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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 06-19 FCA AGENDA Brooklyn Center Financial Commission Thursday, June 19, 2014 – 6:30 PM All American Conference Room (Main Level of City Hall) I. Call to Order II. Approval of Agenda III. Approval of Minutes for January 16, 2014 IV. Mayor and City Council Compensation for 2015-2016 V. RFP for Audit Services VI. Other Business a. Future Meeting Dates i. Work Session w/City Council: Budget Preparation - Capital Projects on Monday, July 7, 2014 b. Feedback on Work Session w/Auditor on 2013 Audit VII. Adjournment             Financial Commission Agenda Items No. 3  1 Financial Commission Regular Meeting Minutes January 16, 2014 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Mr. Newman at 6:35 PM Members Present: Commissioners Newman, Landis, Kragness, Van Der Werf and Schueller. Members Absent: Council Liaison Lawrence-Anderson (excused). Staff present was Finance Director Reinhardt. 2. Introductions For the benefit of the members of the Commission, new Finance Director Mr. Reinhardt introduced himself and gave a brief background. 3. Adoption of the Agenda Without objection, Mr. Newman declared the agenda adopted. 4. Minutes Mr. Landis moved adoption of the minutes from the March 21, 2013 meeting. Ms. Kragness seconded the motion. With all voting in favor, the motion was adopted. 5. Election of Commission Chairperson Ms. Kragness nominated Mr. Newman as Chairperson for 2014. Nominations were closed. By unanimous consent Mr. Newman was affirmed Chairperson of the Financial Commission for 2014. 6. Appointment of Commission Vice Chairperson As required by the enabling resolution, Mr. Newman appointed Mr. Landis as the Vice Chairperson for 2014. 7. RFP for Audit Services Mr. Reinhardt reviewed the City Council Policy requiring that the Request for Proposal (RFP) process be followed for securing financial statement audit services every six years. Mr. Reinhardt then reviewed the RFP for Auditing Services that was distributed with the meeting packet. Direction was provided to update the dates/names of the RFP and to move forward with the process following completion of the 2013 audit. 2 8. Capital Project Funding Policy Mr. Reinhardt reviewed City Council resolutions approved on January 13, 2014 that transferred uncommitted balances to the Capital Project fund and established a Capital Project Funding Policy. The Policy specifically identifies three main funding sources that will provide an estimated $1.1 million in annual funding as follows: 1. Audited year-end General Fund unassigned fund balance above 52% of the next year’s General Fund operating budget. 2. Audited year-end Liquor Fund unrestricted cash balance that exceeds 3.5 months of the next year’s operating budget and one year of budgeted capital equipment needs of the liquor operations. 3. Local Government Aid (LGA) received in the amount of $650,000 or half of the amount received by the City (whichever is greater). There was discussion on the Capital Projects, policy and funding sources. Mr. Newman noted the importance of identifying projects in advance of the year they are to be completed to make the public aware and to be able to plan for these projects. The Commission discussed the possibility of adding a discussion on the Capital Improvement Plan and Equipment Replacement as a future agenda item. 9. Future Meeting Dates Commissioners were made aware that the City Council will host an Open House/Forum session with all City Commissions on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 beginning at 6:00 PM in Constitution Hall at the Community Center. Commissioners were made aware that the City Council will host a work session with the Financial Commission and Auditor on Monday, June 2, 2014 beginning at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers to discuss the result of the 2013 audit. Adjournment With no other business to transact, Mr. Newman adjourned the meeting at 7:36 PM.             Financial Commission Agenda Items No. 4  Memorandum Date: June 19, 2014 To: Financial Commission From: Nathan Reinhardt, Finance Director Re: City Council Compensation for 2015 and 2016 Every two years it is the responsibility of the Financial Commission to review the City Council’s compensation and recommend a compensation level for the upcoming two years. The review and recommendation was last provided in 2012. The Commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Manager to present to the City Council. In the City Council Code of Policies, Section 2.05 deals with City Council compensation, a copy of that section has been included with this memo. The Finance department has compiled a table of comparative compensation numbers for the City Councils named in the policy. In previous Commission reviews of Council compensation the goal of the recommendation has been to keep Brooklyn Center’s City Council compensation at or above the average of the comparison cities. The comparison chart indicates the average levels for both the Mayor and Council Members for the past six years. Ci t y o f B r o o k l y n C e n t e r Co m p a r a t i v e M a y o r a n d C o u n c i l W a g e s 20 1 0 C e n s u s Ci t y P o p u l a t i o n M a y o r C o u n c i l M a y o r C o u n c i l M a y o r C o u n c i l M a y o r C o u n c i l M a y o r C o u n c i l M a y o r C o u n c i l Ma p l e w o o d 3 8 , 0 1 8 1 2 , 3 0 2 $ 1 0 , 8 2 7 $ 1 2 , 3 0 2 $ 1 0 , 8 2 7 $ 1 2 , 3 0 2 $ 1 0 , 8 2 7 $ 1 2 , 8 5 5 $ 1 1 , 3 1 4 $ 1 2 , 8 5 5 $ 1 1 , 3 1 4 $ 1 3 , 2 4 1 $ 11,654$ Ri c h f i e l d 3 5 , 2 2 8 9 , 6 8 8 7 , 5 2 0 9 , 9 7 9 7 , 7 4 6 9 , 9 7 9 7 , 7 4 6 1 0 , 1 7 9 7 , 9 0 1 1 0 , 3 8 3 8 , 0 5 9 1 0 , 5 9 1 8,220 Ro s e v i l l e 3 3 , 6 6 0 9 , 3 0 0 7 , 0 2 0 9 , 3 0 0 7 , 0 2 0 9 , 3 0 0 