w I hove no motivation
ono way or another.
Clark Hager
Chattaroy
That vote failed with 67 percent of those voting
saying no to raises. -
*Jackson said she was highly irritated over the
council's decision to seek a pay raise, because she
will be forced to start another petition against it.
"They forget they are service to the people,"
Jackson said. "People did not want the pay raise
and they overwhelmingly voted it down."
Jackson said she has had a number of calls front
those who fought the pay raise in 20M, saying ilhey
thought the earlier petition mid vole wvs the and of
the council's efforts.
A second vote on the is aw is needed hefore the
salary commission is actually cleared. Whom the
council gives its final blessing to the ordinance,
the commission wild have five members appointed
by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council.
Members can have no connection to any city
official. Their felon is for one year.
From Valley News Herald 10/6/06
6 — Spokane Valley News Herald
City to seek Salary
Commission members
By CHARLIE PLUMB
Stafr Writer
Thu City of Spokane Valley
Will be looking for five citizens to
serve on the newly created salary
commission.
The council approved st
ordinance creating an independent
salary commission to review and set
fire salaries of the city, mayor and
council munbe's at their Tomboy
night meeting. The commission
will have five members nppniuted
by the nuyor and con6mtW by de
City Council. they will serve for
one year.
According to Mike Connolly,
city attorney, the conulission cart
recommend the council's ssbutw,
be raised, stay (It, same or even
lowered. A similar cunmitinn.
appointed two years ago had
recommended raises, but that wised
a controversy, which msuttcd in the
issue going to an vleetlon. Voter,
turned down the Time decinivOy
with 67 percmp voting a„ airsa it.
'Despite the previous atlumpt 10
raise wages, the council voted to go
head Wdh (lie commission. Council
Alenbcr Richard Munson said tie
SR.COM 09/13/06
best way to decide wngea for thr
cne -161 is through a conunission,
"The commission of two year.
ago did a good job." Munson said
"They based their decision on an
independent ,nruket analysis. The
council wasn't involved exttpt
to approve the members of the
commission. Th ' is the best wily to
do it. We want an ants length tow
de decision, or or the will be a lot
More conroversy.
Monson suggested that the
mayor consider bvo city eridrs to
ail on rite cornmission.'fbcy would
be Ho,.-,rd .Henn,, and - Sally
lackwn, w'ho led tie eflon to quas
the previous attempt to raise wvge;
on tiro council.
"The issue of cnnp,ocnion
is s volatile issue;` he said':: ,No
minter the IccOl it will always bt
conlrovusiaL" -
Once dm commission makes it
rcc(mrncudoii )im the only win• it
can be uh utgal wndd a rotornm
neti,ion. If opponen,s can get
enough e pultutell to put de issue
to a vOnv, dw salary changes wont
gn inht creci until approval by a
vino oftho people.
Valley to study council pay raise
City may create panel, which would likely recommend
increases
Peter Barnes
Staff writer
September 13, 2006
A little less than a year after voters defeated a proposal to raise Spokane Valley
City Council salaries, the elected body is moving forward to create another salary
commission that would likely recommend higher pay based on rates in other cities.
"I think a lot has changed for us financially and historically," said Councilman Mike
DeVleming, who suggested forming a new salary commission at the Sept. 5 council
meeting.
What's next
The new salary- commission
proposal will get a second and
final reading. If the council
passes it, Jackson said, she
would talk with her network of
supporters to see if people
want to attempt another
referendum.
The city's budget for next year is balanced, many of the financial problems that
rose in the city's first years are now gone, and DeVleming said a higher salary could make serving on the council a
possibility for more people.
Those who opposed the first suggested pay increase, though, say the council is ignoring the will of the voters.
"We had assumed that when it was so overwhelmingly turned down, they would realize that was the will of the people
ey are representing," Sally Jackson said.
In addition to leading efforts to disincorporate the city, Jackson also headed a drive to round up 8,400 signatures in 12
days in 2004 that forced a public vote on the pay increase.
The action at Tuesday's meeting moved the new salary- commission proposal to a second and final reading. If the
council passes it, Jackson said, she would talk with her network of supporters to see if people want to attempt another
referendum.
During the election last November, the raise was defeated 66 percent to 34 percent with 22,826 people voting.
That decision ended a process started in June 2004 when the council appointed the first commission to suggest salaries
for mayor and City Council.
