HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/06/02 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionOfficial minutes
City council study session
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
June 2, 2025
The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m.
Council members present: Mayor Nadia Mohamed, Paul Baudhuin, Tim Brausen, Sue Budd,
Yolanda Farris, Lynette Dumalag, Margaret Rog
Council members absent: none
Staff present: Deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh)
Discussion items.
1. Proposed study session topic: council salaries
Mayor Mohamed introduced the proposed topic of discussion: increasing city council member
salaries. She stated the job of council member is difficult and rate of pay can be a barrier to
some who might otherwise be interested in running for council. It may be easier for retirees or
those who are financially well-off to perform the job of council member, as they may not need
to rely on the salary currently provided. For others to serve as a council member and give the
work the time it deserves, an increase in the current salary may be needed.
Council Member Rog added that people will be able to do this job better with better
compensation, allowing for more flexibility to attend to childcare needs. She also noted that
council members sometimes need to take time off work for meetings and events, or may even
need to consider a salary reduction at their primary job. She stated more financial resources
will open up access for more people to serve as council members.
Council Member Baudhuin added he would also like to discuss the topic of salary for council
members, especially as it relates to equity, and noted this role was historically designed around
certain privileges. In a community as diverse as St. Louis Park, the council needs to review the
salary in order to obtain a true representation of the city in its membership.
Council Member Dumalag added she also has questions related to council member salaries and
would like a discussion on this.
Council Member Brausen noted he would also like to review information from comparable
cities regarding how many times city councils meet, as well as events attended by council
members. During the economic recession in 2008, the city council adopted a decrease in pay
and then discussed salaries again in 2015. The council then received an increase at the same
percentage as the unions at that time, adding that this policy has remained in place since 2015.
Council Member Farris stated she would like to discuss the proposed topic as well.
It was the consensus of the city council to have a discussion on city council salaries at a future
study session.
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Study session minutes -2- June 2, 2025
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Nadia Mohamed, mayor
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