7 , 0 2 0 9 , 3 0 0 7 , 0 2 0 9 , 3 0 0 7 , 0 2 0 9 , 3 0 0 7,020 Br o o k l y n C e n t e r 3 0 , 1 0 4 1 1 , 1 6 6 8 , 5 4 9 1 1 , 1 6 6 8 , 5 4 9 1 1 , 1 6 6 8 , 5 4 9 1 1 , 1 6 6 8 , 5 4 9 1 1 , 5 0 1 8 , 8 0 5 1 1 , 8 4 6 9,070 Fr i d l e y 2 7 , 2 0 8 1 0 , 5 3 1 8 , 6 5 0 1 0 , 5 3 1 8 , 6 5 0 1 0 , 5 2 5 8 , 6 3 2 1 0 , 5 2 5 8 , 6 3 2 1 0 , 5 2 5 8 , 1 4 3 1 0 , 6 9 1 8,279 Sh o r e v i e w 2 5 , 0 4 3 8 , 9 7 6 6 , 6 4 8 8 , 9 7 6 6 , 6 4 8 9 , 0 6 0 6 , 7 2 0 9 , 0 6 0 6 , 7 2 0 9 , 1 5 6 6 , 7 9 2 9 , 1 5 6 6,792 Wh i t e B e a r L a k e 2 3 , 7 9 7 7 , 6 8 0 5 , 4 0 0 7 , 6 8 0 5 , 4 0 0 7 , 6 8 0 5 , 4 0 0 7 , 6 8 0 5 , 4 0 0 7 , 6 8 0 5 , 4 0 0 7 , 6 8 0 5,400 Cr y s t a l 2 2 , 1 5 1 1 0 , 3 0 8 7 , 9 3 0 1 0 , 3 0 8 7 , 9 3 0 1 0 , 3 0 8 7 , 9 3 0 1 0 , 4 1 1 8 , 0 0 9 1 0 , 5 1 5 8 , 0 8 9 1 0 , 6 2 0 8,170 Go l d e n V a l l e y 2 0 , 3 7 1 1 1 , 6 1 9 8 , 6 9 6 1 1 , 6 1 9 8 , 6 9 6 1 1 , 6 1 9 8 , 6 9 6 1 1 , 6 1 9 8 , 6 9 6 1 1 , 6 1 9 8 , 6 9 6 1 1 , 6 1 9 8,696 Ne w H o p e 2 0 , 3 3 9 1 0 , 6 7 3 7 , 5 5 2 1 0 , 6 7 3 7 , 5 5 2 1 0 , 6 7 3 7 , 5 5 2 1 0 , 6 7 3 7 , 5 5 2 1 1 , 1 8 0 8 , 0 6 0 1 1 , 5 7 0 8,450 Av e r a g e 2 7 , 5 9 2 1 0 , 2 2 4 $ 7 , 8 7 9 $ 1 0 , 2 5 3 $ 7 , 9 0 2 $ 1 0 , 2 6 1 $ 7 , 9 0 7 $ 1 0 , 3 4 7 $ 7 , 9 7 9 $ 1 0 , 4 7 1 $ 8 , 0 3 8 $ 1 0 , 6 3 1 $ 8,175$ Me d i a n 2 6 , 1 2 6 1 0 , 4 2 0 $ 7 , 7 4 1 $ 1 0 , 4 2 0 $ 7 , 8 3 8 $ 1 0 , 4 1 7 $ 7 , 8 3 8 $ 1 0 , 4 6 8 $ 7 , 9 5 5 $ 1 0 , 5 2 0 $ 8 , 0 7 5 $ 1 0 , 6 5 6 $ 8,249$ Br o o k l y n C e n t e r a s a % o f : Av e r a g e 1 0 9 % 1 0 9 % 1 0 9 % 1 0 9 % 1 0 8 % 1 0 9 % 1 0 8 % 1 0 8 % 1 0 7 % 1 1 0 % 1 1 0 % 1 1 1 % 1 1 1 % Me d i a n 1 1 5 % 1 0 7 % 1 1 0 % 1 0 7 % 1 0 9 % 1 0 7 % 1 0 9 % 1 0 7 % 1 0 7 % 1 0 9 % 1 0 9 % 1 1 1 % 1 1 0 % No t e s : Go l d e n V a l l e y : Pa y s p e r d i e m o f $ 5 0 p e r e x t r a m e e t i n g , w h i c h i s c a p p e d a t a m a x i m u m o f $ 1 5 0 p e r m o n t h . Al s o p r o v i d e s c i t y - o w n e d t a b l e t f o r M a y o r / C o u n c i l m e m b e r u s e , w h i c h e l i m i n a t e d p a p e r p a c k e t s . Ma p l e w o o d : Me m b e r s a r e p r o v i d e d a c i t y o w n e d l a p t o p . Me m b e r s a r e a b l e t o b e r e i m b u r s e d f o r i n t e r n e t a c c e s s a t t h e i r h o m e s i f t h e y c h o o s e a n e l e c t r o n i c a g e n d a p a c k e t . Fr i d l e y : Me m b e r s a r e p r o v i d e d b a s i c c a b l e s e r v i c e s w h i c h a l l o w s t h e m t o v i e w C i t y C o m m i s i o n m e e t i n g s . Me m b e r s a r e e l i g i b l e f o r h e a l t h i n s u r a n c e , w i t h t h e s a m e c o n t r i b u t i o n s a s f u l l - t i m e e m p l o y e e s . Co u n c i l w a g e i s t h e b l e n d e d r a t e o f : A t L a r g e ( $ 8 , 7 7 8 ) a n d C o u n c i l ( $ 7 , 7 7 9 ) . Cr y s t a l : Me m b e r s a r e p r o v i d e d a t e c h n o l o g y a l l o w a n c e , w h i c h w i l l n o t e x c e e d $ 2 5 0 a n n u a l l y . 20 0 9 20 1 3 2 0 1 4 20 1 1 2 0 1 2 20 1 0 Co u n c i l W a g e C o m p a r i s o n 6/3/2014 Cu r r e n t 1 % 2 % 3 % 1 % 2 % 3 % Co m p e n s a t i o n I n c r e a s e 2 0 1 5 I n c r e a s e 2 0 1 5 I n c r e a s e 2 0 1 5 I n c r e a s e 2 0 1 6 I n c r e a s e 2 0 1 6 I n c r e a s e 2 0 1 6 Ma y o r 1 1 , 8 4 6 $ 1 1 , 9 6 4 $ 1 2 , 0 8 3 $ 1 2 , 2 0 1 $ 1 2 , 0 8 4 $ 1 2 , 3 2 5 $ 1 2 , 5 6 7 $ Co u n c i l M e m b e r 9 , 0 7 0 $ 9 , 1 6 1 $ 9 , 2 5 1 $ 9 , 3 4 2 $ 9 , 2 5 2 $ 9 , 4 3 6 $ 9 , 6 2 2 $ To t a l C o s t 4 8 , 1 2 6 $ 4 8 , 6 0 7 $ 4 9 , 0 8 9 $ 4 9 , 5 7 0 $ 4 9 , 0 9 3 $ 5 0 , 0 7 0 $ 5 1 , 0 5 7 $ Di f f e r e n c e Y e a r 4 8 1 $ 9 6 3 $ 1 , 4 4 4 $ 4 8 6 $ 9 8 2 $ 1 , 4 8 7 $ To t a l D i f f e r e n c e 96 7 $ 1 , 9 4 4 $ 2 , 9 3 1 $ Pr o p o s e d 2 0 1 5 P r o p o s e d 2 0 1 6 Pr o p o s e d M a y o r a n d C i t y C o u n c i l C o m p e n s a t i o n f o r 2 0 1 5 - 1 6 Ci t y o f B r o o k l y n C e n t e r             Financial Commission Agenda Items No. 5  City of Brooklyn Center Minnesota Request for Proposal Professional Auditing Services For Years Ending December 31, 2014, 2015, 2016 June 4, 2014 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION A. General Information B. Instructions C. Term of Engagement D. Subcontracting II. NATURE OF SERVICES REQUIRED A. Scope of Work to be Performed B. Auditing Standards to be Followed C. Reports to be Issued D. Reporting to the City Council E. Special Considerations F. Working Paper Retention and Access to Working Papers III. DESCRIPTION OF THE GOVERNMENT A. Contact Person B. Background Information C. Federal and State Assistance D. Component Units E. Pension Plans F. Joint Ventures G. Magnitude of Finance Operations H. Technology IV. TIME REQUIREMENTS A. Proposal Calendar B. Detailed Schedule for 2014 Audit V. ASSISTANCE TO BE PROVIDED TO THE AUDITOR AND REPORT PREPARATION A. Finance Department and Assistance B. Work Area C. CAFR Preparation D. Other Report Preparation VI. