A 400 percent raise in pay for council members and a 250 percent increase in the mayor's salary was questioned by Noel resident Pam Konsmo at the May 12 Noel City Council meeting.
The mayor's salary went from $200 a month to $500 month and compensation for aldermen increased from $50 a month to $200 a month with the passing of the 2015 budget in December.
The new pay schedule took effect for aldermen Tammy White, Linda Glendenning and Faye Davis on May 1 following their election in April. Mayor John Lafley's also won election in April and his raise went into effect May 1.
The new pay schedule for the seats of aldermen William Rose, Jim Boston and does not take effect until after the next election in 2016.
Laws do not allow aldermen to vote to directly give themselves a salary increase.
Konsmo asked how the council could justify such a large increase in their salaries when the city struggling financially.
"Are you more interested in your own pockets or the do you have the city at heart?" Konsmo asked.
Lafley said a salary committee comprised of himself, alderman Genaro Salas and Glendenning, along with Jenna Rossi, city treasurer, looked at compensation of city officials of other cities in the county and found Noel was way below the others. He said he justifies his salary by the amount of time he dedicates to city work, saying he is a full-time mayor. City Clerk Tina DePriest said the mayor also donates equipment to the city, including four security cameras recently.
DePriest encourages anyone who has questions about what the city officials do or about city operations to come to a city council meeting.
Departments
Keith Harris, wastewater superintendent, told the council he needed to replace a "vital" piece of equipment at the treatment plant.
He said the "channel monster," a grinder located at the inlet where all wastewater enters the plant, is due to be replaced. He said the one in current use is 25 years old.
The council approved a new one at a cost of about $18,800, with Harris doing the installation, which will save about $18,000. Harris said the old will be kept as a back-up to be used when maintenance is done on the new unit.
He also told the council the generator at the treatment plant is working and ready for use in case of a power outage.
Christina Willis, street department, said her department was able to get some pothole patching done during the dry spell before the recent rains.
Ray Vlaovich, who came to the meeting after Willis' presentation, asked at the end of the meeting about fixing holes in Howerton Road. The council told him that Willis is working on patching all the holes in the city, but cannot when the ground is wet or the patch will not stick.
Davis asked about damage being done to a city street when vehicles leave an apartment complex. She said huge chunks of pavement have been torn out.
Lafley said that the parking lot at the apartments was supposed to be blacktopped, but that it has not been done. Willis told the council she will check on why it hasn't been paved.
Brandon Barrett, fire chief, told the council the department's ambulance had broken down on a recent call. He said the catalytic converter clogged and blew a seal in the turbo. He said if the seal can be repaired, it will cost $400-500 for repairs, if the turbo has to be replaced it will be around $2,000.
He said the equipment in the ambulance, including the extrication tools, were moved to brush truck, but the clutch went out of it.
Marshal Paul Gardner told the council he is going to be off at least a month for personal reasons. Gardner is a match for an organ donation for his sister. He said Deputy Jeremy Walker is going to be hired as a part-time officer. The council agreed to pay out the city's training fund for Walker's training to get certified with his new drug dog.
The dog is certified, but Walker must be certified with the dog. The course is a 21-day class and the city can receive a 20 percent matching grant which will have the city paying about $500.
The council declined an offer from the city of Anderson to purchase a used patrol car at a cost of $2,000.
Revenue/Expenses
Bills in the amount of $68,268.13 and revenues of $74,547.22 were approved.
General News on 05/21/2015