By Linda Dillman
Staff Writer
A mixed bag of council and mayor salary increases, reductions, a city administrator position, and a potential charter amendment found Canal Winchester City Council putting the brakes on some and prioritizing others.
During council’s April 17 work session, council continued to table a resolution establishing compensation for themselves and the mayor. Councilman Patrick Shea, the originator of a proposed city manager charter amendment ordinance discussed during a previous meeting, withdrew his proposed legislation.
“I feel that if the city administrator position goes forward, that the mayor’s responsibilities would diminish and the compensation should come down,” said work session Chairman Councilman Bob Clark.
Councilwoman Laurie Amick reported the current benefit package alone for the mayor’s position is approximately $42,000, which she called “substantial.”
“Personally, I think the residents of Canal Winchester would like to see a well-oiled machine,” said Mayor Mike Ebert, “and as long as it’s working fine, they don’t care what you get paid.”
Council President Chuck Milliken felt there was no rush in trying to work out salary changes until the council approved an ordinance creating the city administrator position.
“Put these items in sequence and then go in sequence from there,” said Councilman Mike Walker. “One step at a time.”
During regular council session, council approved the ordinance creating the city administrator.
The city administrator, appointed by and under the general direction of the mayor, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the city, including directing and coordinating all city departments.
Other CW news
Audio problems in the Interurban building and the community center were brought up by Milliken during the work session.
Construction Services Director Bill Sims admitted acoustical limitations inside the Interurban building are obvious and talks are underway to help resolve the situation. He also brought up concerns about the community center sound system.
“It seems like table conversation can take place quite easily,” said Sims. “The (sound) system may be a little wacky. We really limit access to the sound system controls. Basically, you can turn things on and only use a preset level.”
Sims said access to controls inside the sound control cabinet is limited, but people still try to “fiddle” with them, which can interfere with sound quality.
“We can take a look at that,” said Sims. “We tried to set it up as a plug and play.”
