Tuesday, December 14, 2021

The council approved a $75,000 increase to the city's contract with Meyers Nave law firm, despite opposition from Mayor Butt and Councilmember Bates. The vote was 4-2 with one abstention, bringing the firm's total contract value significantly higher than the original $10,000 allocation.

Two additional legal contracts also passed with less opposition. The council approved $40,000 more for Burke Williams & Sorensen law firm, with only Mayor Butt voting no. A separate $50,000 increase for the same firm's general city work also passed 5-1, again with Butt as the sole dissenter.

A proclamation to commend outgoing City Attorney Teresa Stricker and condemn Mayor Butt's statements about her failed to pass. One resident spoke during public comment on this item, which sought to formally praise Stricker's work while distancing the council from the mayor's public remarks.

City staff presented a draft Community Benefits Policy that would require developers to provide affordable housing or other community benefits for large projects. No vote was taken on this proposal, and discussion of police staffing updates was continued to a future meeting.