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Civil <br />Experience has shown us that a fixed -fee arrangement is preferable over traditional <br />retainer arrangements, where feasible, for cost-conscious municipal clients. Over the past <br />several decades, we have been a leader among municipal law firms in advancing this <br />concept and are pleased to see it becoming a more common practice. We are proposing <br />such an arrangement here. While it imposes some risk on the part of the firm for <br />increased and unanticipated needs and demands for services by the City, particularly over <br />time, it has the benefit, from our perspective, of a predictable and consistent revenue <br />stream. <br />From the City's perspective, it has the benefit of a fixed, budgeted amount for services that <br />eliminates the risk of an unpleasant "surprise" during a month in which legal counsel's <br />presence is required more often than usual. Moreover, a fixed fee tends to be a good <br />preventative measure, eliminating the disincentive that exists in an hourly fee arrangement <br />to consult an attorney early in the process, when a lot of problems can be more easily <br />solved with timely advice and help. <br />We propose to represent the City of Ramsey on all civil matters, except individual civil <br />litigation files requiring more than ten hours of attorney time in any month, as part of a flat <br />monthly fee of $4,250.00. We have reviewed, assessed and included in that amount <br />those items listed in the Request for Proposal, as stated and qualified as follows: <br />A. Attend City Council meetings and other City Board, Authority, Commissioner <br />or Committee meetings as requested by the City Council or City <br />Clerk/Administrator. <br />B. Draft and/or review ordinances, resolutions, and correspondence, as <br />requested. Review City Council agendas and meeting minutes as <br />requested. <br />C. Advise the Mayor, Council Members, City ClerklAdministrator, Department <br />Heads and other staff on city legal matters. <br />D. Prepare and/or review municipal contracts, such as contracts for public <br />improvements, joint powers agreements, construction, and purchase of <br />equipment. <br />E. Review of the Municipal Code on a regular basis and provide assistance in <br />the drafting of any needed modifications or amendments. <br />F. Represent City in matters related to the enforcement of City building and <br />zoning codes. <br />G. Research and submit legal opinions on municipal or other legal matters, as <br />requested by City Council or City ClerklAdministrator. <br />6 <br />