OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK

AUDIT & FINANCE COMMITTEE

MINUTES

October 8, 2009

The Audit & Finance Committee of the City of Mesa met in the lower level meeting room of the Council Chambers, 57 East 1st Street, on October 8, 2009 at 10:21 a.m.

COMMITTEE PRESENT	COMMITTEE ABSENT	STAFF PRESENT
Scott Somers, Chairman	Dina Higgins	Bryan Raines
Kyle Jones	Christopher Brady, Ex-Officio	Debbie Spinner

1. Items from citizens present.

There were no items from citizens present.

2. Hear a presentation and discuss the Financial System Replacement Project (CityEdge) prior to the release of the Request for Proposal.

Manager of Technology and Innovation Alex Deshuk displayed a PowerPoint presentation (See Attachment 1) and reported that the Committee was thoroughly briefed on the Financial System Replacement Project (CityEdge) prior to today’s meeting. He explained that in the interest of time, he would refrain from making a lengthy presentation, but did highlight a revised timeline for the project. (See Page 5 of Attachment 1)

Chairman Somers commented that it was a shame this item was not receiving greater attention today, but noted that the previous Study Session was quite lengthy and involved several controversial matters.

Chairman Somers stated that the Financial System Replacement Project is an important process for the City of Mesa. He referenced a slide entitled “Current & Future Environment” (See Page 2 of Attachment 1) and said that it demonstrates the “disjointed way” in which Mesa’s financial system currently operates and also the future system environment that would streamline processes and promote accountability. Chairman Somers added that he fully supports this project moving forward.

Committeemember Jones concurred with Chairman Somers’ comments. He also remarked that the long-term investment in the project would be “very worthwhile” and added that the replacement of multiple financial and business systems would assist all City departments in improving their processes.

Mr. Deshuk clarified that the financial system replacement would not only benefit the City, but the entire community as a whole.

Mr. Deshuk displayed various items to demonstrate technological changes that have occurred in recent years. The equipment included one of the first portable laptop computers, a present-day laptop computer and an I-Phone. He cited, by way of comparison, the I-Phone contains 400,000 times more processing power than the first portable laptop computer and is one-tenth the cost.

In response to a question from Committeemember Jones, Deputy City Manager Bryan Raines explained that on October 15, 2009, staff will release the Request for Proposal (RFP) and then come back to the Committee next spring with a proposal and recommendation.

3. Adjournment.

Without objection, the Audit and Finance Committee meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m.

I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Audit & Finance Committee meeting of the City of Mesa, Arizona, held on the 8^th day of October 2009. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.

_________________________________________

LINDA CROCKER, CITY CLERK

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Attachment (1)