EXHIBIT L
000279
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE
City of Riverside
January 8, 2004, 5 p.m.
Mayor's Ceremonial Room
City Hall, 3900 Main Street
MINUTES
PRESENT: Chair Eric Haley and Members Barry Johnson, Marjorie von Pohle, Gar Brewton, Connie Leach, Damon Castillo, Dale McNair, Ray Higgins, Dorothy Bailey, Rusty Bailey, Art Garcia, Marcia McQuern, and Rose ABSENT: Ben Johnson (excused), Stan Stosel (excused), Mike Teer (excused), and William Turpin
STAFF PRESENT: Pedro Payne, Bob Hall, Colleen Nicol, Gregory Priamos, Susan Wilson, Tricia Ruiz, and Janis Lowry
ALSO PRESENT: Chani Beeman, James Anderson, Sylvia Naomi James, Amanda Delfin, Brittany Belger, Laura Gibson, Holly Gilbreth, and others Chair Eric Haley convened the Charter Review Committee meeting at 5:05 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was given to the Flag.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
There were no comments presented at this time.
Foluving discussion, motion was made by Member Castil and seconded by Member von Pohle, approving the minutes of December 11, 2003, as amended to clarify that no formal position was taken on issues presented. Motion carried unanimously with Member Garcia abstaining as he was absent from the meeting.
INTERVIEW WITH COUNCILMEMBER HART
Councilmember Hart presented the following issues for the Committee's consideration: (1) she favors the current City Manager form of government; (2) feels the current Ward system works well but also favors election of Councilmembers at-large; (3) the process for determining the Mayor's and City Council salaries should not be tied to any independent factor; (4) her position is full-time; (5) the current number of wards is sufficient; (6) the Mayor should not be granted a vote; (7) favors the City Council Standing Committee appointments by City Council action rather than Mayor appointments; (8) favors mail-in voting for run-off elections but does not support nomination only by Ward and run-off at-large; (9) supports increasing the roles and responsibilities of the boards and cornmissions; (10) the Charter does not limit City Council interaction with staff; (11) supports diversity on boards and commissions while retaining CRC-25
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professional expertise where appropriate; and (12) supports the election of a Mayor in off-years from City Council races.
FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
Finance Director Paul Sundeen reviewed Charter Section 1113 - Independent audit and the bidding process for the appointment of the independent auditor. Further, Mr. Sundeen reviewed the three minor changes recommended to the Charter for clarification; (1) Section 1110 - Cash management. The first word of the second sentence should be plural, change "Transfer" to "Transfers"; (2) Section 1111 - Capital projects funds. Under subparagraph (a) the capital letters therein, "B." and "C." should be changed to the lower case and enclosed in brackets, i.e. "(b)" and "(c)"; and (3) Section 1113 - Independent audit. The word "and" in the second sentence, in the series of words "audit and report" should be deleted. Without formal motion, the Committee, received and ordered filed the Fiscal Administration report.
The Committee adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
COLLEEN J. NICOL
City Clerk
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2: Reeveived discal diministration section of Chatter
TO DO:
1. Interview newly-elected Councilmembers
2. Continue discussion regarding the Board of Public Utilities' recommendation for local preference to Riverside-based companies for construction contracts
3. Begin policy deliberations and formulate positions
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Date: January 8, 2004
Item No. 6
Memorandum
To: Charter Review Committee
From Paul C. Sundeen - Finance Director
Date: 1/8/2004
Re: ARTICLE XI. FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
The following describes the interaction of the independent auditor with the City Council and recommended minor changes to this Article.
Sec. 1113 of the Charter requires an annual independent audit. The application of this section is described below.
Historically, proposals for the appointment of an independent auditor have been requested every five (5) years; however, only a one-year contract is signed with the selected auditor. That contract may be renewed by the City Council, with the consent of the independent auditor, during that five (5) year period. If the contract with that particular auditor is renewed annually for the five (5) year period, proposals are requested from all interested firms following the completion of the audit of the fifth year. If the independent auditor or the City Council declines to renew the contract during that five (5) year period, proposals from all interested firms are requested.
After proposals have been received and evaluated by the staff, meetings are arranged between qualified firms and City representatives that include the Finance and Public Utilities Departments and the Redevelopment Agency. In addition, a representative of the City Council is invited to attend. Following the meetings, one firm is selected, a contract is signed by the independent auditor and presented to the City Council for approval.
At the completion of the audit, the independent auditor meets with the City Council's Finance Committee. During that meeting, the annual financial statements are reviewed and the independent auditor presents his reports on the financial statements, the Single Audit (a report on federal and state grants) and internal accounting controls. Subsequently, these reports are presented to the City Council, with the approval of the Finance Committee, to receive and file and to consider the reappointment of the independent auditor for the subsequent year.
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January 2, 2004
The following minor changes are recommended for clarification/correction:
I. Sec. 1110. Cash management. The first word of the second sentence should be plural. Change "Transfer" to "Transfers."
2. Sec. 1111. Capital projects funds. Under subparagraph (a), the capita etters therein, "B." and "C." should be changed to the lower case anc enclosed in brackets, i.e. "(b)" and "(c)."
3. Sec. 1113. Independent audit. The word "and" in the second sentence, in the series of words "audit and report" should be deleted. 2 6-2
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Sec. 1113. Independent audit.
The City Council shall employ, at the beginning of each fiscal year, a qualiied public accountant who shall, at such time or times as may be specified by the City Council, and at such times as such accountant shall 6-3
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