05-14-2018 Council Work Session Minutes

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: COUNCIL MINUTES May 14, 2018 s'''�171917 123 Council Member Manthey argued that his request for additional discussion conflicts with other items 124 held back. 125 Council Member Rafferty asked Superintendent Massey (SD 831) to weigh in on the school district 126 process. Mr. Massey stated that something like a funding decision that isn't included in the budget 127 could take some process. He added that any time the schools can partner with the City, it's a winner. 128 Motion carried on a voice vote; Council Member Maher abstained; Council Member Manthey voted 129 no. 130 3B) Consider Resolution 18-60, Authorizing Execution of Engagement Letter for Legal 131 Services — Finance Director Cotton reviewed the written report outlining the process of requesting 132 proposals and interviewing proposers for the city's civil legal service provider. 133 Council Member Stoesz asked how services will be overlapped and Ms. Cotton suggested the legal 134 matters at hand would probably be handled individually, and stay with the current provider if that is 135 necessary. Staff will be communicating with the currrent attorney based on the action of the counccl. 136 Council Member Manthey said he will be voting no on the matter. The proposals came back with 137 with dollar amounts attached and the current provider is lower than the proposed firm. He hasn't 138 been convinced that the City needs to spend more on these services. Mayor Reinert said he's 139 experienced the services of both firms and his experience is that the proposed firm provides better 140 services. The mayor noted that the membership of the firm proposed is actually made up of the best 141 attorneys who left the current firm so he sees that the quality is there and his experience supports that. 142 Council Member Maher noted that the City is legally bound to take low bids. She feels the current 143 firm has served the City well and she can't support the extra taxpayer funds involved in the change. 144 She doesn't agree with changing at this time and particularly not with the firm proposed. 145 Council Member Manthey suggested that it is necessary to show in an accountable way that a low 146 bidder should not be selected. He has difficulty seeing that proven in this instance. 147 Council Member Rafferty recalled a good interaction very early on in his position on the council with 148 Attorney Jay Squires. He noted the educational component that the Rupp firm is offering, a 149 opportunity that was not available with the current firm. He feels change is a good thing sometimes. 150 Mayor Reinert concurred. He suggests that a workshop with the council be scheduled as soon as 151 possible. 152 Council Member Stoesz remarked that he spoke with Mr. Squires and feels comfortable that another 153 valuable component he is offering is innovation that could result in savings. 154 Council Member Manthey suggested that the teaching sessions wouldn't make up for the increase in 155 daily costs. 156 Council Member Rafferty moved to approve Resolution No. 18-60 as presented. Council Member 157 Stoesz seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote; Council Members Maher and Manthey 158 voted no. 159 3C) Consider Approving Appointment of Police Sergeant —Human Resources Manager 16o Bartholomew reviewed the request of staff to appointment Curt Boehme to the position of Sargeant. 161 This position is open due to the promotion of William Owens to the position of Captain. Ms. 162 Bartholomew reviewed Mr. Boehme's experience and qualifications for the position. 0