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Mr. VanThomme stated there is no doubt that the City of Ramsey has been a priority for their <br />firm and assured the Council that will remain the case. <br />Mr. Goodrich stated he has dedicated about one -half of his time for Ramsey's work, attending <br />Council and staff meetings, and dealing with the needs of department heads. In addition, he <br />spends time with community development, filing of plats, zoning issues, acquiring /drafting <br />easements, drafting purchase agreements, closing purchase transactions, tenant and relocation <br />issues, resolving issues between unhappy neighbors, condition of premises issues, collecting <br />unpaid rents for City -owned buildings, and drafting resolutions. <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 your once or would you come here for <br />compliant processing, etc? How will you make it convenient for City staff to make filings. <br />Mr. VanThomme stated most of last year they converted to e- charging, a criminal bureau <br />process, to generate complaints for officer review, electronic signature, and forwarding to the <br />court. Previously, the compliant was drafted as a Word document, the officer had to come over <br />for signature, and then the paperwork was filed with the court. He stated the new electronic <br />complaint system is convenient for officers and legal staff. With other electronic <br />communication, they are available through cellular telephones and always within reach. <br />Mr. Goodrich stated he is available at all times by telephone and e -mail and he is generally at <br />City Hall two to three times each week including every other Monday. <br />With regard to prosecution services, how would you propose to manage officer time in court to <br />ensure the best use of City funds for overtime? If you proposed a retainer for prosecution, does <br />that include forfeitures and code enforcement work? <br />Mr. VanThomme stated prosecution is beyond the scope of the civil retainer and forfeiture work <br />is about once per year. He described the forfeiture process and indicated adjustments can be <br />made to include forfeitures. <br />Do you feel it is appropriate for City staff to draft legal documents such as ordinances, purchase <br />agreements, development agreements? If not, why? If so, what is your role to ensure the City's <br />interests are protected? <br />Mr. Goodrich stated in certain circumstances it is appropriate for City staff to draft legal <br />documents. He noted that with community development work and zoning amendments, he is <br />always asked to review prior to Council consideration. However, with purchase agreements, it is <br />probably not appropriate and he generally prepares the draft document. Mr. Goodrich stated he <br />currently drafts the City's purchase agreements and will be meeting with staff tomorrow on the <br />Diamond's purchase agreement. He stated he does not find it inappropriate for staff to draft <br />agreements subject to his legal review, noting the documents include his firm's logo and indicate <br />the document has been reviewed. <br />Mr. Haag concurred and stated that is the same process used by Oak Grove. <br />City Council Work Session / May 7, 2013 <br />Page 3 of 23 <br />