06-22-1976 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilman Evans left the Council meeting at 5:35 P.M. ORAL COMMUNICATION Margie Benz, a member WAGE ~ SALARY NEGOTIATIONS of the Orange County PETITION - RECEIVED ~ FILED Employees Association, speaking on behalf of the City of Santa A na 'employee membership of that Association, stated that the membership believes the present salary offer of 2% on July 1 for the City's miscellaneous employees is inadequate, especially with the cost of living having increased approximately 5-1/2% and an anticipated 14% increase in medical insurance payments commencing July 1, which in effect reduces the propDsed salary increase to 1% or less. She suggested that Council consider a 7% increase effective July 1, 1976, instead of 1% and 2% increases over a two-year period to provide a truly representative increase in take-home pay that would not be negated by cost of ~iving and medical insurance payments. Miss Benz stated that the miscellaneous employees' salary and fringe benefit requests are not greater than those of other employees; and that the 7% increase, up front, will help main- tain the City's competitive position in the labor market. She quoted from Page 5 of the City Manager's Budget Message regard- ing Santa Ana's tradition of operating with minimal staff as opposed to. an average staff, which has resulted in Z $6 million Budget savings. She observed that in at least one case she is aware of the proposed grouping for 'salary increases is unfair, because it would create an imbalance between professional and non-professional pay scales. In summary, she asked that the City Council demonstrate its loyalty and appreciation in the same way the employees have done over the years, by approving the 7% salary increase or allowing the City's negotiator to expand on the present proposal. Mayor Garthe stated that the Council did appreciate the effi- ciency and loyalty of all the City employees, but that the Council had received and rejected the final wage and salary offer from the miscellaneous employees. The City Manager stated that he would continue to meet with the .-miscellaneous employees' representatives. Miss Benz presented a petition in support of her oral statements which had been signed by 355 City employees. It was received and filed on the unanimously approved (5:0) motion of Council- man Brandt, seconded by Councilman Ward. CA 50.1 RECESS the Budget review. .members present at At 5:50 P.M. Council recessed in order to reconvene in Room 851 for continuation of Council reconvened with the same five 6:00 P.M. in Room 851. PROPOSED CULTURAL Councilman Brandt sug- ~ SPORTS CENTER gested that a report of the progress and discussion of future plans for the development of a cultural-sports center in the Civic Center might be appropriate for the July 6 Council meeting dinner. He stated that the director of the cultural CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 240 JUNE 22, 1976