When the city formed, the Legislature set the salaries at the minimum allowed by state law until an independent
commission could be formed to recommend something different. Those salaries, which are still in place, provide $400
per month to each council member and $500 for the mayor.
That amounts to salary costs of $34,800 per year.
The 2007 budget sets aside $88,613 for council salaries and benefits.
Most of that is spent on such benefits as life insurance and health insurance, including dental and vision coverage.
ve on the council take advantage of the medical plan at a total yearly cost of about $41,000, said city spokeswoman
�;arolbelle Branch. Different council members have signed up for different combinations of the other benefits, which take
up the remainder of the balance.
The amount of time it takes to serve on the council can vary dramatically from week to week and goes well beyond the
time spent at the dais during their Tuesday night meetings.
Councilman Bill Gothmann has been keeping tabs on hours he devotes to city - related work since joining the council last
winter. He's devoted about 1,000 hours to council business so far and averaged about 118 hours each month,
according to his electronic organizer.
Based on the council alone, Gothmann and his colleagues have weeks where they earn well below minimum wage on a
per -hour basis.
DeVleming argues that more compensation for that time will open the council up to a more diverse range of people who
would not otherwise be able to afford to spend the hours away from work doing city business.
"It's important that we set up a situation that will encourage future candidates," he said.
SR.COM 09/17/06
Letter: Too many taxes
Jh boy! Here we go again.
Central Valley School District wants $75 million. Spokane Valley City Council wants more money. Spokane Transit
wants millions for a light rail system. Where will it end?
Central Valley moved the adult GED classes from Blake Elementary to the old U -High, that would open up a school
ouilt for kids that could handle 400 more children.
Spokane Valley City Council, you have five members spending $41,000 of taxpayer monies for medical benefits. What
other part-time job pays that kind of insurance for its workers? We have full -time taxpayers with no medical benefits. It is
time for you to get the message.
Spokane Transit, when you can fill the buses instead of running around empty, then you can start thinking of
alternatives.
As taxpayers we need to send a strong message that it ends now.
Malcolm Anderson
Spokane Valley
Salary commission will be formed
Peter Barnes
Staff writer
September 21, 2006
On Tuesday the Spokane Valley City Council unanimously gave the go -ahead to
form a new commission that will evaluate its salary.
.1 similar commission was formed in 2004 and its suggested pay raise was turned
down by voters last November after a referendum led by foes of the city.
"It's always going to be controversial," said Councilman Steve Taylor. But he and
others on the council said they felt a higher salary was important to draw a diverse
pool of future council candidates and to make the office an option for those who
can't afford to take the amount of time away from work that council service
requires.
More information
To apply to serve on the
salary commission, fill out the
form available on the
volunteer opportunities page
of www.spokanevalley.org or
pick one up at City Hall, 11707
E. Sprague Ave.
In a new city, Washington law sets the stipend at $400 per month for council members and $500 per month for the
mayor.
All seven council members also receive some combination of insurance benefits funded by the city that together cost
more on a yearly basis than their salaries combined.
Once a city is established, the law then outlines a process for an appointed commission to determine what the salaries
should be based on similar Washington city councils.
"They based their recommendations and decisions on an independent market analysis," Taylor said.
A salary commission recommendation becomes law unless enough signatures are collected to place the item on the
ballot.
- )ne person testified against the ordinance forming the commission.
" I think you deserve more money, but I want to see you make the decision, not a commission," said Planning
Commissioner Bob Blum.
better process, he said, would be for the council to decide to change the salary by resolution, hold a public hearing
and vote on it with the caveat that the change would not take effect until after the next election.
Council members maintained their support of the commission process and took the first step toward soliciting potential
commission members.
Councilman Rich Munson said that Howard Herman and Sally Jackson should apply to be on the commission. Both
worked to gather the signatures that put the last commission's recommendations on the ballot, and Jackson has led
efforts to disincorporate the city.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY, SPOKANE COUNTY,
WASHINGTON, CREATING AN INDEPENDENT SALARY COMMISSION TO REVIEW AND
SET THE SALARIES OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS; AND PROVIDING
FOR OTHER MATTERS PROPERLY RELATED THERETO.
WHEREAS, it serves the interests of the City to have a separate, independent commission to
establish the future salaries of the Mayor and City Council; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature through RCW Chapter 35.21, authorizes cities,
towns and counties to create an independent salary commission to set the salaries of elected officials; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 35.21.015, the action fixing the salary by a commission
supersedes any other provision of City ordinance related to the fixing of salaries for elected officials.
follows:
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Spokane Valley, Washington ordains as
Section 1 Independent Salary Commission.
