Minutes - Council - 11/12/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Howell shared that when she reviewed this agreement between Anoka County and Ramsey, it appeared to her that Ramsey was getting the short end of the stick by taking on a lot of liability as a City. She added that she went back to review City Council meeting minutes from when this was originally approved and found that this agreement never came before the City Council and was only signed by the City Clerk. She explained that there is a lot of financial risk that is taken on with this which is concerning to her. She noted that since they have just passed the General Election and there is not another election coming up, she felt that this was a good time to address this agreement. She said this agreement can be terminated with the County with seven days notice. Councilmember Olson agreed with Councilmember Howell and noted that the timing of this is great as they will have time to figure this out and establish a better agreement before the next election. Councilmember Musgrove added that during her time on the Council, she has come across several agreements that have not been in Ramsey's best interest. She noted that this was a 2018 agreement and things have changed since then and it could be a better agreement with the County. She shared that at the last Anoka County Elected Officials meeting, she had the opportunity to speak with the County and she has no doubt that they can come up with a better agreement to better suit Ramsey and the County. She noted it would be best to have this agreement reviewed with the Council to be transparent with the residents. She added that she does not want the County to be an adversary but wants to work with the County to come up with a better agreement. Councilmember Riley asked if the only interest with this is to have a better contract with the County. Councilmember Howell said yes and explained that this agreement should be terminated as it is written very poorly. She suggested that the Council sit down and work through their proposal to make this better with the Council. Councilmember Riley asked if they were to terminate this contract, where this would put the City. City Attorney Knaak explained that they also have a joint powers agreement which would remain in effect that establishes the financial relationship; however, it does not deal specifically with this kind of equipment. He noted that by terminating this agreement, the County could insist that the City continue to use the electronic equipment that the County provides. He added that the joint powers agreement covers everything imaginable in regard to the economic relationship between the City and County on this equipment, other than these particular polling pads. He agreed that the way this agreement was originally written is very one sided benefiting the County. He said it does not hurt to bring this up to the County; however, it is the County's decision whether or not they want to allow the City to get rid of the poll pads. Councilmember Riley asked if the City Clerk had the authority at the time to act on the City's behalf in signing this agreement. City Council/November 12, 2024 Page 11 of 17