Written by the reviewer from the ASR + docket; [verbatim-ASR] = quoted machine transcript; [paraphrase] = reviewer's wording, not a quote.
0:00 I will go ahead and call to order March 23rd, 2026 Finance Committee.
0:08 The first order of business is the review and approval of the March 2nd, 2026 Finance Committee meeting minutes.
0:17 Without objection, they are approved.
0:19 I was ready to make my big motion.
0:21 Slow your thunder, Councilman Bolk. I apologize.
0:25 The next order of business, we have two docket items of which we covered in our last meeting,
0:31 but we wanted to sleep on it a little bit before we came back.
0:35 So the first one is Ordinance 15, 2026, which is the ordinance to create the Host Community Cannabis Fund,
0:43 section 129.65, like codified ordinances.
0:48 As introduced, it had some language.
0:52 And then on the floor at the last meeting, we discussed some additional language
0:58 that I believe is reflected in Granicus as a substitute.
1:03 And there may be further amendments on that, but I guess to start the discussion off,
1:08 I will move to substitute the ordinance with the substitute that is in Granicus.
1:16 The motion is made. Second. Any discussion?
1:19 All those in favor say aye.
1:22 Okay, so now we have the substituted version.
1:27 The one thing, so Councilman Evans couldn't be here,
1:31 but he did send me a thoughtful note in advance.
1:36 I think he's dealing with allergies or is a little under the weather,
1:39 is sometimes, you know, I, as a member of council,
1:46 I have a good idea of the purpose of our funds,
1:49 where the money that goes into our funds come from and the general purpose
1:53 that those monies are then spent because it's dictated in our codified ordinances
1:59 The one thing is I don't always have great clarity and perhaps
2:04 if you go through the budget book, you could find that clarity of like
2:07 what specific things the funds from a specific fund are spent on.
2:12 I should stop saying fund.
2:13 What specific things the money from the funds are spent on
2:16 from a line item perspective.
2:18 And that's one thing that Councilman Evans brought up.
2:21 And I was wondering if there's an easy way.
2:25 So this question to the finance director is would there be a way over the next
2:30 couple of years for the finance department to provide a communication
2:33 in the docket at the end of each year that kind of outlines what,
2:36 where this money was spent in a more limited nature,
2:39 like kind of segregated from the other funds?
2:42 Are you meaning specific to this fund?
2:46 Well, it would, the definition would be in our CAFR, AFCR, sorry.
2:54 So for the uninitiated, could you describe what an AFCR is?
2:58 It's our yearly financials.
3:00 And there is a list, I believe there should be a list of every fund
3:05 and what their purpose is in that.
3:10 And I mean, yeah, I'm happy to give a report to Council on the specific fund
3:17 if you wanted annually.
3:21 Yes, because I understand, and that's my level of knowledge of our funds.
3:25 We have many restricted funds.
3:27 And I read through and I see balances.
3:30 And then sometimes when I go into the Board of Control,
3:32 I can see where money comes from for certain projects.
3:39 But then the collation is where I miss some of it,
3:42 to see actually where, you know, like kind of a true up of a particular fund.
3:49 And I think this one is of importance to the community.
3:52 It's a new revenue source.
3:53 So I think some mechanism to see that from a reporting standpoint,
3:58 whatever we do to the language and exhibit or in subsection C
4:03 as far as what the authorized expenditures are.
4:08 Any comments from my colleagues on that point?
4:13 Councilor Bullock, thanks.
4:14 You're saying not a prospective,
4:16 but a year end or look back reporting period to say what were the actuals?
4:24 And why I propose that is because this is a new source of funds.
4:30 So I think it would be helpful for us as the appropriators in the city
4:33 to see where these new funds are going.
4:36 And then potentially that could inform some future decisions
4:40 about authorized expenditures, right?
4:42 Are we – is there money sitting in there because it can't be spent?
4:46 Or do we see it's going more towards a certain subsection
4:52 of the authorized expenditures?
4:53 So we want to think about that from a policy perspective?
4:57 I mean, that's – I agree very much.
