Agenda Packets - 2001/10/08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council September 24, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 12 City Attorney Riggs indicated that his advice would be that the safer course of action would be not to do so. He then said that cities have done it and it appears that this City has done it in the past but he is not sure if past approvals rise to the level of policy. He then said that the safest course of action is not to do it. City Attorney Riggs further clarified that the Attorney General had not yet opinioned on the matter but information coming from the Attorney General’s office has suggested that the best course of action is for City’s to develop a policy regarding employee parties. Council Member Stigney asked, whether in good conscience, the City Attorney could advise this Council to disburse funds for an employee party. City Attorney Riggs said no, that the safest course would be to not approve funds for an employee party until there is a policy in effect. Council Member Stigney stated he would like to go on record as saying the City has disbursed funds for a party in violation of state statute. City Attorney Riggs clarified that he had not said that the City disbursed funds in violation of state statute. He then said that the safest bet would be not to authorize funds for a party until a policy is in effect. Council Member Stigney noted that Council, on a 4 to 1 vote, had authorized payment for an employee party. City Attorney Riggs clarified that the City had authorized payment of a bill that was received by the City for an event that had already taken place. Council Member Stigney indicated the vote was given knowing that it violated state statute. Council Member Thomas clarified that there is no statute or opinion unless the matter goes to court to say that the City is acting incorrectly. She then said that the City is on shaky ground and needs to set a policy concerning employee parties. She further commented that Council did not violate state statute by paying a bill that came to the City. Council Member Stigney asked for a copy of the state statute from City Attorney Riggs. City Attorney Riggs suggested that Council Member Stigney review the opinions of the Attorney General on the matter and information from the Attorney General’s Office suggesting that a city’s charter can be amended to allow the events. Mr. Pittman noted, for the record, that everyone had contributed money toward a gift for Mr. Decheine and the money was used to purchase a nice watch.