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Ms. Schwarzhoff stated her job is to provide legal advice, and she does not get into politics. She <br />added she does not care what the City Council’s decision is. She noted her job would be to do <br />some research and investigation, review options, and potentially challenges in court, and provide <br />legal advice, whether or not she agrees with the City Council. <br /> <br />The City of Minneapolis has chosen not to enforce certain laws such as marijuana laws and <br />immigration laws, and recently schools in Texas have countermanded Executive Orders related to <br />school safety. How do these examples reinforce or contradict your stance on the last question <br />related to Executive Orders? <br /> <br />Ms. Schwarzhoff stated this is two separate issues, and the Minneapolis City Council wants to take <br />a stand. <br /> <br />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 />Ms. Schwarzhoff stated she has another city that is increasing their franchise fees. She added I <br />have another city that is increasing their franchise fee, and they are a great source of revenue. <br />Noted the City Councils and councilmembers are careful to stress that the fee has simply moved <br />to the water bill, and it can be used as a good source of money. <br /> <br />Ms. Schwarzhoff stated this would also tax churches, which are not normally taxed, although they <br />use the electrical grid. She added most franchise fees are a good tool to use for dedicated funds. <br /> <br />Ms. Schwarzhoff stated the franchise fee just makes sense as a source of money. <br /> <br />How would you describe the role and relationship the City Attorney has with individual City <br />Council Members? <br /> <br />Ms. Schwarzhoff stated it depends upon the city. She added some City Councilmembers call her <br />all the time, but some cities have restrictions on who can contact the City attorney. She noted it <br />makes the most sense to go through city staff, although she is happy to talk to City <br />Councilmembers and answer questions. She noted she loops in the City Administrator. <br /> <br />Do you have any concerns with any of the terms outlined in the RFP? <br /> <br />Ms. Schwarzhoff stated the RFP appears to be reasonable, and City work is standard across the <br />board, in her experience. She added her firm represents both big and small cities, and what matters <br />is how the City attorney interacts with them. <br /> <br />Any other questions and/or concerns? <br /> <br />Ms. Schwarzhoff stated she bills hourly, but client’s bills tend to go down after she has worked <br />with them. She added efficiency is incredibly important to her, and she is able to do excellent <br />City Council Special Work Session / August 23, 2021 <br />Page 16 of 22 <br /> <br />