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS A. Required Components B. Technical Proposal C. Dollar Cost Proposal VII. EVALUATION PROCEDURES A. Audit Proposal Evaluation & Criteria B. Oral Presentations C. Final Selection D. Right to Reject Proposals VIII. VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION A. General Information B. Contact Person C. Scope of Work to be Performed D. Association Assistance During the Audit E. Proposal Calendar F. Detailed Schedule for 2014 Audit G. Dollar Cost Proposal H. Final Selection ATTACHMENTS A. Proposer Warranties B. Schedule of Professional Fees and Expenses I. INTRODUCTION A. General Information The City of Brooklyn Center (the City) is requesting proposals from qualified firms of certified public accountants to audit its financial statements for the years ending December 31, 2014, 2015, and 2016. The City of Brooklyn Center Volunteer Firefighters Relief Association (the Association) is also requesting proposals, for their own separate audit for the same years identified above. Firms interested in providing a proposal for this separate audit, should reference Section VIII of this document. These audits are to be performed in accordance with the provisions of applicable auditing standards which are outlined later on within this request for proposals. B. Instructions To be considered, qualified firms must submit four (4) hard copies of their proposal. The proposal must be received by 4:00 p.m. on August 4, 2014, addressed to: Nathan Reinhardt, Finance Director 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 Firms are also required to submit an electronic (PDF) version of their proposal, and should be received by 4:00 p.m. on August 8, 2014, and should be sent to: Nathan Reinhardt, Finance Director nreinhardt@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us There is no expressed or implied obligation for the City to reimburse responding firms for any expenses incurred in the preparing of proposals in response to this request. The City reserves the right, where it may serve the City’s best interest, to request additional information or clarification from proposers, or to allow corrections of errors or omissions. At the discretion of the City, firms submitting proposals may be requested to make oral presentations as part of the evaluation process. The City reserves the right to retain all proposals submitted and to use any ideas in a proposal regardless of whether that proposal is selected. Submission of a proposal indicates acceptance by the firm of the conditions contained in this request for proposals, unless clearly and specifically noted in the proposal submitted and confirmed in the engagement letter between the City and the firm selected. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals submitted. Contact with personnel (including elected officials) of the City, other than Nathan Reinhardt, Finance Director, in regards to this request for proposals may be grounds for elimination from the selection process. C. Term of Engagement An initial three (3) year engagement contract is requested, for the years ending December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016. An additional three (3) one year engagements will be available after the initial contract, which will be subject to annual review, satisfactory negotiation of terms (including a price acceptable to the City and the selected firm), as well as City Council approval. D. Subcontracting Following the award of the audit contract, no subcontracting will be allowed without the express prior written consent of the City. II. NATURE OF SERVICES REQUIRED A. Scope of Work to be Performed The City will retain the accounting firm to audit its financial processes, records, and statements in order to express an opinion on the fairness of the presentation of the government-wide, major governmental funds, major business-type funds, and the aggregate remaining fund financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The auditor shall also be responsible for performing certain limited procedures involving required supplementary information required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) as mandated by generally accepted auditing standards. The City also desires the firm to review the presentation of the statistical section of the comprehensive annual financial report, in so far as current generally accepted auditing standards require such review. The auditor is not required to audit the schedule of expenditures of federal awards if such audit is not triggered by the threshold of funding received by the City. B. Auditing Standards to be Followed To meet the requirements of this request for proposals, the audit shall be performed in accordance with:  Generally accepted auditing standards as set forth by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).  The standards for financial audits as set forth in the U.S. General Accounting Offices’ (GAO) Government Auditing Standards.  The provisions of the most recent Single Audit Act.  The provisions of U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-133.  The provisions of the Minnesota Legal Compliance Audit Guide for Local Government.  Any other Federal, State and local requirements in effect now, or placed into effect during the engagements. C. Reports to be Issued Following the completion of the audit of the year's financial statements, the auditor shall issue: 1. An Independent Auditor’s Report, expressing an opinion on the fair presentation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. 2. An Independent Auditor’s Report, on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters Based on an Audit of Financial Statements Performed in Accordance with Government Auditing Standards. 3. An Independent Auditor’s Report, on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards required by OMB Circular A-133 (if applicable). 4. An Independent Auditor’s Report, on Compliance for Each Major Federal Program and Report on Internal Control Over Compliance Required by OMB Circular A-133 (if applicable). 5. An Independent Auditor’s Report, on Minnesota Legal Compliance 6. A Management Letter 7. Any other requested or required reports agreed upon in the annual engagement letter. In the required report(s) on internal controls, the auditor shall communicate any reportable conditions found during the audit. A reportable condition shall be defined using the standards promulgated by the Statement of Auditing Standards (SAS) in effect for the year being audited. Non-reportable conditions discovered by the auditors shall be reported in the separate Management Letter, which shall be referred to in the report(s) on internal controls. The audit firm shall be required to make an immediate, written report of all irregularities and illegal acts or indications of illegal acts of which they become aware of during the course of the audit to the City Council and City Manager. D. Reporting to the City Council Auditors shall assure themselves that the City Council is informed of each of the following: 1. The auditor's responsibility under generally accepted auditing standards. 