06/29/09 SP City Council MinutesA SPECIAL MEETING OF THE KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD AT 7:00 P.M.,
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2009, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL IN
KALISPELL, MONTANA. MAYOR PAMELA B. KENNEDY PRESIDED. COUNCIL
MEMBERS JIM ATKINSON, KARI GABRIEL, BOB HAFFERMAN, RANDY KENYON,
TIM KLUESNER, DUANE LARSON, HANK OLSON, AND WAYNE SAVERUD WERE
PRESENT.
Also present: Interim City Manager Myrt Webb, City Attorney Charles Harball, City Clerk Theresa
White, Parks and Recreation Director Mike Baker, Human Resources Director Terry Mitton, and
Recording Secretary Judi Funk.
Mayor Kennedy called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
A. AGENDA APPROVAL
Kenyon moved approval of the Agenda. The motion was seconded.
There was no discussion.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
B. PUBLIC COMMENT
Tim Price, owner of Flathead Health & Fitness and member of the Downtown Business
Improvement District board, updated the council on the BID activities which include creating a new
logo for downtown, hiring a web designer for a new website, and the summer weekly celebration
called Thursday! Fest.
Mickey Lapp, commercial property owner on Kelly Road, criticized the salary package being offered
to Jane Howington stating that everyone in Kalispell has cut back except for the city.
Todd Snarr, 210 River Place, stated he is also concerned about Howington's salary. He suggested
implementing a charge for the skate park and commented that council needs to listen to each other.
Denise Smith, Flathead Business and Industry Association Executive Director, said association
members are also concerned about Howington's salary, particularly the moving expenses and
personal use of a city vehicle.
C. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUBSEQUENT COUNCIL ACTION
C/l. CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
A city manager employment agreement has been prepared for Jane Howington of Dayton, Ohio and
Council ratification is requested.
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June 29, 2009
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Webb outlined the agreement as follows and answered questions:
• Base salary- $112,500 year.
• Deferred compensation- city will pay $5000 annually into the deferred compensation plan
of her choice.
• Severance- 3 months
• Vehicle- city will provide a vehicle for official and personal use. Personal use will be
limited to Flathead County.
• Retirement- PERS.
• Medical/dental- family plan with usual contribution.
• Vacation- 120 hours/ year. City will provide 80 hours initially when employment begins.
• Sick leave- 96 hours annually. Available immediately.
• Moving expenses- actual expenses not to exceed $20,000.
Kenyon moved the council authorize the Mayor to sign the employment agreement with Jane
Howington. The motion was seconded.
Hafferman commented that Howington's resume indicates she is qualified, but only time will tell if
she is outstanding. He agreed that city managers should make more than the highest paid staff
members, but instead of a higher salary he was in favor of an incentive bonus based on performance.
Hafferman also criticized the process stating the council is being asked to approve an agreement that
is already finalized; we're putting the cart ahead of the horse.
Atkinson agreed that $112,500 is a good wage in this valley, but we were looking in a national
market. He said he would have liked to see the salary lower, but CEOs in the valley make a
comparable wage. Atkinson finished by encouraging council to vote unanimously for the contract.
Saverud said he would like to see salaries at the city lower across the board, but that is not realistic.
He emphasized that Howington has two masters' degrees and years of experience and he feels we
will be pleased with the outcome.
Gabriel stated we can't ask someone to move across the country for less than they are making now.
She said she was happy with the negotiations and feels this is a good, solid contract. Gabriel also
asked for a unanimous vote.
Larson reviewed the candidate selection process.
Olson remarked he also feels this is a fair contract and we hired a person who could take care of the
city.
Kluesner said he has issues with the lack of a probation period and the use of a city vehicle for
personal trips. He asked for a summary of the recruitment costs and suggested that if Howington
doesn't work out maybe the city should return to the strong Mayor form of government.
Mayor Kennedy noted the city is staying within the manager's budget and is getting someone with 26
years of experience and two masters' degrees. She said we have negotiated the best possible contract
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June 29, 2009
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to get someone of this caliber and the city is fortunate that Howington wants to come here.
There was no further discussion.
The motion carried upon roil call vote with Atkinson, Gabriel, Kenyon, Larson, Olson,
Saverud, and Mayor Kennedy voting in favor, and Hafferman and Kluesner voting against.
D. MAYOR/COUNCIL/CITY MANAGER/DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR'S REPORTS
(No Action)
Mayor Kennedy reminded everyone to be safe and enjoy the Fourth of July holiday.
E. ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
ATTEST:
Theresa White
City Clerk
Approved July 6, 2009
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June 29, 2009
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