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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 9, 1997 • Page 11 1 Mayor Ranallo stated the City did not have that kind of money. They had to acquire funds 2 from another source. When the legislature verbally advised the City that no funds were 3 available, Mayor stated that he suggested the Sewer Funds be utilized. He also suggested that 4 the City triple that amount so they could provide an estimated $500,000. He was then told 5 that this could not be done. The City Attorney was contacted and he stated this was not 6 legally allowable. Other attorneys were contacted and they responded in the same manner. 7 Mayor Ranallo stated that in regard to the public meeting law he had never imagined that the 8 citizens of St. Anthony working on a Task Force appointed by the City would hold a private 9 meeting. He stated that all he had done was caution the members that this was not allowed 10 and that there could be a problem. 11 Mr. Kuharski questioned how citizens would know that they are not allowed to meet without 12 notice. He stated it would have been nice if someone could have informed the Task Force 13 members that the City was obtaining a legal opinion in regard to the use of City funds. He 14 questioned why it was not brought up at the last Task Force meeting. 15 Marks noted that the Council is very limited on what they can do and they are constantly 16 obtaining legal opinions about everything they do. He stated the City is accustomed to that. 17 A citizen may not be accustomed to it or even know it. It is a different mind-set. He stated a Task Force has never held a private meeting before. He stated he was personally shocked 19 but he realized that it is a different mind-set. 20 Mr. Kuharski stated he felt there was no communication from the City. He felt there was a 21 brick wall between the City and the Task Force. 22 Wagner stated he had looked at the previously mentioned recommendations of the Task Force 23 sub-committee and he did not believe they were all wasted. He stated the source of funding 24 may need to be changed but the ideas may be useful. He hoped that Mr. Kuharski would stay 25 with it and continue. 26 H. City Manager. 27 Mornson reported the Building Inspector selection process is close to resolution. The City 28 currently is negotiating with a private firm and the City of New Brighton. The advertising for 29 the Public Works Director position closed today and 20 applications were received. The 30 process will continue with a decision and recommendation in mid October. He noted Public 31 Work Director Larry Hamer's last day will be November 21, 1997. 32 Mornson reported he had worked through the final punch list for the City Hall with the 33 contractor and hopes to have that job completed soon. 34 Mornson reported the steel for the construction of the new Liquor Store has been delayed by two weeks. This will delay the opening of the store from November 1 to November 11, 6 1997.