Minutes - 2002/05/13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council May 13, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 2 suggested that either Don Hodges or someone of equal caliber be selected to choose the panel. She then indicated that she and the City Administrator were going to meet to discuss her e-mail. Steven Berg of 2614 Louisa Avenue indicated he had read in the paper that the Supreme Court recently ruled that a city council cannot go to closed session to discuss threatened or potential litigation. City Attorney Riggs indicated there is a lawsuit that exists and noted AFSCME has sued the City and the City has counter-sued. Mr. Berg commented he had heard that the Mayor had crossed the picket line to drive the beverage cart at the golf course. Mayor Sonterre indicated he had driven the cart from hole to hole at the golf course to converse with golfers in an attempt to calm some of the ill feelings caused by the strike. Mr. Berg asked how much the City has spent in attorney's fees on the strike. Mayor Sonterre indicated that Mr. Linke had requested that information and said it would be available for any citizen interested in viewing it. Gretchen Walbridge of 8072 Long Lake Road addressed Council and asked why Council feels it needs to go to closed session during the Council meetings. She then said she thinks it is rude to keep residents and those having business before Council wartmg and suggested that Council either have the closed session before or after the Council meeting or on another day. Mayor Sonterre indicated that Council would attempt to do so but noted there are times when legal counsel needs to advise the Council on a matter that is to be discussed during the meeting. Council Member Marty questioned whether the five minute meeting held in closed session after the end of the last Council meeting had anything to do with a lawsuit and asked why it was heard in closed session. City Attorney Riggs explained the session was closed for labor negotiation discussions and was done so by motion. Bruce Broeffel of 47 West Golden Lake Road indicated he had spoken to the Veteran's Affairs Office and that office informed him that the City should have a 100 point system for hiring. He then asked if the City has one. Assistant City Administrator Reed indicated she had spoken to the League of Minnesota Cities and was given information that the veteran's preference points is supposed to give veterans a slight edge when it comes to receiving an interview. She then indicated all veterans were interviewed and said that the League has said that the 100 point system would be ideal but, because the positions are seasonal, there is no need to use it as all candidates were interviewed.