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City Council Study Session Monday, March 19,2007 Page 13 Mayor Klausing sought Councilmember Ihlan's perspective on staffs rec- ommendations as presented. Councilmember Ihlan supported the recommended changes to the employee recognition event; however, noted items listed in the monthly Check Regis- ter, that continue to be identified as employee recognition account items. Finance Director Miller advised, upon Council direction, the items could be termed as "Employee Benefits" and built into the employee compensation program. Mr. Miller noted that the current auditor was open to meeting with the Council at their discretion and request. Councilmember Ihlan spoke in support of an Audit Committee, as recom- mended by the Government Finance Officer's Association (GFOA) to insti- tutionalize it as a separate committee and to maintain control. Considerable discussion ensued as to the benefit of the entire Council, or a subcommittee of two Councilmembers was most appropriate. Mayor Klausing expressed confusion as to the intent of Councilmember Ih- lan's and Kough's meetings with staff, staffs recommendation, and whether they were in consensus with staffs recommendation; and the original direc- tive to meet and return with a recommendation for Council consideration. Councilmember Ihlan opined her support of a subcommittee of two Coun- cilmembers to serve as an Audit Committee. Councilmember Kough opined his support for either option. Councilmember Roe opined his support for staffs recommendation that the entire City Council serving as the Audit Committee, possibly in Study Ses- sion formats, to more immediately address policy issues and general discus- sion items. City Manager Malinen endorsed staffs recommended procedure, allowing for the full Council to participate and be involved. Council member Ihlan clarified that she wasn't suggesting an Audit Commit- tee in place of the full Council; however, supported a subcommittee to fol-