Title
Discussion of the Process for Recruiting and Selecting Members to be Appointed to the City Council’s Independent Salary Commission
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss the Process for Recruiting and Selecting Members to be Appointed to the City Council’s Independent Salary Commission
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss the Process for Recruiting and Selecting Members to be Appointed to the City Council’s Independent Salary Commission
Staff Contact:
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8499
Presenter(s):
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager
Background and Analysis:
The City Council created the Independent Salary Commission (Commission) in July 2017, in accordance with State Law (RCW 35.21.015).
The purpose of the Commission is to review and establish the salaries of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Councilmembers. The Commission is comprised of five members appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. They are appointed for two years and are allowed to serve a total of two terms.
On July 11, 2023, Councilmember Dani Madrone submitted Referral 2023-52 regarding the Independent Salary Commission. The referral asks the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee to review Chapter 2.05 of the Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) for barriers to community participation on the Commission and to evaluate the Commission’s process for establishing salaries.
City staff will outline the current process for recruiting and selecting Commissioners and provide a recommendation to revise the membership, qualifications, and recruitment process to reduce barriers to participation with the goal of increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Climate Analysis:
There are no climate concerns related to this item.
Equity Analysis:
Olympia has been intentional in increasing opportunities and reducing barriers for people, who are underrepresented in local government, to participate in decision-making. This agenda item proposes opportunities to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion so community members with diverse backgrounds and lived experience can participate on the Independent Salary Commission.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Not Applicable
Options:
1. Approve and forward to the full Council staff’s recommendation to update OMC 2.05.030 in order to offer a stipend to Commissioners; change the qualification of being a Commissioner from citizen to resident; and removing the qualification of being an Elector of Thurston County; and to document the process for recruitment, selection criteria, and appointment in the City Council’s Guidebook.
2. Approve and forward to the full Council staff’s updates to OMC 2.05.030 based on the Committee’s feedback and to document the Independent Salary Commission’s process for recruitment, selection criteria, and appointment in the City Council’s Guidebook.
3. Request staff do additional research and present findings at an upcoming Community Livability and Public Safety Committee meeting.
Financial Impact:
Not Applicable
Attachments:
Olympia Municipal Code 2.05.030
Presentation