Council approves raise, extended contract for city attorney
Cape Coral’s city attorney received an overall average of 3.3 out of 4 for his evaluation and a 7.25% increase in his compensation.
Cape Coral City Council held a special meeting Wednesday afternoon to discuss the evaluation and five items City Attorney Aleksandr Boksner wanted Council to consider for his contract — extending his contract by three years, a compensation increase of 8.37%, increase in hours for annual leave to 20 hours per month, go below 400 hours to cash out, deferred compensation or car allowance and a 90-The eight council members each filled out an employee’s evaluation for the attorney, which were gathered and tallied for an overall evaluation score. The scores ranged from one to four, with four being the highest.
The categories and composite scores were – legal representation 3.3, legal documents 3.4, laws and legislation 3.6, dependability and availability at a 3.8, personal skills at a 3.0, professionalism at a 3.3 legal services with budget a 3.1, communication a 3.0, management at a 3.4 and commitment to the organization a 3.1.
Gunter said when averaging those 10 scores, the overall average was 3.3, which met the criteria of above standard.
As of press time, the city had not provided the individual tallies as per a public records request. The city did not include the evaluation documents with the meeting agenda prior to the meeting.
Council members all gave consensus to provide a contract extension of three years, which will be in an amendment to the initial term for six years expiring in 2029.
After much discussion, compensation was also agreed at a 7.25%, or $21,672.92, increase, which was based on his existing salary of $298,937. The increase would bring his annual salary to $320,609.92.
Gunter said the 7.25% includes a 4% range in the market adjustment and 3.5% merit. He said he is trying to be fair and consistent, which is why he was comfortable with a 7.25% increase because that is what other non-bargaining employees are receiving.
Last year, Gunter said Boksner received a 20% raise, $50,000 – the reasoning he was well under the 75th percentile for similar positions, a city benchmark,
Council also gave consensus to increase the number of hours accrued to 20 hours each month and 200 hours, instead of 400, to cash out any leave time that remains.
Gunter said when Boksner was hired, part of his initial contract had a one-time $10,000 contribution into the deferred comp, and last year no money was applied. Council agreed to a one-time deferred contribution of $10,000 with a reevaluation next year.
The council did not move forward with the 90-day notice by the city.
“To terminate my contract with you all, I have to give you a 90-day notice. I am asking you the same thing,” Boksner said.
Gunter said if this council or any future council says to the city attorney, thank you for your service, but we don’t want you here anymore, with a 90-day clause, they are compelled to pay him for the 90 days and 20 weeks.
The mayor was chosen to negotiate the contract and bring it back before Council for a final approval.
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