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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />DECEMBER 12, 1990 <br />George felt the City should strive for a zero percent <br />increase. George was also concerned that the City had <br />no contingency funds in the event of disasters, <br />pointing out the situation the City is in with funding <br />tree removal costs after last summer's storm. <br />A resident questioned proposed attorney's fees for <br />1991. <br />The City Administrator explained the break-down of <br />these fees and it was pointed out that the 1991 <br />contract with the City Attorney has not yet been <br />negotiated. Therefore, it is likely that these fees <br />will be slightly less. <br />A resident suggested that it may be more reasonable to <br />hire a full-time City Attorney. <br />The City Administrator pointed out that by using a <br />consulting attorney, the City gains the benefit of the <br />attorney's staff and their various areas of expertise. <br />The Attorney suggested that a danger of hiring a staff <br />attorney would be the possible need to increase support <br />staff. <br />Bill Quirin asked for an explanation of gross <br />misdemeanors which are prosecuted by the City Attorney. <br />The City Attorney explained that gross misdemeanors are <br />mainly liquor prosecutions. These have been turned <br />back to the City for prosecution by the County <br />Attorney. These prosecutions are billed on an hourly <br />basis. General misdemeanors are prosecuted under the <br />monthly retainer regardless of the number of hours <br />involved. The City Attorney reported that his hourly <br />rate is $70. The City Attorney also reported that there <br />are very few cities in Minnesota which have house <br />counsel. <br />A resident asked how police protection costs are <br />arrived at. <br />Fahey replied that police protection costs are divided <br />among the contracting cities based on a formula method. <br />A new districting formula has been adopted for <br />distributing these costs, however, for 1991 the new <br />formula is being phased in. Costs are based half on <br />the old formula and half on the new. Under the new <br />formula the City will pay for those personnel assigned <br />to the City. How the City uses these personnel will be <br />at its option. <br />It was pointed out that the formula was changed because <br />Page 8 <br />