A. Creation of Independent Salary Commission There is hereby established for the City of
Spokane Valley an Independent Salary Commission, for a period of one year.
B. Purpose The purpose of the Independent Salary Commission shall be to review and
establish the salaries of the Mayor and the Councilmembers.
C. Composition The Independent Salary Commission shall consist of five (5) members
appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.
D. Compensation The Independent Salary Commission shall serve without compensation.
E. Term The term of appointment is one (1) year.
F. Qualifications
1. 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 of
Spokane Valley for at least one (l) year immediately preceding such appointment
and while serving on the Commission, and a registered voter in Spokane County.
2. No officer, official, or employee of the City or any of their immediate family
members may serve on the 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.
Ordinance 06 -021 Salary Commission
Page 1 of 4
Section 2 Referendum.
A. Salary Schedule subject to Referendum Petition
1. The Commission's adopted salary schedule shall be subject to referendum
petition by the people of the City. A petition must be filed with the City Clerk
within thirty (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.
2. Referendum measures under this section shall be submitted to the voters of the
City at the next following general or municipal election occurring thirty (30) days
or more after the petition is filed, and shall be otherwise governed by the
provisions of the State Constitution or other laws generally applicable to
referendum measures.
B. 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.
C. 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.
D. 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.
Section 3. Severability.
If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance should be held to be invalid or
unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect
the validity or constitutionality of any other section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance.
Section 4. Effective Date.
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days after publication of this Ordinance
or a summary thereof in the official newspaper of the City as provided by law.
Ordinance 06 -021 Salary Commission Page 3 of 4
POWERS AND DUTIES OF MAYOR, DEPUTY MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS:
RCW 35A.13.020
Election of councilmen -- Eligibility -- Terms -- Vacancies -- Forfeiture of office -- Council
chairman.
In council- manager code cities, eligibility for election to the council, the manner of electing
councilmen, the numbering of council positions, the terms of councilmen, the occurrence and the
filling of vacancies, the grounds for forfeiture of office, and appointment of a mayor pro tempore
or deputy mayor or councilman pro tempore shall be governed by the corresponding provisions
of RCW 35A.12.030 35A.12.040 35A.12.050 35A.12.060 and 35A.12.065 relating to the
council of a code city organized under the mayor - council plan, except that in council- manager
cities where all council positions are at -large positions, the city council may, pursuant to RCW
35A.13.033 provide that the person elected to council position one shall be the council chairman
and shall carry out the duties prescribed by RCW 35A.13.030
RCW 35A.13.030
Mayor -- Election -- Chairman to be mayor -- Duties.
Biennially at the first meeting of the new council the members thereof shall choose a chairman
from among their number unless the chairman is elected pursuant to RCW 35A.13.033 The
chairman of the council shall have the title of mayor and shall preside at meetings of the council.
In addition to the powers conferred upon him as mayor, he shall continue to have all the rights,
privileges, and immunities of a member of the council. The mayor shall be recognized as the
head of the city for ceremonial purposes and by the governor for purposes of military law. He
shall have no regular administrative duties, but in time of public danger or emergency, if so
authorized by ordinance, shall take command of the police, maintain law, and enforce
order.
RCW 35A.13.035
Mayor pro tempore or deputy mayor.
Biennially at the first meeting of a new council, or periodically, the members thereof, by
majority vote, may designate one of their number as mayor pro tempore or deputy mayor for
such period as the council may specify, to serve in the absence or temporary disability of the
mayor; or, in lieu thereof, the council may, as the need may arise, appoint any qualified person to
serve as mayor pro tempore in the absence or temporary disability of the mayor. In the event of
the extended excused absence or disability of a councilman, the remaining members by majority
vote may appoint a councilman pro tempore to serve during the absence or disability.
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.I I RCW, except insofar as such power and authority
is vested in the city manager.
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.11.030
Applicability of general law.
Powers of eminent domain, borrowing, taxation, and the granting of franchises may be exercised
by the legislative bodies of code cities in the manner provided in this title or by the general law
of the state where not inconsistent with this title; and the duties to be performed and the
procedure to be followed by such cities in regard to the keeping of accounts and records, official
bonds, health and safety and other matters not specifically provided for in this title, shall be
governed by the general law. For the purposes of this title, "the general law" means any
provision of state law, not inconsistent with this title, enacted before or after the passage of this
title which is by its terms applicable or available to all cities or towns.
