The Boulder City Council on Thursday, Aug. 15, advanced two proposed ballot measures: one to close the city’s airport and another to repurpose the land for a mixed-use neighborhood, with half of the housing designated as affordable for low- and middle-income residents. Councilmembers have not taken a formal position on the airport ballot measures but have decided against proposing competing measures with a different vision for the airport.
Councilmembers also moved ahead with several other measures for this year’s election. One proposal would increase council pay so that the mayor earns 50% of the area median income (about $51,000), and councilmembers earn 40% (about $41,000).
Another measure would allow the city council to hold executive sessions for matters such as legal advice. A final measure would permit the council to change the terms, eligibility, and meeting schedules for volunteer boards and commissions.
The council is scheduled to give final approval to the ballot measures on Sept. 5.
Are the job descriptions for Mayor and council going to change? Because a part time job that pays $51,000 seems a bit rich. Our charter says we have a strong city manager, weak (and part time) city council. I know the meetings run long (as do the Planning Board meetings that also require hours of preparation but those are volunteer positions) but is anything about the job changing? If not, I think these proposed salaries are a bit much.
We disagree on Marpa Sarah, did you know the rent is $1700/bedroom there? But on the subject of council pay, I agree. And to add to that I don’t think the mayor should get different pay. I don’t think much of “leaders”. And anyway, the strong city manager has too much power, charter or not.