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

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City Administrator Ulrich stated Mr. Langel started with a retainer of $4,000/month, which was negotiated to a reduced retainer and a flat $500 for attendance at City Council meetings. He added City Staff does not see the need to have him at every meeting, but may want to start that again, especially with a new attorney. Councilmember Musgrove asked whether the City Attorney reviews cases and makes comments, even if they are not attending the meeting. She added it is not always noted on the case whether or not they have reviewed it. City Administrator Ulrich confirmed that the City Attorney reviews all legal issues. He added it would be good practice to have the City Attorney note on the case that he reviewed it. 2. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION 2.01: Interview Law Firms for City of Ramsey Legal Services RATWIK, ROSZAK & MALONEY Please describe the backgrounds of attorney(s) from your firm who will be assigned to Ramsey. Joe Langel, Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, stated his function has been as primary City Attorney for the City of Ramsey for the last 8 years. He added he has 26 years of legal experience, 99% of which has been government law. He noted he represents cities, counties, developers and individuals. Christian Schafer stated he has been a lawyer for 14 years, all of it at Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney. He added he started his career in City law with the City of Golden Valley for whom he wrote an Ordinance that is still being used today. He noted he does mostly labor and employment law and has worked closely with Administrative Services Director Lasher, City Administrator Ulrich and department heads on a variety of issues, including revision of the City personnel manual, which he assumes is still in place, and a Resolution allowing Councilmembers to participate in the City health care plan. Mr. Langel stated the team of 15 lawyers in the firm has worked on routine research matters and election law issues for Ramsey and other cities. He added the whole firm works together behind the scenes, shares insights and expertise, which is helpful for them as well as the client. He noted when you hire us, you hire the whole team. How will your law firm make Ramsey a priority and meet the terms outlined in the RFP for meeting attendance, response time for council/staff inquiries, document review turn-around, and office hours? Mr. Langel stated he receives emails and phone calls from department heads on various issues, and gets back to them as soon as possible, often immediately, with an answer. He added an issue may require more research, but they still try to get back to City Staff as soon as possible. He noted, with regard to office hours, which were stopped during the pandemic, he is flexible and will try City Council Special Work Session / August 23, 2021 Page 2 of 22