Dana Point Times, Vol. 1, Issue 38, October 24-30, 2008
By Nathan Wright
THE LATEST: The Dana Point City Council voted October 21 to delay a vote on an ordinance that would have increased their stipend by 30 percent and provided city-paid health benefits. City Manager Doug Chotkevys asked for the delay so his staff could investigate the total cost of the stipend increase and benefits option before any decision was made.
Councilmembers currently receive a $718 monthly stipend and are eligible to enroll in the city’s healthcare plan on their own dime. The new ordinance would increase the stipend by $215 to $933 a month and pay for a councilmember’s insurance plan—up to $1,100 a month. Planning commissioners would also see an increase in their stipend ($150 to $195 a month) and up to $775 a month in city-paid contributions for healthcare.
Councilmembers Joel Bishop, Steven Weinberg and Lisa Bartlett all voted to delay the discussion and the vote while Lara Anderson dissented. “I would rather deal with it tonight,” she said. “It’s taken up enough of our time already.” Councilmember Diane Harkey was not at the meeting.
On October 7 the council voted 2-1-1-1 to approve the first reading of the ordinance. Councilmembers Bishop and Weinberg voted in favor, Bartlett against, Anderson abstained and Harkey was absent. The ordinance requires a second reading—and a second vote—before it becomes official.
WHAT’S NEXT: The vote is now scheduled for the November 18 meeting.