Minutes - Council - 02/14/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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regarding Case No. 2, City Administrator Norman's compensation was discussed in a work session. Mr. Noiman has additional room on his compensation level under the parameters of the state; however Mr. Norman stepped back from receiving more than the standard of living increase and indicated he would prefer to wait until the City reaches a level where all of the staff can be on an application for a higher level of pay. He appreciates Mr. Norman's team effort. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Cook, Pearson, Elvig, Jeffrey, and Olson. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Strommen. Case #11: Report from Finance Committee A) Election of Officers Councilmember Elvig stated Councilmember Strommen was elected as chair of the Finance Committee and he accepted the position of vice chair. 1) Connexus Energy Billing Councilmember Elvig stated Larry Peterson of Connexus Energy was present at the Finance Committee meeting to discuss the water utility under-billing issue. Several ideas were discussed about the delinquent billings, which has been an issue being discussed since 2003. The Committee directed staff to move forward and look at the potential of a land acquisition swap or purchase that may occur. There were also a couple other thoughts Larry Peterson had. The Committee asked staff to look at what the needs are for a couple of businesses that need to be moved from Highway 10, and to bring further information back to the Committee to discuss at a later date. The overall sentiment was the desire to get this issue resolved. 2) Consider Consulting Services with HSP & Associates Councilmember Elvig explained the City has used HSP & Associates for consulting and advisory services to the City in connection with its Chinese Sister City. Lili Chan has located an interested party in China that would possibly locate in the United States. To continue the negotiations with the Chinese firm, staff recommended entering into a consulting agreement with HSP & Associates to determine if a Chinese commercial retailer will locate in either of the commercial centers of Ramsey. The Committee had concern that individuals involved with HSP & Associates are also involved with The Ramsey Foundation. The recommendation of the Finance Committee was to enter into a consulting agreement with HSP & Associates for a not- to-exceed amount of $5,000, with consideration that there would be itemized billing that staff would review, and that there would not be any international travel involved. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Mayor Gamec, to ratify the recommendation of the Finance Committee in Case No. 2 and to enter into a consulting agreement with HSP & Associates for consulting and advisory services to locate a Chinese commercial interest in Ramsey for a not-to-exceed amount of $5,000, with consideration that there would be itemized billing that staff would review, and that there would not be any international travel involved. City Council / February 14, 2006 Page 18 of 26