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MINi1TES <br />CITY COiTNCIL <br />DECEPSBER 20, 1995 <br />firm. Fahey stated that the real issue would be if an <br />engineer came forward and said he or she lived in the <br />City, therefore, wished to be City Engineer. Fahey <br />stated that when dealing with professional services, <br />the Council expects the City Administrator to make a <br />recommendation on what is best for the City. Fahey <br />stated that he puts a lot of weight into the <br />Administrator's recommendation. Fahey noted that all <br />things being equal, the City would patronize local <br />businesses. However, the City Administrator must be <br />comfortable and it is his call. Unless the <br />Administrator's recommendation is unreasonable, Fahey <br />stated that he would support it. Particularly with <br />what the Administrator has been put through this year <br />with redevelopment issues. Fahey felt it would be too <br />much to ask the Administrator to train in a new <br />auditing firm in 1996 for a$1,000 cost savings. <br />Fahey stated that he understands Carson's concern about <br />the past, but pointed out that the issue is the future. <br />The City has a competitive proposal for the 1995 audit, <br />and Fahey indicated that he would not undercut the City <br />Administrator's recommendation. <br />Morelan agreed that all things being equal, he would <br />like to do business with businesses in the City. <br />However, the information he is getting is that all <br />things are not equal. Morelan pointed out that to make <br />a transition to a different accounting firm, there are <br />some hidden costs. Morelan stated that in the three <br />years he has been on the Council, he has always been <br />pleased with the work done by Tautges, Redpath. This <br />is not'to say that he would not be equally pleased with <br />work performed by Olsen, Theilen. Morelan stated that <br />he saw no compelling reason to change audit firm at <br />this time in order to save $1,000 or $2,000. <br />Carson suggested that Olsen, Theilen would drop their <br />fee by $4,000 just as Tautges, Redpath did. <br />Fahey replied that this would be the same as an <br />engineer coming in and saying that engineering services <br />cost the City $14,000 in 1995, and offering to provide <br />the same service for $11,000. Fahey pointed out that <br />there is a learning curve involved in changing firms. <br />Fahey also pointed out the rapport and confidence that <br />builds up between the City and a consultant. Fahey <br />suggested that the relationship is also important. <br />Fahey stated that when professional services are <br />involved, one cannot look only at the bottom line cost. <br />Fahey stated that if the City were unhappy with the <br />11 <br />