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Mounds View City Council <br />Regular Meeting <br />January 28, 2002 <br />Page 12 <br />Mayor Sonterre said that is an inaccuracy. <br />Mr. Berg indicated that if the Mayor was not involved previously, he is now because he will be <br />involved in the vote on the issue. He then asked what happened to the $191.10 in sales tax and <br />who paid that. <br />City Administrator Miller indicated that sales tax was not figured into the costs because the City <br />did not pay sales tax on the purchase. <br />Mayor Sonterre explained that the former finance director had mistakenly informed him that the <br />purchase was tax exempt because it was being made through the YMCA. <br />Mayor Sonterre clarified that the City was never charged for the sales tax. <br />Mr. Berg commented that the statement of the Mayor in the letter to the City Administrator <br />claiming that, had he known the purchase was illegal, he would have withdrawn the offer to Park <br />and Recreation and the savings would not have occurred. He then commented that, in light of <br />the amount of money spent in attorney's fees, there has been no savings to the City. He then <br />asked why the taxpayers are paying to defend the Mayor's personal business. <br />• Mayor Sonterre commented that, if the former finance director followed state statute, none of this <br />would have happened. <br />City Administrator Miller explained that the City Attorney was involved because the City <br />received a request to investigate. She further explained that the City Attorney represents the <br />City, not Mayor Sonterre or TSS. <br />Mr. Berg stated that, if the Mayor had not been involved in this matter, the City Attorney would <br />not have to defend the City. <br />City Attorney Riggs commented that, had the City followed proper procedures in six or seven <br />different incidents this would not have taken place and Council had asked that it be reviewed. <br />Council Member Thomas asked if there had been a need for prosecution who would have been <br />liable. <br />City Attorney Riggs indicated that City Staff and Council would be responsible. <br />Council Member Thomas commented that it is frustrating to think she could have been held <br />liable for what happened because she currently sits on Council. She commented that there are <br />approximately 17 other issues of a similar nature that the City is working to clear up. She then <br />commented that it is frustrating to be blamed for something that Council did not know was <br />wrong. <br />