03-30-2017 Charter Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

Charter Commission February 23, 2017 Page 3 L-- 90 MOTION by Commissioner Bretoi, seconded by Commissioner Stranik, authorize Chair Dahl to 91 contact Fredrick "Fritz" Knaak on behalf of the Charter Commission, make the decision on 92 whether to engage him as the Charter Commission attorney for the ward amendment, and if 93 appropriate execute the contract on behalf of the Commission. 94 95 Further discussion: Commissioner Lyden asked if the hiring of an attorney would be an annual 96 renewal or whether it would be for a contracted amount of time. 97 98 Commissioner Juni stated that he did not discuss the attorney being a long-term option, but 99 simply contracting to assist with the ward amendment language. 100 101 Chair Dahl stated that the potential attorney does have experience with multiple municipalities 102 and therefore is aware of the lower rates that municipalities typically pay for services. She stated 103 that from the background information provided, the attorney seems to be fair and knowledgeable 104 and is not afraid to step up if need be. She asked if the Commission would want the potential 105 attorney attend a meeting before hiring. 106 107 Commissioner Lyden stated that he would feel comfortable with the submission of a contract. 108 109 Commissioner Stranik noted that he has been vetted and the Commission seems to be 110 comfortable. 11 112 Chair Dahl confirmed that she would contact the attorney, determine his costs and if acceptable 113 would ask him to draft a contract. 114 115 Motion passed unanimously. 116 117 Commissioner Stranik proposed that the potential attorney be presented with the comments from 118 the City Attorney and prior Charter Commission attorney to gauge his position on the topic, as 119 that seems to be a logical method to engage. 120 121 Chair Dahl asked if the Charter Commission would be comfortable with the Chair signing the 122 contract or whether all three officers should sign the contract. 123 124 Commissioner Juni noted that the potential attorney has served as a State Senator and therefore 125 he may also have an opinion on how the approach the legislature on a potential increase to the 126 minimum amount specified in the State Stature for Charter Commission funding. 127 128 C. Report on City Attorney Attending Charter Commission Meeting 129 Commissioner Stranik stated that he reached out to the City Administrator in regard to 130 potentially having the City Attorney assist the Charter Commission and received a response that 131 the City Attorney would not be able to assist the Commission as he represents the City Council '32 and therefore would have a conflict. He noted that he responded back to the City Administrator stating that the Charter Commission was not asking for representation but simply asking the City 134 Attorney to attend a meeting and explain his position on the ward amendment language drafted 3