CC MIN 05172022 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mayor Brown stated the City Council does not perform the action of terminating the contract and their chance to weigh in on the matter is through the approval of funds. Councilmember Narum explained the City has to get the fact-finding done and she could not support changing the negotiator mid-course. Mayor Brown advised she has heard the City Council is uncomfortable with a three-year$500,000 contract and would like to allow the new Human Resources Director to have a hand in picking a firm after the contract is completed. Councilmember Testa clarified the Councilmembers have been clear in agreeing to complete the negotiations with Renne Public Law Group but also respond to the public and union's perception of a conflict. In response to Councilmember Arkin, Ms. Gill clarified Renne Public Law has invoiced the City but, lacking a contract, the City has no means to pay its outstanding bills. She confirmed the old contract expired in February and the start date of the proposed contract is January 1, 2022. City Attorney Sodergren advised the billing cycle takes time to process. In response to Councilmember Arkin, Ms. Gill clarified the $300,000 amount is an estimate and depends on how long the negotiations will continue. Interim City Manager Dolan confirmed if it exceeds the amount, staff could return to City Council with a request for additional funds. Councilmember Testa moved to approve a one-year contract not-to-exceed $300,000. City Attorney Sodergren clarified this would make the contract's term from January 1, 2022, until January 1, 2023. Councilmember Arkin seconded the motion. Councilmember Balch advised the City Council should support its negotiating team. He noted attorneys have a code of ethics and professional standards they must adhere to. He explained he would have liked to move the full contract so the future Human Resources Director could choose. He advised his impression is that Mr. Hartinger is well-respected within the industry. Councilmember Arkin explained there is about to be a change in the City's senior staff and noted they may elect to choose the same firm. She clarified the City Council is not deriding the firm's work but rather allowing for a cleaner potential break based upon the desires of the future staff. Mayor Brown stated the City needs Renne Public Law Group to complete the process and is willing to give the firm $300,000 to do it. In response to Councilmember Narum, Interim City Manager Dolan could not confirm six months would be enough time to complete the negotiations but advised he would expect the process to be completed within the timeframe. MOTION: It was m/s by Testa/Arkin to approve the agreement with an amendment for a one- year term from January 1, 2022, until January 1, 2023, with a cost not-to-exceed $300,000. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Arkin, Narum, Testa, Mayor Brown Noes: Councilmember Balch Absent: None City Council Minutes Page 15 of 16 May 17, 2022