A significant portion of the meeting concentrated on the need for a comprehensive study of the city’s housing development processes, an endeavor previously hindered by a consultant’s failure to deliver. This study is intended to scrutinize the timeline and procedures involved from the proposal stage to the construction of housing developments, incorporating interactions with the Planning and Development Services (PDS) and the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI). The aim is to streamline processes and eliminate unnecessary barriers on the city’s side to facilitate more efficient housing development amid external market difficulties.

Another major discussion point was the city’s compliance with the Data Practices Act, which mandates transparency and access to public data. The committee highlighted the significant burden this places on city resources, with a vivid description of the extensive paperwork involved in fulfilling data requests. One member described the overwhelming visual of “paper waste high on every single wall in the room,” illustrating the operational strain on city staff. The committee debated how to effectively quantify and manage the time and financial implications of these requests, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach to balance transparency with operational realities. There was a consensus on the importance of making the workload visible and understanding the impact on city resources, with a focus on improving efficiency and effectiveness in compliance efforts.

Financial discussions extended to the Como Zoo, which has increasingly relied on the general fund rather than being self-sustaining. The committee acknowledged the necessity of a examination of the zoo’s financial sustainability and potential revenue-generating strategies. The conversation touched upon the broader context of municipal zoo operations, particularly the unique challenge of remaining free to the public while exploring options for financial stability.

The committee also addressed the strategic planning retreat held in February, where the need for a study on the city’s rent stabilization ordinance was identified. A budget of $100,000 has been allocated for this study, aimed at evaluating the ordinance’s effectiveness over the past four years for both tenants and landlords. The intent is not necessarily to propose significant amendments but to explore operational changes or minor tweaks that could enhance the ordinance’s impact.

The committee recognized the need to balance local hiring priorities with operational realities, acknowledging that turnover might reflect deeper issues related to employee treatment and compensation. These considerations are part of a broader effort to align the audit committee’s work with the city council’s objectives and enhance collaboration.

Additionally, the meeting explored the Neighborhood Star grant process, which demands substantial resources from the economic development team. Despite attempts to amend the program’s governing statute at the state legislature, no changes were passed, leaving existing mandates in place. The committee expressed concern about the opportunity cost of staff time and suggested reassessing the program’s structure to enable more efficient allocation of resources.