HomeMy WebLinkAbout22 CITY COUNCIL MEALSAgenda Item 22
,~ ~~-~~ Reviewed:
R~ !~V ~l r ~1-1 ~~0~ 1 City Manager
``~-r . Finance Director =~ ~
MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 7, 2010
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CITY COUNCIL MEALS
Councilmember Gavello requested that the City Council discuss the policy regarding
meals provided at each Closed Session of the City Council.
For a number of years it has been City Council policy to provide meals to Council
Members, staff and others (such as special counsel for legal matters), who attend the
5:30 p.m. Closed Session. The Closed Session precedes the 7:00 p.m. regular session of
the City Council. Funds for the meals are included in the General Fund Budget.
For fiscal year 2010-11, the projected cost of meals for closed sessions is $348.00 per
month. This is based on 22 meetings at a cost of $190.00 per meeting. Using a local
restaurant had been a cost effective means of providing meals. Restaurant staff is
responsible for set up and take down of the meal (food, serving ware, removal, etc.). This
is not a service city staff is equipped to provide.
At its July 6, 2010 meeting, the City Council decided to eliminate its Redevelopment
Agency compensation, reduce its City Council compensation by 10% and cap the health
insurance benefit it receives. It should be noted that during the budget workshop, the City
Council discussed reducing its budget but there was no discussion regarding the cost of
meals.
An option the City Council might want to consider is contributing a fixed amount towards
the cost of meals through a monthly deduction against its monthly compensation. For
example, each Councilmember could contribute $25.00 per member per meal. This would
reduce the annual cost to the City by $2,750.00