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Mr. Greco stated that RCP ensures that students and faculty are matched correctly and students <br />are evaluated to ensure that they are far enough along in their level of studies to complete the <br />projects. He noted that the faculty members are involved throughout the process and noted that <br />the element of redundancy also comes into play. He explained that perhaps two different classes <br />are working on the same project and therefore if the first class does not excel on the project, the <br />second class is also completing the same work. He acknowledged that you would not be able to <br />build something designed by a student because they are not a licensed engineer but noted that the <br />students are provided innovative ideas and multiple perspectives and areas of expertise that could <br />assist in the project. He noted that typically the focus is on data collection and other elements of <br />the project. <br />Councilmember Shryock stated that she participated in a similar program when she was in <br />college and enjoyed it. She stated that this not only provides mentorship opportunities for <br />students but it also provides innovative ideas from the students and multiple opinions and <br />perspective that the City would not normally receive. She stated that she is excited, should <br />Ramsey be chosen. <br />Councilmember Riley stated that he believes it is important for students to gain real world <br />experience but asked how the City would ensure that they do not receive a solely academic <br />response. <br />Mr. Greco stated that when they are matching projects, they are very clear with the students and <br />faculty to advise them of the results that the City is ultimately looking for. He stated that if at the <br />end of the project, the City is not satisfied with the results, RCP will pay a student that worked <br />on the project to use the data to provide the results that the City desired. He stated that because <br />the end result is shared with cities and made public on the RCP website, students put much more <br />effort into their work. <br />Mayor Strommen shared an experience that she had working on a consultant project through the <br />business school and noted that it was the most memorable part of her graduate studies. She <br />stated that it is helpful to transition from classroom thinking to applied real world experience. <br />Councilmember Shryock agreed that students push themselves because the information is going <br />to be shared and because they are gaining the experience. <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated that he was not thrilled with the option in the beginning but found <br />this presentation helpful. He asked how helpful staff believes that this project would be. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated that certainly staff needs to hit the sweet spot to ensure that they <br />are not submitting too many projects that it overburdens staff or too few projects where the <br />investment does not provide the full benefit. He suggested that a fair amount of time is spent to <br />identify the potential projects and the right number of projects are selected. He stated that there <br />are projects the City has identified which would be helpful to have assistance with data <br />collection and analysis. <br />City Council Work Session / January 10, 2017 <br />Page 3 of 7 <br />