IOWA MUNICIPAL PROFESSIONALS INSTITUTE
2013
BEST PRACTICES IN CITY GOVERNMENT
July 17, 2013
Patrick 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.
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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
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Nuisance abatement procedures
Junk vehicle ordinance
Removal of dilapidated buildings
Animal control issues
D. Interpersonal Relationships
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Mayor relationships
Council members relationships
Police Chief & Fire Chief
City Attorney relationships
E. Personnel Topics
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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 &
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resolutions
Municipal infractions ordinance
Open meetings and open records law
New Council members orientation
B. Personnel Topics
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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
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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
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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 Callahan
Callahan Municipal Consultants, LLC
417 Kaitlynn Ave
Anamosa, IA 52205
Phone: 563-599-3708
Email: callahan.cmc@gamil.com