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<br />Council Member Nelson queshoned the response time of messages to the City. <br />Mr. Eilertson noted his firm has a great support staff to meet the needs of their <br />clients. <br /> <br />I <br />Carolyn Drude, Ehlers & Associates, introduced herself and the company she <br />represents. She noted her company has been in operation for the past 45 years <br />assisting in the sale of bonds, TIF financing and economic developments to <br />municipalities. Ms. Drude explained the diversity of services provided by Ehlers <br />& Associates and how this benefited the City of Centerville. <br /> <br />Ms. Drude reviewed the numerous issues Ehlers has been involved with for the <br />City over the past years; runoff, improved utilities, the City hall, senior housing, <br />refinancing, etc. <br /> <br />Ms. Drude noted Ehlers is an independent financial advisor and will remain <br />independent of any underwriting or investment banking interest in any financial <br />services provided. She stated this meant her firm is looking out for the best <br />interests of the City and that compensation is based completely on the fees <br />received from the City. <br /> <br />Ms. Drude reviewed a bond bid with the Council for the upcoming project for the <br />City. She noted the estimated bond would be $620,000 with an addition of 5% to <br />cover for delinquencies. Ms. Drude stated competitive bidding for the bonds <br />assures the best rate to the City. <br /> <br />Mayor Wilharber thanked Ms. Drude for her information and noted the Council <br />would be getting back to her firm in August as to the City's decision. <br /> <br />Council Member Sweeney stated there was a $1,200 difference in the fee charged <br />for the upcoming bond issuance between Ehlers and Juran & Moody. He noted <br />the increase in fees may be worth the increase in services and savings over time. <br />Council Member Sweeney noted the importance of customer service needs to be <br />considered for the City. <br /> <br />Council Member Vickers concurred stating she did not feel this was an apple to <br />apple comparison. She felt Juran & Moody offered additional services that may <br />be returned to the City in the future. <br /> <br />Council Member Vickers asked for comments from Mr. March on how he sees <br />the City's financial future. Mr. March noted he was indifferent before coming to <br />this meeting and noted he wanted to hear both presentations before drawing any <br />conclusions. He indicated Ehlers has been none responsive and has made several <br />minimal threats in the recent future but has done a complete 1800 turn around <br />after hearing the City was soliciting information on financial advisor services. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Mr. March indicated he personally feels Juran & Moody could offer long term <br />services for the City that would be extremely beneficial, that are not provided by <br />Ehlers. He felt it was in the City's best interest to have more than one financial <br />advisor to keep the system honest. Mr. March stated he has found Juran & <br />Moody to be extremely respons ive to his phone calls and requests thus far. <br />Page 5 of 10 <br />