ON THE AGENDA Here are some...

ON THE AGENDA

Here are some of the items on the agenda for tonight’s City

Council meeting.

AMERICAN LEGION LEASE

Members of the American Legion could see a yearlong wish come true

tonight. The legion has been in negotiations to change its lease on

the 10-acre property from an annual to a 50-year lease.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Though it took a year to agree to terms, both sides say that the

50-year lease is a compromise they can both live with. This item

should pass easily.

STAFF SALARIES

City Manager Homer Bludau, City Atty. Bob Burhnam and City Clerk

Lavonne Harkless could all get a raise tonight, but the amount

depends entirely on how much City Council members decide during their

closed session before the regular council meeting. These three are

the only employees who work directly for the City Council. All others

answer to supervisors.

Each year, council members review the performance of these three

staff members and decide whether to grant them raises. They also take

into account factors such as the Consumer Price Index to determine

raises.

In March, City Manager Homer Bludau’s salary was raised to

$170,000 a year, plus a $3,600 car allowance. He had originally been

hired at a reduced rate because his work experience was less than the

city was seeking at the time. He struck a deal with the city to hire

him for $145,000 a year as an opportunity to prove himself.

Burnham got a $9,000-a-year raise in April after council members

performed a survey of other city attorneys’ salaries in the region.

Burnham now makes $165,000 a year with no car allowance.

Harkless last got a raise in August 2001, which brought her salary

to $88,000.

WHAT TO EXPECT

After council members decide the details in closed session, they

will announce their decision in the regular council meeting and take

a vote to make it official.

BALBOA THEATER SPACE

Council members will also consider tonight whether to lease space

on Main Street to house a portion of the Balboa Theater. Earlier this

year, theater supporters had hoped the city would buy the building at

111 Main St. to house the renovated theater’s restrooms and rehearsal

space. The sale fell through before it got off the ground, but now

there’s a good chance they will be able to lease the space.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The lease deal doesn’t seem to be too controversial, but it’s just

one small step toward making the theater a reality. The cause has

foundered for years for a number of reasons, including a lack of

adequate space. But it’s certain that supporters maintain their

fervor for creating a vibrant performing arts venue on the peninsula.

-- Compiled by

June Casagrande