FM022399
FINANCE COMMITTEE - CITY OF MUSKEGO (Accepted)
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1999
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Mayor De Angelis. Committee
members Slocomb, Salentine and Sanders were present. Also present were Aldermen
Pionek, Chiaverotti, and Patterson (arrived during the meeting.), Finance Director
Gunderson, and Deputy Clerk Blenski.
The Mayor noted that the meeting was noticed in accordance with the Open Meeting
Law.
Review of Minutes
Minutes of the February 17, 1999 meeting were accepted with no changes made.
There were no licenses to review.
Unfinished Business
Further discussion on Cell Phone, Business Card, Hardware, and Software Policy for
Elected Officials. This item was deferred at the 2/17/99 meeting. Alderman Slocomb
identified and reviewed the revisions he made to the policy. Each of the four items was
discussed separately.
Cell Phone - The Mayor stated that the policy did not clarify that the phone was to be
for business use only and questioned how the Finance Director would “police” the use.
Dawn Gunderson stated that incoming calls are not identified on the statement. She
noted that the phones the City currently has are strictly used for business. The
committee determined that language should be added to paragraph V. B. to identify
that the phone was “for business use.”
The Finance Director reviewed the estimated cost for the proposed policy relating to
cell phones, business cards, and software with the estimated impact to the 1999 budget
to be approximately $1,980.65. Alderman Slocomb noted that presented worst case
scenario as some people currently have their own equipment. Dawn Gunderson
agreed noting that it reflected the cost for all seven of the aldermen to receive the
items. Alderman Chiaverotti stated you could spend time arguing what the aldermen
need to do their jobs. The expense allowance that the aldermen currently have should
be used for the items they believe are needed. She opposes the City supplying these
items, maintenance will be involved, as well as staff time to audit; the need is not that
great. If the expense allowance is not sufficient, it should be reviewed at budget time.
Alderman Sanders stated he supports the computer software and hardware and noted
that the business card expense does not amount to much. He stated that the expense
allowance was doubled. If that is not sufficient, it needs to be reviewed at budget time.
Alderman Chiaverotti stated she did not have a problem with the computer hardware
and software portions of the policy. Alderman Sanders stated a cell phone was handy
but you could do without. Alderman Patterson stated he supports things that are a
necessity, such as the business cards and computers which allow for communication
Finance Committee Minutes Page 2
February 23, 1999
with constituents. He stated a cell phone was not a necessity. Alderman Slocomb
clarified the business card policy which allows for 500 cards to be ordered each year
from the April swearing in date until two months after with the expense to be covered by
the City.
Alderman Slocomb stated that except for the business cards, the City has provided the
other things on the policy. He has had use of a cell phone since October. He believes
the City should have a policy and that is why he put it together.
Cell Phone - Alderman Salentine moved to approve. Alderman Slocomb seconded;
however, he noted four aldermen feel inappropriate. Alderman Salentine stated maybe
cell phone could be given to Council president and alderman appointed to the landfill
committees. That is very legitimate reason. Alderman Chiaverotti disagreed because
at some point in time, something will come up in the other districts. Alderman Slocomb
stated use of cell phone has been greatest in Mayor’s absence. Alderman Pionek
stated one should be given to Council president. Alderman Salentine suggested one
could be available at City Hall. Alderman Patterson agreed with giving a cell phone to
the Council president. Alderman Chiaverotti disagreed saying that will open the door.
Eventually everyone will request. The Mayor noted that the City cell phone used by
Alderman Slocomb will eventually be needed by staff. Alderman Salentine withdrew
her motion which was agreeable to Alderman Slocomb. Alderman Salentine moved for
Council president to be provided a cell phone. Alderman Sanders seconded.
Alderman Chiaverotti noted that she prefers the expense allowance be increased for
the Council president at budget time. Motion to approve carried. Alderman Salentine
moved to amend to add to V. B. “that the phone is intended for City business.”
Alderman Sanders seconded; motion carried.
Business Card - Alderman Slocomb moved for adoption. Alderman Salentine
seconded; motion carried.
Hardware - Alderman Sanders moved for adoption. Alderman Salentine seconded;
motion carried.
Software - Alderman Sanders moved for adoption. Alderman Slocomb seconded.
Mayor questioned the ability of an alderman to purchase computer software after
leaving office. He noted the City is often able to make purchases at a lower,
governmental rate and lower rates are not offered to employees. It could be a conflict
of interest. Alderman Slocomb stated we can strike completely. It seemed like a
natural thing to do since the software is already loaded on computer. The Mayor stated
it was a perception issue. Alderman Slocomb moved to amend V. C. 3. to include
language “where commercially available at the same competitive volume rate.”
Alderman Salentine seconded; motion carried. Motion to approve software policy, as
amended, carried unanimously.
Finance Director Gunderson discussed amending the 1999 budget to cover the policy
expenses.
Finance Committee Minutes Page 3
February 23, 1999
There was no new business.
Voucher Approval
Alderman Sanders moved to recommend approval of General Vouchers in the amount
of $811,872.81, Tax Checks in the amount of $5,913,587.29, and Utility Vouchers in
the amount of $217,426.02. Alderman Sanders seconded. The Finance Director
stated that the February payment for Tess Corners Fire Dept. was included. Alderman
Patterson stated the agreement should come forward at the next Council meeting.
Alderman Salentine moved to remove $14,808.33 payment from General Vouchers with
the intent to approve the remainder of the quarter at the next meeting. Alderman
Sanders seconded; motion carried. Motion to approve vouchers, as amended, carried
unanimously. Approved General Voucher amount was $797,064.48.
Alderman Sanders moved to adjourn at 7:50 p.m. Alderman Slocomb seconded;
motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jill Blenski, CMC
Deputy Clerk
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