Agenda Packets - 2001/08/13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council July 23, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 2 This requirement for presenting the public with information on the workings of the city staff has been largely ignored. I believe this disregard has been detrimental to the proper operation of the city, leading to many surprises that have befallen Mounds View in recent weeks. As an original member of the Mounds View Charter Commission at the time the charter was written, I want to offer my recollection of the spirit of this requirement when it was written an d as it was practiced initially after the charter was voted in. The objective of this quarterly report is to continually inform the public of the status, progress and plans on all projects in the city. This includes budget status and projected expenditures on all funding, including monies from other agencies. The finance director is expected to arrange his accounting procedure to make transparent to the public all financial activities and plans. The city administrator should set an example by encouraging full disclosure in order to enhance accountability at the department level. This kind of expression of accountability to the citizens of Mounds View would, in my opinion, enhance the well being of Mounds View. To quote one of the nation’s founding father s: ‘‘Any nation that expects to be ignorant and free, expects what never was and never will be.’’ Signed, William Werner Mayor Sonterre added that the Council requested the Charter Commission look into this and give an opinion. No opinion was specifical ly rendered. This is something that had to be interpreted by the Council. He requested that City Administrator Miller add this item to the agenda for the Council’s next work session. Naza Werner, 2765 Sherwood Road, stated she is a longtime resident. She stated that people are thoroughly disgusted with the city government. She felt that the Council should be more open with information beforehand instead of disclosing bits and pieces just before it was time to vote. She added that if a citizen wants information, they must file a written request. Then they must wait along time for a response. She said as she watches Council meetings, she gets the impression that some Council Members lack sufficient information to make wise decisions. She felt some dec isions seem to be rubber stamped. Ms. Werner commented this is detrimental to the city and its reputation. Dana Mandosa, 2633 Clearview Avenue, stated he was told at the last Council meeting that if he wanted information, he would need to formally request it. On July 17, he said he made that request. He asked when he should expect that information to come back.