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Charter Commission <br />July 8, 2010 <br />Page 2 <br />46 Chair Dahl stated that the Commission's attorney has estimated that to work on three <br />47 amendments would be approximately $5,000 and that was presented to the City Council, before <br />48 the two newer Council members were on the Council. <br />49 <br />50 Commissioner Lyden noted the historical budget information before the group that indicates the <br />51 regular need for more than $1,500 per year. He suggests that $6,000 to $8,000 per year would <br />52 allow the commission to function as it should. He also related the additional requested funds <br />53 compared to the entirety of the City budget. Commissioner Lyden also noted that all expenses <br />54 incurred by the Commission are currently subject to Council approval. <br />55 <br />56 Council member Roeser suggested the Commission be consistent with City budget procedures <br />57 <br />58 <br />59 Council member Rafferty stated that the council must be stewards of the city budget and be <br />60 especially: in the current economic situation. He states that the CityCouncil is 5% over budget] <br />61 the Police department rs over budget by 2 and Charter Commission is over budget bv.27% <br />62 He concurs with' Council member Roeser would like to see line -item budget to understand how <br />63 money is being spent.; <br />64 <br />65 Commissioner Gunderson clarifies .the 27% over budget referenced' by Council rnerxrber Ra rt <br />0,-. 66 for the Charter Commission .ism' 2009 and not the :current year's budget. Commissioner <br />67 Gunderson states that in 2009 the Charter Commission was given $2,200 in their budget and <br />68 had expenses of $2,800 due to the audit :ofthe Commission that was directed by the City Council. <br />69 <br />70 Commissioner Drennen stated he finds it entirely reasonable to ask the Commission to prepare a <br />71 line -item budget and a procedure for budget requests. <br />72 <br />73 Commissioner Carlson stated that the Council spent a substantial amount toward the audit of the <br />74 Commission and there was a need for the Commission to request additional monies for legal <br />75 advice regarding the audit. Any procedures for funding would need to include provisions for <br />76 responses in those circumstances. <br />77 <br />78 Commissioner Trehus commented that the audit was conducted by an attorney, not an auditor. <br />79 The attorney hired by the City hadprevious involvement with a controversial charter issue in the <br />80 City of Eagan. Therefore he questions the motive of the audit. Regarding the budget, <br />81 historically the Commission has received in the area of $5,000 per year regularly and many times <br />82 money was returned to the general fund. The Commission provides a vital check and balance <br />83 approach to city government, is <br />84 <br />85 <br />86 Commissioner Storberg asks if it is possible to establish an annual budget figure and rollover <br />87 unused funds to be better prepared for less and more active years. She further stated that over 30 <br />'"N, 88 years. she .haswitnessed the volunteers of `the Commission have worked hard even though they <br />89 are not paid <br />90 <br />and present their budget in a line -item fashion. <br />o fe <br />vera en1 and her <br />receive adequate city funding. <br />sc'/Nlrate en, <br />ore, should <br />2 <br />