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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, November 24, 2008 Page 14 his recommendation for legal counsel, not to review the list of applicants and their preferences. Councilmember Pust suggested that the City Council act on that request tonight; with further discussion scheduled in the future for potential amendment of City ordinance, as per previous discussions, and in seeking competitive bids based on the criteria in the best interest of the City, with the process open for anyone to ap- ply, and no restrictions for incumbents. Councilmember Pust requested that the City Council direct City Manager Malinen to return to the two (2) recommended firms, and seek negotiations that would freeze contract rates at 2008 rates. Klausing moved, Pust seconded, ratification of the City Manager's recommenda- tion; and authorizing him to negotiate a contract with the legal firm of Jensen Bell Converse & Erickson for City Prosecutor services for the City of Roseville for a three (3)-year term. Councilmember Ihlan opined that, given budget constraints and current economic considerations, the City Council needed to exercise more active leadership and review the cost and quality of proposals, rather than ratifying the City Manager's recommendation; noting that consent for public discussion had been authorized. Councilmember Ihlan noted the low bidder, MacMilli, significantly lower than the incumbent firm of Jensen et al, and noted their work for the City of Crystal. Councilmember Ihlan expressed concern that the City did not contact references provided by applicants, and also in the lack of bids received. Councilmember Ih- lan further opined that the City Council needed to evaluate past performance of incumbents, clarifying that she had not concerns, but it needed to be done for- mally for consideration of reappointment; and opined that the City Council needed top pay more attention to their current policy limiting terms to six (6) years. Councilmember Pust noted that staff had provided, as previously requested by the City Council, the more detailed information materials. Councilmember Pust ad- vised that, in her review of applicants, while the bid of MacMillan was signifi- cantly lower, her evaluation extended beyond their rates and services. Council- member Pust spoke in opposition to the low bidder, given their lack of experi- ence, since they were only doing work for one (1) city for approximately eighteen (18) months; and the unknowns of their level of efficiency and expertise. Coun- cilmember Pust, in reviewing that information with the incumbent prosecuting at- torney, noted their expertise as detailed in the materials provided and the level and quality of service and respect with their peers. Councilmember Pust concurred that the City Council needed to review and rewrite current policy; however, she concurred with the City Manager's recommendation.