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<br />international travel and expenses, which were not authorized by the Council; billings greatly <br />exceeding the caps set by Council. <br /> <br />Regarding the cap of $4,500 for the Loudi delegation, Mr. Hegg indicated it was not certain who <br />would be traveling, and costs went higher due to the inability to book the tickets. Mr. Hegg <br />explained translators were needed. He stated he was aware of caps, but when he would contact <br />the City and ask about a project he was directed to proceed. He did not think he was required to <br />come back and get authorization from the Finance Committee. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jeffrey stated timely billing would have shown that the cap was exceeded and <br />this issue may have been able to be caught in time. <br /> <br />Mr. Hegg requested direction as to whether to continue working on any projects. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig replied the Council discussed the issue at the last work session and <br />determined that further information is needed before any work can continue. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook inquired about the procedure with consultant billings and whether <br />consultants are informed when they are reaching their cap. <br /> <br />Finance Officer Lund replied consultants normally bill monthly and keep a running total on their <br />bills. This provides the City with the ability to compare authorizations with what has been <br />billed. <br /> <br />Mr. Hegg stated he requested something in writing from the City regarding this consulting work <br />and never received a contract or scope of the work to be completed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig indicated it is the responsibility of the consultant to provide <br />documentation on the services that will be completed. <br /> <br />Consensus of the Finance Committee was to direct staff to schedule an agenda item at the next <br />Council work session for further discussion regarding this issue. <br /> <br />Chairperson Strommen stressed the need to review the expenses of Jim Lasher in relation to the <br />China delegation as well. <br /> <br />Case #1: <br /> <br />Consider Change Order for Streetscape Improvements Adjacent to <br />Municipal Center <br /> <br />Assistant City Administrator Nelson stated Ramsey Town Center, LLC (RTC, LLC) has <br />informed staff they will not be able to accomplish the construction of streetscape in and around <br />the Municipal Center and Municipal Parking Facility. RTC, LLC has requested that the City <br />complete the construction of the streetscape improvements adjacent to these projects. The <br />contractors that are performing the work at the Municipal Center outside of the right-of-way are <br />currently working on those improvements. It is critical to issue a change directive to those <br />contractors before they are finished with their work so it does not require them to remobilize. <br /> <br />Finance Committee I August 8, 2006 <br />Page 2 of 7 <br />