Minutes 2006 1204 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES Pnge 12 City ofSn~l_Leandro City CouIlcil nnd S'.l.n Leandro Redevelopl~:lent Agency Joint Meeting_-ncccmbcr 4, 2006 provided clarification on the description and location of the property and confirmed that it is related to the Eden Road improvernent plan. M/S/C Grant and Santos. Ayes: 7; Noes: 0 8.(;. Matter of Consideration of Ordinances Increasing City Council Salaries. Councilmember Stephens expressed conlldence that the City Council would demonstrate positive leadership and a good example to the community. He commented on his recent dissenting vote on the restoration of several budget items which he wanted but felt the City could not afford. Councilmember Stcphens made a motion to pass to print the ordinance with an amendment to the wording of Section 3 of the ordinance to read," Sec!ion I or this ordinance shall not be operative until such time as a balanced City budget is approved by the City Council. A balanced budget shall reflect revenues and expenditures that will be equal, without the use or reserves to fund ongoing expenses." The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nardine, Mayor Young noted that the City Council salaries are set according to the provisions of the Government Code and can only be increased every two years by a Council that will not be subject 10 the salary increase. She stated that while she agrees with COllncilnrember Stephens in principle, these other (actors should be considered, COllncilmember Nardine asked why the matter was not brought to the Council two years ago, which was the last time it was eligible to be considered. Mayor Young commented that prior to the 2004 election, she understood that the matter had to have been proposed by an outgoing Council member, and it did not happen. Mayor Young indicated that since that time, she has learned that any Councilmember may bring the matter forward. Councilmember Nardine questioned why the matter is coming to the Council at this late date and on the Consent Calendar. She commented that to her knowledge, the item was not placed on the agenda by a mctnber of the Council. City Manager Jermanis commented that in 2004, Council salary increases were not considered because the City was going through budget difficulties, and employees were asked to forego pay increases. I Ie stated that he placed the item on the Consent Calendar because he [elt the Council might fInd it awkward to initiate such an ac!ion. Mr. Jermanis noted that the City is now in an improved financial position, and City employees will receive a raise in January 2007. If the Council does not adjust salaries now, in two years the increase will be 30%. Mr. Jcrmanis suggested that the Council have future discussions on the matter and that the matter come back to the Council regularly every two years lor consideration. He indicated that the City Charter provides that the City Council will receive increases in the same manner as a general law city and the Government Code allows City Council salaries in general law cities to increase by 5% annually. However, if the Council docs not act now, it must wait two years for the next opportunity.