11. Staff Report-LMC ConferenceDIA
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: February 4, 2015
To: City Council
From: Kristina Handt, Administrator
Re: LMC New Official Conference
Background:
The Newly Elected Officials conferences were held last month. As is customary, the League of MN
Cities offered these workshops at a variety of locations across the state including Brooklyn Center,
Mankato, Cohasset, and Alexandria. Typically, the City encourages newly elected council members to
attend the conference at the Twin Cities location.
Issue:
What expenses should the City reimburse Council member Hegland for related to the Newly Elected
Officials Conference?
Proposal Details:
In December I shared the information from the League about the training opportunities for newly elected
officials with Council member elect Hegland. Hegland asked about City reimbursement. I told him we
typically pay for the registration for the newly elected officials program but anything else would need to
go to the Council for approval. He said he would not be able to attend the closest location, Brooklyn
Center, because of a planned trip but he wouldn't submit any additional expenses to the City.
A couple weeks ago staff received a request for reimbursement for the registration, hotel and mileage in
the total amount of $647.51. Since this exceeds what the City would typically pay for, staff is asking for
Council authorization.
Past precedence: last year, the Council approved Council member Lee attending a League conference and
agreed to pay for registration and mileage or hotel but not both. Alternatively, the Council could
reimburse for registration and only mileage comparable to what would have been paid if Hegland
attended the Brooklyn Center location.
Fiscal Impact:
The City Council budget includes $1,000 for conferences and seminars and $300 for travel expenses
including mileage.
Council member Hegland has requested the following reimbursements: $315 registration, $119.76 hotel,
and $212.75 mileage
Options:
1) Direct staff to prepare reimbursements for all of the above expenses
2) Direct staff to prepare reimbursement for some of the above expenses