Memorandum 11-011 Travel Authorization/No City Expense for Mayor and Councilmember Zak to AML Winter Conference

M E M O R A N D U M 11-011

TO: HOMER CITY COUNCIL

FROM: JO JOHNSON, CMC, CITY CLERK

DATE: JANUARY 18, 2011

SUBJECT: TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION/NO CITY EXPENSE FOR MAYOR HORNADAY AND COUNCILMEMBER ZAK’S ATTENDANCE AT ALASKA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE WINTER LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE IN JUNEAU, ALASKA, FEBRUARY 8 – 10, 2011.

Mayor Hornaday and Councilmember Bryan Zak would like to attend the Alaska Municipal League (AML) Winter Legislative Conference in Juneau, Alaska, February 8 – 10, 2011.

The AML is a voluntary, nonprofit, nonpartisan, statewide organization of 140 cities, boroughs, and unified municipalities, representing over 97 percent of Alaska's residents. Originally organized in 1950, the League of Alaska Cities became the Alaska Municipal League in 1962 when boroughs joined the League.

Meetings include Alaska Conference of Mayors, board committees and meeting with Legislators.

At the January 10, 2011 meeting, Council discussed Memorandum 11-004 authorizing travel for Mayor Hornaday and Councilmember Zak. Mayor Hornaday expressed his intent to pay for his expenses. The memorandum in its entirety failed due to zero funds budgeted for transportation for Mayor/Council in the FY 2011 budget.

Council should approve travel for Mayor and Council when representing the City. Circumstances have changed and Councilmember Zak advises his employer Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has offered to pay for his travel expenses to AML. He will be attending the conference representing the SBDC. They would allow him to wear another hat as City Council member. Mayor Hornaday intends to pay for his own expenses.

RECOMMENDATION:
Review the changed circumstances of Councilmember Zak’s travel to AML. Travel approval is needed for Mayor Hornaday and Councilmember Zak to represent the City at AML.

Fiscal Note: N/A – private funds expended.