HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-02-22 CRC MINSMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY OF CHULA VISTA
CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
February 22, 1999 City Attorney's Conference Room 4:30 p.m.
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MEMBERS PRESENT: John Dorso, Deric Prescott, Bob Campbell,
Harriet Acton, David Potter, Jack Blakely and
Barbara McAllister
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: City Attorney John M. Kaheny
The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m.
1. Roll Call.
The roll was called and all members were present.
2. Approval of Minutes.
MSUC. (Campbell/Acton) to approve the minutes of January 11, 1999 as
presented.
(Item 5 was moved up on the agenda)
S. Report by City Attorney John M. Kaheny.
As part of San Diego's Charter Review, the City Attorney noted
there is a move toward a strong Mayor form of government. The
salaries of the Mayor and Councilmembers are under consideration
because of the inability to attract good candidates at the local
level. Many recent candidates either have money or are using the
office as a political stepping stone to future jobs.
3. Mayor's Salary Proposal.
The Commission reviewed the League of California Cites Mayor and
Councilmember Salary and Benefits Survey from 1994. It was noted
the salaries are all over the map and only five cities have
automatic increases.
In response to Commissioner Blakely's inquiry as to how Mayor's
salary increased from $37,200 to $46,210, the 1992 Council
resolution showed the increases from 1988-1991. Along with all
employees, the Mayor and Council were given a 3% raise effective
1/1/99. Member Prescott calculated if Mayor had been given an
increase every year since 1988, her salary would presently be
$53,714.
tea.
Charter Review Commission Minutes
February 22, 1999
Page 2
If it's a bad year, Council will generally avoid raises for
political reasons with a tendency not to raise their salaries.
Chair Dorso inquired if Mayor Horton's successor could receive the
higher salary if desired. A legal argument could be made for the
higher salary, but as a practical matter, it probably would not
occur. The Charter states the salary "may" not "shall" be annually
increased, therefore, the Council must take action for the increase
to occur.
Deric Prescott stated in 1996 California judges made $107,309
although they pay their own retirement. If the Mayor/Council's
salaries were tied to a percentage of that figure, the issue would
not be at the feet of the Council and would keep politics out of
the local level.
The City Attorney mentioned the Mayor has a City vehicle which can
raise IRS and liability issues. He cited.a example of the Fire
Chief in San Diego who had an accident and the problems that arose.
The entire benefits package should be considered with a salary and
benefits analysis done. As to benefits, John Dorso noted the Mayor
could possibly be on parody with the City Manager and the
Councilmembers with department heads.
The situation needs to be looked at in totality and Mr. Kaheny
suggested drafting language for a total benefit package (including
retirement) for the Commission to review at its next meeting.
4. Update on Desian Build.'
The City Attorney distributed
presently in the Rules Committe
what Chula Vista might adopt if
Mr. Kaheny asked the Commission
especially the areas of ethical
tions.
6. Public Comments. - None
7. Members' Comments. - None
8. Adjournment.
San Diego's ordinance which is
e in San Diego. It is similar to
we choose to pursue this concept.
to take a look at the ordinance,
ramifications and prequalifica-
MSUC (Potter/Acton) to adjourn the meeting at 5:20 p.m. to the next
meeting on March 15, 1999 at 4:30 p.m.
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Lorraine Kraker, Secretary