Council Compensation Committee Goodyear City Hall - Council Chambers 1900 N. Civic Square Goodyear, AZ 85395 |
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CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Susan Schmelzer called the meeting to order at 4:05 pm.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Chair Susan Schmelzer; Boardmember Kelly Kessler; Boardmember Paul Gioia; Boardmember Robert Paine; Boardmember Jesse Aynes
- Staff Present:
- Human Resources Director Lyman Locket; Total Rewards Manager Chi Herrington; Compensation Analyst Janett Rios; HR Analyst Anna Rios
| PUBLIC COMMENTS |
There were no comments from the public.
0.
| BUSINESS |
Approve draft minutes from the Council Compensation Committee Meeting on November 19, 2025.
MOTION BY Chair Susan Schmelzer, SECONDED BY Boardmember Robert Paine
- AYE:
- Chair Susan Schmelzer, Boardmember Kelly Kessler, Boardmember Paul Gioia, Boardmember Robert Paine, Boardmember Jesse Aynes
Passed - Unanimously
2. REVIEW OF BENCHMARK, FINANCIAL, DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
The Committee reviewed updated benchmark salary data. Chairman Susan Schmelzer requested that Phoenix be removed from the average and median calculations due to its status as an outlier and its substantially different municipal structure. Boardmember Robert Paine agreed that excluding Phoenix was appropriate and would provide a more meaningful comparison.
Chairman Schmelzer noted that Buckeye most closely reflects Goodyear’s growth profile, and Lyman Locket confirmed that Goodyear is likely the fastest-growing municipality among the benchmark cities. Mr. Locket reviewed recent compensation movement for Goodyear and Buckeye over the past two years, including Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council positions. Committee discussion emphasized that while Council members may generally be aware of the compensation figures, reinforcing the data remains important.
Mr. Locket presented the data on Council workload, committee involvement, and the breadth of responsibilities. The Committee discussed the significant time commitment and responsibilities of the Council.
The Committee reviewed last year’s Council compensation presentation and discussed the continued applicability of visual charts as an effective communication tool. Members discussed Council tenure, noting that many Council members serve long terms and understand Goodyear’s values. The Committee reviewed additional data related to economic development, demographic shifts, housing occupancy, job creation, and affordability.
Chairman Schmelzer noted that Buckeye most closely reflects Goodyear’s growth profile, and Lyman Locket confirmed that Goodyear is likely the fastest-growing municipality among the benchmark cities. Mr. Locket reviewed recent compensation movement for Goodyear and Buckeye over the past two years, including Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council positions. Committee discussion emphasized that while Council members may generally be aware of the compensation figures, reinforcing the data remains important.
Mr. Locket presented the data on Council workload, committee involvement, and the breadth of responsibilities. The Committee discussed the significant time commitment and responsibilities of the Council.
The Committee reviewed last year’s Council compensation presentation and discussed the continued applicability of visual charts as an effective communication tool. Members discussed Council tenure, noting that many Council members serve long terms and understand Goodyear’s values. The Committee reviewed additional data related to economic development, demographic shifts, housing occupancy, job creation, and affordability.
3. DISCUSS FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTIONS FOR COUNCIL COMPENSATION
The Committee acknowledged that options remain limited under the current charter. Members discussed the importance of educating the public to potentially leverage future opportunities to amend the charter or seek voter approval for an increase greater than 5%. The Committee concluded that a recommendation to support the allowable 5% increase will be accompanied by a comprehensive presentation that clearly tells the story of Council workload, growth, and charter limitations. Mr. Locket will provide updated charts and data. Chairman Schmelzer will deliver the presentation at the January 26, 2026 City Council Regular Session.
| INFORMATION ITEMS |
Comments, Commendations, Report on Current Events and Presentations by Board, Commission or Committee Members, staff or members of the public. The members may not propose, discuss, deliberate or take any legal action on the information presented pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.02.
| FUTURE MEETINGS |
No further meetings of the 2025 Council Compensation Committee were scheduled.
| ADJOURNMENT |
There being no further business to discuss, Committee Chair Schmelzer adjourned the meeting at 5:07 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Respectfully Submitted by:
| _____________________________ Lyman Locket, Human Resources Director |
__________________________
Susan Schmelzer, Committee Chair
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Date:___________________ |