RCW 35A.11.040
Intergovernmental cooperation and action.
The legislative body of a code city may exercise any of its powers or perform any of its functions
including purchasing, and participate in the financing thereof, jointly or in cooperation, as
provided for in chapter 39.34 RCW. The legislative body of a code city shall have power to
accept any gift or grant for any public purpose and may carry out any conditions of such gift or
grant when not in conflict with state or federal law.
RCW 35A.11.050
Statement of purpose and policy.
The general grant of municipal power conferred by this chapter and this title on legislative
bodies of noncharter code cities and charter code cities is intended to confer the greatest power
of local self - government consistent with the Constitution of this state and shall be construed
liberally in favor of such cities. Specific mention of a particular municipal power or authority
contained in this title or in the general law shall be construed as in addition and supplementary
to, or explanatory of the powers conferred in general terms by this chapter.
RCW 35A.11.060
Participation in Economic Opportunity Act programs.
The legislative body of any city or town is hereby authorized and empowered in its discretion by
resolution or ordinance passed by a majority of the legislative body, to take whatever action it
deems necessary to enable the city or town to participate in the programs set forth in the
Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 (Public Law 88 -452; 78 Stat. 508), as amended. Such
RCW 35A.11.100
Initiative and referendum -- Exercise of powers.
Except as provided in RCW 35A.11.090 and except that the number of registered voters needed
to sign a petition for initiative or referendum shall be fifteen percent of the total number of
names of persons listed as registered voters within the city on the day of the last preceding city
general election, the powers of initiative and referendum in noncharter code cities shall be
exercised in the manner set forth for the commission form of government in RCW 35.17.240
through 35.17.360, as now or hereafter amended.
RCW 35A.11.110
Members of legislative bodies authorized to serve as volunteer fire fighters or reserve law
enforcement officers. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the legislative body of any
code city, by resolution adopted by a two - thirds vote of the full legislative body, may authorize
any of its members to serve as volunteer fire fighters or reserve law enforcement officers, or
both, and to receive the same compensation, insurance and other benefits as are applicable to
other volunteer fire fighters or reserve law enforcement officers employed by the code city.
RCW 35A.11.200
Criminal code repeal by city operating municipal court -- Agreement covering costs of
handling resulting criminal cases -- Arbitration. A code city operating a municipal court may
not repeal in its entirety that portion of its municipal code defining crimes unless the
municipality has reached an agreement with the appropriate county under chapter 39.34 RCW
under which the county is to be paid a reasonable amount for costs associated with prosecution,
adjudication, and sentencing in criminal cases filed in district court as a result of the repeal. The
agreement shall include provisions for periodic review and renewal of the terms of the
agreement. If the municipality and the county are unable to agree on the terms for renewal of the
agreement, they shall be deemed to have entered into an agreement to submit the issue to
arbitration under chapter 7.04 RCW. Pending conclusion of the arbitration proceeding, the terms
of the agreement shall remain in effect. The municipality and the county have the same rights
and are subject to the same duties as other parties who have agreed to submit to arbitration under
chapter 7.04 RCW.
RCW 35A.11.210
Juvenile curfews.
(1) Any code city has the authority to enact an ordinance, for the purpose of preserving the
public safety or reducing acts of violence by or against juveniles that are occurring at such rates
as to be beyond the capacity of the police to assure public safety, establishing times and
conditions under which juveniles may be present on the public streets, in the public parks, or in
any other public place during specified hours.
(2) The ordinance shall not contain any criminal sanctions for a violation of the ordinance.
2.10.020
Chapter 2.10
SALARIES AND POSITION
CLASSIFICATION
2_.10.010..: Salary levels established.
A. Council Members. Each city council mem-
her shall be entitled to receive a salary of $400.00
per month, payable on the last day of each calendar
month, unless said day is a. holiday or weekend,
then said salary shall be paid the Friday.before the
last day of the month.
B. Mayor. The mayor shall be entitled to a sal -
ary per month, which is 25 percent
greater, than council- member salaries, payable_ on
the last day of each calendar. month, unless said day
is a holiday or weekend, then said salary shall be
paid the Friday before the last day of the month.
