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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />City Council Minutes <br />February 13, 2006 <br /> <br />Page 3 <br /> <br />Discussion followed on the possibility of installation of a signal light. ChiefBeahen felt that <br />signalization wouldn't happen because of low activity. Mr. Maurer stated the city could build <br />a four-way signal system if the county would allow. <br /> <br />Mayor Klinzing stated that she felt the public would look at this pedestrian tunnel as not <br />necessary at this time. She felt it would be better to look into a signal light intersection. <br /> <br />Councilmember Motin asked if we would still have the land to add the trail in the future. <br />Mr. Maertz stated that yes, we can add the trail later. <br /> <br />It was the consensuses of the council to have staff explore signal options. <br /> <br />5.~. City Organizational Structure Relating to Prosecuting Attorney <br /> <br />Lori Johnson stated that Councilmember Farber wished to have discussion on this item. <br />Prosecuting Attorney Chris Johnson and Police Chief Jeff Beahen were in attendance. <br /> <br />She stated that Elk River is unique to have an in-house prosecuting attorney. She stated that <br />mainly larger cities that have a legal department will have staff attorneys providing civil and <br />prosecuting services. In this scenario, the prosecuting attorney reports to the city attorney. <br /> <br />Most cities contract with a legal firm for their prosecuting services. In the cities with <br />contracted prosecuting services, most report to the police chief. However, most in-house <br />prosecuting attorneys report to the city attorney if there is one on staff or to the city <br />administrator. <br /> <br />She stated that the prosecuting attorney needs to be allowed to exercise independent <br />judgment to decide whether or not to prosecute a case. To eliminate any perception of <br />conflict, it is appropriate for the prosecuting attorney to report to the city administrator. <br /> <br />Ms. Johnson stated that both short and long-range plans for this department need to be <br />identified and considered before any decisions or changes made. She suggested a committee <br />approach with one or two council members working with Chief Beahen, Attorney Johnson, <br />Attorney Beck and herself to work through the issues. She stated these issues required more <br />discussion than council may wish to get into this evening. <br /> <br />Councilmember Farber stated he liked the committee idea and wished to be part of the <br />committee. Councilmember Motin stated he would be part of the committee but that <br />meetings would have to wait until after April 15. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dietz stated that he would like to see this department moved back into d1e <br />mainstream of city hall and that Attorney Johnson is to realize d1at he is to report to Ms. <br />Johnson. <br /> <br />Ms. Johnson stated that staff will work on the relocation but that this move won't happen <br />immediately. <br /> <br />5.6. <br /> <br />Prevailing Wage Ordinance <br /> <br />Lori Johnson explained that Amy Bodnar in December at Open Mike had requested the city <br />to adopt a prevailing wage ordinance. Ms. Johnson explained that the City of Elk River is <br />