HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/06/2005 Work Session
City of Springfield
Work Session Meeting
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MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2005
The city of Springfield council met in a work session in the Jesse Maine Room, 225 Fifth Street,
Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, June 6, 2005 at 6:20 p.m., with Mayor Leiken presiding.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Leiken and Councilors Ballew, Ralston, Fitch, Lundberg, Woodrow and
Pishioneri. Also present were City Manager Mike Kelly, Assistant City Manager Cynthia Pappas,
City Attorney Joe Leahy, Meg Kieran, Administrative Coordinator Julie Wilson and members of
the staff.
1. City Attornev Office Evaluation.
Human Resources Director Bill Spiry presented the staff report on this item. The results of the
annual evaluation have been received, tabulated and are now ready for council review and
discussion with the City Attorney's Office.
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The frrm of Harold, Leahy, and Kieran received high marks recently during the annual review of
its performance of the city attorney duties and are summarized on Attachment 1 of the agenda
item summary document. Forty-seven evaluations were distributed; of those, 24 were returned
and indicated ratings of excellent, good and satisfactory. Consequently, staff is negotiating a one-
year contract renewal, to be effective on July 1,2005.
Councilor Woodrow introduced this topic.
Joe Leahy discussed prioritization of issues their firm handles for the city. He explained that often
higher priority items surface and other projects do get reprioritized, as needed, due to timing or
other priority reasons.
The council was pleased with the performance of the firm and stated that the city receives good
representation and advice.
The council appreciated working with the firm. Often land use issues are large projects and
require focused resources, the City Attorney's Office goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Mayor Leiken appreciated their support and recognized their accomplishments.
Councilor Pishioneri thanked the City Attorney's Office for guidance and support as he has
transitioned into his council position.
Joe Leahy clarified that the firm recently lost a very good attorney to another employer. He
explained this was due to the fact that the new offer of employment extended a better employment
package. It was a loss to have that valued individual leave the frrm.
Joe Leahy recognized Matt Cox and stated he brings with him valued prosecutor experience.
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Joe Leahy referenced the retainer amount and litigation costs. Cynthia Pappas explained that the
frrm has requested a three-year versus one-year contract Council would still have the opportunity
to conduct annual review / renewal of the contract. This contract renewal will be brought back to
council at a regular meeting for adoption.
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City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
June 6, 2005
Page 2
Joe Leahy recognized that times will change as City Manager Mike Kelly retires. Mr. Kelly offers
a good persp'ective and working relationship with the City Attorney's Office.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 pm.
Minutes Recorder - Julie Wilson
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City Recorder