Chairman Cochrane called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and the
Clerk confirmed appropriate notice was given.
Members present: Mayor Sullivan and Aldermen Cochrane, Miller and
Morgan
Staff present: Gard, Frye, Duffy, Beguhn, Gallo, Maurer, Bednarski,
Kitsembel, Lamp, Friedli and Coenen
Others present: Aldermen Snyder, Hollatz and Antonneau and Atty.
Chapman
2. Consider/recommend the Contract for the Classification and Compensation
Study
Kitsembel reported that this project has been carried over from 2006. We
sent out requests in August for proposals to twelve firms for a
classification and compensation study. The purpose of this study is to
examine all non-represented support staff positions to determine appropriate
classification and compensation. We decided to have this group evaluated
first because we have received the most requests for reviews in this area and
in order to make a determination we need to know where they fit in. We
received three proposals. First we evaluated each proposal based on the
consultant’s proposed plan including the content, scope and processes to be
used. In addition, we evaluated their qualifications and experience with
similar projects. Carlson Dettmann Consulting received the highest rating
from each person who evaluated the proposals. After the firms were rated
based on the qualitative factors we looked at the cost of each proposal.
Carlson Dettmann submitted the lowest price proposal. Staff recommends the
City accept the proposal from Carlson Dettmann to complete a classification
and compensation study of the City’s non-represented support staff in the
amount of $10,000 plus mileage expenses.
Gard stated that originally we looked at a study for all positions, but
determined it would be better to split them up. At a future date, the other
staff will be done. A discount of $2.5K was factored in Carlson Dettmann’s
proposal because the City will use their job description questionnaire
instead of requiring them to prepare new job descriptions. Each employee will
fill out a questionnaire and be interviewed. The mileage is not expected to
be much as the firm is based out of Madison. We are looking for internal
equity and as far as she could tell, the last time a study was done was 1988.
Morgan feels that this proposal is a waste of $10K and that there is no
reason that the department heads can not call another municipality and ask
for a comparable. Kitsembel stated that the importance of this study is to
determine internal equity and that external information is secondary. Miller
feels the City needs to have a good format of a base study in order to
determine equity. Sullivan feels that Council needs to look at two things: 1)
Similar versus non-similar jobs pay scale and 2) A determining system in
order to judge the pay levels. The City does not currently have a system and
in order to evaluate each job, many factors have to be taken into
consideration. To ask department heads to determine who has high or low
knowledge is merely their opinion. This study is meant to bring more
objectivity to job descriptions. It will not be based on a title, but job
content and once you have that, you compare it to external information.
Morgan feels that Carlson Dettmann will only give an opinion in the
evaluation study; the same outcome as department heads. He feels we have
expertise in-house and the department heads are more than capable. Gard
stated that to do it correctly and have the end result fair, would be a huge
time commitment on staff.
Motion by Miller to recommend the contract for the classification and
compensation study by Carlson Dettmann in the amount of $10,000 plus mileage;
second by Cochrane. Motion carried 2-0. Morgan voted no.
Motion by Morgan to adjourn; second by Miller. Motion carried 3-0. The
meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