2. Significant accounting policies. 3. Management judgments and accounting estimates. 4. Significant audit adjustments. 5. Other information in documents containing audited financial statements. 6. Disagreements with management. 7. Management consultation with other accountants. 8. Major issues discussed with management prior to retention. 9. Difficulties encountered in performing the audit. E. Special Considerations The City will send its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) to the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for review in their Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting program. It is not anticipated that the auditor will be required to provide special assistance to meet the requirements of the program; however, the City will accept suggestions and assistance. F. Working Paper Retention and Access to Working Papers All working papers and reports must be retained, at the auditor's expense, for a minimum of three (3) years following the issuance of an opinion, unless the firm is notified in writing by the City of the need to extend the retention period. The auditor will be required to make working papers available, upon request, to the following parties or their designees:  City of Brooklyn Center  Office of the State Auditor (OSA)  U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO)  Parties designated by the federal or state governments or by the City as part of an audit quality review process  Auditors of entities of which the City is a sub-recipient of grant funds In addition, the firm shall respond to the reasonable inquiries of successor auditors and allow successor auditors to review working papers relating to matters of continuing accounting significance. III. DESCRIPTION OF THE GOVERNMENT A. Contact Person The auditor's principal contact with the City will be: Nathan Reinhardt, Finance Director (763) 569-3345 nreinhardt@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us B. Background Information The City is a northern metropolitan area suburban community located in Hennepin County. The City encompasses approximately 8.5 square miles, with the most recent population estimate to be 30,569 by the Metropolitan Council. The City was incorporated in 1911, and currently operates under the “Plan B” form of government under Minnesota Statutes. The City’s governing body consists of a Mayor and four Council Members, all of whom are elected at large. The present Mayor and Council Members, as well as their respective terms are listed below: Tim Willson Mayor December 31, 2014 Carol Klevin Council Member December 31, 2014 Kris Lawrence-Anderson Council Member December 31, 2016 Lin Myszkowski Council Member December 31, 2016 Dan Ryan Council Member December 31, 2014 The City Manager is responsible for the daily management of City business and the administration of policy as directed by the Council. Cornelius L. Boganey is the City Manager and has served in this capacity since 2006. The City employs approximately 275 full and part-time employees. Governmental operations of the City had a 2014 expenditure budget in excess of $52 million, and include: general administration, police & fire protection, building and community standards, housing redevelopment, economic development, maintenance & construction of community infrastructure, and community activities & recreational services. Business-type operations of the City had a 2014 revenue budget in excess of $21 million, and include: water utility, sanitary sewer utility, storm drainage utility, street light utility, recycling utility, municipal off-sale liquor stores, executive golf course, Earle Brown event center and three internal service funds. The City currently has a bond rating of AA provided by Standard & Poors. C. Federal and State Assistance During 2013, the City expended in excess of $1.5 million in federally awarded funds, thus requiring the need for a Single Audit. It is expected that the City will require a Single Audit for 2014 and 2015, as Federal funds in excess of $18 million from the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) will be expended for the construction of a water treatment plant. The City also expects to continue to expend federally awarded funds through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for programs aimed at rehabilitating and stabilizing the local housing market. The level of funding for these programs cannot be predicted into the future, but by themselves have trigged a Single Audit in 2013 and previous years. D. Component Units The City is responsible for two component units; the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) and the Economic Development Authority (EDA), both of which are considered blended component units, and are reported as special revenue funds within the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. E. Pension Plans All full time and certain part-time employees of the City are covered by defined benefit pension plans administered by the Public Employees Retirement Association of Minnesota (PERA). The association administers the Public Employees Retirement Fund and the Public Employees Police & Fire Fund which are cost sharing, multiple employer retirement plans. The Volunteer Firefighter’s Relief Association has its own plan, and submits an audited report to the City. F. Joint Ventures The City discloses its participation within the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the following joint ventures: 1. LOGIS – A technology consortium. 