4:59 Thank you very much.
5:00 And I think that probably is a healthy practice for all funds
5:03 or for all of us right now.
5:06 But to take this first step, I'd be happy to support a request
5:15 I suppose, Director, would a simple communication be enough?
5:20 This could be a standard practice for at least this fund?
5:28 Yeah, that's no problem.
5:30 I would just ask – I don't – I haven't seen the granicus.
5:33 Could you scroll it up just so I can see the change?
5:37 I can see – I can't see the bottom of it.
5:39 Can you scroll to the –
5:42 Oh, yeah, Section C.
5:57 Unless you were in the middle of a thought,
5:59 I've got a point to build on.
6:01 Always in the middle of a thought,
6:02 but not a particularly insightful one.
6:05 So, okay, no particular – there might be a couple
6:10 of corrective amendments to include.
6:12 So I'm supportive of the spirit of Councilman Striebig's
6:16 proposed changes here.
6:18 I guess the committee has accepted the changes.
6:21 We might capitalize on them.
6:22 Yeah, to be clear, they were accepted to then form the basis
6:26 So we'll open to other amendments.
6:28 So first of all, I think it's a good change.
6:31 So in Section A, we say this – there's hereby established
6:36 a capital projects fund.
6:39 Okay, so then we jump down to Section C.
6:42 Now we're talking about public health and safety.
6:47 And then, you know, I think that's –
6:51 it tracks for me complete streets, ADA transition plan,
6:54 and Lakewood Community Health capital needs assessment
7:02 Big N needs assessment implementation.
7:06 But isn't Lakewood Community Health needs programmatic
7:09 as opposed to capital?
7:11 So that's an issue to consider or address.
7:17 Number two, just as an observation from my colleagues,
7:20 you know, I do think in our budgeting we could improve
7:24 by being strategic and giving ourselves periodic,
7:29 whether that's annual or some other time basis,
7:33 check-ins on our use of funds,
7:35 just as the chair is talking about.
7:37 Another example is the NOPEC funds.
7:39 NOPEC funds have been doing great programs
7:41 for quite some time.
7:42 They've been doing the same program for quite some time.
7:45 Maybe they should, but maybe they shouldn't.
7:47 What we typically consider, though,
7:50 is a piece of legislation proposed by the administration
7:53 that assumes that we are going to continue the use of those
7:57 NOPEC funds for what we've been doing with them for 10 years.
8:01 And I think as, you know,
8:03 part of the decision-making at City Hall for the use of
8:07 resources from time to time,
8:08 I do agree we should be asking ourselves,
8:10 hey, let's check our assumptions.
8:13 What might we make resource prioritization decisions
8:20 So last little comment for me on this.
8:23 So this is a new source of funds that's great.
8:26 I do think we originally envisioned when this was
8:31 medical marijuana a public health component.
8:35 More recently we've expanded the expectation around both
8:41 complete streets and ADA implementation.
8:43 So these are all great.
8:47 Should we be thinking about these funds as new
8:51 improvements or to backfill long-standing needs?
8:54 So we just had an important conversation about county
8:56 cuts, at least for now,
8:58 to important mental health services.
9:01 It certainly could be a worthy use of these funds.
9:06 That could all swell up every dollar for 20 years.
9:11 Now, if we want to make that decision,
9:14 we can have that discussion.
9:16 I don't know how we should be thinking about this.
9:18 I'm just kind of putting that question out there on the
9:20 table because these are new funds that could provide a
9:24 strategic opportunity to do some new things to meet some
9:29 So to me that's what's exciting about the creation of
9:32 these funds, and thank you to my colleagues who put this
9:37 into the legislation.
9:39 Yeah, and I think to that point, thank you,
9:42 I agree with what you're saying,
9:44 and we may propose an amendment to make it a fund,
9:48 not a capital projects fund,
9:50 to address some of the concerns you talked about.
9:52 Would that, from the law director's standpoint and the
9:55 finance director, is that what we need to do?
9:59 Yes, Mr. Chair, thank you.
10:01 We were having the same discussion.
