Minutes - Council Work Session - 05/10/2022

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City Attorney Knaak replied it is ultimately the Judge's call but this is something, if there is a policy which is thought out and interested parties are being solicited, it takes it off the Judge's desk. He stated he was certain there wouldn't be any pushback on it. He felt if they make that request, it will probably be gratefully received. Councilmember Musgrove replied she was okay with that. Administrative Services Director Lasher gave a scenario of three terms that are about to expire, all three incumbents want to be reappointed so there would be zero vacant seats once the Judge makes those appointments. She asked if, at that point, would she proceed with the annual recruitment that would go in the November/December issue of the Ramsey Resident or would that be omitted. Mayor Pro Tem Riley asked if they had already agreed it would be omitted. Councilmember Woestehoff asked if they wouldn't be statutorily required to have some sort of posting regardless if the incumbents choose to retain their seats. City Attorney Knaak suggested they leave it posted and if they get interest in it, even if there is someone, then they have choices between the incumbent and someone new and it could be forwarded at the same time. Mayor Pro Tem Riley asked City Attorney Knaak if it was a legal opinion he was giving. City Attorney Knaak replied that is a recommendation yes, a legal opinion, as this is all just a matter of reading that statute. Councilmember Musgrove stated she thought that is a good idea because they have, as a part of the policy, what they do if there is a vacancy and they are drawing back on the potential applications. She agreed that it should be official even though it is there passively all year round. City Attorney Knaak commented he was aware of situations in other cities where there have been people who have come in, and in none of those cases has he seen an incumbent removed. He stated he has seen situations where people have contacted the court and asked to be considered. Councilmember Woestehoff commented he thought they can post and lightly promote but advertising dollars wouldn't have to be spent on things such as Facebook ads. He thought it was a passive post. He appreciated the fact that it is one more thing for the City to talk about for engagement. He felt getting people involved is something they should be doing whenever they could. Mayor Kuzma commented he thought the policy would be posted. Councilmember Woestehoff commented he thought Mayor Kuzma was asking if there was consensus to post it. City Council Work Session/May 10, 2022 Page 14 of 32