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Regular City Council Minutes - 2/24/03 Page 9 expectations. Councilmember Schroeder further stated that he understood the desire for stability of a two-year contract; he wasn't comfortable with it given the current turmoil and unfortunate timing of the contract negotiations. Councilmember Kough opined that while he thought the proposed contract was fair in consideration of the skilled, well-trained workers represented, and the base wages were comparable with other cities, he would like to see a provision that this contract could be open for negotiation of wages only, should it come to a need to cut jobs. Councilmember Kough encouraged department control of overtime to equalize spending. Mayor Kysylyczyn clarified that the motion currently before the Council was to accept the two-year contract as presented; and if the Council chose to counter-offer, a need to rej ect the contract would be in order, sending management back to the negotiating table. City Attorney Anderson clarified that the Council need not pass the motion, but cautioned that any further considerations or contract revisions not be discussed at the bench tonight, but entertained in Closed Executive Session in accordance with provisions in the Open Meeting Law, thus allowing no compromise in management negotiations with union representatives. Mayor Kysylyczyn recommended the Council vote on whether to accept or reject the motion at this point; and if the motion failed, to recommend a Closed Executive Session to provide direction to management staff. Mayor Kysylyczyn advised that he would be voting against the motion; expressing his concerns about the two- year provision; and the four-percent (4%) increase in 2004 wages. Mayor Kysylyczyn concurred with Councilmember Schroeder's concerns regarding the accuracy of the Stanton V Survey comparisons compiled pre-budget deficit projections.