2000-05-15 Special Called Workshop Meeting

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City Council Minutes 5-15-00 — Page 4 Eligible dependents include: your lawful spouse who is legally married to and living with you; natural children; stepchildren; children who, before reaching the age of 18, are either adopted by you or placed in your home for adoption; or other children for whom you have care, custody and control under court decree. A dependent child must be unmarried and rely on you for primary support and maintenance. Dependent children remain eligible until age 19, or until age 25 if enrolled as a full-time student in a university, college, vocational or secondary school. A dependent child under the age of 25 who has graduated from a university, college, vocational or secondary school but has not become gainfully employed will be covered for an additional 2 months from graduation. Council requested Mr. Rigby provide examples when he brings the final plan back to City Council for adoption. C. DISCUSS SALARY FOR NON CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES City Manger Robert T. Herrera informed City Council staff had conducted an in-house salary survey for non civil service positions this past year. Approximately 80% of the positions are non civil service. That represents about 300 full time positions. The survey indicated the City of La Porte had fallen behind in the entry level of salaries. The City compares itself to neighboring surrounding cities and has taken the approach to be in the top one-third of the group. I have provided the City Council with a number is proposed as an across the board increase. The cost is detailed in the packet provided to you. The funding costs could be covered 80% in house and the difference to be taken from the contingency fund. Mr. Herrera requested the Council to consider salary increases as proposed for the non civil service employees below the Assistant Director level. To implement this proposal it would cost the City approximately $148,000 from the general fund (approximately 801/6). The total cost of the program for five different divisions of the City (Utility Fund, Sylvan Beach Fund, Vehicle Maintenance Fund, and Golf Course Fund) would be approximately $201,000. In past years adjustments have been made to civil service employees so it is not being recommended they receive an increase at this time. Adjustments received have been larger than what is being recommended to Council this evening. The pay plan the City is currently working with is over twenty (20) years old. I will be recommending in the upcoming budget for assistance to look at the entire pay plan for the City of LaPorte. Director of Administrative Services Louis Rigby provided Council with an overview of the survey results provided in packet. Council directed City Manager to proceed forward with the 6% salary increase effective June 1, 2000 and fund through a budget amendment. D. DISCUSS FUTURE FIRE MARSHAL, SURVEY CREW, AND METER READERS OFFICE SPACE Item D was discussed before item C. Mr. Hen -era presented the summary and recommendation proposing the City consider leasing the "Old Entex Building" located at 120 South Second Street for additional office space. This office space could be utilized by the Fire Marshal's Office, survey crews and meter readers. Council directed the City to enter into negotiations to enter in a lease of the building.