City Council Meeting Date: October 18, 2016
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Consider Southwest Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) Funding Request for 2017.
Body
Action Requested:
Staff recommends the Northfield City Council consider a motion approving funding for Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) for 2017 in the amount of $5,800 and determining that the contribution promotes the health, safety, and welfare of the city, and the gift does not have as its primary objective the benefit of a private interest.
Summary Report:
The City Council discussed SMIF funding at their October 11, 2016 Work Session. Attached is the information related to the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. There is currently $5,000 in the preliminary budget. They had requested $5,800 for 2017. There is no service contract with SMIF and they exist to assist communities. Page 5 of the attachment shows the breakdown of funding sources, which includes a significant portion from cities and counties.
Section 9.1. of the Northfield City Charter states the following regarding contribution of City funds:
Section. 9.1. - Council to Control Finances.
The council shall have full authority over the financial affairs of the city, and shall provide for the collection of all revenues and other assets, the auditing and settlement of accounts, and the safekeeping and disbursement of public moneys, and in the exercise of sound discretion shall make appropriations for the payment of all liabilities and expenses. The council may contribute city funds to any entity to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the city, if the gift does not have as its primary objective the benefit of a private interest.
In order to consider the gift, the Council should make a finding "determining that the contribution promotes the health, safety, and welfare of the city, and the gift does not have as its primary objective the benefit of a private interest...
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