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ITEM 1 - CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Burkholder called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Cabinet Room, Lakewood Civic Center, 480 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood, Colorado.
ITEM 2 - ROLL CALL
Those present were: Mayor Steve Burkholder, Presiding
Diana Allen
Doug Anderson
Ray Elliott
Sue King
Debbie Koop
Bob Murphy
Ed Peterson
Vicki Stack
Mike Stevens
Cheryl Wise
Staff in attendance: Mike Rock, City Manager
Roger Noonan, City Attorney
Full and timely notice of this Study Session Meeting had been given and a quorum was present.
ITEM 3 - PRESENTATION - STATE OF THE COURTS
Presiding Municipal Court Judge Thomas Elliott introduced Judges Daniel Ramsey and Philip McNulty, Court Administrator Shauna Moore, Chief Court Marshal Lenny Richardella, Violations Bureau Manager Tamara Smith, Probation Services Manager George Proffitt, and Judicial Specialist Supervisor Caryn Quinkert.
Judge Elliott reviewed a 2005-2006 statistical comparison of court activities and commented that the first quarter of 2007 was similar to the first quarter 2006. He noted an increase in animal control violations, probably related to the City's revised ordinance. A slight drop in revenue was attributed to a reduction in traffic infractions.
Judge Elliott reported that all traffic infractions can now be paid online and that the court's new computer system is working well. State law now requires that all marshals be POST-certified; all of Lakewood's marshals will have achieved that by the July 1st deadline. He reviewed the work of each of the court's divisions and expressed appreciation for the City Attorneys Office. Judge Elliott reported on his work with the Jefferson County Criminal Justice Strategic Planning Committee and asked for support for prevention programs that work.
Council members asked questions about the statistical report and expressed appreciation for the work of Lakewood's Municipal Court. Judge Elliott agreed to provide the statistical report to the Council earlier in future years. Discussion ensued about the problems and challenges created by graffiti and gangs, and what happens to offenders when they're caught.
ITEM 4 - DISCUSSION - MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL SALARIES
Council members reviewed the City Charter provisions and policies established by ordinance for reviewing City Council and Mayor compensation. City Attorney Roger Noonan provided his opinion regarding two conflicting sections of the City Charter, 2.11 and 7.2(b), printed below, saying that in order for all council members to be eligible to vote on the compensation ordinance, any increase in salary could only take effect after the beginning of a new term for each position.
2.11 COMPENSATION. The members of the City Council shall receive such compensation, and the Mayor such additional compensation, as the City Council shall determine by ordinance. The City Council shall neither increase nor decrease the compensation of the Mayor or any member of the City Council during a term of office, except members of the City Council whose terms do not expire at the next regular municipal election shall receive the same compensation as that provided for incoming members for the remainder of their term of office. The Mayor and members of the City Council may, upon order of the City Council, be paid ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of the duties of office.
7.2 VOTES REQUIRED. (b) A member of the City Council shall not vote on any ordinance, resolution, or motion in which that member has a personal, financial, or business interest, nor shall a member of Council vote when that member has been excused from voting by the unanimous consent of the other members present at such meeting. An individual member of City Council shall not vote on any question or issue relative to the conduct of that individual member. Each member of City Council present shall vote on all other ordinances, resolutions, or motions at any regular, special, or emergency meeting of City Council.
Lengthy discussion ensued about the process that brought the proposed compensation ordinance to City Council for first reading on April 9, the two conflicting provisions in the City Charter, and Mr. Noonan's opinion. Staff was directed to amend the ordinance coming to Council for second reading on April 23rd so that any increase in compensation for the Mayor, if approved, would be effective with the new Mayor's term following the November 2007 election. Any increase in compensation for Councilors, if approved, would be effective following the November 2009 election. In addition, a charter revision question, to clarify this issue, should be drafted for consideration by voters in November 2008.
Employee Relations Director Ken Milano presented comparative compensation data for Planning Commissions in 17 jurisdictions. After brief discussion, staff was directed to draft an ordinance increasing monthly compensation for Planning Commissioners from $50 to $100.
ITEM 5 - OPEN DISCUSSION
No other items of business were discussed.
ITEM 6 - REPORTS
Council members reported briefly on community events.
Mayor Burkholder noted that this was Roger Noonan's last meeting with the City Council. All present expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation for his 27 years of service to the City of Lakewood.
ITEM 7 - ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council; Mayor Burkholder adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m.
Submitted by,
Sharon Blackstock, Acting City Clerk
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