12-18-2006 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 10 December 18, 2006 ----------------------------- get rid of an employee. He stated Council and staff have received numerous emails from citizens indicating that city staff and the Council are trying to be underhanded. Councilmember Farber stated the committee interviewed both firms and decided to recommend Hawkins. He stated the Hawkins interview was excellent; whereas the Fitzpatrick interview was unprofessional. Councilmember Farber stated the committee is now split on which firm to hire due to the events of the past week. He stated he feels the committee should stick with the original recommendation to hire Hawkins. Councilmember Motin stated he originally was in favor of Hawkins after the interview process. He stated the Fitzpatrick interview was unprofessional and Mr. Johnson may have been over confident in thinking his firm already had the job. He stated he has concerns with Mr. Johnson regarding communication with the Police Department but he also thought there needed to be some independence between the Police and the Legal Department. He stated there is no hidden agenda by the city, but that the decision is based on financial issues. He stated Mr. Johnson and the Fitzpatrick firm would offer the following advantages to the city: ? smoother transition for the city; ? experience in Sherburne County; ? good employee; plus, ? the city can terminate the contract if needed. Councilmember Motin stated the Hawkins firm doesn’t bring a lot to the table and lacks prosecution experience. Councilmember Dietz questioned why he changed his mind. Councilmember Motin stated the Fitzpatrick firm interviewed badly but noted it is difficult to interview with people you already know. He stated comments about Mr. Johnson’s lack of experience in jury trials further prompted him to favor the Hawkins firm but later on he found out that jury trials in non-felony cases are rare. Councilmember Motin stated there would be backup coverage available with the Fitzpatrick firm but was unsure about the Hawkins firm. Councilmember Farber stated the Hawkins firm would be hiring a third person. Mayor Klinzing stated the Council shouldn’t disregard an employee who has done a good job for the city. She stated Mr. Johnson sought out another firm to try to continue working with the city. Councilmember Gumphrey stated the committee should stick with its original recommendation. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO RECOMMEND HAWKINS AND ASSOCIATES TO PROVIDE PROSECUTION SERVICES TO THE CITY OF ELK RIVER. Mayor Klinzing felt the motion was out of order and requested it be dropped. Councilmember Gumphrey acquiesced.