08-13-2007 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes August 13, 2007 Page 5 e i\1r. Simon indicated that the city will be implementing the new accounting standards of GASB 43 and 45 in 2008. He stated that this will require an actuarial study to be completed the first year and on a bi-annual.basis thereafter. i\1r. Simon indicated that the city's financial softw:lIe needs were evaluated. He explained that we :lIe currently operating under a small cities software program and that implementing a new softw:lIe package for medium sized cities would allow the city to utilize e-commerce and would enable an integrated financial system. Ms. Johnson noted that staff has been looking into a new softw:lIe package for some time but the features of the new softw:lIe did not justify changing programs. She indicated that she feels it is now worth the change in programs. i\1r. Simon also reviewed the Information Technology budget. Elimination of the intern position and replacement with a p:lIt-time IT Specialist was discussed. Mayor Klinzing recessed the meeting due to severe weather at 8:55 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 9:02 p.m. E. Administration City Administrator Lori Johnson outlined the dep:lItmental goals, staff addition requests, and capital outlay requests for 2008. e Councilmember Motin questioned the Brick Block SUITey that is included in the Mayor and Council budget Ms. Johnson indicated that she believes the intent of the sU1'Vey is to see if the buildings :lIe structurally sound. SU1'Veying the financial feasibility of the buildings was suggested but it is uncle:lI if that is included in the sU1'Vey. Ms. Johnson indicated that the cable commission pays for two city representatives to have cable service in Elk River for the purpose of monitoring channels and reporting problems to Ch:lIter Communications. Councilmembers F:lIber and Zerwas expressed interest in serving as monitors. Councilmember Zetwas questioned the cost to produce the annual report video. Ms. Johnson reported that the cost in staff time for the production is over $8,000, which is equivalent to approximately $300 per minute of video. Discussion took place and consensus of the Council was that it is a great video but not worth the amount of time and money to produce and that staff time would be better spent concentrating on providing consistent, local programming. Councilmember F:lIber indicated that he would like to see a city m:lIketing video prep:lIed that can be periodically updated. Consensus of the Council was to direct Economic Development to have a video prep:lIed. F. Set Future Budget Meeting Dates e Ms. Johnson reviewed the budget deadlines and discussion took place on whether or not the Council feels there is ample time to discuss the budget and tax levy prior to certifying the maximum levy to the County on September 15.