HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/18/1995 Work Session
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City of Springfield
Work Session Meeting
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MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF
SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1995
The City of Springfield Council met in Work Session in the Jesse Maine Room, 225 Fifth Street,
Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, September 18, 1995, at 6:02 p.m., with Mayor Morrisette .
presiding.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Morrisette, Councilors Beyer (6:04), Burge, Dahlquist (6:04), Maine and
Shaver (6:03). Also present were Assistant City Manager Gino Grimaldi, City Recorder Eileen
Stein, Administrative Aide Shari Higgins, Management Analyst (Downtown Coordinator)
Cynthia Pappas and members of the staff.
1. Springfield Partnership for Progress
Management Analyst Cynthia Pappas introduced Dan Fleshman, who presented the staff
report on this issue. He explained a task force of downtown property owners and merchants
met in April, 1995, with one purpose, to identify committed individuals that would take
responsibility for organizing the issues of downtown livability. Fourteen individuals agreed
to form such an organization and the Springfield Partnership for Progress was created.
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Mr. Fleshman eXplained since its creation, the Springfield partnership for Progress has drafted
an Action Plan, organized a Clean Up Day which was held on September 17, formed
committees, and invited guests to speak on topics relevant to downtown including the Guides
Program, loitering, pedestrian lighting, and organizational structure. He stated the group's
top priority is making downtown safe and inviting for all.
Councilor Maine stated she supports the group and that success builds on success. She is real
pleased with the group so far and hopes the interest and momentum continues.
Introductions of group members present were made by Mr. Fleshman: Jack and Jean Leniger,
representing the building at 4th and Main Street, Carol Forge, representing Springfield Utility
Board, and Dave Balthrop, representing Larry and Kathy's Restaurant.
Councilor Burge asked how installation of pedestrian lighting should be handled and if there
are opinions by group. He also inquired about developing a color scheme for facade
improvements and input for future changes in the transportation study. Mr. Fleshman replied
options are being explored regarding pedestrian lighting, such as a local improvement district
(Depot District) whereby property owners could be assessed charges for lighting, and the
group will look into other possibilities also. Regarding color schemes, Mr. Fleshman stated
this would happen by group recommendation or consensus only. He would like to see more
downtown people aware of current programs that can assist them in rehabilitation. Regarding
transportation issues, the group has discussed the topics of parking and generation of more
retail traffic to date.
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Mr. Fleshman stated the group will be setting up an application process for people wanting to
join Partnership for Progress.
City of Springfield
Work Session - 9/18/95
Page two
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Councilor Shaver gave the group his congratulations. He said the first step in organizing the
group is the hardest. He stated great things are happening in Springfield and supports the
group's effort.
Councilor Shaver asked if there are items the City Council could address to assist the group in
achieving their goals. There was a discussion regarding keeping the lines of communication
open between the group and the Council.
Mayor Morrisette suggested the group should speak with the Cottage Grove downtown
association who recently undertook a planting project. Mayor Morrisette asked Ms. Pappas if
there are grants for the downtown merchants to make improvements. She replied yes, and
stated the group is currently looking at all types of funding sources.
Councilor Burge stated he is very supportive, and it takes good committed people to establish
a downtown group of this caliber. He discussed positive changes which could be made to the
downtown area and spoke of an educational process which should be addressed as decisions
and options are being reviewed.
Mayor Morrisette asked Mr. Fleshman when the group meets. He replied, every other
Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Morrisette asked Ms. Pappas to let the Council
know specifically when group is meeting through the Communication Packet. Councilor
Burge suggested lending institutions become involved to assist in the funding parts of
rehabilitation programs.
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2. Classification and Compensation Study for Non-Union Employees
Mr. Grimaldi introduced Human Resources Director Frank Hotchkiss who presented the staff
report on this issue. As part of the FY 95/96 Operating Budget, Council directed staff to
conduct a formal review of the classification specifications and salary ranges of the 66 non-
union employees which has not occurred since 1986. He explained such matters are routinely
addressed during labor negotiations for the 273 employees who are members of collective
bargaining units, but not for non-union employees. Mr. Hotchkiss provided background
information regarding the 1987 Council resolution and 1993 policy discussions.
