Council adopts ordinance creating group-exercise instructor post, adjusts electric superintendent pay

The Seward City Council adopted an ordinance (No. 2025-11) Thursday creating a part‑time group exercise instructor classification with a starting pay of $15 per hour and adjusting the salary range for the electric superintendent.

The ordinance, presented to the council as part of a personnel and pay classification update, passed on an 8–0 vote. Sponsors said the group‑exercise role is intended to staff new classes as the city opens a recently completed recreation facility and to offer a single adult membership as part of the appointment.

City staff described the group‑exercise instructor as a part‑time employee paid $15 per hour, expected to teach at least twice weekly, and to provide and maintain their own required certifications. Class sessions were described as about 45 minutes long, with roughly an hour credited for setup and teardown. Staff said the position would include a single adult membership and that the city will monitor attendance and usage metrics as the program matures.

The ordinance also includes a modest upward adjustment to the electric superintendent pay range to improve internal spacing and recruitment for the utility department. Council members and staff cited recent emergency work during a winter storm as evidence of the utility crews’ responsibilities and the need to retain experienced staff.

The ordinance was read by title and the council first suspended the short rule to move to final adoption; final passage was recorded as 8–0. The ordinance was recorded for the permanent record following the vote.

The ordinance text, as identified in the meeting, is designated Ordinance No. 2025‑11 and will be published in pamphlet form as required by city procedures.