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COUNCIL MINUTES November 13, 2017 <br />APPROVED <br />46 enfZmeering firm. He originally pproached the City Administrator with the question and it was <br />47 confirmed that there was no conflict. There was discussion about a situation that could be perceived <br />48 as a conflict and Mr. Rafferty explained that he falls on the side of caution when that perception could <br />49 be seen. <br />50 <br />51 Mayor Reinert recalled his discussion with the City Administrator and how it came to be that the city <br />52 attorney would be asked; he was not aware that any legal costs would be incurred. He is surprised at <br />53 the price but he understands that the City Administrator wanted to have that legal review. Perhaps <br />54 the question is why the cost is so high. Mayor Reinert also mentioned that the city council is <br />55 discussed going out for RFP for legal services. <br />56 <br />57 Council Member Kusterman suggested it was a blaming situation; he suggests that all council <br />58 members should have been consulted in this case. <br />6o Council Member Manthey concurred that the matter was one for the entire council to review. He <br />61 feels that the council having transparency is highly important. He believes that the council has <br />62 discussed perceptions of possible conflict for its members in the past so an experienced member of <br />63 the council would have already known the answer. <br />64 <br />65 Mayor Reinert suggested this is a case of sour grapes based on election results. He had a <br />66 conversation with the administrator and Mr. Karlson chose to approach the city attorney for an <br />67 opinion. It was not a created situation for political gain. <br />68 <br />69 Council Member Manthey noted that the matter of paying the bill is on the agenda for council <br />70 approval tonight; the council as a whole is expected to make that decision. <br />71 <br />72 Mayor Reinert asked if the council would like to add discussion of a policy on legal opinions and the <br />73 city administrator to the next work session agenda. The council concurred. <br />74 <br />75 Council Member Kusterman added that the RFP process for city attorney was initiated after the <br />76 opinion was received. <br />77 <br />78 Council Member Maher asked the City Administrator if he would normally contact the city attorney <br />79 without a clear council direction to do so. <br />80 <br />81 Administrator Karlson said he would normally contact the city attorney on matters that he feels <br />82 requires that course and it is not always with council direction; he noted that other city staff has the <br />83 ability to do the same. <br />84 <br />85 Mayor Reinert reviewed the general process of seeking RFPs. He also recalled a discussion with the <br />86 city's contracted engineering firm and his quest for an opinion on a good timeline for RFP — how <br />87 often should the city seek them. He read an email from that firm's representative responding to the <br />88 question. <br />89 <br />90 Council Member Manthey asked if that communication came after the candidate of that firm filed for <br />F� <br />