The meeting was highlighted by a discussion on the midpoint update of the current audit, which has generated public interest. The committee concentrated on the community projects aspect of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), scrutinizing the process mechanics, community engagement, and equity issues. To visualize applicant locations and awarded projects, the committee collaborated with the Minnesota Compass team for mapping purposes.

The committee employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative interviews involving city staff and CIP committee members. However, scheduling challenges were noted, prompting a suggestion to potentially hold an open forum to gather additional feedback. The timeline for finalizing data collection and analysis was set for mid to late February, with a report expected by the end of February, or realistically, by mid-March. The committee acknowledged that improvements in communication and timing were necessary.

During the discussion, the application process for community projects was scrutinized, with feedback indicating that a phased approach might be more beneficial than a single comprehensive submission. Suggestions were made for city departments to provide more guidance to applicants and adjust timelines to facilitate better applications. The committee noted that many applicants had ambitious ideas that often exceeded the available budget, leading to the suggestion of setting clear boundaries on project scopes and funding possibilities.

On the topic of equitable funding distribution, there was a significant variance in responses among interviewees. The committee anticipated presenting multiple options for consideration in their report, emphasizing ongoing improvements to the process. The possibility of a public hearing was also discussed to allow for broader community input, especially given the heightened interest in the audit’s findings. Concerns were raised about the logistics of organizing such a hearing, including the time required for proper notice and potential turnout. The committee recognized the challenge of balancing the voices of engaged participants against those who may lack the resources to participate in public meetings.

In addition to the focus on community projects, the meeting also addressed the implementation of recommendations from a recently completed audit and the cooperation between the library and parks departments. Public interest was noted in shaping future engagement processes, with suggestions that deeper community feedback could refine engagement strategies. A representative from the library provided updates on projects initiated post-audit, including a performance-based pay recognition program and initiatives to enhance human resources processes. Collaborative efforts between departments were highlighted, notably in public safety infrastructure, where both the library and parks departments are considering the implementation of vapor monitors in restrooms to detect smoking or vaping.

Finance and procurement improvements were also a focal point, with the library working to increase the use of master contracts, which streamline access to services across departments. This approach was exemplified by the establishment of a master contract for security services shared between the library and parks. Discussions also included prioritizing initiatives based on cost and return, identifying high-cost, low-return projects like an enterprise security camera system, and low-cost, high-return opportunities like shared vendor lists.

The committee also explored enhancing interdepartmental communication and outlining future projects. Plans were made to open proposals for department assistance in the second half of the year, inviting input on topics needing attention. A revised timeline was discussed, prioritizing meaningful discussions as the city council prepares for a retreat to set policy priorities for the year. Members reflected on the need for fresh input, with the idea of reissuing a community survey to gather suggestions from the public and district councils. Potential topics included police overtime, staffing challenges, and changes to the permit inspection process made in 2018.

The selection of a new audit committee member was addressed, with emphasis on promoting the vacancy and leveraging public engagement. Ongoing projects, such as a review of the Wilder case and the contract with Wilder as the city’s master consultant, were touched upon.