7.3. SR 12-18-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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scheduled and the amount of work that can be handled by a paralegal that is billed at substantially lower rates. In reviewing future needs and the related costs, the Committee also took into consideration the fact that the in-house budget would continue to increase as staff was added to cover the increased work load and to provide coverage. The Committee discussed whether there were other advantages of maintaining an in-house department that outweighed the additional costs of having an in-house department. The Committee did not feel there were enough benefits from having an in- house staff to outweigh the additional costs. Although it is convenient to have the attorney at City Hall, the department tends to operates independendy and time has not been available as originally thought to provide assistance on civil cases. Communication with the arresting officers, investigators, other police staff and administration is an important consideration in this decision. The Committee feels that no matter what decision is made, efforts to increase communication need to take place. Further, although City Prosecutor Chris Johnson occasionally provides assistance on minor civil matters, he has indicated he does not have time to assist with civil matters because of his prosecuting schedule. Adding another attorney is an option, but, again, it would have a significant impact on the budget. Based on this information, the Committee agreed that contracting was the most fiscally responsible way to handle the City's prosecuting needs. If the Council agrees to contract for prosecuting services, the next step is to determine which of the two firms would serve the City best. At the November 20 Council meeting, the Council authorized the Committee to interview the two firms who had submitted RFP's for prosecuting service. The-~'" committee interviewed Mr. William Hawkins and Mr. Scott Baumgartner representing William G. Hawkins and Associates and Mr. Tom Fitzpatrick and Mr. Chris Johnson representing Randall, Goodrich, and Fitzpatrick, PLC. The Committee asked a series of questions including experience level of the firm, how they would handle increased work load, their communication style and how they plan to communicate with the Police Department, cost of service, their knowledge of the Sherburne County court system, and their relationships with Sherburne County court personnel and judges. Attached are the rates for each firm as presented in the RFPs. Although the Committee has discussed making a recommendation for Monday's meeting, we have decided to gather more information before presenting the final recommendation. The Committee is currendy conducting more research and doing reference checks on the two firms. If all of the information is received before Monday's meeting, the Committee will present its final recommendation at that time. The Committee is very aware and is concerned that this affects the employment of Chris Johnson; therefore the Committee wants to make sure all of the information we have is correct and complete. As I stated earlier, he is partnering with Tom Fitzpatrick on the proposal from Randall, Goodrich, and Fitzpatrick. If that firm is selected, he would continue to be lead prosecutor for Elk River as an employee of that firm. In conclusion, because the Committee now knows that comparable prosecuting services are available through an outside law firm and because contracting this service results in considerable cost savings, the Committee is recommending that the in-house prosecuting attorney department be eliminated and the City begin contracting for this service. A three month transition period is proposed to accommodate this change. If the Council agrees with that recommendation, Legal Secretary Jennifer Johnson would be transferred to another open secretarial position in the city. FinanciallmDact The Committee estimates that the savings will range from $50,000 to $100,000. Attachments Letter from Chris Johnson s: \ Council\Lori\2006\Attomey Recommendation Revised.doc