C. Adjustment by Independent Salary Comis
Sion If City',s independent salary commission
establishes a salary schedule for the mayor an
council members, those salaries will take effect at
the times, in the amounts, and under the conditions
established in the schedule as provided, by law.
(Ord. 04018 1, 2004).
Sections:
2.10.020
Salary levels established.
2.10.020
Independent salary commission.
2_.10.010..: Salary levels established.
A. Council Members. Each city council mem-
her shall be entitled to receive a salary of $400.00
per month, payable on the last day of each calendar
month, unless said day is a. holiday or weekend,
then said salary shall be paid the Friday.before the
last day of the month.
B. Mayor. The mayor shall be entitled to a sal -
ary per month, which is 25 percent
greater, than council- member salaries, payable_ on
the last day of each calendar. month, unless said day
is a holiday or weekend, then said salary shall be
paid the Friday before the last day of the month.
C. Adjustment by Independent Salary Comis
Sion If City',s independent salary commission
establishes a salary schedule for the mayor an
council members, those salaries will take effect at
the times, in the amounts, and under the conditions
established in the schedule as provided, by law.
(Ord. 04018 1, 2004).
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
INDEPENDENT SALARY COMMISSION
Final Report: August 2, 2004
Members:
• Dave Gregory, Chair
• Rod Grondel, Vice Chair
• Diane Brown
• Frankie DeWitt
• Michele Eickerman
• Jim Huttenmeier, Alternate
• Nina Regor, Deputy City Manager, Staff Liaison
The Commission sent a questionnaire to City Council, soliciting information about the
work they did as elected officials. Appendix IV provides a copy of the questionnaire.
All seven Council members responded. See below for a description of Council roles and
responsibilities.
The Commission held public meetings, and the City posted the meeting agendas and
meeting summaries on its web site. Commission members also conducted interviews
with the media, who agreed to run articles requesting public input. In addition, some of
the members distributed a mini - survey, and randomly asked general citizens their opinion
on a fair salary for the Mayor and Council. See Appendix II for a summary of public
input results.
Each Commission member crafted a preliminary proposal. The Commission as a whole
discussed the five proposals and reached consensus on a final salary schedule.
Council Roles and Resnonsibilities
The Salary Commission was surprised to discover how much time the Mayor and
Council spend on City business. They were not alone. As they spoke with members of
the community, the Commission found that in general, citizens are unaware of the
amount of time involved in being a City of Spokane Valley elected official.
On average, the Mayor of Spokane Valley devotes 30 — 32 hours per week for Council
commitments, plus an additional 10 — 20 hours per month for community commitments.
The Deputy Mayor devotes 20 — 25 hours per week for Council commitments, and 12 —
32 hours per month for additional community commitments. The remaining five
Councilors devote 18 — 45 hours per week for Council commitments, along with 5 — 80
hours per month for additional community commitments.
There are typically two regular Council meetings and two study sessions per month.
These meetings last two to three hours each. In addition to the meeting attendance, the
Mayor and Council prepare for each meeting by reading the material and sometimes
following up in advance with questions they may have.
In their role as policy makers for the City, they need to stay informed on issues such as
provision of public services; land use and zoning; level of taxation and spending; and
regional, state and federal legislative proposals.
In addition to these regular commitments, Council members represent the City's interests
on various regional Boards and Commissions. For instance, Councilors are currently
Board members of the Spokane Transit Authority, the 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 Councilor serving on the Board of the
Association of Washington Cities, and on the National League of Cities Information &
Technology Committee.
Page 3 of 13
such as at work, at the grocery store and at church. The Commission members feel this
accessibility is important to the community, and want it to continue.
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 stipend than they currently
receive, for the significant impact to their personal lives and that of their families.
The Commission looked at other benefits offered to the Mayor and Council, and the fact
that the City does not offer them a retirement benefit. They weighed this information as
they developed the proposal; however, they recognized that the scope of their work was
limited to the salary.
Looking at the ten comparable cities, the proposed salary schedule is less than the
average monthly salary for the Mayor and the Council members, and slightly above
average for the Deputy Mayor. It should be noted that only three of the seven cities paid
a different amount to the Deputy Mayor, than to their Council members. However, in
Spokane Valley's case, the Deputy Mayor does carry responsibilities in addition to that of
the Council members.
Salary Schedule Proposal
The Spokane Valley Independent Salary Commission proposes the following salary
schedule for the City of Spokane Valley Mayor and Council:
Position Current Monthly Proposed Monthly
Sala Salary
Mayor 11 $1
D eputy 11 $1
Councilor 11 `11
The Commission recommends no automatic annual cost of living increase.
