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Fergus Falls council authorizes read-only access to city invoice system, moves accounts item off consent
Summary
The council voted to give members read-only access to the city's invoice/Cassell system via staff's ViewPoint account at no additional license cost, and voted to move the resolution of accounts from the consent agenda to Monday's meeting so items can be discussed when necessary.
Fergus Falls City Council voted to give council members read-only access to the city's online invoice system and agreed to move the resolution-of-accounts item off the routine consent agenda and to Monday's meeting for discussion when needed.
"There is no cost for that access because it'll go through my ViewPoint and that's not a license," Bill Sor told the council, noting auditors have used the same access successfully. Council members said the ability to search invoices before meetings would allow targeted questions of staff.
One councilmember asked that the change not eliminate their ability to pull an item from the resolution for discussion. Staff said the packet will continue to include a complete listing of bills so members can identify items they want explained before a vote. Sor and staff also said they would provide a brief tutorial on how to search the system.
A motion to authorize the read-only access and to adjust the placement of the accounts resolution was moved, seconded and approved with no recorded opposition. Staff said the change does not alter the council's obligation under Minnesota's timely-payment requirement to pay claims on time.
The council did not change the city's practice of providing a full listing of bills in the packet; the procedural change affects agenda placement and pre-meeting review access only.
