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Mr. Couri stated they did bring it out that they work with Nowthen, were one of the attorneys <br />that incorporated Nowthen, and then represented them in 2010. Prior to that, they helped draft <br />the Joint Powers Fire Agreement between Ramsey and Nowthen. Mr. Couri stated that is the <br />only outstanding issue he is aware of as you can rule out annexations under current law since <br />they are rare and not anticipated. Mr. Couri stated if there is an issue with Nowthen, they would <br />step back and withdraw from both sides even though they could continue with both clients if <br />both consented. Mr. Couri stated they want to represent Ramsey 100% so if a situation of <br />conflict arises, they would withdraw from both sides and have Ramsey bring in other counsel. <br />Why do you believe your firm is the best firm to serve as Ramsey's City Attorney? <br />Mr. Couri stated their experience, as they have specialized in municipal law and 90% is <br />city /town representation and the other 10% is private property owners in condemnation by the <br />State or County. He stated he has been in this business for 22 years, seen a lot, and this is a <br />business where experience matters. Mr. Couri stated he has attended more than 1,000 council <br />meetings, to give a sense of his experience. He stated he understands the importance of a <br />relationship with the Council and public, and you cannot teach that in law school. You either <br />have it or you do not and it is not something you find in every attorney. Mr. Couri stated he <br />believes they are the best firm because of their breadth of experience. Secondly, they will work <br />until they get the job done no matter if it is day, night, or weekend. Mr. Couri stated his partner <br />has 12 -13 years of municipal experience and 10 years of litigation experience before that. <br />Neither are unfamiliar with work nor shy wallflowers and will be there front and center whether <br />an adversarial situation or one with residents. Mr. Couri stated their firm has long -term <br />relationships with clients with the longest municipal relationship being 22 years <br />Mayor Strommen asked Mr. Couri if he had questions for the Council. <br />Mr. Couri stated they are resourceful and have looked at Ramsey's agendas /agenda packets and <br />know the Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney firm has proposed a $48,000 retainer. He stated he does <br />not think, in the long run, that is enough to get the job done. He noted that Ratwik, Roszak & <br />Maloney also represents the City of Red Wing that has a population of 17,000 and a similar <br />retainer agreement. Mr. Couri stated he does not know the scope of that work but that retainer is <br />$113,000 per year. He noted their proposal for a $48,000 retainer is 40% of that (the Red Wing <br />retainer) and from his experience, you cannot work at 40% of the rate long term and have the <br />client and attorney happy without increasing the rate. Mr. Couri stated he could have quoted that <br />figure and dealt with it later, but that is not their style. He stated he is happy to bring down the <br />number if they find the work is not the level they think it will be. Mr. Couri stated he thinks they <br />are the lowest priced qualified attorney rate wise, and cheaper than the current City Attorney and <br />the Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney firm. He stated he would love to represent Ramsey and would <br />give "both barrels." He stated he looks forward to establishing a long -term relationship where <br />Ramsey is comfortable calling and vice versa. Mr. Couri stated it is only 19 miles from his <br />office to City Hall. He thanked Ramsey for both opportunities to meet with the Council and <br />noted if he cannot advocate for himself, he cannot advocate for his clients. He assured Ramsey <br />that they will see that same level. <br />Mayor Strommen thanked Mr. Couri for attending a second round of questions. <br />City Council Work Session / June 4, 2013 <br />Page 5 of 22 <br />