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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-23 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee March 23, 2010 Minutes Councilors: Gratwick, Wheeler, Blanchette Staff: Nicklas, Willette, Heitmann Others: 1. Land Acquisition for Golf Course Willette said that the City has been approached by the National Park Service regarding a small piece of land within the Golf Course. The National Park Service frequently offers to local municipalities the use of Parks and Recreational Open Space. An example of that is Hayford Park. The requirement is that it remains for that use once it is turned over to th that particular municipality. This particular piece is near the 15 tee and is about .23 acres of land and is not currently being use and this does not plan to change. Part of the process is a requirement that there is a public declaration and being here this evening is part of that process. The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for the authority and approval to pursue the application with the National Park Service to ultimately turn this small parcel of property over to the City. Nicklas added that, in the past, these surplus property acquisitions usually have a limit on how long the City had to use it for a particular purpose. That limit has often been 30 years and Nicklas’ understanding is that it may be different in the public park context. He and staff will look into that. Gratwick moved for a motion from the committee to empower Willette and staff to proceed ahead. Responding to Blanchette, Nicklas said that if changes are done, these changes will go to the full Council. A motion was made and seconded to proceed with the acquisition of this land through the National Park Services to compliment the Golf Course. 2. Committee Jurisdiction – Approval of Leases Heitmann stated that this item was brought forward at Blanchette’s request. He referred to the previous requirement of having 5 Council members at each standing committee. The standing committees have been reduced to 3 members, which brings about a situation where 2 of a 9 member Council can approve a lease for 3 years. This situation could be very controversial. The proposed ordinance amendment would require all leases for City land and buildings to go to the full Council. Heitmann said that it should have little effect on leasing a property in terms of development and pointed out that with the frequency of meetings, this will not cause a huge delay in the process. Blanchette explained that the reason she brought this forward is due to her comfort level in giving the authority that was given to the 9 elected officials to something less than the majority of the Council in obligating the City regarding the rates, terms and compliment of leases. She spoke to Solicitor Heitmann and requested that these should be required to go to the full Council; however, she is not proposing that the Council has to debate or listen to the particulars regarding these leases, but would suggest that this be routinely on the Consent agenda. If any Councilor had questions on an item, it can be pulled from the Consent agenda at the appropriate time and the questions asked and answered at that time. It is Wheeler’s opinion that proceeding into the future that the more things come before the full Council the better. He believes this is true even if there is debate and discussion. This will allow citizens to be confident and comfortable that a minority point of view did not carry the day. Heitmann responded to Blanchette saying that the reason the Finance Committee was not included in this change is because the Finance does not deal with any leases of properties unlike the other standing committees. The Finance Committee may want to take a look at whether or not they would like to change anything with its jurisdiction. This change is only to address the concern about granting leases to City property. Blanchette said that she is still really uncomfortable with only 2 members of the 9 elected to be allowed to authorize up to $50,000 in expenditures without it going to full Council. She is requesting that the Legal Department look at it and bring some recommendations to the Council. A motion was moved and seconded to require all leases of Government Operations, Infrastructure, Business and Economic Development and the Airport Committee to the full Council and be placed on the appropriate Consent agenda. Heitmann said that he and Cyr will meet to discuss the fact that the Finance Committee has the authority to do several things. For example; they can approve a contract or bid up to $50,000 assuming the contract is 3 years or less, settle a tax account up to $1,500, City claims up to $10,000, insured claims against the City up to $50,000 and self insured up to $10,000. Committee adjourned at 5:17 pm.