07-08-2010 Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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