01-08-1998 Charter Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Commission January 8, 1998 Page 2 MOTION by Commissioner Bening, seconded by Commissioner Rehbine,to accept the corrected version of the Charter Commission minutes of October 9, 1997. The motion carried unanimously. APPEARANCES Chair Montain introduced Mary Vaske, Finance Director for the City of Lino Lakes, stating that she would be addressing the group regarding the Capital Improvement(CIP) Five-Year Plan, which is called for by Charter Section 7.05. This Plan was prepared and implemented in 1990 and remained in place until 1994. Chair Montain indicated that there is currently an effort being made to revive use of the Plan. Ms. Vaske explained that the purpose of the CIP is to aid in the budgeting process, and should be in place prior to developing the next year's budget. The CIP should then be updated annually. Ms. Vaske further explained that, unfortunately, with the 1998 budget already having been formally adopted, development of the CIP would be of no value for 1998. The CIP should be developed in February or March to cover a five-year period, and incorporated into the budget process in June. The CIP can include such capital expenditures as police squad cars, fire trucks, street reconstruction and building construction, providing a basis to spread such expenditures as are determined to be appropriate over a five-year period. According to Ms. Vaske, the CIP Five-Year Plan document is extremely difficult to assemble but if done correctly can be effective as a budgetary aid. She added that her immediate concern is that the 1998 budget is in place, and proposed a CIP for implementation beginning with the 1999 budget be initiated this year. She reiterated the Plan is only effective if done correctly and in a timely manner. Commissioner Solfest stated the obvious need for follow through on a CIP Five-Year Plan in order to make the effort worthwhile. Ms. Vaske agreed, adding that credence on the part of City Staff and Council is also crucial to the effectiveness of the CIP. Chair Montain asked specifically about support from Council. Ms. Vaske stated that she presented the 1998 CIP to Council and did not receive a response. She received a negative reaction from Staff. Commissioner Dahl asked how use of the CIP could be ensured. Ms. Vaske explained that once a CIP is compiled, an advisory body could monitor its incorporation into budgetary considerations. Commissioner Dunn agreed that it would be nonproductive to attempt use of the 1998 CIP Five- Year Plan. He added that the Charter Commission should bring this matter before Council and obtain a commitment that this meaningful process will be followed, or recommend that the Charter be amended to eliminate this requirement. 2