10:05 We can always say other capital improvements and
10:13 operations related to accessibility, equity,
10:19 wellness, and human services,
10:21 just to bring that scope into this.
10:25 Yeah, so where do you propose that language at?
10:30 I'm talking about Section A that says,
10:33 there is hereby established a capital projects fund.
10:35 I'm wondering if we just put established a fund.
10:39 I can show you my drafting.
10:42 Mr. Chair, it's exactly what you just said.
10:45 Okay, so first thing,
10:50 I will make a motion to delete capital projects from
10:58 Is there a discussion?
11:00 All those in favor, say aye.
11:04 Okay, and then the next thing, Councilmember Bullock,
11:06 I think that's why this reporting is so important.
11:10 So, and that's where, and I often, you know,
11:13 sometimes when I'm really bored,
11:15 I read the codified ordinances and establishment of the
11:18 finance department and our charter and all those things.
11:20 And if we ever wanted an analysis of a fund,
11:23 we simply would just put a communication on the docket
11:25 saying, hey, what are we spending out of the DARE fund?
11:30 There's a DARE fund.
11:31 You could just email me.
11:37 Director Vargo knows.
11:38 You can email everyone on council then.
11:42 But so we have those rights.
11:44 I do think in this instance,
11:46 this is unique in the sense that it is new revenue.
11:49 And we are putting some outer bounds of how they can,
11:53 how the funds can be spent.
11:54 So I think we want to know how they were spent and how it
11:57 impacts the rest of the budget and then how we may refine the
12:01 boundaries of the allowable expenses,
12:03 I think from a policy perspective.
12:06 So if the finance director will commit,
12:11 I think we could put this in text of the ordinance.
12:13 I'd prefer that we just got, you know,
12:15 kind of coming down the record that the next three years
12:18 we'll get some analysis of it and the communication on the
12:21 docket at the end of, you know, March, you know, when books close.
12:26 So we can see and then refer to committee and have discussion about
12:29 it, I think would be very helpful.
12:32 Would that be something that the committee wants or helpful?
12:39 Yes, Mr. Chair, from me,
12:42 the timing might need some thought because we go into budgeting for
12:48 the next year earlier than March.
12:52 So we'll be doing a March look back at the previous year,
12:55 but we'll already be in the cycle or the current year,
12:59 which we would have started really around Thanksgiving.
13:02 So if we figure out the timing.
13:05 Well, one, I guess to Director Mahoney,
13:07 one would be the time that you feel like you could adequately
13:10 drop a communication that you'd be ready to discuss in committee
13:14 kind of where these funds are going.
13:16 Well, it would be part of the budget document.
13:21 The budget document is, this is where I,
13:25 you're technically correct,
13:27 but I think that there is a benefit in a separate discussion
13:31 aside as it relates to this particular one.
13:36 So maybe as part of the budget discussions in the fall,
13:44 I don't see us spending too much of this this year, to be honest,
13:47 but you know, as part of the,
13:50 when that section of the budget comes up and analysis of,
13:56 I think that probably would be the best time because then if
13:59 council wants to direct the funds specifically for the next
14:04 year, that probably would be the best timing.
14:07 So along with the budget discussion.
14:15 Yeah, I'm almost looking for a look back as it could.
14:19 Yes, because I do think that it will be included in the
14:22 I mean, our we're here till midnight.
14:25 And, you know, no, when we do the budget and it's also,
14:32 you know, year end for me and my day job and, you know,
14:35 it's probably the most stressful time to be on council during the
14:39 And so sometimes I think we lose horse from the trees.
14:43 And that's why I'm proposing more of a look back.
14:47 And as we saw this year, we can always amend the budget.
14:50 We've done so many times to director,
14:52 my honey's chagrin, I think.
14:54 So it's possible for us to do that.
