IOWA MUNICIPAL PROFESSIONALS INSTITUTE

2013BEST PRACTICES IN CITY GOVERNMENT

July 17, 2013Patrick Callahan, Municipal Consultant

General Overview of the Session•Agenda•Handouts•Advance Survey – 13 Responses•Confidential Questions

The Open Forum Discussion•Ground Rules•Comments and Suggestions•Consult the City Attorney•Area of Experience or Expertise•Examples of Programs, Policies, or Reports•Breaks

Topics of Most Interest – First Priority – Based on Survey

A. Fiscal Issues• General accounting• Investment of city funds• Auditing Requirements• Budget preparation• Monthly financial reports• Bonds-post issuance compliance

B. Economic Development Topics

• Access to state programs• Grants for infrastructure

improvements• Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

C. Quality of Life Topics

• Nuisance abatement procedures

• Junk vehicle ordinance• Removal of dilapidated

buildings• Animal control issues

D. Interpersonal Relationships

• Mayor relationships• Council members relationships• Police Chief & Fire Chief• City Attorney relationships

E. Personnel Topics

• Personnel records and retentions

• Payroll issues and pay plans• Fair Labor Standards Act• Health insurance plan

administration

E. Personnel Topics (continued)

• Personnel Manual or handbook• Current job descriptions• Code of ethics policy

F. Budget Preparation Topics

• Review of all the possible tax levies

• State budgeting forms• Storm water utility fee• Capital improvements plan &

Levy

City Newsletter – Exchange of Information•Name of City and Frequency•Sign-up Sheet

City Websites and Technology•Examples of Websites•Electronic Council Packets•On-line payments – city services•Miscellaneous Technology Issues

Topics of Most Interest – Second Priority – Based on Survey A. General Administration• Preparation of ordinances &

resolutions• Municipal infractions ordinance• Open meetings and open

records law• New Council members

orientation

B. Personnel Topics

• Payroll tax payments• Americans with Disabilities Act• Family Medical Leave Act• Employee Performance

Evaluations

C. Public Works Topics

• Street maintenance & seal coating

• Water utilities management• Wastewater utilities

management

D. Miscellaneous Topics

• Downtown redevelopment• City – County services sharing• Equipment sharing – other cities

E. Revenue Enhancements

• Fees for Fire & EMS Services• Special assessments• Local option sales tax• Administrative fees – nuisances,

animal control, etc.• Collection of unpaid utility bills

F. Special Requests

• Special Event Applications & Process• “ALICE” Training• Facebook & Twitter – City Use• Scanning of documents – Retaining the

original copies• Commercial Property Tax rollback

Confidential Issues & Questions

General Discussion – Any Topics not already Discussed

Suggestions on Ways to Improve the Best Practices Forum

Website for Handouts Referenced:

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/communities/OSLGP/2012MPI

Contact Information

Patrick CallahanCallahan Municipal Consultants, LLC

417 Kaitlynn AveAnamosa, IA 52205

Phone: 563-599-3708Email: callahan.cmc@gamil.com