Special Council Work Session
March 9, 2026, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Jake Ellwood called the meeting to order. Council present were: Josh Brenneman, Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman, Scott Brighton, Ben Duehr and Mary Phelan. Also, present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Library Director Faith Brehm, Ambulance Director Lori Lynch and Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald.
Brenneman moved to approve the agenda, Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Council held a budget work session to discuss staff wages and salaries for fiscal year 2027. Farnum suggested a 3-year agreement for wages for staff. Farnum stated the Library Board sets the Library staff wages, so they would not be included in the agreement with the rest of the staff for the City. Farnum had prepared several tables of information gathered for Council review prior to the work session. After discussion on the wage information, the consensus was to have Farnum prepare a 3-year agreement with wage scales at 3.75% for each year for hourly staff for Council review and approval and to give Police Administrative Assistant, the Police Chief’s proposed increase of 4.8% for the first year of the agreement. For Department Heads, it was suggested trying to do a performance-based wage increase, looking at job descriptions, incentive wages and saving taxpayers dollars. Farnum advised there are measurement tools to help accomplish the performance-based wages. Discussion was held on options for longevity and staff retiring in good standing being allowed to convert sick leave hours into medical insurance coverage and other incentives. No formal action was taken.
Goedken moved to adjourn at 6:38 P.M.
Jake Ellwood, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer