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I I I Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 1992 Page 4 Council Business. continued In regards to environmental matters, the most effective strategy is to retain the most capable and experienced legal counsel. Childs feels that Mr. Drawz is the very best environmental attorney he has ever worked with. However. a theoretical downside to a singular attorney relationship is that costs may not be as controllable as in a competitive arrangement. Childs feels it is important to periodically check with other law firms to verify reasonableness of rate structure. Calls were made to several firms who have substantial capabilities in environmental law. The survey showed that Fredrikson and Byron's rates were very comparable to other law firms. One further issue is the rate split between general environmental matters and the higher rate charged for services reimbursed by the Department of Defense. While these rates are higher than the general environmental fees, they are still lower than the regular rate which Fredrikson and Bryon charge to corporate clients of Mr. Drawz. The $180 rate was established by the court as the rate for legal services on the TCAAP matter, Rebelein is satisfied with Fredrikson and Bryon's rates and reputation in environmental matters, however, she objects to the higher rate for services reimbursed by the Department of Defense, She feels that whether the fees are paid by local or federal budget, it still comes out of taxpayers pockets. Motion by Gunderman, seconded by Williams. to RETAIN JOHN DRAWZ OF FREDRIKSON AND BYRON AT THE PROPOSED RATES TO HANDLE ENVIRONMENTAL LEGAL SERVICES; AND THAT SUCH ACTION BE WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE CITY OF NEW BRIGHTON PERIODICALLY PERFORM A COST/RATE SURVEY. 5 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried, Egan presented for consideration an amendment to the voting precincts. To bring the City into compliance with the State's redistricting plan, the City will have a small portion of the community in District 52A. In the past. the entire City was located in a single legislative district, District 52B. To adhere to State requirements that a precinct contain no more than one legislative district. the City will amend the western boundary for Precincts 4 and 6 and create a separate precinct for District 52A. The new Precinct 7 residents will vote at Pike Lake School along with the residents remaining in the amended Precinct 4. Advantages for a single polling site include minimal reassignment of residents and little cost increase for election judges. The changes will take effect for the September primary, State requires precinct locations be in place by March 30. Council Business Environmental Legal Services Report 92-071 Resolution 92-028 Amendment to Voting Precincts Report 92~068 Resolution 92~027