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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – JUNE 20, 2016 3 Ms. Kvilvang described the work completed by Mr. Davis. Councilmember Holden recalled that Mr. Davis’ “feet had to be held to the fire” but that he did complete quality work for the City. Mayor Grant stated the alternative would be for the City to do nothing. Councilmember Wicklund recommended the City be specific about the communications that would be expected from the consultant. Councilmember Holmes believed that in the past there was a plan, but no communication or guidance was provided. Councilmember Holden asked what Mr. Davis would be doing for the City of Arden Hills. Ms. Kvilvang stated Mr. Davis would be responsible for updating the City’s communication plan, preparing key messages on issues that arise and providing input on any press releases or coordinating with the JDA and Master Developer. Councilmember Holmes supported the City hiring the same communications consultant as the JDA or County. Mayor Grant and Councilmember Holden did not support this suggestion. Mayor Grant believed the City needed help in this area. Further discussion ensued regarding the role of the communication consultant. Councilmember McClung stated he was underwhelmed by the services provided by Mr. Davis in the past. He believed that while Mr. Davis completed a communications plan, no additional work beyond that was completed. He supported the City having a communications consultant and recommended the City pursue another option besides Davis Communications. Councilmember Holden disagreed with this assessment and commented that there could have been a lack of communication between Mr. Davis and the City Administrator. She requested the Council be provided with a copy of the communications plan. This would allow the Council to review the content and focus of this document. Councilmember Wicklund recommended the Council address their concerns with whomever was hired as the communications consultant. Mayor Grant suggested the City pursue bids or proposals from several individuals for the City’s communication consultant. The consensus of the Council was for staff to pursue bids from several individuals for the City’s communication consultant and report back at a future meeting.