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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,November 18, 2013 Page 8 those negotiations in any way, nor create perceptions of any biased opinion with- out fully considering the issues. Councilmember McGehee referenced the 8 goals set forth by the PWETC for the benefit of the public; and questioned whether the City Council was under any ob- ligation for a study at this point, with no decision made yet. City Attorney Gaughan opined that he was not aware of any mandates to proceed with organized trash collection if it was determined not to be in the best interests of the City. At the request of Mayor Roe, City Attorney Gaughan opined that the City was not mandated to accept proposals, with the law providing for a 60-day negotiation pe- riod. Councilmember Laliberte clarified with City Attorney Gaughan that it was in eve- ryone's best interests that the City Council not voice their opinion in favor of a fair negotiation process, but opined that it needed to make its position known if choosing to move forward, and owed a response to the PWETC that had been de- layed for a year. City Attorney Gaughan advised that there would be a public opportunity for indi- vidual preferences to be made known at some point; but clarified that the purpose of tonight's meeting was for staff and the City Attorney to alert the City Council to the legal process; and provide an opportunity for the public to speak to the is- sue. Mr. Gaughan reiterated his concern that the process remained transparent and proceed to ensure that contractors in the City will be dealt with in good faith. With the concurrence of City Attorney Gaughan, Mayor Roe clarified that the City Council could have a discussion on whether it wanted to initiate the process of having further discussions without prejudicing future negotiations. Public Comment Mayor Roe reviewed protocol for public comment; and given the number of audi- ence members present, asked for their cooperation in limiting their comments to three (3)minute of less. Written communication in the form of e-mails were provided as bench handouts, attached hereto and made a part hereof, including those from: Barb Deacy, 954 Roselawn Avenue W; Sara Barsel, 1276 Eldridge Avenue W,• Senator John Marty, 323 State Capitol, St. Paul, MN; Douglas Maltby, 2674 Matilda Street; Marvin G. Cleveland, 1446 Skillman Avenue W,• Douglas Root, 2468 North Hamline Avenue; Dick Houck, 1131 Roselawn Avenue; and Karl A. Lacher, 1132 Skillman Avenue. Joseph Olson, 2247 Roselawn Avenue W