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COURI & RUPPE (Civil Only) <br />Describe the backgrounds of the civil and/or prosecuting attorneys who will be assigned to <br />Ramsey. <br />Mike Couri stated he and Bob Ruppe are the firm, been in municipal law for 21 years, and <br />practice almost exclusively (90 %) municipal law with 10% in municipal- related cases like <br />condemnation. Their hallmark has been growing cities with Albertville being their primary <br />client. They have represented Albertville for 22 years including development of the outlet mall, <br />Highway 19 corridor, and the new exit ramp from I -94 to the outlet mall. Mr. Couri stated he <br />has been working with cities since 1991 and attended about 1,000 Council meetings. He <br />explained the hallmark of their firm is to get things moving and done and they will not sit back <br />silently at Council meeting when they need to address an issue of law. Mr. Couri stated he <br />reviewed the Council's past meeting minutes and it may be a preference to approve a lease <br />subject to legal drafting but it is his preference to have the lease in front of the Council prior to <br />approval. He stated they try to be ahead of things and provide a fairly quick response with same <br />day or next day call back, or evening e-mail. Mr. Couri stated he understands the Council serves <br />the public and his firm does not want to hold that up. <br />Mr. Couri disclosed that Bob Ruppe represents Nowthen and in 2008, had worked to incorporate <br />Nowthen and also drafted a joint fire agreement with Ramsey Fire Chief Kapler. He explained <br />that Nowthen is okay with their firm representing Ramsey. Mr. Couri stated they have also <br />worked, on a fairly regular basis, with Shane Nelson of Hakanson Anderson, who had been <br />Ramsey's interim/consulting engineer. He stated if approved, he would be the primary contact <br />for Ramsey and attend its Council meetings. If he is not available, then Mr. Ruppe would be the <br />contact and he would be knowledgeable with what is going on. <br />How will your firm make Ramsey a priority and meet the terms outlined in the RFP for meeting <br />attendance, response time for Council staff inquiries, document review turn - around, and office <br />hours? <br />Mr. Couri stated they have recently gone to a paperless office; however, he takes his laptop to <br />meetings and during meetings, will complete documents and e -mail them to the City <br />Administrator. He stated technology has changed their profession for the better if you are <br />willing to embrace it so Ramsey will see documents quickly and telephone calls will be <br />responded to quickly. Mr. Couri stated they have time in their schedule to accommodate the <br />needs of Ramsey and since they practice only municipal law, they are familiar with the Statutes. <br />In addition, his firm has extensive files and can quickly find the law and documents needed. <br />If your firm is not located locally, how do you intend to manage drive time, getting to City Hall <br />on short notice, would officers be required to come to vour office or would you come here for <br />compliant processing, etc? <br />Mr. Couri stated their office is about 30 minutes away and they currently represent clients from <br />five minutes to two hours distance. He stated most of their work is done via e -mail but he will <br />attend regular staff meetings and is available by telephone. He stated they do not charge for <br />City Council Work Session / May 7, 2013 <br />Page 11 of 23 <br />