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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />JUNE 10, 1996 <br />were merged, the Commission rejected public health <br />services for merger. <br />Thomas reported that the issue was again raised by <br />Mayor Norm Coleman in 1995, and the Ramsey County Board <br />supported the idea of examining a consolidation of <br />these two agencies. Thomas pointed out that it is one <br />thing to support an idea, but yet another to have the <br />idea bear full flower and the St. Paul City Council <br />ready to vote when there has been no input from the <br />County Board. <br />Thomas reported that the County and Mayor's office have <br />formed a negotiating team and were given copies of the <br />Joint Powers Agreement, final report, mission <br />statement, objectives and cost. Thomas pointed out <br />that the final report document was stamped with a <br />statement indicating it was not for dissemination or <br />public distribution. Thomas reported that on the same <br />day she received this information she received a call <br />informing her the documents were released to the press. <br />Thomas indicated that this is a breach of procedure, <br />and that the Board members had not had time to read <br />througYi the details of the agreement. Thomas stated <br />that sYie has heard that some of the City Managers were <br />briefed on the proposal by the County Manager's office, <br />although she has not been able to confirm this. Thomas <br />again pointed out that the St. Paul City Council and <br />Ramsey County Board must vote on the merger. Thomas <br />indicated the Pioneer Press published their support of <br />the merger, and this sets up the debate that one feels <br />compelled in justifying why one does not support it. <br />Thomas reported the plan was that the St. Paul City <br />Council would take up the merger proposal at their <br />first meeting in June. If there was support by St. <br />Paul, the proposal would then be presented to the <br />County Board. Thomas pointed out that the City of St. <br />Paul is represented by four commissioners on the Board <br />while t:he rest of the County is represented by three <br />commissioners. This sets up a four to three vote <br />assuming that three would not support the merger. <br />Thomas indicated the proposal is that the merger would <br />be effective January 1, 1997. Due to levy <br />considerations and required public hearings, votes on <br />the merger would have to occur by August. Thomas felt <br />the real question was why the urgency given the issue <br />was first proposed 55 years ago. <br />Thomas reported that the St. Paul City Council consists <br />6 <br />