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 Submitted,
Dave Gregory,
Chair of the Spokane Valley Independent Salary Commission
Page 5 of 13
APPENDIX II: Summary of Public Input Results
The Salary Commission took both a proactive and reactive approach to seeking
public input. Among the reactive approaches were the following:
The meeting agendas and minutes were published on the City web site.
The Commission meetings were held in a public setting, with public input
allowed at the beginning and the end of each meeting. A total of four
people attended the meetings.
In order to proactively seek public input, the Commission took the following
additional steps:
Conducted interviews with the media to encourage citizens to call, e-mail
or write letters to the City to voice their opinions. As a result of the media
coverage, the City received thirteen e- mails, one mailed letter and eleven
telephone calls. Seven people spoke in favor of an increase, and eighteen
opposed an increase, at least at this time.
Developed and handed out a brief written survey. About 35 responded,
and all respondents favored a salary increase for the Mayor and Council.
Asked individuals with whom they came in contact. Almost 100
individuals offered their opinion. The general feeling was surprise that so
much time and work was involved in the completion of their jobs. Every
person supported the idea of an increase in the payment of the Mayor, the
Deputy Mayor and the Council to a level that would retain people of
integrity and quality for the positions.
The Salary Commission members observed that people were more likely to support a
salary increase using one of the two direct communication approaches. The direct
approaches gave the Commission members the opportunity to describe the Mayor and
Council's responsibilities, and to tell them what the Council was currently being paid.
Virtually all of the citizens using these approaches supported some form of salary
increase. By contrast, about 28% of those who offered their opinions by telephone, e-
mail or letter supported an increase.
Page 7 of 13
Meeting Summaries, continued
SPOKANE VALLEY INDEPENDENT SALARY COMMISSION
Spokane Valley City Hall
Council Chambers, 4:30 p.m.
June 30, 2004 — Meeting Summary
Commission Members Present: Diane Brown; Frankie DeWitt; Michele Eickerman;
Dave Gregory; Rod Grondel
Staff Present: Nina Regor, Deputy City Manager
Summary of Meeting:
The meeting began at 4:30 p.m. The Commission chose Dave Gregory as Chair, and Rod
Grondel as Vice Chair.
During the first public comment period, Bob Blum provided some general background
comments.
The Commission reviewed and made no changes to the summary of the June 16 meeting.
The Commission reviewed and discussed various background documents, including
RCW 35A; a table of information on comparable cities (chosen at the last meeting using
population as a guide); information on the City of Vancouver's Salary; Commission; and
survey responses from Spokane Valley Council members. They requested information
on retirement and other benefits available to the Spokane Valley City Council.
Given the short timeframe of the task force, they agreed to each craft a proposal and
submit it by Wednesday morning, July 7. The proposal would address salary for the
Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councilors, and provide input on an escalator clause. Along
with the proposal, Commission members will describe how they came to their proposal,
i.e., what factors were most important to them in drawing a conclusion. Staff will
compile the information and provide it at the next meeting.
During the second public comment period, Bob Blum expressed how important it would
be for the Commission to describe the rationale behind its recommendations.
The next meeting was scheduled for July 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the 2 nd Floor Conference
Room at the Spokane Valley City Hall site (11707 E. Sprague Ave.).
The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Page 9 of 13
The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday July 20 at 4:30 p.m. in the 2 nd Floor
Conference Room at Spokane Valley City Hall (11707 E. Sprague Ave.).
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Page 11 of 13
APPENDIX IV: Council Questionnaire
Spokane Valley Mayor & Council Survey of
Roles and Responsibilities
Name:
Please summarize your role and responsibilities as Mayor/Deputy
Mayor /Councilor of Spokane Valley.
Are there written guidelines for your role and responsibilities and, if so, do you
feel you're doing anything outside of those guidelines?
About how many hours per week would you say you spend fulfilling the
commitments of the Mayor/Deputy Mayor /Councilor?
Are there other community expectations you feel you do or should meet (for
example, participation at community events; membership in community
organizations, such as the Chamber of Commerce; volunteer work outside of
Council)?
If so, what is the time commitment for that participation?
Are there any other comments you feel the Commission should take into
consideration as it compares the work of Spokane Valley's elected officials with
those of other cities?
Page 13 of 13