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DRAFT Regular City Council Meeting Monday, October 21, 2013 Page 24 Councilmember Laliberte opined that she felt insulted by the comments of Coun- cilmember McGehee, and did not feel that the City Council had verbally or non- verbally communicated any lack of staff; and even though she appreciation Councilmember d n tupport Laliberte expressed her appreciation of the Compensation Study and findings that the City was under its peer cites, this discussion again brought that back into the conversation, even though she hught it had been set aside. Councilmember Laliberte reiterated her appreciation f staff, and the great job they did; but based on the CPI, percentage increases had been granted, and discussions had been held about staff positions and filling those positions, with no apparent problem. Councilmember Laliberte opined that it was staff, not the City Council, who continued to belabor this issue; and whether or not the City Council valued its staff. Councilmember Willmus stated that his intent in considering this was how best to move forward. While agreeing that there were certain budgetary limitations and constraints, Councilmember Willmus expressed his interest in how best to move forward from today. In his review of 2012, Councilmember Willmus advised that his intent in suggesting this idea to Finance Director Miller, was that as of today, a total of 6.26% in COLA adjustments had been made at the same time inflation had been half that amount; and if another he benefit COLA was al adjustment numbers in the being done in a vacuum without Minneapolis market. er ad At the request of Councilmember more ncommonly available able on a semi annual bad the Minneapolis CPI figures were re sis at mid- and end-of-year. Councilmember Willmus opined that he would consider staying where currently at, and not enact an additional 2% until the situation was re-evaluated in 2014 to determine 2015 COLA. Councilmember Willmus opined that the discussion should be whether or not the City Council supported a retroactive pay increase or remain at the current point. Given the needs expressed by the Parks Commission for one for a Volunteer Coordinator and a Parks Maintenance position, Coun- cilmember Willmus opined that it hwould be difficult to fund those positions if an- other 2% COLA was enacted, thus personal Mayor Roe clarified that the 3.26% enacted in November of 2012 was intended as a "catch-up" looking back beyond 2012; and to make up for the years when zero levy/budget increases were in place and during difficult budget times, using CPI to provide a more accurate picture, but still all involving "catch—up." Mayor Roe further clarified that this 2% COLA increase proposal was looking forward, and with the value of the CPI piece at this time. However, Mayor Roe noted that he didn't observe much difference from the second half of 2012 and the first half of 2013 that would significantly alter the inflationary projections of 1.02%, or be-