Times Observer photo by Delaney Chase Warren City Council members are pictured during Monday’s meeting.

The City Council has approved several committees aimed at improving financial oversight, guiding riverfront development, and reviewing employee compensation at Monday’s meeting.

Officials voted proposals to establish an Allegheny River Development Committee and a Compensation Committee as well as reinstate a Finance Committee.

City officials noted that similar committees have existed in the past. According to excerpts from city code shared during the meeting, a committee structure was established in 2013, with members appointed for a limited time before eventually disbanding.

The Finance Committee, which was originally established in 2013, will be a permanent committee. Council members emphasized that the group will review audits, quarterly financial reports and budget planning. Officials said this will strengthen oversight and help the city better understand long-term financial impacts, including fund balances and potential tax changes.

Council unanimously voted to induct Danielle Flasher, Maurice Chasman and Jared Villella into the FInance Committee, and the three council members will play an active role in financial planning.

The Compensation Committee was described as a short-term committee. Its role would include reviewing salaries for non-union city employees and potentially exploring performance-based raises or bonus structures. The committee could also evaluate compensation for elected officials, though any approved increases would only take effect for future officeholders.

Council unanimously voted to induct Maurice Chashman, Danielle Flasher and William Champlin into the Compensation Committee.

The Allegheny Riverwalk Development Committee would focus on city-owned properties along the Allegheny River, including the Riverfront Development.

Council unanimously voted to induct Philip Gilbert, Savannah Casey and Danielle Flasher into the Allegheny Riverwalk Committee.

Mayor David Wortman suggested the Allegheny Riverwalk Committee and the Compensation Committee, both being newly established committees, bring a proposal of duties and responsibilities to next month’s council meeting.