The Minnesota Transportation Alliance annual “fly-in” is being held in Washington, DC September 16-18. Minnetonka Mayor Wiersum has invited a Shorewood council member to join him for introduction to the event and other participants. The goal is to establish relationships with those who make spending decisions to address the estimated $40+Million Hwy. 7 project shortfall.
At the end of the Aug. 11 Shorewood council meeting, Admin. Nevinski gave the council copies of the invitation. It was not on the agenda, nor was the invite shared with the public.
Mayor Labadie led the conversation by saying she would be honored to attend. She did not extend the invite to other council members, and was simply asking for council approval pursuant to the city travel policy.* The cost is estimated at $1,700.
It was quickly apparent that this request would not be rubber stamped by council members Gorham, DiGruttolo or Sanschagrin. They aimed an array of questions at Labadie asking the purpose, takeaways, agenda topics and who she was representing. She was uncertain what will be gained by attending, which in her opinion, “makes it all the more important to attend.” Labadie said she would be representing Shorewood and would wear her Shorewood name tag.
DiGruttolo, who has extensive background in DC as an army officer and working in civilian jobs, said in her experience, there is no guarantee that these conferences are of value. Gorham, whose career has been in public transportation, said he is not sure the “fly-in” is the right place to accomplish the intended goals. All three council members were unconvinced, agreeing that it would be more efficient and cost effective to meet with Minnesota reps in Minnesota, instead of charging Shorewood residents for the trip.
Council member Maddy only said he supported the mayor attending, and supported and immediate decision to avoid increased airfare. DiGruttolo put the brakes on the conversation saying that it would make no sense to buy the airfare without knowing that the event was worthwhile. However, a quick decision was not in the cards. After many unanswered questions, Labadie offered to do her “homework” and come back to the next meeting with more information. She asked that the item be on the August 25th agenda for approval.
Any hopes for a rubber stamp were put on hold. Earlier in the meeting Nevinski advised the council “You, as a council should know what it is you are approving.” In this instance, some council members took his advice.
*The travel policy exists internally—possibly in a staff handbook, personnel manual, or administrative procedures—but it is not online for public access.
