10-08-2002 Special Called Regular Meeting

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. ~ ~ Audit Committee Minutes -October 8, 2002 -Page 10 to Finance. Finance has been put in a very bad situation from the public and the press. He also thanked them for putting together the budget and all they have. done during this time. Mr. Warren also thanked Mr. Joerns for stepping in as the Acting City Manager. He thanked everyone in their combined efforts and patience. Committee Member Ebow commented on the City's situation during this period, there has been a lot of hurt. He complimented everyone for their excellent work in maintaining the City and avoiding damage control. Councilmember Meismer cautioned Council to be careful of their over-characterization for the lack of policy causing these problems. He has looked at this and has seen a lot of good people in other areas who have no questions or concerns. He also sees the reason why there was not a policy in place. The credit cards were given to people at the very highest level of this organization, and some reasonable and responsible effort should have been made on a part of those people. Director of Finance Cynthia Alexander stated the credit cards are not the basis for what happened. We are using directives to implement internal controls and these are very positive things. Mr. Warren stated the City has, and had a good reputation. We talk about healing, there is going to be healing because there has been a lot of damage. We are not only looked at in La Porte, but we are looked at by all of Texas. Mr. Tiller put it well, in saying that we cannot have an excuse for poor business practices, for failure to provide control procedures. We may not like the position we have been put in, however, we have to do the right thing. He enjoyed the meeting. Committee Chairperson Engelken thanked the Committee and the staff, everything went much better than he envisioned it would. Acting City Manager Joerns commented there will be some hand-slapping. We will have to regain some of our high standards and reputation. Mr. Joerns informed his staff that this is for all the City employees. All of us share in this burden. Mr. Meismer commented that others are watching us and how we handle situations. Everyone he has seen that has been a part of that administration has done an excellent job. Chairperson Engelken commented there will be better organization and the City will be a better place. 6. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, G~,(~1Q/ ~~~~ Martha a. Gillett, TRMC City Secretary