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City Council Minutes <br /> February 22, 1995 <br /> Page 4 <br /> recommended that the city authorize staff to conduct direct negotiations with three <br /> firms, rather than sending out formal requests for proposals. <br /> Motion was made by Councilmember Hustad to authorize the Administrator to <br /> negotiate with any legal firm deemed appropriate for a retainer -based prosecution fee <br /> schedule. Motion passed unanimously. <br /> CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FROM RAMSEY COUNTY FOR A DONATION <br /> TOWARD A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION EVENT <br /> This request is for a contribution toward a celebration event in honor of those citizens <br /> who participated in Ramsey County's Tong -range strategic planning process. The city <br /> had four representatives two staff members (Susan Hoyt Clem Kurhajetz) and two <br /> advisory commissioners (Jeff Alexander Paul Martinez). Mayor Baldwin and <br /> Councilmember Gibson Talbot expressed concern with this donation, as the business <br /> community is also being solicited for donations and this might cause conflicts with the <br /> new state ethics laws. <br /> Attorney Sampson acknowledged that the ethics laws are very confusing and open <br /> to interpretation. With businesses getting involved in the contributions, the city may <br /> be crossing the line of receiving something of value from an "interested party <br /> Mayor Baldwin noted that this request does meet the city's guidelines for donation <br /> requests. However, in light of the ethics concerns, he asked if the council would be <br /> amenable to denying the request for a flat contribution, but offer instead to pay the <br /> pro -rated cost of any volunteer attending function. The councilmembers agreed, <br /> expressing a desire to support the efforts of community volunteers. <br /> CITY INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS <br /> Councilmember Jacobs updated the council on the activities of the Metropolitan Radio <br /> Systems Planning group. This group is attempting to determine whether to establish <br /> a 9 -1 -1 system on the 800 mhz band of radio frequencies. There is currently a bill <br /> before the state legislature that would partially fund this system. <br /> Councilmember Hustad noted that the Park and Recreation Commission had <br /> recommended that the public phone at Curtiss Field not be reinstalled. The public <br /> phone, in the past, appears to have encouraged inappropriate behavior. There are <br /> houses near the park that could potentially be McGruff houses, which would address <br /> the safety concern. <br /> Administrator Hoyt announced that, due to warm weather, city ice rinks had been <br /> closed for the season. <br />