07-08-2010 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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JT CITY COUNCIL/CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING July 8,2010 APPROVED 46 Mayor Reinert explained that the council understands their ability to authorize additional 47 funds to the commission but historically the desire has been to lay out a procedure to look 48 at those situations when the Commission requests additional funds. This is a good 49 opportunity to discuss, between the two groups, such a procedure or the commission 50 could submit a proposal for a procedure to the council for consideration. 51 52 Commissioner Lyden noted the historical budget information before the group that 53 indicates the regular need for more than $1,500 per year. He suggests that $6,000 to 54 $8,000 per year would allow the commission to function as it should. 55 56 Council Member Roeser suggested that the council considers the city budget on a line 57 item basis with the bottom line impacting the tax rate/levy. To be consistent, he'd like to 58 see the charter budget presented in that line item fashion. 59 60 Council Member Rafferty said the council must be stewards of the city budget and 61 especially conscientious during these current difficult economic times so he is watching 62 individual budgets, including the council, police department and charter commission very 63 carefully. Establishing a procedure to consider needs seems appropriate. 64 65 Commissioner Drennen said he finds it entirely reasonable to ask the commission to put 66 together a line item budget and the idea of an established procedure for budget requests 67 seems appropriate also. 68 69 Commissioner Carlson remarked that historically also there was substantial funding spent 70 by the council to audit the commission and there was a need for the commission to get 71 their own legal advice in that area. Any procedure for funding would have to recognize 72 that type of circumstance. 73 74 Commissioner Trehus noted that the audit was done by a charter-busting attorney so he 75 questions the motive. Back to the charter budget, historically the commission has 76 received in the area of$5,000 per year regularly and many times money was returned to 77 the general fund. The commission provides a vital check and balance approach to city 78 government and should receive adequate city funding. 79 80 Commissioner Storberg suggested that an annual budget figure be established but that the 81 commission be allowed to roll that over for times when there is more work. 82 83 Council Member O'Donnell suggested that the council is about to enter the 2011 budget 84 cycle and they would welcome communication from the commission about their 2011 85 needs and it would be helpful to see it on a line item basis. 86 87 Chair Dahl noted that there is currently a"lock" on the 2010 charter budget so that they 88 are not allowed to expend any funds. Neither council members nor the acting city 89 administrator were aware of the situation. Chair Dahl will review the minutes to confirm. 90 2