Mr. Hotchkiss reminded the Council that the Budget Committee approved a maximum of
$14,000 to conduct a non-union classification and compensation study. Ifany
implementation costs are recommended by the consultant, they will be addressed in the FY
96/97 budget.
In July, a Request For Proposal (RFP) was issued and a consultant chosen (after proposals
were received by seven companies, five who were interviewed) by the city-wide committee
that is providing administrative direction and representing all departments for the study. The
consultant chosen was Brunner Consulting.
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Mr. Hotchkiss outlined the timeframe for project completion and the employers who were
chosen forcomparison (Resolution 87-06). In addition to the public employers, private sector
employers have also been selected for comparative purposes. Mr. Hotchkiss stated the
Brunner's will provide the city with draft recommendations and then staff will bring any
recommendations before the City Council at the end of November.
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Work Session - 9/18/95
Page three
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Councilor Shaver asked if the surveys have already been sent out. Mr. Hotchkiss replied yes,
and explained the project timeline. Councilor Shaver asked why there is no retail
representation from private companies, only manufacturing companies. Mr. Hotchkiss
explained why the companies included in the study were chosen. He told the Council that
other companies could still be added at this point. There was a discussion regarding how the
letter asking companies to participate was written.
Councilor Shaver commented that the tone of the letter should state that the city is trying to
reach a balance between the public and private sectors regarding compensation. He thought
this type of letter would encourage more companies to reply.
Councilor Maine stated she would like the results sorted by both private and public responses.
Personnel Analyst Jack Lindstrom stated that the results can be sorted however the city chose.
He stated the only guarantee the city offered the companies participating was confidentiality.
Councilor Maine asked if the city is looking for information regarding local employees wages
comparing to other local governments or comparing to other companies in our local economy.
She stated there is a level where the employee draw is not other public agencies, but the local
job market for the area. She asked to be provided with a listing of the 21 benchmark
positions.
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Councilor Burge asked if the Department of Labor has state-wide data regarding public
employment positions. Mr. Lindstrom explained the dictionary of occupational titles which is
provided by the Department of Labor, but also explained how hard it is to match positions by
title only. Councilor Burge requested a copy of the dictionary of occupation titles, as
published by the Department of Labor.
Councilor Burge commented this process should happen every three to five years, rather than
just being reactive to salary inquires. He would like to see the frequency of the process
increased and is concerned over the "ratcheting" effect or needing to come up levels when
bottom levels start too high. Mr. Hotchkiss replied that jurisdictions are now looking at turn-
over and retention statistics with regard to salary studies and benefits. Mayor Morrisette
stated the city treats employees well in other ways than just financial compensation.
Councilor Maine stated that three-year budgeting allows employees the comfort of job
stability.
Councilor Dahlquist stated he would like benefit comparising to be incorporated into the
study. He suggested asking other agencies to participate jointly in a study that would include
both salary and benefits. Mr. Hotchkiss explained that the Local Government Personnel
Institute through the League of Oregon Cities provides some personnel data. He commented
that by joining with cities the size of Eugene for instance, their comparables are larger cities,
but that cities the size of Corvallis could be compared.
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Mayor Morrisette stated benefits must be considered. Councilor Shaver and Burge agreed
and suggested adding other local private sector companies to the existing comparable list.
Mayor Morrisette asked ifthis study will look at "perks", such as compensatory time, which
can be cashed in at the time of resignation. Mr. Hotchkiss stated the Council was given a
quick study regarding benefits in 1993, but that the compensatory time issue could be
addressed at a future date.
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Work'Session - 9/18/95
Page four
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In recapping, Mr. Hotchkiss stated: 1) the Council would like to add benefits to the existing
Classification and Compensation Study for non-union employees, 2) increase the
representation of private sector employers to the comparable list, 3) that the contract amount
to Brunner Consulting will increase due to the addition of benefit comparables, 4) provide to
Council statistical data including the benchmark list, the dictionary of titles from the
Department of Labor and prior Human Resources Department information regarding
employee turnover and retention and 5) ask other cities to share in the costs of a class and pay
and benefits study, if possible.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:57 p.m.
Minutes Recorder - Shari Higgins
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Mayor Morrisette
Mayor
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City Recorder
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