Agenda - Council - 09/26/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion carried. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS 7.01: Consider Adopting Resolution #17-08-207 Approving Contract with the University of Minnesota for the Resilient Communities Project Community Development Director Gladhill reviewed the staff report and recommendation to adopt Resolution #17-08-207 approving the final contract with the University of Minnesota for participation in the Resilient Communities Project. Councilmember Kuzma stated that he was not in favor of this last February and is still not in favor of the project as he believes that the funds could be used in better ways. He stated that a consultant was being used for the park planning and he suggested that the students be used for that process and was told that the students would not have the necessary knowledge. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that this was never intended to take away project management from the City team but instead provide assistance with data collection. He noted that residents also may be more open to sharing different perspectives with students rather than the same City staff team. He noted that the parks project was intended to stay with the current team but the students will be used to supplement some elements of the project. He noted that this project would provide more "boots on the ground" work. He stated that in speaking with others that have participated in the program, there has been an amount of work equal to $100,000 to $300,000 worth of time for the cost the City will pay. He stated that the importance of the contract is to ensure that there are clear deliverables and if they do not perform on those, the element will be fixed or the City would receive funds back. Councilmember Riley stated that it sounds like there is a good plan in place and wanted to ensure that there is a real world focus rather than an academic exercise as the project moves along. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that staff has been pushing the program director on that piece and that is where the contract comes into play to ensure that the City receives the deliverables agreed upon. Councilmember Shryock stated that she has been very excited with this opportunity as it is an opportunity for the City to capture some experience and fresh perspective while also assisting in providing real world experience for the students. Motion by Councilmember Shryock, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to Adopt Resolution #17-08-207 Authorizing Contract with the University of Minnesota for the Resilient Communities Proj ect. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Acting Mayor LeTourneau, Councilmembers Shryock, Williams, and Riley. Voting No: Councilmember Kuzma. Absent: Mayor Strommen and Councilmember Johns. City Council / September 12, 2017 Page 6 of 13