1. IOWA MUNICIPAL PROFESSIONALS INSTITUTE 2012 BEST PRACTICES IN CITY GOVERNMENT July 20, 2012 Patrick Callahan, Municipal Consultant, Snyder & Associates

2. General Overview of the Session Agenda Handouts Advance Survey Confidential Questions

3. 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

4. Topics of Most Interest – First Priority – Based on Survey A. Fiscal Issues General accounting Investment of city funds Cash flow analysis Purchasing policies Budget preparation Monthly financial reports Bonds-post issuance compliance

5. B. Economic Development Topics Access to state programs CDBG grants and administration Welcome or community brochures

6. C. Budget Preparation Topics Review of all the possible tax levies State budgeting forms Storm water utility fee Capital improvements plan

7. D. Miscellaneous Topics Property and liability insurance – bidding process Geographic Information System (GIS) Preparation of resolutions and ordinances Recodification and city codes

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

9. City Websites and Technology Examples Comments Electronic Council Packets

10. Topics of Most Interest – Second Priority Quality of Life Issues Fiscal and Financial Issues Economic Development Topics Public Works Topics General Administration/Personnel

11. 6. Topics of Most Interest – Second Priority – Based on Survey Quality of Life Topics Junk vehicle removal Removal of dilapidated buildings City-wide clean-up programs

12. B.Personnel Topics Personnel records and retention Payroll issues and plans I-9 Immigration form Current job descriptions for every employee

13. C.Public Works Topics Street signs and markings Storm sewers Water utilities management Wastewater utilities management

14. D. Miscellaneous Topics General safety manual “Right-to-know” Plan – Material safety data sheets Librarians and library boards relationships Fundraising for designated projects

15. E.Budget Reductions Topics Group health insurance plan Reduce hours of all city facilities Eliminate staff travel and conferences Reduce legal fees No overtime payments – comp time only Cut funding to service groups & organizations Reduce mowing in city parks

16. E. Budget Reductions Topics continued Transfer more administrative costs to utility funds Reduce library budget and hours Reduce council meetings to one per month Outsource park mowing and maintenance Consolidate city departments and cross train employees Equipment sharing with other cities City-County services sharing

17. Confidential Issues & Questions General Discussion – Any Topics not already Discussed

18. Suggestions on Ways to Improve the Best Practices Forum

19. Website for Handouts Referenced: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/communities/OSLGP/2012MPI