2022.05.24 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

May 10, 2022 Page 3 of 5 Andy Grice, Audit Partner with BerganKDV, presented the audit results for December 31, 2021 with the Council. He reported the City received an unmodified or clean opinion which means the City’s financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects. He explained his firm has also issued a Communications Letter and Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards and Reports on Compliance with Government Auditing Standards and Legal Compliance. The components of the audit were discussed in further detail. He commented further on how the General Fund and Enterprise Funds performed in 2021 and commended the City for their strong financial standing. Councilmember Axberg congratulated the finance team for all of their efforts and for receiving a clean opinion on the audit. She asked if there were any recommendations that were given to staff that the Council should be aware of. Mr. Grice indicated from a reporting standpoint several items were discussed with staff, but he stated City staff was doing a tremendous job with managing the City’s finances. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas requested further information on the Certificate of Excellence. Finance Director Foschi explained City staff had to follow a stringent process in order to be considered for the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting which was issued by the National Government Finance Officers Association. She reported the City of New Brighton has received this certificate every year for the past 30 years. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Finance Director Foschi and her entire team for their efforts on behalf of the City of New Brighton. She recommended the finance team look into how inflation would impact the 2022 and future budgets going forward. She encouraged staff to also continue to update the Council on how and when ARPA dollars are being allocated. City Manager Massopust commended staff for their efforts on the audit. Motion by Councilmember Abdulle, seconded by Councilmember Allen to accept the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Audit Communications Letter, and Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards and Reports on Compliance with Government Auditing Standards and Legal Compliance for fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. A roll call vote was taken. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays-Motion Carried 2. Consider a Resolution Approving a Site Plan to Authorize Expansion of the Existing Public Works Building located at 700 5th Street NW. City Manager Massopust indicated Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola would be presenting this item to the Council. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola stated in the 1950’s much of the area between Old Highway 8 and the railroad tracks was a large drainage pond for surrounding areas. By the 1970’s, all land in this area had been transformed into useable ground as surrounding development redirected storm water to new locations, ditches, and a now developed storm sewer system. The public works building now proposed for improvement and expansion was up by 1974. Sometime between 1991 and 2003, the remaining buildings on the site were constructed. In 2019, a portion of the site was used for the affordable housing development to the north (Brighton Oaks). As part of this development, the salt shed was relocated to its present location along the northern lot line. In 2022, years of need finally have built up and require action to update the facility. Staff commented further on the proposed expansion and reported the Planning Commission recommends approval with conditions and encouraging the Council to pursue sustainability measures in the new building. Councilmember Abdulle questioned if any future street improvements would impact this building. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola reported future street improvements would not Compliance for fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. 2. Consider a Resolution Approving a Site Plan to Authorize Expansion of the Existing Public Works Building located at 700 5th Street NW