SUNFISH LAKE SPECIAL TASK FORCE MEETING – MAY 8,
2007
ST. ANNE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
HIGHWAY 100 & CHARLTON ROAD
7:30 P.M.
Attendants:
Mayor: Molly Park
Councilmembers:
Richard Williams.
City Clerk: Cathy
Iago
Planner: Laurie
Shives
Task Force Members:
Scott and Don Spaeth, Peggy Rabuse, Ed and Ann Kelly, and Todd Kellogg.
1. DISCUSS HIRING SPECIAL
LEGAL COUNSEL: The Task Force continued discussion from the Special Council
meeting relating to hiring special legal counsel to represent the City on
matters relating to the proposed high density zoning in the Inver Grove Heights
Northwest Area plan.
Peggy Rabuse explained that several years ago a group of Hornbeam Lake residents
fought to move the location of Interstate 494, which was originally proposed to
be located near Salem Church Road, and accomplished their goal; she commented
that residents and the City should not give up on a good cause.
Scott Spaeth distributed information regarding the following attorneys and their
law firms:
Peter Coyle and William
Griffith, Larkin, Hoffman, Daly and Lindgren, Ltd.
Timothy Keane, Leonard Street and Deinard.
David Sellergren, Fredrikson and Byron.
Bruce Malkerson or Howard Roston, Malkerson, Gilliland, Martin, LLP.
There was discussion regarding the credentials of the above-listed attorneys.
Peggy Rabuse suggested Howard Dahlgren, who was formerly the City Attorney for
Sunfish Lake; she noted that his firm was devoted to planning issues.
Councilmember Williams suggested John Baker from the Green and Espel firm.
After discussion, the Task Force agreed to contact the following attorneys:
John Baker, Green and Espel.
Peter Coyle or Bill Griffith, Larkin, Hoffman, Daly, and Lindgren, LLP.
Bruce Malkerson or Howard Roston, Malerkson, Gilliland, Martin, LLP.
David Sellergren, Fredrikson and Byron.
Howard Dahlgren.
Mayor Park stated there are six possible candidates and questioned if there
would be a fee for interviewing the candidates.
Councilmember Williams commented that normally there is not a fee for
interviews. He suggested that a list of questions be compiled prior to
contacting the candidates.
There was discussion regarding how to handle the interview process.
Councilmember Williams suggested contacting each candidate by telephone and
trying to schedule meetings at their offices.
Mayor Park suggested that
Councilmember Williams compile a list of questions for the candidates.
Councilmember Williams indicated that the following items should be included in
the questionnaire:
1.
Statement of the City’s objective
2.
Prior representation of similar constituents
3.
Political administrative experience
4.
Hourly rate
5.
Proposed project cost of optimal action plan and time frame for
preparation
6.
Use of attorneys from firm and any potential conflicts of interest
Councilmember Williams stated he would prepare a statement of the City’s
objective and refine the questions.
Peggy Rabuse asked if the Council plans to contact the City of Mendota Heights
to determine if they would be an ally in this matter.
Councilmember Williams stated that he believes that Council plans to contact
Mendota Heights at some point in time, but he would prefer to establish a plan
before approaching their city officials.
Peggy Rabuse pointed out that during the previous fight to relocate I-494 there
were many residents of Mendota Heights who were upset that they were not aware
of what was happening.
City Clerk Iago suggested that it may be helpful to contact the League of
Minnesota Cities for their opinion or comments regarding land use attorneys that
have been effective for other cities.
Mayor Park suggested the list of questions be typed and distributed to members
of the Task Force; Councilmember Williams offered to type the list and Scott
Spaeth offered to distribute the list to the Task Force members.
The Task Force members and Council representatives were assigned the following
candidates to contact and determine if they are available to meet for a short
period of time within the next week:
Peggy Rabuse – Howard Dahlgren.
Scott Spaeth - Bruce Malkerson or Howard Roston, Malkerson, Gilliland, Martin,
LLP.
Councilmember Williams - John Baker, Green and Espel and David Sellergren,
Fredrikson and Byron.
Todd Kellogg - Peter Coyle or Bill Griffith, Larkin, Hoffman, Daly, and
Lindgren, LLP.
Councilmember Williams suggested that it would be appropriate to ask first if
there would be any conflict of interest, which would effectively eliminate the
candidate.
Mayor Park commended the Task Force on their vision and dedication to this
issue. She commented that it would be preferable to determine a plan of action
that the City can follow and that this not become an expensive undertaking
similar to the Xcel power line issue.
Councilmember Williams pointed out that is why he included a question regarding
the total projected costs for establishing a plan and that it would be
appropriate to have the costs determined prior to soliciting for allies.
2.
ADJOURN: The Task Force meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Catherine Iago, City Clerk
BACK to News