ST. JOHN | The Town Council gave initial approval on an across-the-board salary increase for St. John employees.

The ordinance was approved Thursday on first reading only and could be adopted when it goes before the council at its Dec. 20 meeting.

Under the ordinance, most town employees would receive a 5 percent raise. Department leaders would receive a 6 percent raise. Town Manager Steve Kil and Public Works Director Bob Pharazyn would receive an 8 percent raise, Kil said.

Kil said he and Pharazyn would get a larger increase because of the volume of projects they've taken on over the last few years.

The ordinance also would increase the Town Council pay by $2,000 a year, Kil said. Pay for the council members would not exceed $14,000 a year, and pay for the council president would not exceed $16,000 per year.

Councilman Greg Volk voted against the ordinance, saying he didn't have time to review it or compare it to last year's numbers.

Council President Michael Fryzel abstained. Fryzel works for the St. John Police Department and would, therefore, receive a pay raise.

With the raise, Kil's annual salary will be $86,745.88; Pharazyn's will be $84,290.70; Police Chief Fred Frego's will be $78,482.04; Clerk-Treasurer Sherry Sury's will be $75,343.58; Fire Chief Fred Willman's will be $69,611.10; and Parks Superintendent Chip Sobek's will be $48,300.20.

In other business, the Town Council granted a special use variance for Zig-E's Funland to operate at 8176 Wicker Ave.

Men who used to work at the recently demolished Schererville Golf & Fun Center want to open a similar, smaller amusement area on a piece of land just north of Lake Central High School.

Drew Dzieglowicz told the council Thursday that the site, which formerly housed a similar business called Smitty's, already has an area for go-karts, batting cages and an 18-hole miniature golf course.

The Board of Zoning Appeals expressed concern last month that the parking would be inadequate, but Dzieglowicz said the plans have been modified to include an additional 60 spaces, bringing the total to 100.