2. LOGIS – An employee benefits consortium. G. Magnitude of Finance Operations The finance department is headed by Nathan Reinhardt, Finance Director. Nathan started with the City in November of 2013. Prior to working for the City, Nathan was the Finance Director for the City of Waseca, and the Assistant Finance Director for Carver County. The Assistant Finance Director, Adam Flaherty, started with the City in January 2014. Prior to working for the City, Adam worked as the Accountant for the City of Mound. The finance department consists of five employees, which are outlined as follows: Function Number of Employees Finance Director 1 Assistant Finance Director 1 Accountant 1 Finance Technician (A/R & A/P) 1 Utility Billing Technician 1 H. Technology The City is a member of LOGIS, which is a technology consortium of local government entities, who share hardware, software and support services. Being a member of this consortium gives the City access to JD Edwards ERP system, which the City uses for: budgeting, general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, and payroll. The utility billing software provided through the consortium is CIS Infinity. IV. TIME REQUIREMENTS A. Proposal Calendar Request for proposal issued June 4, 2014 Due date for proposals (4:00 p.m. at City Hall) August 4, 2014 City will review proposals by August 15, 2014 Interviews conducted by August 29, 2014 Selected firm notified September 10, 2014 B. Detailed Schedule for 2014 Audit 1. Detailed Audit Plan - This should be provided by the audit firm by January 1, 2015, and will include all schedules, forms and documents needed to complete the audit, and the party responsible for completing each respective task. 2. Preliminary Fieldwork – Completed by the last day of February 2015. 3. Audit Fieldwork – Completed by the second week of April 2015. 4. Formal Exit Interview – This meeting will be held with the City Manager, the Finance Director, the Assistant Finance Director and any members of the audit staff, including the in-charge partner. This meeting should be a formal review of the audit, and presentation of draft versions of: 1) Opinion Letters; 2) Special Purpose Reports; and 3) Management Letter. 5. Final Reports – All reports are due one week prior to the City Council work session, which will be the first meeting of June 2015. The auditor shall make at least one senior staff member available for an evening meeting to review reports and findings at a City Council work session. At Council’s discretion, you may also be asked to attend the City Council meeting at which the reports would be accepted. V. ASSISTANCE PROVIDED TO THE AUDITOR & REPORT PREPARATION A. Finance Department and Assistance The finance department staff and responsible management personnel will be available during the audit to assist the firm by providing information, documentation and explanations. In an effort to contain audit costs, the City will prepare as many audit worksheets and schedules as is practical to reduce clerical work to be performed by the independent audit firm. B. Work Area The City will provide the audit staff with a conference room with table and chairs. The auditor will also be provided reasonable access to the internet, telephones and office equipment (copier, scanner, fax, etc). The City will work with the IT department to grant restricted access to our local network for the audit staff. C. CAFR Preparation Report preparation, editing, printing, binding, etc., will be the responsibility of the City. Electronic copies will be made available to the audit firm. D. Other Report Preparation Report preparation, editing, printing, binding, etc., will be the responsibility of the auditor. The audit firm shall consult the Finance Director, who will provide a final number of fully processed reports which will be provided to the City. Electronic copies of these reports are also to be provided to the City. VI. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS A. Required Components Submissions must be received by 4:00 p.m. by August 4, 2014 in order to be considered by the City. Responses to this request for proposals should include the following information in the order prescribed. 1. Title Page - This should include the subject of the proposal, the firm’s name, the primary contact person, and contact information. 2. Table of Contents 3. Transmittal Letter – A signed letter of transmittal briefly stating the proposers understanding of the work to be done, the commitment to perform the work within the time outlined time period, a statement why the firm believes itself to be the best qualified to perform the engagement and a statement that the proposal is a firm and irrevocable offer for a period of 90 days. 4. Technical Proposal – This should follow the order and contents outlined in section (VI.B) within this document. 5. Dollar Cost Proposal – This should follow the order and contents outlined in section (VI.C) within this document. 6. Proposer Warranties – An executed copy of the Proposer Warranties, which is attached to this document as: Attachment A. B. Technical Proposal The purpose of the proposal is to demonstrate the qualifications, competence and capacity of the firms seeking to undertake an independent audit of the City in conformity with the requirements of this request for proposals. As such, the substance of proposals will carry more weight than their form or manner of presentation. The technical proposal should demonstrate the qualifications of the firm and of the particular staff to be assigned to this engagement. It should also specify an audit approach that will meet the request for proposals requirements. The proposal should address all the points outlined in the request for proposals. The proposal should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise description of the proposer's capabilities to satisfy the requirements of the request for proposals. While additional data may be presented, the following subjects must be included. They represent the criteria against which the proposal will be evaluated. 