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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, August 18, 2008 Page 11 Public Comment John Kysylyczyn, 3083 N Victoria Street Mr. Kysylyczyn reviewed his notes on past discussions and actions related to the policies from the early 1990's to-date. Mayor Klausing closed public comment for further City Council discussion. Mayor Klausing concurred with Councilmember Pust's recommendation that the six year limitation language served little purpose when the City was seeking the best firm each time. Councilmember Ihlan opined the need to protect the policy purposes as stated and as previously referenced to provide for accountability, rather than to eliminate it and create a loophole. Councilmember Ihlan spoke in support of language as written, to engage in the market process and encourage turnover of firms provid- ing contracted services to the City. Councilmember Pust thanked Mr. Kysylyczyn for the valuable historical perspec- tive; however, opined that it was only valuable if used as a learning tool, not if the City Council remained handcuffed to it. Councilmember Pust opined that indi- vidual City Council members were elected to determine what is the best, highest quality for the most cost-effective price; and that the best process for that deter- mination was through an open bidding process every three years, not every six years. Councilmember Pust opined that the evaluation process should be used to terminate a contract early, if necessary, but should not provide additional points in the bidding process. Councilmember Pust further opined that it didn't matter to her if staff didn't like the lawyers or support their contract renewal; but should be evaluated on whether a firm could give the City the highest quality services at the best price, period. Councilmember Roe opined that, if the purpose was to assure an opportunity to renew every six years, and for the best benefit of the city, he saw no reason to change the policy. Councilmember Willmus spoke in support of the existing policy language, while recognizing Councilmember Pust's point and the value of three year terms; how- ever, saw no reason to change the current policy. Councilmember Pust reiterated that the contract was bid out every three years, and not automatically renewed for the existing firm for another three year term. Mayor Klausing determined that there was no consensus for a policy change; however, opined that the written policy statement seemed inconsistent with the verbal policy objectives expressed this evening.