Minutes - 2003/03/10 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council March 10, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 9 Council Member Stigney indicated that he was aware that claims show up on the list months later but wanted to try to slow the spending and decrease the list in light of the budget crisis. Council Member Stigney indicated he did not feel it was appropriate for the City to spend money on five tickets to the Twin Cities North Chamber Gala and asked how this was approved without Council action. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated that this type of expenditure is not something that would come before Council. He also indicated that while past practice does not guarantee it should be done today this is something that the City has paid for in past years. Council Member Stigney indicated he questions whether it is an appropriate expenditure of taxpayer funds. Council Member Quick asked whether the money was in the budget. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated that Staff budgets for the Chamber events. Council Member Quick explained that the issue with Brooklyn Center is that money was spent with no vote of Council and without it being included in the budget. He then said that he feels the Chamber puts much more back into the City than the City contributes and he feels it is necessary for communication between the City and local businesses. Council Member Stigney commented that just because the amount is in the budget does not mean it has to be spent. He then said he is concerned about the appropriateness of the City spending money on 5 gala reservations. He then asked that the City Administrator check with the state auditor to determine whether this is an appropriate expenditure. Council Member Quick clarified that the issue with Brooklyn Center was that they were spending funds that were not budgeted and not approved by Council. He then said that, if Council were this worried about the budget, it would have been more appropriate to have a meeting two weeks ago rather than waiting until March 17, 2003 to give Staff direction on spending. He further commented that if Staff is given appropriate and clear direction they would follow it. Mayor Linke indicated that the gala was a budget item and an appropriate expenditure. Council Member Stigney said he disagreed with the Mayor and Council Member Quick. Council Member Marty indicated he would not have an issue with checking with the State Auditor for clarification so it does not appear that anything is being swept under the carpet. Council Member Gunn asked for clarification on Check Number110378 to the City of Spring Lake Park for equipment usage.