HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.20080826Continued MeetinL Aspen City Council August 26, 2008
Mayor Ireland called the continued meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. with Councilmembers
DeVilbiss, Johnson, Romero and Skadron present.
CHARTER AMENDMENTS AND BALLOT QUESTIONS
Mayor Ireland said there aze proposed ballot issues regazding Council and Mayor
compensation and a Charter amendment to change the date of the municipal election
from May to June. Councilman Johnson stated he wants to withdraw consideration of
compensation for Council and Mayor; these were his proposals. Mayor Ireland said he
feels Council deserves more pay; compensation is not hourly. It would be difficult to hire
people of the caliber currently serving on Council for the current or proposed rates.
Mayor Ireland stated he does not accept the CEO model of city government as it is
contrazy to the founding principles of government of, by and for the people. Council
should be actively involved in directing staff to manage the city government. Mayor
Ireland noted citizens expect and do interact directly with Council. Mayor Ireland said
this is a demanding community that wants Aspen to be a leader in transportation, in
environment, in housing, in growth management which requires a lot of time and work
from Council and staff. Mayor Ireland said he does not favor a pay increase when the
city will be facing budget cuts for 2009. Mayor Ireland said he feels it is sound practice
to have all 5 Council paid the same. Mayor Ireland stated he would support a committee
to study compensation and other issues.
Councilman DeVilbiss said the proposed legislation regarding increased pay would have
to be voted on by the electorate and he could support that. Councilman DeVilbiss stated
he could also support a committee to study compensation. Councilman Romero said he
does not support these proposed Charter amendments and would support their
withdrawal. Councilman Romero said he would like any committee's scope of work to
include how the Charter envisioned the roles and responsibilities of Council.
Councilman Skadron agreed with the proposal of a compensation committee.
Councilman Skadron said a compensation committee could look at a formula to include
scope of responsibility, budget, and oversight of issues.
Toni Kronberg said she has brought the issue of more money for Council for yeazs. Ms.
Kronberg said she feels the Council is grossly underpaid. Ms. Kronberg said this issue is
of primary importance to the community and there will be community dialogue
surrounding this issue when it becomes a ballot question. Ms. Kronberg said this is a full
time job and she requested this not be withdrawn.
Mayor Ireland said he would like to put a Charter amendment on the ballot to change the
municipal election from May to June. Mayor Ireland noted the city has had elections in
June since 2001 and there are no costs associated with this proposed change. There are
more people in Aspen in June, it is warmer, more people turn out to vote when it is
warmer. Andrew Kole suggested the Municipal election be moved to April so that the
campaigning takes places in February and March when people are in town.
Continued Meeting Aspen City Council Aueust 26, 2008
Mayor Ireland moved to adopt Resolution #85, Series of 2008, setting the municipal
election in June. Motion DIES for lack of a second.
Councilman DeVilbiss said the elections have been in May since 1971 and the case has
not been made for changing the date. Councilman DeVilbiss suggested if there is to be a
compensation committee, they could look at other Charter issues. Councilman Skadron
agreed.
Councilman Romero moved to adjourn at 4:45 p.m.; seconded by Mayor Ireland. All in
favor, motion carried.
Kathryn S. Koch, City Clerk