Council Raises

June 9, 2015:  Council voted on council raises last night. Karen Lieske and Tom Henderson held fast to their beliefs. Lieske cited people in our city struggling and she remains opposed to the increases as she did 2 years ago. Henderson was opposed to the way the entire issue was handled. Dave Tadych was visibly upset by the opposition.

The ordinance on first read June 1, had to be decided on emergency reading June 8 because of the filing deadline for council candidates, which is tomorrow, Wednesday June 10.

2 council members were absent. Henderson called for discussion. There had to be 4 in favor for the ordinance to pass. Once we had the clarification Henderson said “In that case I move to amend by reading…” He put together a secondary motion on top of the primary motion proposing a 1.5% increase instead of 2%. The vote on this motion to amend failed.

The Mayor stated that Law Director Ebert recommended the 2% be approved. After approval, individual council members would be allowed to decide to reduce the amount on their own or council could collectively decide to reduce the amounts. This was advised being sensitive to Mrs. Lieske and Mr. Henderson’s point of view, yet, not to penalize the other council members.

Ordinance 15-44 – Fixing the Salary of the President and Members of Council was voted down. Clark, Lee and Tadych vote yes. Lieske and Henderson vote no.

The Mayor places a call to Ebert. Tadych can be heard asking “Can I introduce one for 1.75?” The amendment could not be reconsidered at this meeting and by the next meeting it would be too late – past the June 10 deadline. Once the Mayor’s call with Ebert ends, Tadych announces he is going to introduce an amendment to that. Mr. Henderson tells him he cannot, but he wants to and Mr. Henderson calls “point of order”*. There can be no further motion because it has already been voted on and there is nothing else on the agenda. Mr. Tadych is heard saying “This is ridiculous.”

Karen Lieske and Tom Henderson were a joy to watch and listen to. If you were among those that did not want council to receive increases, thank them when you see them.

(*point of order - A point of order can be raised at any time when any member notices a violation of the rules. – Robert’s Rules of Order)

June 22, 2015: To elaborate on Mr. Henderson and Mrs. Lieske’s points regarding the 2% pay increase for council (which did not pass): “The people on Social Security are getting 1.7%; I just can’t vote for a 2% raise for the next four years in this environment under those conditions. I would welcome a 1.5% series of numbers.” “Mr. Henderson stated that it is his opinion that we have market rates, just like these $100 rates that nobody is willing to bid less than to do these jobs of mowing. That is a market set rate.”

Mrs. Lieske: “In terms of looking at residents and some of the issues our residents are facing that could be costing them some money in terms of fees and what happens in the Bruce/Douglas area. We have the other area where the homes are in need of help and rehabilitation. Those aren’t even in my ward but I look at what our residents are facing. It is part time, even though it is a lot of time, I just can’t accept additional revenue when I am looking at what they are having to face.”

(Taken from Committee Session Minutes 6/8/15)