08-20-2009 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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JT CITY COUNCIL/CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING August 20, 2009 APPROVED 46 audit. There has been some legal work in the area of charter amendments currently being 47 considered by the commission. She provided information also on the commission's 48 standard "cost of doing business" items such as publication and recording secretary. Ms. 49 Sutherland also noted an invoice from Attorney Michael Dougherty for a second opinion 50 on the commission's proposed transparency amendment. It is a case in point that the 51 commission doesn't have funding for legal services but the city is getting more than one 52 opinion. 53 54 Commissioner Trehus added that back in the 1990's the commission had an annual 55 budget of $4,000. A comparison of that as a percent of levy and updated to current day, it 56 would be in the range of $20,000 for the commission each year. 57 58 A council member noted that the current budget request seemed to be denied by the 59 council based on a concern about getting a road construction amendment (it was clarified 60 that just Mayor Bergeson had spoke about that matter). 61 62 A council member explained that his view of the situation is that the commission has a 63 need for ongoing operational expenses and is requesting additional funds for legal 64 services in framing charter amendments. In the area of amendments, he'd like to look 65 forward and hope that the commission and council can work together to bring forward 66 ideas that will benefit the citizens and save on legal expenses by collaborating. 67 68 There was discussion about the charter amendment process of the previous year. The 69 citizens' task force had presented a charter amendment, the charter commission had 70 presented a compromise amendment and then a petition was submitted that was required 71 to go to the ballot. It became clear that it wouldn't be appropriate to put more than one 72 amendment on the ballot so the other amendments were dropped by the council. 73 74 Commissioner Storberg remarked that the city spent more than $50,000 on that 75 amendment process. 76 77 Commissioner Zastrow recalled that the council and commission have traditionally held 78 joint meetings but it is clear that each body needs their own attorney. 79 80 Commissioner Sutherland pointed out that the charter attorney actually charges less; 81 Commissioner Drennen suggested that separate attorneys would mean no potential for 82 conflict of interest. 83 84 A council member added that he still sees the possibility of cost savings in collaboration 85 on key principals before necessary legal reviews. 86 87 Commissioner Gunderson pointed out the current state of the commission's budget is 88 about $20, mainly because of the audit expenses; it is an unreasonable situation for them 89 at this time of the year (two meetings left, advertisements needed for openings). 90