14:56 So I do, I would suggest after,
14:59 cause this is more of a prospective look back so that we
15:03 can then think about how we want to,
15:05 cause then anytime we can change the authorized expenditures,
15:09 So that's where I think after the close of the year council
15:15 I think there's kind of two things because we're just
15:18 creating it this year to understand the timing in some
15:21 ways. And then we've also talked about trying to have a
15:26 early start with council priorities and working with the
15:29 finance department prior to going into the budget book
15:34 So that would be a time also to be looking at as director
15:37 Mooney mentioned, since these,
15:39 these funds were not necessarily anticipated in our 2026
15:43 because we didn't know if and when we were going to get
15:45 them as we heard at the last committee meeting from
15:49 director Barry and the meeting right before this one from
15:53 assistant director Jason about the needs and human
15:56 services regarding the mental health,
15:59 do the county cuts.
16:00 If that was something that we wanted to use,
16:02 that they were used on this year.
16:04 So I feel like this year is sort of maybe a year to
16:08 establish the best practice and discover it together a
16:11 little bit is that if we are,
16:13 we won't necessarily have a look back too much.
16:18 in which case we'd want to hear about that from
16:20 director Mooney and you know,
16:22 but if we are thinking as we're heading into our
16:26 budget priorities and getting those with finance,
16:29 that would also be a time to be like,
16:31 Hey, have you used any of this yet?
16:35 maybe in the next year would also be a look back of
16:38 how were they used last year?
16:40 How do we want to use them this year?
16:41 If that makes sense.
16:42 So that timing and we need to work that out with
16:47 but prior to the budget book creation,
16:50 we had talked about having those council priorities
16:52 and more communications that might be a time to do
17:03 I think what we're asking for director Mooney is
17:05 a distinct communication on the Canada's fund.
17:07 It's separate from the budget.
17:10 So if you can commit to doing that and having
17:12 those conversations,
17:13 then I think I am comfortable.
17:19 I know you had originally mentioned March,
17:23 April would probably time up with what I had
17:26 suggested council priorities to be starting to
17:29 be communicated in June.
17:31 So if you get the report in March or April
17:35 then you could include that in your council
17:38 priorities discussion in June.
17:44 And then at this point,
17:45 I'll take comments on C,
17:47 which is really the meat and potatoes of this.
17:52 the proposed amendment,
17:54 which I believe was formed by council person
17:56 street bigs kind of addition.
18:02 Any comments from the committee on that
18:06 council person street big.
18:10 It could have been my typo.
18:11 It could have been a clerk typo,
18:13 but the N in needs needs to be capitalized and
18:18 Lakewood community health needs assessment,
18:20 which is a specific document.
18:22 And then also right after that,
18:25 that document is actually exactly what it says.
18:28 It's an assessment.
18:30 There's an additional document that goes with it.
18:33 That is the Lakewood action plan that then
18:41 exactly here on the,
18:42 on the last page is moving from assessment to action.
18:46 And I think that that's where to your question too,
18:50 this is where we start to get into like more specifics on
18:54 what are we looking to fund as opposed to just ideas of
18:59 So I'd like to make an amendment to my amendment and
19:03 after assessment add,
19:06 and Lakewood action plan implementation as well as
19:11 capitalize the end.
19:14 So there's a motion to have it read and Lakewood
19:19 community health needs capital on assessment and
19:23 Lakewood action plan implementation.
19:28 So the motion has been made.
19:29 I will second that motion.
19:32 All those in favor say aye.
19:36 So now that we have this, I do think that this is,
19:40 we're kind of building the plane as we're flying the
19:42 state decided to be magnanimous and that's the
19:48 But I'm interested to see where this goes.
19:50 Cause I think council book brings up some complaints
19:54 does it just go into the giant water in the ocean
19:57 or are you going to try to fill a vessel somewhere
20:00 for a particular need?
20:03 And this might be too broad.
20:04 We might need to tighten this up or we might need
20:07 So I think we don't know from a policy perspective.
20:10 Any other thoughts before we go?
20:15 Thank you, Mr. Chair.
20:18 Director Mahoney and I are discussing and I have
20:24 We're not specifically knowledgeable of the
20:28 community health needs assessment.
20:31 But here's my question.
20:32 The prior committee meeting that we had,
20:37 and we've heard from Director Berry at Human
20:40 Services about the mental health needs and the
20:42 cuts from the county.
