CC_Minutes_2014_0303 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday,March 3, 2014 Page 24 sions were intended to build consensus and inform staff of individual and corpo- rate City Council priorities and direction to assist them in developing the City Manager-recommended budget and CIP. Mr. Trudgeon noted the periodic public hearings for gathering public comment as well, followed by a subsequent Work Session for any areas needing further clarification toward Preliminary and Final Budget adoption. Mr. Trudgeon advised that the intent was to limit the number of meetings, but to keep those discussions substantive and focus for Work Sessions, while allowing flexibility if and when additional discussion was indicated. Mr. Trudgeon noted that at each of the meetings, especially Work Sessions, the ability for citizens to participate on those particulars would be encouraged. Councilmember Willmus noted the creation of the Finance Commission and ex- pectations of the City Council in getting this group involved in the budget pro- cess. Councilmember Willmus questioned how they fit into this proposed process and calendar. Councilmember Willmus stated that his intent was for that Com- mission to make recommendations and bring some of the current policies and processes under review. Mr. Trudgeon noted that their involvement did require more thought; but the goal was to assimilate them into the big picture. However, Mr. Trudgeon noted that it would be determined by what role the City Council assigned them, and based on previous discussions, would be to leverage their expertise and knowledge in mak- ing this a better process. Mr. Trudgeon noted that their initial role may be to ob- serve the process and make specific recommendation to facilitate that overall goal. Councilmember McGehee thanked Mr. Trudgeon and staff for this proposed cal- endar and process, opining that it was the best she had seen since she came onto the City Council. Councilmember McGehee expressed particular appreciation in setting aside three specific Work Sessions focused only on the budget. As for the Finance Commission, Councilmember McGehee stated that she saw it as a col- laborative group, along with the City Manager and Finance Director, and if in place by April 1, 2014; who would be privy to these meetings and the same in- formation provided to the City Council, and be part of the process going forward. Based on discussions for some of the Commissioners to have financial expertise, Councilmember McGehee opined that she was not anticipating them coming for- ward as a separate entity to provide input. Related to the Finance Commission, Mr. Trudgeon suggested consideration be given, especially with Work Sessions, that there was nothing preventing them serving at the table with the City Council similar to a joint meeting as done with other commissions; and as they get familiar with the financial picture, having an