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City Administrator Ulrich stated, with regard to ordinances, a City objective is to simplify the <br />Ordinance process for public understanding. He asked about the process for getting a simple <br />Ordinance that is easy to understand. <br /> <br />Ms. Whitmore stated Ordinances must be reviewed in their entirety, and feedback and comment <br />received from the people who are charged with enforcing it. She added other jurisdictions should <br />be consulted to determine whether there is an existing template that can be used and simplify the <br />process. She noted she would base the process on her analysis of her review of the Ordinance. <br /> <br />FREDERICK “FRITZ” KNAAK (HKB Law) <br /> <br />Please describe the backgrounds of attorney(s) from your firm who will be assigned to Ramsey. <br /> <br />Fritz Knaak stated he is bidding this aggressively, and he would represent the City of Ramsey. He <br />added he wants to represent cities that he finds interesting. He added he has decades of municipal <br />law experience in a variety of areas of expertise. He noted the bottom line is that he is very good <br />at this, and he will be very involved with the City Administrator and City Staff, including weekly <br />meetings on Zoom, on Mondays for a flat fee. He noted he shows up for City Council meetings. <br /> <br />Mr. Knaak stated the advantage with him is that he believes it is a good idea to get problems solved <br />right away. He added developing a relationship with the City Council is important. He noted, if <br />questions are asked early in the decision-making process, the difficult issues are easier to resolve. <br /> <br />Mr. Knaak stated the City will receive answers from him very quickly. He added he does not <br />juggle multiple cities at one time, and he tries to focus his energy. He noted it is very satisfying <br />to work with public clients, and he used to be in the legislature, and he has a lot of admiration for <br />people who serve their communities at the City level. <br /> <br />Mr. Knaak stated he has a lot of experience teaching open meeting law, data practices, and other <br />types of training for lawyers all across the country. <br /> <br />How will your law firm make Ramsey a priority and meet the terms outlined in the RFP for meeting <br />attendance, response time for council/staff inquiries, document review turn-around, and office <br />hours? <br /> <br />Mr. Knaak stated his assistant will always answer the phone, and it will go straight to him. He <br />added he is always on top of things that need to be done, especially with new technology and Zoom <br />meetings. <br /> <br />If your firm is not located locally, how do you intend to manage drive time and attending meetings <br />in the city? <br /> <br />Mr. Knaak stated he has been doing this for a long time, and he figures out drive time. He added <br />the priority is to get here. <br /> <br />City Council Special Work Session / August 23, 2021 <br />Page 9 of 22 <br /> <br />