Minutes - Council Work Session - 08/23/2021 - Special

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quality work in a much shorter period of time by using standard contracts for staff. She noted her firm is small but efficient, and they have the experience and backup if needed. Councilmember Riley asked whether Ms. Schwarzhoff’s firm represents Elk River and Dayton, two cities that are close neighbors of Ramsey. Ms. Schwarzhoff stated her firm does not represent those cities as city attorney, but rather has done legal work for them through the League of Minnesota Cities. She added her firm does not represent any cities that share a border with Ramsey. Councilmember Heineman asked whether there are any parallels between street fees and franchise fees, and whether franchise fees could be challenged at that level. Ms. Schwarzhoff stated franchise fees have a long history and are subject to different statutes and rules. She added street fees are more of a development issue with a whole list of related fees including trunk charges for water and sewer. She noted, even when street fees were being charged, they were considered questionable due to a lack of obvious authority to charge them. Ms. Schwarzhoff stated there has been a lot of push back from developers regarding fees and requirements, which they say prevents affordable housing. She added she believes that to be nonsense, but she is biased, and in most cases, the fees are related to what the City actually expends for services. COUNCIL DISCUSSION Mayor Kuzma requested a recap from the Councilmembers. Councilmember Specht stated he liked Mr. Knaak, who had the side of experience and a smaller firm, as well as more access for the City Council. He added he felt like some of the others were too big. Mayor Kuzma stated he has no problems with the current attorneys. He added he really liked Ms. thth Whitmore of Eckberg Lammers, even though she danced around the 7 and 8 questions. He added he felt that Mr. Knaak’s firm was too small. He noted Kennedy Graven would be okay, but their firm is very large, and Hoff Barry would be okay too. Councilmember Riley stated he did not care for Kennedy Graven as they are a big firm and the attorney is fairly new, backed up by an even newer attorney. He added he also did not like Ms. Whitmore from Eckberg Lammers, as she talked a lot and had broad experience, but no expertise. He noted Mr. Langel scored highest with him, along with Ms. Schwarzhoff, who was very knowledgeable. Councilmember Riley stated he did not get a strong impression of Mr. Knaak, although he made it clear he wants to work with Ramsey. He added he would need to hear more from Mr. Knaak. City Council Special Work Session / August 23, 2021 Page 17 of 22