Tuesday, December 14, 2021
SpecialPresiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 4:02 p.m. · 6 items · 4 votes · 1 public comments
What happened
- Rejected commending the outgoing city attorney and condemning the mayor's statements about her.
- Approved $75,000 increase to Meyers Nave law firm contract 5-2 (Bates, Butt dissenting).
- Approved $40,000 addition to Burke Williams & Sorensen contract 6-1 (Butt dissenting).
- Approved $50,000 addition to general city legal work contract 5-1 (Butt dissenting).
- Heard presentations on community benefits policy and police staffing updates.
Attendance
Contracts(3 items)
Add $40,000 to legal services contract with Burke Williams & Sorensen law firm
In Plain English
The city currently pays Burke Williams & Sorensen up to $100,000 for legal advice on city business and employee issues. This amendment increases the contract limit to $140,000. The city uses outside lawyers when its own legal staff needs extra help with complex cases.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
approved the amendment
6 to 1
Add $50,000 to law firm contract for general city legal work
In Plain English
The city hired Burke Williams & Sorensen law firm earlier this year with a $50,000 budget for routine legal matters and personnel issues. The firm has reached that spending limit. If approved, the contract increases to $100,000 total, with the additional $50,000 coming from the general fund.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
to approve the amendment
4 to 1
Increase legal services contract with Meyers Nave law firm by $75,000
In Plain English
The city's current contract with Meyers Nave law firm was set at $10,000 for general legal advice and lawsuits. The city needs additional legal services beyond what the original contract covered. If approved, the contract increases to $85,000 total, with the extra $75,000 coming from the general fund.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
to approve the amendment
4 to 2
Proclamation(1 item)
Commend outgoing city attorney and condemn mayor's statements about her
In Plain English
City Attorney Teresa Stricker is leaving her position. Mayor Tom Butt made public statements about her that the council considers inappropriate. The council wants to formally praise her work and distance itself from the mayor's comments.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
to adopt the resolution
5 to 2
to remove the phrase "renouncing and condemning of the mayor" from the resolution
Governance(1 item)
Receive presentation on draft citywide Community Benefits Policy proposal
In Plain English
City staff will present a draft policy requiring developers to provide community benefits when building large projects. Community benefits typically include affordable housing, local hiring requirements, or public improvements. The policy would establish standard rules for what developers must contribute to neighborhoods where they build.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Public Safety(1 item)
Receive update on police staffing and service changes
In Plain English
The police department will present how they have adjusted services based on current staffing levels and budget constraints. This update covers what police services may have changed or been modified recently. The presentation helps residents understand how resource limitations affect the services they receive from police.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.