1. Independence The firm should provide an affirmative statement that it is independent of the City as defined by generally accepted auditing standards of the U.S. General Accounting Office's Government Auditing Standards. The firms should also list and describe the firm’s professional relationship involving the City, its component units, or any of its agencies for the past five (5) years, together with a statement explaining why such relationships do not constitute a conflict of interest relative to performing the proposed audit. In addition, the firm shall give the City written notice of any professional relationships entered into during the period of this agreement. 2. License to Practice in Minnesota An affirmative statement should be included that the firm and all assigned key professional staff are properly registered and licensed to practice in Minnesota. 3. Firm Qualifications and Experience The proposer should state the size of the firm, the size of the firm's governmental audit staff, the location of the office from which the work on this engagement is to be performed and the number and nature of the professional staff to be employed in this engagement on a full-time basis and the number and nature of the staff to be employed on a part-time basis. The firm is also required to submit a copy of its most recent external quality control review, with a statement whether that quality control review included a review of specific government engagements. The firm shall also provide information on the results of any federal or state desk reviews or field reviews of its audits during the past three (3) years. In addition, the firm shall provide information on the circumstances and status of any disciplinary action taken or pending against the firm during the past three (3) years with state regulatory bodies or professional organizations. 4. Partner, Supervisory and Staff Qualifications and Experience Identify the principal supervisory and management staff, including engagement partners, managers, other supervisors and specialists, who would be assigned to the engagement. Indicate whether each such person is registered or licensed to practice as a certified public accountant in Minnesota. Provide information on the government auditing experience of each person. Provide as much information as possible regarding the number, qualifications, experience and training, including relevant continuing professional education, of the specific staff to be assigned to this engagement. Indicate how the quality of staff over the term of the agreement will be assured. Engagement partners, managers, and other assigned staff may be changed if those personnel leave the firm, are promoted, or assigned to another office; provided that the replacements have substantially the same or better qualifications or experience. The City retains the right to approve or reject replacements. 5. Similar Engagements with Other Governmental Entities For the firm's office that will be assigned responsibility for the audit, list the most significant engagements performed in the last five (5) years that are similar to the engagement described in this request for proposal and who are awarded the GFOA Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reporting. These engagements should be ranked on the basis of total staff hours. Indicate the scope of work, date, engagement partners, total hours, and the name and telephone number of the principal client contact. 6. Specific Audit Approach The proposal should set forth a work plan, including an explanation of the audit methodology to be followed, to perform the services required in Section II of this request for proposal. In developing the work plan, reference should be made to such sources of information as the City's budget and related materials, organizational charts, manuals and programs, and financial and other management information systems. Proposers will be required to provide the following information on their audit approach:  Proposed segmentation of the engagement.  Level of staff and number of hours to be assigned to each proposed segment.  Sample size and the extent to which statistical sampling will be used.  Extent of use of software.  Type and extent of analytical procedures.  Approach used to gain an understanding and document the City’s internal controls structure.  Approach to be taken in determing applicable laws and regulations which will be subject to the audit.  Approach to be taken in drawing audit samples for purposes of tests of compliance. 7. Identification of Anticipated Potential Audit Problems The proposal should identify and describe any anticipated potential audit problems, the firm's approach to resolving these problems and any special assistance that will be requested from the City. 8. Report Format The proposal should include sample formats for required reports, including the Management Letter. C. Dollar Cost Proposal 1. Total All Inclusive Maximum Price The dollar cost bid should contain all pricing information relative to performing the audit engagement as described in this request for proposal. The total all-inclusive maximum price to be bid is to contain all direct and indirect costs including all out- of-pocket expenses. The City will not be responsible for expenses incurred in preparing and submitting the proposal. Such costs should not be included in the proposal. The first page of the sealed dollar cost bid should include the following information:  Name of Firm  Certification that the person signing the proposal is entitled to represent the firm, empowered to submit a proposal, and authorized to sign a contract with the City. 2. Rates by Partner, Manager, Supervisory and Other Staff Levels, and Hours The dollar-cost bid should include a schedule of professional fees and expenses, presented in the format provided in Attachment B, that supports the total all- inclusive maximum price. 