20:46 To support human services on those issues,
20:50 Director Berry spoke about and the assistant
20:52 or the associate director also spoke about,
20:57 are we talking about one and the same thing or
20:59 do we need to add what Director Berry was
21:02 So I would think that public health and safety
21:08 and the Lakewood community health needs
21:11 assessment would cover it and the addition that
21:15 Councilperson Scherbig made would cover that.
21:22 From a legislative intent perspective,
21:24 it is intended to cover it.
21:26 Whether the language does or not is another
21:30 We could get into the chat,
21:36 which is directed out of that needs assessment,
21:42 that group that came out of that needs
21:44 assessment and their annual report.
21:47 I mean, we could get that detailed.
21:49 But I think if we say for public health and
21:54 safety issues, including complete streets,
21:59 including these specific documents,
22:02 not just, not solely, right?
22:07 Including these documents that we are
22:10 identifying at this moment.
22:13 And then to your point, Chair Baker,
22:17 maybe we need to expand that further next
22:21 Maybe we need to add more plans in there.
22:24 But I think at this point,
22:26 it captures the essence of what we're
22:28 looking for with health and safety-related
22:30 issues within the city, including these
22:35 Spoken like my legislation.
22:42 It's a good question that the law
22:44 director and the finance clerk raise.
22:46 It's a technical document.
22:48 It's on our website.
22:49 It's done every five years or thereabouts.
22:51 I'm looking right now.
22:52 I don't know if the council clerk is
22:56 Never mind if you're doing so well.
22:59 There's a 2022 version of the document
23:01 and it's a global assessment and it
23:03 includes mental health along with
23:07 behavioral health and nutrition and
23:09 physical activity and safety at home
23:12 and safety at workplace.
23:14 So it's pretty comprehensive.
23:16 Those things used to be conducted by
23:20 Lakewood Hospital and I think in the
23:22 closure of Lakewood Hospital now the
23:24 facility is taken on.
23:25 I'm in long way of agreeing with my
23:27 colleague that I'm pretty sure that it
23:30 will capture all the work that the
23:33 Human Services Department does.
23:38 That's a fair statement from my colleague.
23:41 I think maybe not every single thing
23:44 that they do but in the specific
23:48 discussion of the lost revenue from
23:53 the county in order to provide the
23:55 mental health services that was
23:57 specifically mentioned in the report
24:00 tonight and in the work of TAD and
24:03 the public health language there but
24:06 we do need to still take out the
24:08 capital improvements.
24:09 You know what I thought about that.
24:11 Thank you for that and I do think
24:13 that it could be, it says including
24:18 and then it includes capital
24:22 So I actually think it's okay but
24:25 First of all, thanks for the
24:28 explanation of the assessment.
24:31 That's sufficient for Director
24:35 Mahoney and me and certainly your
24:37 statement of intent is good.
24:41 We are good with it and if capital
24:44 improvements stays as a because it's
24:47 just an inclusion that's fine maybe
24:49 just to eliminate any question about
24:52 Director Barry's use of some of these
24:54 funds even though it's in the
24:56 including clause we could say and
24:58 other capital improvements and
25:00 operations related to those items.
25:05 So I'll make a motion to include
25:07 and operations in between capital
25:09 improvements and related.
25:15 Clerk love us tonight.
25:23 This is more just a question.
25:25 I agree with the assessment that
25:27 this should this should serve the
25:29 purpose with the change we've made.
25:31 I know in a lot of times when you
25:33 see this sort of verbiage you see
25:35 including but not limited to is
25:37 that redundant in this case to add
25:39 that I mean is it implied that it's
25:41 not limited to you just by saying
25:43 including I guess more of a
25:45 redundant in clarification as opposed
25:49 I'm here for it though.
25:51 Councilman let's make the lawyers
25:53 earn their little hour
26:01 Thank you through the chair.
26:03 You see including but not
26:07 everywhere in legal documents
26:09 even though it's true.
26:13 Maybe it stems from the fact that one
26:15 time lawyers drafting were
26:25 it's not necessary but it is certainly
26:27 standard to have that language.
