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scope projects that students will undertake and identify and engage community partners and <br /> stakeholders. He stated that project length depends on the project and could be one semester or <br /> one academic year to complete. He explained why the model works and noted that projects <br /> should be part of the City work plan and not newly created projects, as they do not want to create <br /> additional work for City staff. He talked about the RCP staff matchmaking process between City <br /> staff and faculty to ensure that the project and course are a good fit together. He stated that <br /> multiple students or teams can work on projects and therefore are able to provide different <br /> perspectives and a range of ideas. He stated that RCP encourages frequent communication to <br /> ensure that projects remain on the right track. He stated that there is engagement with local <br /> residents, businesses, and organizations to create a buy-in. He noted that everyone involved in <br /> the process has "skin in the game" as the City has a financial investment as well as the <br /> investment of staff time, while faculty has their own accountability and students are working to <br /> earn a grade. He reviewed some of the community partners that RCP has worked with in the <br /> past four years as well as the number of courses and students that have been involved. He <br /> reviewed some of the different benefits that are provided to community partners, faculty, and <br /> students. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma asked the cost to be a part of the program. <br /> Mr. Greco stated that it would depend upon the number of project submitted. He stated that the <br /> base cost would be $40,000 if 10 to 20 projects are submitted and then there would be a cost of <br /> $2,000 per project that is matched, meaning that if a total of 20 projects are submitted and <br /> matched the total cost would be $80,000. <br /> Councilmember Riley asked the timeline on the projects. <br /> Mr. Greco explained that the partnership with the City of Brooklyn Park ends in May and <br /> therefore if Ramsey is selected RCP would begin working with staff in June and students would <br /> begin work with the fall semester in September. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma asked if ten projects must be submitted or if less projects could be <br /> submitted. <br /> Mr. Greco noted that at least 10 projects would need to be submitted to justify his salary and the <br /> payment for a graduate student. He stated that 10 to 20 projects are manageable. <br /> Mayor Strommen noted that a list of potential projects was included in the Council packet to <br /> provide some examples that could be chosen from the current list the City has but does not have <br /> adequate staff time to complete. She stated that originally, she thought the cost seemed high, but <br /> noted that this is work that City staff or consultants would be paid to complete anyways and <br /> therefore would come from the professional services budget line item. She noted that this will <br /> also provide a broad area of expertise to complete these projects. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma stated that these are students that do not have real world experience and <br /> asked how the City can be certain that the correct level of expertise is used to complete the <br /> proj ect. <br /> City Council Work Session /January 10, 2017 <br /> Page 2 of 7 <br />