3. Out of Pocket Expenses All estimated out-of-pocket expenses to be reimbursed should be presented in the format provided in Attachment B. All expense reimbursements will be charged against the total all-inclusive maximum price submitted by the firm. 4. Single Audit The pricing for the Single Audit (A-133), should be separated as a separate line item in Attachment B. 5. Rates for Additional Professional Services If it should become necessary for the City to request the auditor to render any additional services to either supplement the services requested in this RFP or to perform additional work as a result of the specific recommendations included in any report issued on this engagement, then such additional work shall be performed only if set forth in an addendum to the contract between the City and the firm. Any such additional work agreed to between the City and the firm shall be performed at the same rates set forth in the schedule of fees and expenses included in the dollar cost proposal. 6. Manner of Payment Progress payments will be made on the basis of hours of work completed during the course of the engagement and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in accordance with the firm's dollar cost proposal. Interim billing shall cover a period of not less than a calendar month. VII. EVALUATION PROCEDURES A. Audit Proposal Evaluation & Criteria Proposals submitted will be evaluated by the Finance Director, Assistant Finance Director and the Financial Commission. Proposals will be evaluated using three sets of criteria. Firms meeting the mandatory criteria will have their proposals evaluated and scored for both technical qualifications and price. The following represent the principal selection criteria which will be considered during the evaluation process. 1. Mandatory Elements a. The audit firm is independent and licensed to practice in Minnesota. b. The firm has no conflict of interest with regard to any other work performed by the firm for the City. c. The firm adheres to the instructions in this request for proposal on preparing and submitting the proposal. d. The firm submits a copy of its last external quality control review report and the firm has a record of quality audit work. 2. Technical Qualifications a. Expertise and Experience 1. The firm's past experience and performance on comparable government engagements. 2. The quality of the firm's professional personnel to be assigned to the engagement and the quality of the firm's management support personnel to be available for technical consultation. 3. The firm’s expertise with the GFOA Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting program. b. Audit Approach 1. Adequacy of a proposed staffing plan for various segments of the engagement. 2. Adequacy of sampling techniques. 3. Adequacy of analytical procedures. 3. Price (please complete Attachment B). B. Oral Presentations During the evaluation process the City may, at its discretion, request any one or all firms to make oral presentations. Such presentations will provide firms with an opportunity to answer any questions the City may have on a firm's proposal. Interviews are tentatively planned to be held at the meeting of the City’s Financial Commission on the evening of August 21, 2014. C. Final Selection The Financial Commission will recommend to the City Council the appointment of an independent CPA firm judged to be the most responsive and responsible proposer, for the auditing services requested. The final decision with respect to the appointment will be made by the City Council. D. Right to Reject Proposals Submission of a proposal indicates acceptance by the firm of the conditions contained in this request for proposal unless clearly and specifically noted in the proposal submitted and confirmed in the engagement letter between the City and the firm selected. The City reserves the right without prejudice to reject any or all proposals. VIII. VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION A. General Information Unless otherwise noted within this section, proposals should follow the elements outlined in other portions of this document. There is no expressed or implied obligation for the Association to reimburse responding firms for any expenses incurred in the preparing of proposals in response to this request. The Association reserves the option to contract separately for the audit if they choose a firm different than that awarded the City audit. The Association reserves the right to reject any or all proposals submitted. B. Contact Person The auditor's principal contact regarding this request for proposal will be: Nathan Reinhardt, Finance Director (763) 569-3345 nreinhardt@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us Contact with personnel (including elected officials) of the Association, other than Nathan Reinhardt, Finance Director, in regards to this request for proposals may be grounds for elimination from the selection process. C. Scope of Work to be Performed In addition to completing the audit of the Association’s financial statements, the auditor shall:  Prepare, process, print and bind the audited financial statement report.  Prepare and submit all required reports to the Minnesota Office of the State Auditor – Pension Oversight Division.  