08-20-2009 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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JT CITY COUNCIL/CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING August 20, 2009 APPROVED 134 Council Member Gallup stated that she supports the amendment that the citizens' task \_.- 135 force put forth. She recalled that the task force met with the commission and there was 136 realization that the council needs to be involved and she has that in mind. 137 138 Council Member Reinert stated that he supports having a charter; it is essential. He 139 supported the amendment on roads that came forward. The petition ambushed a process 140 that could have worked. 141 142 B. Cost of legal advice for charter amendments, 2009 & 2010 143 144 Commissioner Sutherland presented written information on costs that other cities have 145 seen in looking at a tax cap amendment. This could be used as a basis to look at possible 146 costs for a Lino Lakes' proposal. 147 148 Chair Dahl pointed out that the commission traditionally does as much of their own 149 research as possible; they are very prudent in utilizing public funds. While she is 150 impressed that three council members are attending this meeting on short notice and 151 that's a good place to start with collaboration, it is important that the commission get 152 some commitment from the council to look at funding needs (August 25 work session). 153 154 The group discussed the city's budget process and deadlines for submitting a maximum 155 levy and final budget. The final maximum levy is due to the state in mid-September. 156 �-' 157 Council Member Reinert stated that he is supportive of putting onto the next council 158 agenda an item to consider funding to get the commission through the remainder of 2009. 159 Past that, he called for discussion of what path the groups will take. He'd like to see the 160 commission have access to city staff for information also. 161 162 The group reviewed the current Marty Law Firm invoice. It was pointed out that the 163 major portion of the bill relates to responding to the audit report. 164 165 At the request of a council member, Commissioner Sutherland confirmed that the group 166 would be content with receiving additional funding for cost of doing business expenses 167 for the remainder of 2009 and looking at attorney funding for 2010. 168 169 Council Members Reinert and Gallup agreed that discussion of the charter's budget will 170 be added to the agenda for the August 25 budget work session and to the September 8 171 regular work session agenda. If the council directs, a formal budget action in the form of 172 a resolution could occur at the September 14 city council meeting. 173 174 C. Cost of legal advice for on-going audit of Charter Commission 175 176 When the commission asked if activities and discussion surrounding the audit have been 177 completed, City Clerk Bartell explained that there is a direction to staff outstanding to 178 report back on some areas relative to the findings of the audit. Two of those areas are 4