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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,April 20, 2015 Page 10 Mayor Roe noted past practice had been to ask the administrative office to survey Councilmembers for the best two dates for the majority; and suggested that prac- tice be followed and not finalize dates tonight until that process had occurred. Mayor Roe advised that he concurred with the comments of his colleagues regard- ing the role of the Finance Commission, opining that this provided good com- monality from the City Council's point of view. City Manager Trudgeon asked for more City Council discussion on the role of the Finance Commission, noting that after his release of the City Manager- recommended budget on June 13, 2014, the Finance Commission met the next day, June 14, 2015. Mr. Trudgeon suggested that he meet with them to report to and present the recommended budget at their meeting as well, allowing them two meetings to digest and discuss it and consider recommendations on specific levy goals, personnel increases or other areas. However, specific to the Finance Commission's role with each department, Mr. Trudgeon sought clearer direction from the City Council on their expectations for the Commission at that more de- tailed level. Mayor Roe reiterated that he was open to whatever role the Finance Commission chose to take in that aspect. Mayor Roe concurred that it made sense for the City Manager and Finance Director to present the City Manager-recommended budget to the Finance Commission either before or immediately after presenting it to the City Council. However, Mayor Roe noted that if presented to the Finance Com- mission before the City Council, it would allow them time to react at their June meeting and provide feedback to the City Manager on developing his recom- mended budget, and then in turn reflect on what came before the City Council on July 13, 2015. Mayor Roe sought interest from his colleagues on whether or not the Finance Commission should be tasked with holding the preliminary budget hearing rather than at the City Council level, similar to the practice by the Plan- ning Commission for land use cases. Given the apparent level of involvement for the Finance Commission, Coun- cilmember Willmus suggested they meet several times per month during the summer as part of the budget process, helping the City Council to remain more flexible in their overall budget process. Councilmember Laliberte noted the planned joint meeting with the City Council and Finance Commission; questioning the timing of that. While unable to respond with the proposed date at this time, City Manager Trudg- eon suggested it be held at the third City Council meeting in August. Councilmember McGehee suggested that meeting be held in work session format.