CC_Minutes_2008_1124 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday, November 24, 2008 Page 15 Councilmember Roe opined that this was a difficult discussion for him, without expertise as an attorney; however, noted the difference in proposals and ques- tioned if the City Council was discounting some of the other firms, without offer- ing them an opportunity to gain experience. Councilmember Roe recognized that the experience of the incumbent firm of Jensen was valid and valuable; however, noted that cost was a major factor for his consideration in the how and why of de- cision-making; and opined that other firms needed to be provided opportunities to gain experience. Councilmember Roe spoke in opposition to the motion as it now stands; and expressed concern that references were not reviewed. Councilmember Willmus advised that his underlying concern was with policy; and that his secondary concern was cost. Councilmember Willmus opined that it was his interpretation that the current policy called for the City to switch firms at the end of a six (6) year period unless actively engaged in a situation that would cause harm to the City. Mayor Klausing spoke in support of the motion; concurring with concerns ex- pressed regarding current policy that was internally inconsistent. Mayor Klausing suggested that more inexperienced firms could gain experience in representing smaller cities, rather than initially with a City the size of Roseville, when experi- ence was a premium need; and supported the rationale for the City Manager's recommendation. City Manager Malinen clarified that, as indicated in Attachment A to the staff re- port, senior staff throughout the process had taken into consideration cost factors as one of their determinants; and requested Councilmembers to review those staff rankings and conclusions and the significant differences in overall capabilities and focus to the City among firms. Further discussion included how the City Council factored in the decision-making criteria and rankings of a diverse group of senior management staff; lack of pro- posals for prosecuting attorney; day-to-day interaction and responses between staff and legal counsel throughout various processes and the preference for ex- perience and expertise; and participation by each firm in the rigorous interview process with the panels. Roll Call Ayes: Pust and Klausing. Nays: Willmus; Roe and Ihlan. Motion failed. Staff was requested to provide additional information to the City Council includ- ing references on each firm listed in proposals not from their references, but from other public defenders, judges in the courts in which they serve, and their peer prosecutors (i.e., need to reschedule court appearances due to scheduling con- flicts); from the City Manager's perspective, a more definitive and a stronger case