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Councilmember Specht stated he is leaning toward Mr. Hagen, although both candidates have <br />great experience and will be able to grow into their position. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove stated these are two very qualified, eager candidates, who anticipate <br />developing their career. She added she believes Mr. Hagen is a stronger candidate and seems <br />willing to lead. <br /> <br />The consensus of the City Council was to move forward with Brian Hagen for the position of <br />Deputy City Administrator/Community Development Director. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht stated he would recommend authorizing City Staff to offer the job to Ms. <br />Klimmek if Mr. Hagen turns it down. The City Council agreed. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated City Staff will extend the offer, and the City Council can review <br />the offer, start date and salary at a formal City Council meeting. <br /> <br />2.02: Discuss Civil Legal Services Contract Finalists <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated the City Council conducted interviews with five law firms during <br />a work session on August 23, 2021, and subsequent inquiry was done on two firms. He added one <br />point of clarification was whether the attorneys have access to a backup attorney to handle City’s <br />contract and work. He noted the firms indicated that they do. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated Hoff & Barry did not have a retainer number, but they have <br />responded with an amount of $7,000 per month. He added Mr. Knaak’s firm reduced the retainer <br />by a couple hundred dollars per month, from $4,200 to $4,000 per month. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated the retainer from Hoff & Barry, which is documented in their <br />rd <br />proposal, seems high. He added Mr. Knaak’s proposal includes 3 party billing and other slight <br />differences. He noted the limiting factor was that Mr. Knaak’s contract specified 10 hours per <br />month on one file, to be billed hourly, so there is potential for additional expenses. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated both candidates provided references that were positive and <br />checked out appropriately. He added there is nothing that disqualifies either candidate. He noted <br />Mr. Knaak indicated more experience with elected officials, but both candidates have represented <br />a number of different jurisdictions. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated land use zoning and real estate is a strong point for Hoff & Barry. <br />He added Mr. Knaak appears able to deal with issues on the spot and he would be good at council <br />meetings and impromptu responses. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated the City Council could decide to bring the candidates back for <br />another interview. He added the existing law firm is still on retainer. <br /> <br />Councilmember Heineman asked whether City Staff received clarification from Mr. Knaak <br />regarding who will fill in for him. <br />City Council Work Session / September 14, 2021 <br />Page 3 of 15 <br /> <br />