01-09-08 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 9, 2008 firms because of any service issue; the change is based purely on a cost issue. Keis and Allan indicated that they supported the appointment of Kelly & Fawcett for both civil and prosecution services. Montour noted that the Council has taken this issue very seriously and has done a lot of hard work over the process. He noted that this will be a big change for the City given that Sweeney, Borer & Sweeney has been the City Attorney for 26 years. Montour felt that SBS has done an excellent job for Little Canada and represented the City well. He noted, however, that the City's adoption of financial policies is moving the City forward. Consultant services will be evaluated every five years. Montour felt that any of the firms that submitted proposals would do a fine job for Little Canada, but indicated that he supported the appointment of Kelly & Fawcett for both civil and prosecution. Montour stated that the appointment will result in cost savings to the Little Canada taxpayers and will bring a new perspective to the table. McGraw indicated that the RFP process for legal services was a difficult one. He agreed that the Council worked extremely hard on the process in a very open and honest environment. A lot of tough questions were asked. McGraw noted that the proposals received were from very good candidates, but in his opinion Kelly & Fawcett stood out. McGraw felt that this firm brings many things to the table that Little Canada can benefit from. McGraw stated that while he feels two firms would be better, one for civil and one for prosecution, he can support Kelly & Fawcett for both. McGraw pointed out that the taxpayers know that Little Canada has adopted financial policies and will evaluate consultant services every five years. McGraw felt this was a healthy situation for the City and its taxpayers. The City Administrator reported that he has discussed the Vadnais Heights sewer litigation with Kelly & Fawcett, and it was their recommendation that Sweeney, Borer & Sweeney continue to handle this case given where it is in the process. Mr. Blesener introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTIONNO.2008-1-7 -APPOINTING KELLY &FAWCETT FOR CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES EFFECTIVE AS SOONAS POSSIBLE AND FOR PROSECUTION LEGAL SERVICES FEBRUARY 1, 2008 SUBJECT TO EXECUTION OFA LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH KELLY &FAWCETT, SUBJECT TO THE WORKING OUT THE TRANSITION WITH THE CURRENT 6