Adopt Resolution #22-215 to Authorize an Adjustment to the Pay Scales for Temporary Rink Attendants  and Temporary Snow Plow Drivers

The purpose of this case is to ask the City Council for authorization to adjust the hourly wages for  Temporary Ice Rink Attendants  and Temporary On-call Snow Plow Drivers.

The City employs temporary seasonal employees to work in the Public Works Department as Temporary Ice Rink Attendants and Temporary On-call Snow Plow Drivers.  Until now, the City has successfully recruited at the current pay scales.  However, staff conducted a survey of similarly sized cities and found that the City of Ramsey's Temporary Ice Rink Attendants and Temporary On-call Snow Plow Drivers' pay scales are somewhat behind in pay.  

Temporary Ice Rink Attendants
Minimum wage is currently $10.33 an hour.  In 2023, the minimum wage is increasing to $10.59 per hour.  Ramsey's current pay scale is $10.33 to $13.00 per hour. The average pay of similarly sized cities is currently $12.56 to $15.07 per hour.  Staff recommends adjusting the pay scale to $13.00 to $14.50 per hour.  Based on typical staffing hours (1044 total hours), the approximate increase in cost, including the legally required increase, is estimated to be $2987.95.  

Temporary On-call Snow Plow Drivers
Ramsey's current pay scale is $13.00 to $15.00 per hour. The average pay of similarly sized cities is currently $15.99 to $19.40 per hour.  Staff recommends adjusting the pay scale to $16.00 to $20.00 per hour.  At this time, it is anticipated that all of the 2021 / 2022 drivers will return again this year so long as the hourly pay is increased.  Based on typical staffing hours (estimate of 448 total hours), the approximate increase in cost is estimated to be $1694.00.  

Method of Progression
Typically, the hourly pay for new employees is the starting wage and the pay increases each year the employee returns.   However, in the case of summer seasonal employees and interns, the City Council granted staff the discretion to start new employees higher in the pay scale if their qualifications and experience warrant it.  Staff would like that same discretion for the Temporary Ice Rink Attendants and Temporary On-call Snow Plow Drivers as well.  

The 2022 portion of the funding will come from savings incurred due to staff turn-over.  The 2023 portion of the funding will come from the Council Contingency fund. 

To increase the Temporary Ice Rink Attendant pay scale to $13.00 to $14.50 per hour, depending on qualifications and to  increase the Temporary On-call Snow Plow Driver pay scale to $16.00 to $20.00 per hour, depending on qualifications.                

 

Motion to adopt resolution #22-215 to do the following: 

Increase the Temporary Ice Rink Attendant pay scale to $13.00 to $14.50 per hour, depending on qualifications; and                   
Increase the Temporary On-call Snow Plow Driver pay scale to $16.00 to $20.00 per hour, depending on qualifications.