02/26/1996 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 13,1995 sworn in as officials of this City. He said if this happened there could be some conflict at a meeting that was duly called by the National League of Cities, the Minnesota League of Cities or some other meeting where the newly elected official would be attending at the same time as the duly authorized official would be attending. For instance, if both the newly elected official and the duly sworn official were attending the same workshop, conflict could arise if conflicting opinions were to be presented. This could be embarrassing to the City. Mayor Reinert said that he understands that there has been a transfer of funds for an airplane ticket to the National Association of Cities from a Council Member to the newly elected Mayor. Mayor Reinert said he was opposed to this action. He said if the newly elected Mayor wants to go to this conference, he should pay for the ticket himself. Mayor Reinert also stated that the newly elected Mayor would be attending in no official capacity until he is duly sworn in. Mayor Reinert explained that Council Member Bergeson transferred his ticket to Mr. Landers, the newly elected Mayor. He said he felt that the Council as a whole is the only body or person that can authorize any official transfer of any dollars. Mayor Reinert thought there may be nothing illegal about this action, however, the Council holds the "purse strings" and the Council is the one (body) who should make this decision. He said that he did not think that it is appropriate for the taxpayers to pay travel expenses for someone in advance of their being sworn into office. Council Member Bergeson explained that Mr. Landers (the newly elected Mayor) did not initiate this action. He said that he learned last Thursday that he may not be able to attend the League meeting. Council Member Bergeson called the travel agency and found that the airline ticket was not refundable but it could be transferred to someone else. He thought that it would be appropriate for a newly elected official to use the ticket rather than let the ticket be wasted. Mayor Reinert said that if the ticket could be transferred to someone who has official status, he would not be concerned. Council Member Bergeson noted that persons with no official status have attended the Minnesota League of Cities. He was sure that these persons paid their own expenses. Council Member Bergeson said, in retrospect, the action he took probably was not wise, however, he had only Friday afternoon to take action or lose the ticket. Mayor Reinert said that he still feels that the potential for embarrassment to the City was a valid concern. He felt that there were people in official capacity that could have used the ticket. Mayor Reinert said that he did not mean anything personal against Council Member Bergeson. Council Member Bergeson said that the travel agency should be contacted in the morning and see if there are any options left in terms of transferring the ticket to a City employee. He will also check his schedule to see if it can be changed. Mr. Schumacher asked if Council Member Bergeson could attend a portion of the conference. Council Member Bergeson said he would also check this suggestion. Page 15