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City Council Study Session Monday, March 19,2007 Page 12 events, when the event is for the sole purpose of recognizing employees. Mr. Miller noted that legal opinions on this particular matter vary; however, the City's auditors would probably continue to flag this issue unless the structure and format of the event was changed. Mr. Miller reviewed several recommended changes and scheduling of an employee recognition event, such as: I) An address by City Officials on current and future projects, initiatives or other noteworthy items; 2) A break for lunch and employee recognition event; and 3) Mandatory training such as Ethics, Right-to-Know, Respectful Behavior. Mr. Miller noted that the recognition event should be incorporated into the Council-adopted Compensation and Benefit Plan in the same manner as the City's Wellness Program (referenced in Minnesota State Statute 411.111); and considered "additional income" rather than a gift to employees. City Manager Bill Malinen addressed considerations of an Audit Committee, and the value of creating such a committee, specifically to address audit findings and ensure direct access between the City Council and City Audi- tor. Mr. Malinen suggested a model that he'd used in other cities that the en- tire City Council would serve as an Audit Committee, with the following procedures: 1) Establish a pre-audit meeting between the City Council and auditor to discuss general inquires or ongoing concerns; 2) Maintain the current annual audit presentation by the auditor before the City Council, typically in May of each year; and 3) Establish a post-audit presentation between Council and staff to deter- mine whether any operational changes are indicated. City Manager Malinen recommended this procedure, to allow the full City Council to perform the same role as an Audit Committee, each equally in- formed and engaged in the City's fiscal affairs. Councilmember Kough clarified that it was not his intent to do away with employee recognitions; however, expressed his concern with the auditor's ongoing citing of this practice of spending taxpayer monies for such an event. Councilmember Kough spoke in support of either an Audit Commit- tee or the full City Council serving as such.