Prepare and submit any other require reports that may arise during the course of the audit.  Prepare and submit the Form 990 to the Internal Revenue Service. D. Association Assistance During the Audit The auditor will have to coordinate meetings with the Association for information, documentation and explanations. Historically the Association has not prepared their own audit worksheets. E. Proposal Calendar Request for proposal issued June 4, 2014 Due date for proposals (4:00 p.m. at City Hall) August 4, 2014 Association will review proposals by August 15, 2014 Interviews conducted by October 7, 2014 Selected firm notified October 8, 2014 F. Detailed Schedule for 2014 Audit 1. Detailed Audit Plan - This should be provided by the audit firm by January 1, 2015. 2. Audit Fieldwork – Completed by the first week of May 2015. 3. Final Reports – All reports are due to the Association by June 19, 2015. G. Dollar Cost Proposal Pricing for the Fire Relief Association should be included separately in the fee proposal schedule (Attachment B), and should be an all-inclusive cost for the services. H. Final Selection The final decision for the selection of an audit firm will be made by the Association’s Board. ATTACHMENT A CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER PROPOSER WARRANTIES A. Proposer warrants that it is willing and able to comply with State of Minnesota laws with respect to foreign (non-state) corporations. B. Proposer warrants that it is willing and able to obtain an errors and omissions insurance policy providing a prudent amount of coverage for the willful or negligent acts, or omissions of any officers, employees or agents thereof. C. Proposer warrants that it will not delegate or subcontract its responsibilities under an agreement without the prior written permission of the City. D. Proposer warrants that all information provided by it in connection with this proposal is true and accurate. E. Proposer certifies that it can and will provide and make available at a minimum, all services set forth in Section II, Nature of Services Requested. Signature of Official: __________________________________________________ Name (typed):________________________________________________________ Title: _______________________________________________________________ Firm: _______________________________________________________________ Date: _______________________________________________________________ ATTACHMENT B CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER SCHEDULE OF PROFESSIONAL FEES AND EXPENSES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE: The rate quoted should not be presented as a general percentage of the standard hourly rate or as a gross deduction from the total all-inclusive maximum price. Hours Standard Hourly Rates Quoted Hourly Rates Total Partners $ $ $ Managers $ $ $ Supervisory Staff $ $ $ Other (Specify) $ $ $ Subtotal $ $ $__________ Out-of-Pocket Expenses $ Meals and Lodging $ Transportation $ Single Audit $ Other (Specify) $ TOTAL – CITY AUDIT $ Fire Relief Association $ TOTAL – ALL INCLUSIVE $__________ ATTACHMENT B CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER SCHEDULE OF PROFESSIONAL FEES AND EXPENSES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE 2015 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE: The rate quoted should not be presented as a general percentage of the standard hourly rate or as a gross deduction from the total all-inclusive maximum price. Hours Standard Hourly Rates Quoted Hourly Rates Total Partners $ $ $ Managers $ $ $ Supervisory Staff $ $ $ Other (Specify) $ $ $ Subtotal $ $ $__________ Out-of-Pocket Expenses $ Meals and Lodging $ Transportation $ Single Audit $ Other (Specify) $ TOTAL – CITY AUDIT $ Fire Relief Association $ TOTAL – ALL INCLUSIVE $__________ ATTACHMENT B CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER SCHEDULE OF PROFESSIONAL FEES AND EXPENSES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE 2016 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE: The rate quoted should not be presented as a general percentage of the standard hourly rate or as a gross deduction from the total all-inclusive maximum price. Hours Standard Hourly Rates Quoted Hourly Rates Total Partners $ $ $ Managers $ $ $ Supervisory Staff $ $ $ Other (Specify) $ $ $ Subtotal $ $ $__________ Out-of-Pocket Expenses $ Meals and Lodging $ Transportation $ Single Audit $ Other (Specify) $ TOTAL – CITY AUDIT $ Fire Relief Association $ TOTAL – ALL INCLUSIVE $__________             Financial Commission Agenda Items No. 6  City Council and Financial Commission Budget Schedule for 2015-2016 June 3, 2014 Tuesday Work Session CAFR Presentation and Auditors Report July 7, 2014 Monday Work Session Capital Improvement Plan and Capital Project Funds July 21, 2014 Monday Work Session General Fund – Revenue/Department Requests *August 6, 2014 Wednesday Work Session General Fund – Department Requests August 18, 2014 Monday Work Session General Fund – Department Requests September 8, 2014 Monday Regular City Council Meeting Proposed adoption of preliminary levy and preliminary governmental funds budgets October 6, 2014 Monday Work Session Special Revenue Funds, Debt Service Funds Internal Service Funds October 20, 2014 Monday Work Session Utility Funds November 3, 2014 Monday Work Session Enterprise Funds November 24, 2014 Monday Regular City Council Meeting Proposed adoption of the 2015 pay plan, 2015 cafeteria contribution and 2015 utility rates December 1, 2014 Monday Special City Council Meeting Public hearing on the recommended budget and levy followed by proposed adoption of final tax levies and budgets December 8, 2014 Monday Regular City Council Meeting Continuation, if needed, of recommended budget and levy discussion/approval *Revised from original schedule draft