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MINUTES OF THE
LOCAL OFFICER’S COMPENSATION COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013
MEMBERS PRESENT: Greg Borgman, Dwayne Lang, Debra Crocket, Paul Edbrooke, Rosalind Yvonne
Ford, Catherine Young, Virgie Jackson
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Frank Peterson, Barb Shullenberger
I. Call Meeting to Order
The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. The new City Manager, Frank Peterson,
introduced himself and indicated that the Commission needs to elect a new chairperson.
II. Election of new Chairperson
A motion to nominate Paul Edbrooke as Chairperson was made by Greg Borgman, supported by
Debra Crockett and unanimously approved. Paul Edbrooke accepted the position.
III. Approval of Minutes of October 18, 2011
A motion to accept the minutes of October 18, 2011 meeting was made by Rosalind Ford and
seconded by Debra Crockett.
IV. Setting of Salaries for the Mayor and City Commissioners for 2014 and 2015
Frank Peterson gave an update on the City of Muskegon’s financial situation. Although the City
is in better shape than many municipalities in Michigan, it has lost some of its tax value with the
Sappi closure in 2009 and will lose some its tax value as a result of the upcoming closure of the
B.C. Cobb Plant in 2016, in addition to losses of other businesses. There are new development
possibilities but we don’t know the value of those at this time. Our income tax is growing at a
much better pace than property taxes. The City is in a good stable condition and the cash
reserves are strong but it is operating on a deficit right now. Catherine Young asked the City
Manager if he had a chance to look back to see where we were two years ago and if the City is
showing enough improvement and financial strength to justify an increase in salaries and
compensation. She also was concerned that there were no new developments with the port
and is concerned about the Sappi property. He pointed out that are some good things going on
internally that you don’t necessarily see. We are in a better place financially than most cities
although the City needs to keep an eye on expenses and any major development could set us
back. The City is also working with other agencies to provide services. For instance, SAFEbuilt is
providing inspection services and may possibly provide rental and environmental inspection
services in the future. Human Resource services are provided by the County of Muskegon.
Elwood Temporary Services is being utilized because of being less expensive and more flexible.
He also reviewed past layoffs and how the City is handling retirements. Layoffs are not
anticipated at this time.
Greg Borgman asked how to decide how much of an increase should be considered. The City
Manager explained that State law dictates LOCC must meet every two years and can adjust the
salaries but doesn’t necessarily mean the salary has to be adjusted. He referred to the Michigan
Municipal League salary survey. A spreadsheet comparing elected officials’ salaries of
comparable cities was provided to members to determine if they are being paid fairly compared
to other municipalities.
A motion was made by Dwayne Lange and seconded by Rosalind Ford for the salaries to remain
the same (Mayor-$7,800; Commissioners - $6,300) and was unanimously approved.
V. Adjourn
Chairperson Paul Edbrooke adjourned the meeting at 4:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Frank Peterson
City Manager
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