26:29 I leave it to the committee.
26:33 Being concise shows respect
26:37 Let's not be verbose.
26:39 Works for me. Thank you for the clarification.
26:43 Any other thoughts? I think we have a
26:49 currently before us.
26:51 Do we approve that motion?
26:55 Do we have a motion on the floor?
26:57 We do. And so the motion on the floor
26:59 you're right. Councilman Bixenstein
27:01 asked a question about it. So is there any other
27:03 questions on the motion to add
27:09 All those in favor say aye.
27:13 an amended substitute
27:15 that I think we're ready
27:17 to refer out favorably to
27:19 full council. I will make
27:21 a motion to favorably refer
27:23 the amended substitute ordinance
27:25 15-2026 to full council.
27:27 Mr. Chair I got one question
27:29 before. Yes. Motion.
27:33 as written I understand
27:35 what's authorized but how is an
27:37 expenditure actually made
27:43 as written does this
27:47 any further legislation from council
27:49 or does this read such that the finance
27:53 at the finance director's discretion
27:59 up to the full balance for any
28:01 named authorized purpose?
28:05 no. I'll need another
28:07 amended appropriation ordinance
28:09 so I can file that with the county.
28:13 my question. Do you want me to
28:19 this so council would approve
28:21 the fund and establish the fund
28:23 and then right after
28:25 also the same night
28:27 could be to appropriate
28:29 the funds from the fund.
28:35 I won't be here on the 6th. It's our spring break
28:37 but might not be here
28:43 Mr. Chair thank you finance
28:45 director for clarifying that that makes sense.
28:51 thing gives us an opportunity to do
28:53 to follow through on and make some
28:55 self-aware explicit
28:59 in partnership with the mayor and
29:01 council together say
29:07 some priorities for the fund
29:09 and there's dollars in the fund
29:11 what would we what do we want
29:13 to do in budget year 2026 with those funds
29:15 and I don't claim to
29:17 be ready right this moment to
29:21 we've got a couple possibilities
29:27 and it sounds as if the administration
29:35 believe the financial deficit
29:37 in human services. Is that
29:39 an accurate statement? I'm not
29:41 totally clear on the
29:43 dollar amount of that so I'm not
29:45 eager to do anything
29:47 until I know the dollar amount. So I
29:49 think it's a good idea to have
29:53 for us to have that discussion
29:57 suppose that we know the answer
29:59 to it. That's just my opinion
30:03 have more clarity about
30:05 the use of these funds in
30:09 and last point for me
30:13 thousand or thereabouts. Does that represent
30:15 two or three years worth of revenues
30:17 going forward? It's about
30:21 remembering correctly. That might
30:23 also shape our thinking. In other words
30:29 obligate all of those funds right away?
30:31 Do we hold some to be a strategic
30:33 reserve and then what's a sustainable
30:35 rate of expenditure
30:37 on an annual basis?
30:39 So all those things. I mean I'd welcome the
30:41 discussion. What I'm
30:43 really trying to do is challenge myself and all
30:45 of us to think this through
30:49 at a time and be thoughtful.
30:51 Yes and we're getting a new
30:53 dispensary and another one's closing
30:55 so does that affect
31:01 So standard wellness is
31:05 Harry Buffalo previously was
31:07 and then the rise dispensary
31:11 There still will be two in Lakewood
31:15 bigger one square footage
31:17 wise will be on the west end.
31:21 So I have the motion
31:23 on the floor to favorably refer.
31:25 Sounds like we will get a companion
31:29 Motion is made in second. Any discussion?
31:33 All those in favor say aye. Aye.
31:37 order of business is
31:47 we may need to change that language a little bit of
31:49 repeal since we have determined
31:51 that we might want to change the language a little bit.
31:57 We discussed last meeting
31:59 the intention to basically
32:01 make the finance committee
32:03 the audit committee
32:09 finance committee hearing
32:11 where the auditor and the director of finance
32:15 to answer counsel's questions
32:17 and present the audit to
32:21 But we wanted to sleep on it
32:27 edits were new to the finance department
32:29 so wanted to get on time to think about it as well
32:31 also the law department.
