2011-02-14 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Welsch again reminded Mr. Price to stick with the subject, next Mr. Kraft and then a vote. Mr. Kraft said let’s just vote now as you know it is going to be four to three. Mr. Price said you are going to do what Mr. Kraft wants; Steve Kraft is the Mayor of University City not Shelley Welsch. Mayor Welsch called Mr. Price Out of Order. Mr. Kraft said he could hardly wait till he gets his $200 a month raise. He said his comments are mostly in response to some of the things Mr. Sharpe said. He said the real reason for this resolution is that when the budget was passed the Council then directed Ms. Watson to come up with a savings of $300,000. Mr. Kraft in reading reports and going to budget meetings since last fall; felt they were at a point where Mr. Walker has to put together a draft budget and present it within the next couple of weeks. Mr. Kraft said the Council needs to give some direction as to what the budget should be. He said part of the Council’s responsibility is to give direction to the City Manager as to what the Council expects in the budget. Mr. Kraft said what is basically being said is that we don’t want you to waste our money, whether we have surplus or not and put together where there are no service cuts if possible and lastly if possible don’t go into the reserve. Mr. Kraft said this resolution is setting a goal or a direction. Mr. Crow wanted to share in Mr. Sharp’s concern in the little green folder he has, which he said has not been vetted by the Council at all. He said Mr. Walker should make an outreach to all of Council concerning that study before any changes are made. It is not clear to everyone here and may have a credibility issue with some members on this Council; this thing is going to pass, so let’s vote and get it done. Ms. Ricci said the Government Finance Officers Association, GFOA policy supports that reserve dollars are not spent for ordinary operating expenses. Mr. Kraft called for the Question. Mr. Price asked the City Manager if he could speak to the City Attorney in the audience, Yes or No. Mr. Walker gave his okay. Mr. Price asked the City Attorney for clarification if the resolution is binding. Mr. Mulligan said it is an administrative directive. He said it doesn’t have the force or effectiveness as an ordinance. Mr. Price asked for a roll Call vote AYES: Ms. Ricci, Mr. Kraft, Mr. Glickert and Mayor Welsch NAYS: Mr. Crow, Mr. Sharpe and Mr. Price Resolution 2011 – 4 carried with a majority. Mayor Welsch noted that no decisions on any reorganization has been presented to this Council and we will get Mr. Walker’s opinion on how to proceed at the February 28 meeting of the Council where he will present a draft budget. Again she wanted to remind Council that under the City Charter the City Manager has the administrative authority over the operations of the City. 12