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have learned to be productive while working remotely, and her firm makes arrangements with <br />offices when staff do not want to travel to Stillwater. <br /> <br />Do you feel it is appropriate for city staff to draft legal documents such as ordinances, purchase <br />agreements, development agreements? If not, why? If so, what is your role to ensure the city’s <br />interests are protected? <br /> <br />Ms. Whitmore stated it depends upon the situation and what type of document or ordinance. She <br />added a developer agreement from scratch is different from a standard Ordinance, especially if <br />there is a good template that can be used. She noted it is a wise practice for the City Attorney to <br />take a look at the final document so City Staff can address any advisable changes. <br /> <br />Describe the most challenging municipal issue you have faced during your legal career? What <br />were the circumstances and what was the outcome? <br /> <br />Ms. Whitmore stated her most difficult challenges have been with development. She added <br />sometimes projects are started before a road was developed or infrastructure approved. She <br />stressed the importance of working through the emotional aspects of development and being <br />responsive to residents. <br /> <br />If you did not list a monthly retainer as an option, please indicate why not, and whether your firm <br />is open to such an agreement. <br /> <br />Ms. Whitmore stated a monthly retainer was listed as an option. <br /> <br />Please describe all factors that you would consider in regard to advising the city on how to respond <br />to a Governor’s Executive Order. What options are available to a City Council if they disagree <br />with a Governor’s Executive Order? <br /> <br />Ms. Whitmore stated the role of the City Attorney is to understand and advise the City as a whole. <br />She added that can be a difficult role as there are many different goals and objectives that are <br />important to people. She noted it is important to do the research and provide advice and <br />information for the City Council with regard to a sound decision. She noted she is not afraid to <br />have difficult conversations, and provide advice on recommendations that may lead to additional <br />issues later. <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. Whitmore stated her previous statement covers this question. She added she reviews pros and <br />cons and does the research on the decision. She noted she has had a lot of experience in engaging <br />with the public, and she has experience with holding listening sessions with the public, if the City <br />Council would want to get public input and feedback in an efficient way. <br /> <br />City Council Special Work Session / August 23, 2021 <br />Page 7 of 22 <br /> <br />