COWM20090414
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – CITY OF MUSKEGO approved 4/28/2009
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2009
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:19 p.m. and led those present in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Johnson, Ald. Snead, Borgman, Werner, Schneider, Schaefer, and Deputy Clerk
Blenski. Also present were Mr. Dan Christiansen (presenting the Fire Fighter Retention
issue, retired member from the New Berlin Fire Department), Jeff Verburgt, and Chairman
of the Board of Directors for the Tess Corners Fire Department and Carl Wojnowski, Fire
Chief. Ald Fiedler arrived at 6:22 p.m. Ald. Pavelko arrived at 6:52 p.m.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
Deputy Clerk Blenski stated that the meeting had been noticed in accordance with the
Open Meeting Law.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
There were no issues with the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ald. Snead moved to approve minutes, of the March 24, 2009 meeting. Ald. Borgman
seconded; motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Ald. Schaefer stated that she would abstain from the discussion and voting because of a
family member who could benefit from the Fire Fighter Retention issue.
1. Fire Fighter Retention (Mr. Dan Christiansen) gave a presentation regarding the
Fire Fighter Retention Proposal, if approved, effective 1/1/2009. Mayor Johnson
said this program is recommended by the Fire/Rescue Service Commission and
would encourage the volunteers to stay with the fire department. Ald. Werner
thanked the fire department for their service and is in support of this program. Ald.
Snead asked Chief Wojnowski and Mr. Jeff Verburgt what the response from the
membership was on the retention issue? Mr. Jeff Verburgt responded that the
membership of the fire department was positive and would like for this to move
forward. Mr. Dan Christiansen recommends the Penflex Plan. The consensus of
the committee was to go with the Penflex Plan and budget $20,000.00 annually.
Mayor Johnson summarized the fire fighter length of service award. Mr. Verburgt
questioned the amount proposed to be spent. He stated the more senior members
should receive more than the proposed amount. Ald. Fiedler stated that the
“entitlement mentality” and the “negotiation aspect” should be addressed. Ald.
Werner suggested that the fire department review the proposals and submit
something back to the City. Mayor will put this item on the next COW agenda.
2. Salary Survey (Mayor Johnson) continued the discussion from the last COW
meeting. The final draft of the study was discussed. There was general
agreement to send it to the council for approval. Mayor apologized for not writing
Committee of the Whole Page 2
an additional memo in conjunction with the first memo. A policy regarding
promotions needs to be implemented. Mayor Johnson recommends a 35% spread
between ranges. The consensus is to approve the five recommendations as
written in the Mayor’s memo dated March 20, 2009. (Memo was distributed with
the March 24, 2009 agenda and minutes.) The Mayor will have a Resolution at the
next Common Council meeting to adopt it.
ADJOURNMENT
Ald. Snead moved to adjourn at 7:28 p.m. Seconded by Ald. Fiedler, motion carried
unanimously.
Claire Lederhaus
Executive Assistant