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A special meeting of the Council for the City of Crystal Falls was held in the Council Chamber of the City Hall on Thursday, January 4, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. The purpose of this meeting is to conduct a workshop regarding the Wage and Compensation Study recently completed by the MML. Present: Mayor Hendrickson, Councilors Heikkinen, Smokevitch, Valesano, and Bicigo. Absent: None Also present were City Manager Nordeman, City Attorney Lawrence, City Clerk/Treasurer Olson, Larry Bicigo, Kelly Stankewicz, David Graff, Robert Sherwin, Randy Curnow, Gerard Valesano, Tony Starr, Tim Bean, Axel Anderson, Tom Stachowicz, Mark Simeoni, and Jack Stachowicz. (It should be noted that due to the nature of this meeting being conducted as a workshop the following minutes reflect a brief synopsis of the comments made by those present even though this is not the normal format used for Crystal Falls meeting minutes, normally only Council actions would be recorded in the minutes.) Mayor Hendrickson led the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Hendrickson began the meeting by asking the department heads for their comments regarding the 2006 Wage and Compensation Study. The department head’s comments included: satisfaction with the current pay scale, a proposal for advancement through the pay scale based on years of employment, and hopes for an increase in some benefits such as dental and retirement. There was some confusion regarding the 2006 MML study and how different job descriptions were not included in the material used for the study. Some felt that the study had been slanted toward the electric department employees and overlooked others. The pros and cons of the use of merit to move employees through the pay scale were discussed. Various other employees who were present also expressed their opinions regarding the study and how the pay scale has been implemented in the past. Manager Nordeman explained that the City fell behind on the pay scale due to reductions in revenue sharing and reminded everyone that wage increases were given up to keep benefits such as health insurance. He also felt that the 2006 MML Wage study had been compiled professionally and it should be considered seriously. He noted that the City Council should not be as intricately involved in the setting of the wages for each employee as they do not know what the employee’s jobs entail. The Councilor’s comments regarding the 2006 Wage and Compensation Study echoed much of those of the employees noting that there were good points in the study, however, it was somewhat confusing and they did not know quite how to implement it. Some felt there was too much wage disparity between the departments and wanted to see that level out a bit while others felt that more responsibility should demand more pay. It was the consensus of the Council that the City Manager and the department heads shall meet and bring back recommendations regarding the implementation of the MML study to the City Council for consideration. Mayor Hendrickson thanked everyone for their time and input and adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:40 p.m.
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