Minutes - Council Work Session - 09/08/2008

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Council bring back the resolution and reject it, in its entirety. Mayor Gamec stated that he feels there is a way for the two sides to work it out on their own and noted that he doesn't know if even later on he would vote in favor of this resolution. He reiterated that he doesn't think the City should get involved in school district issues. He stated that this is an issue between PACT and a citizen of Ramsey. Mr. DeBruyn stated that he agrees 100%, which is why he feels this shouldn't have been brought before the Council in the first place. He stated that it was not the school that brought this before the council, but two of the Councilmembers. He stated that this is an opportunity to put this to rest and vote on the resolution. Councilmember Look asked whether it was the school that had brought this issue back to the Council tonight. Mr. DeBruyn stated that he had contacted the City and asked to be put on the agenda tonight, so the Council could do what they stated that they would do. Councilmember Look stated that according to Robert's Rules of Order, if an item is tabled and not voted on the same evening, it is considered failed. Councilmember Strommen noted that this item was tabled for a specific time period, until the . District Court made a ruling. Councilmember Look stated that he has no problem discussing this issue tonight, but if it comes back from the appellate court and doesn't go PACT's way, it may be addressed again. He stated that he feels this is relevant right now and while he understands Mr. DeBruyn's desire to have the City's position on the record, he feels that it is important to note that the District Court didn't even look at the merits of the case. He stated that he feels it is a little deceptive to state that the District Court ruled in PACT's favor. Mayor Gamec stated that he hoped that Councilmember Dehen and Councilmember Look were not using the Council as a point of support. He stated that he thinks the general feeling of the Council is that they would like to stay out of this completely and not take a stand until it is done. He stated that part of the problem is the word "Councilmember" comes out and he feels it is important for people to know that this is not the City,. but individuals who happen to be in the Council, bringing this issue forward. Councilmember Dehen stated that the unfortunate issue is that he cannot contact Mr. DeBruyn other than in this type of forum. . He stated that he doesn't have any personal angst against Mr. DeBruyn, nor does he think his position is off base or without merit. He stated that he also believes their point is not off base or without merit. He stated that he agrees with Councilmember Look that the District Court did not look at the merits of the case when they made their ruling. Councilmember Strommen stated that she does not want to debate this issue all over again. Council Work Session/September 8, 2008 3of6