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Under Minnesota Statute (216B.36), cities can impose a fee on utility companies that use the public <br />rights-of-way to deliver service. What advice or caution would you give the city in regard to the <br />use of franchise fees? <br /> <br />Mr. Knaak stated he has read that Ramsey is talking about a franchise fee. He added franchise <br />fees were discussed in Fridley, and it was decided that they should only be applied to matters <br />directly related to television programming and the internet. He noted his opinion was that there <br />was no restriction in the law in terms of how fees can be applied, although Fridley decided they <br />were not interested in potential controversy, even though the revenues were attractive. <br /> <br />How would you describe the role and relationship the City Attorney has with individual City <br />Council Members? <br /> <br />Mr. Knaak stated the City Attorney should know what he is doing and offer sound advice, and the <br />City Council will gain confidence in him. He added the rest of it is individual relationships. He <br />noted, in his experience, the best way to deal with City issues is through the City Administrator, <br />although it is fine to have friendships with Councilmembers. <br /> <br />Do you have any concerns with any of the terms outlined in the RFP? <br /> <br />Mr. Knaak stated he does not have any concerns. <br /> <br />Any other questions and/or concerns? <br /> <br />Mr. Knaak stated going through the RFP process on a regular basis is a very good idea. He added <br />he is curious about the process, and he would really like to be Ramsey’s lawyer. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht asked him what it is about Ramsey that gets Mr. Knaak so excited. <br /> <br />Mr. Knaak stated Ramsey is what he calls a “cusp” city, on the edge of development, experiencing <br />pressure from people who don’t want development, but also encouraged by people who support <br />development. He added this has happened all over the Twin Cities, and as a City Attorney, this is <br />where the most interesting situations arise. <br /> <br />Councilmember Riley asked whether Mr. Knaak would give the City Council advice on important <br />issues such as an executive order or franchise fees. He added Mr. Knaak indicated that it is up to <br />the City Council. <br /> <br />Mr. Knaak stated he would not interfere with a decision of the City Council. He added, in his <br />opinion, one of the worst things a lawyer can do is offer a personal political view, as it should be <br />the City Attorney’s job to show the City all possible ramifications. He noted the bottom line is <br />that it is the City Council’s call. <br /> <br />KENNEDY GRAVEN <br /> <br />City Council Special Work Session / August 23, 2021 <br />Page 11 of 22 <br /> <br />