32:35 The substitute version I think
32:41 I think, did I make a motion
32:43 last time or do we have to
32:45 get this substitute in?
32:49 Okay so I will make a motion to
32:51 substitute what is in Granicus
32:53 with changes that we discussed on the record
32:55 at the last meeting.
32:57 Motion's been made.
33:01 Second. The motion made.
33:05 All those in favor say
33:09 So now that the substitute is in
33:13 it's up on the screen so basically
33:19 you know still has the establishment
33:21 purpose of the audit committee
33:23 says the membership is just the finance committee
33:27 you know that by communication
33:29 the director of finance will provide
33:33 at least annually and have the
33:35 independent auditor available
33:37 to discuss in a public meeting.
33:43 And then you know doesn't need
33:45 bylaws because the finance committee
33:47 already exists and has
33:49 aligned its purpose
33:53 so it just has the general rules of operation
33:57 what the intention is.
34:01 from my colleagues about this?
34:03 Mr. Chair. Councilman Bullock?
34:05 Maybe you change repeal
34:07 in the opening title to amend
34:09 if you go all the way to the top.
34:11 Yeah I will make a motion
34:25 repealing chapter 162
34:27 amending chapter 162.
34:29 Second. Motion to amend
34:35 All those in favor say aye.
34:41 the amended substitute clerks
34:49 Director Mahoney I know we talked
34:51 about this a lot on the floor at our last meeting
34:59 Sure the only comment
35:01 I would have is that often
35:03 at the end of an audit
35:07 it's usually myself
35:09 sometimes the auditors do but it's usually
35:13 sends out a communication whether or not
35:17 is desired. I think this is
35:19 in essence the exit conference
35:27 we don't need an exit conference.
35:31 if you want to use that word
35:33 the exit conference
35:35 I mean this makes it mandatory
35:41 and I'm fine with that
35:43 if council is fine with that.
35:45 We have an audit every year right?
35:53 I think I speak for all of us when I say we're thankful
35:59 elite in the state of Ohio and that's
36:01 under your leadership and previous directors
36:03 and I you know there are other
36:07 haven't had an audit in multiple years
36:09 which is amazing to me.
36:11 No every city has an audit
36:15 They don't win that
36:19 Well no like I think
36:21 a neighboring community at Eastside has had
36:23 challenges with their audits and they have
36:25 not been completed multiple
36:31 And so I you know want to commend
36:33 your department but also you know
36:39 not necessarily for us.
36:43 you know my intention here is to kind of codify
36:45 the best practices.
36:49 even if we don't call it an exit
36:51 whatever you just said
36:53 exit conference I think that it can be
36:55 implied that that's what it is and the nomenclature might
36:57 change in the future.
37:01 Any other thoughts?
37:03 Councilperson Keppel.
37:07 Yeah I think that that's right
37:09 in some of our previous conversation too
37:11 was part of the ideas
37:15 it's a relatively no offense boring
37:23 But it is I think part
37:25 of this is also just
37:27 you know we talked about previously is
37:29 instead of having you know maybe
37:31 an audit committee that might meet on a Tuesday
37:33 afternoon with no one around
37:35 but that if we have it in a finance committee
37:37 it's recorded, it's broadcast
37:41 everyone has the opportunity
37:43 to see that level of transparency
37:45 and any members of the public that wanted to
37:49 come and provide public
37:51 comment or ask us questions
37:55 would have that opportunity. So I think it's
37:57 a good practice even if it
37:59 might not seem totally
38:01 necessary given our current
38:03 you know our longstanding
38:05 good work from the finance department
38:09 best practice just to show our work.
38:17 Any other thoughts?
38:19 Then I will make a motion to favorably
38:21 refer the amended substitute
38:23 to full council for approval.
38:27 Motion made. Second.
38:31 All those in favor say aye. Aye.
38:35 wonderful bell and no further
38:37 matters that come before
38:39 the finance committee
38:41 this meeting is adjourned. Thank you.