HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-04-10 Special MinutesApril 10, 1974
7:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL OF
COUNCIL MEMBERS
DISCUSSION
Council Legislative
Advisor
ADJOURNMENT
7:27 P.M.
Attest:
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
G1/
Tukwila City Hall
SPECIAL MEETING Council Chambers
MINUTES
Council President Pro -Tem Sterling called the Special Meeting to
order at 7:13 P.M.
STERLING, DAVIS, HARRIS, JOHANSON. Councilmembers Gardner, Traynor,
and Saul were not excused.
President Pro -Tem Sterling turned the meeting over to Councilman
Johanson who introduced Mr. Charles L. Senn of the firm Torbenson,
Thatcher, McGrath, Treadwell E Schoonmaker. Councilman Johanson
stated it was his initial proposal to hire an attorney for the pur-
pose of legislative advisor for the Council. He stated Mr. Senn has
a desirable background in the Federal government agencies. Mr.
Senn stated the City Attorney presently effectively renders advise
to the Council and the Mayor. He felt the Council is looking for
someone to advise them on problems unique to a City Council and with
conflicts with the administration regarding individual rights of the
City and members of the Council. He felt he could be effective in
areas where there are differences of opinion and in assisting the
Council to draw up legislative documents. Councilman Johanson
asked Mr. Senn what financial agreement would be considered. Mr.
Senn stated he would be available for consulting work at the rate
of $40 per hour on an hourly basis and would agree to attend any
meetings the Council required at $50 per meeting two hours or less
and $75 per meeting over two hours. He stated no contract is nec-
essary. Councilman Johanson stated the Council would use the Council
President as the instrument to coordinate their requests to avoid
duplication of efforts by 7 individual Councilmembers. He stated
there is a real need for this type of advisor and the Council should
retain him as soon as possible. President Pro -Tem Sterling asked
what background Mr. Senn has in municipal government. Mr. Senn
replied he has represented clients who have been involved in dis-
putes with cities and has had significant dealings with the Cities
of Seattle, Medina, Edmonds and Lynnwood. He has also been an
attorney while serving in the U. S. Army advising officers and
drafting military regulations consistent with policy objectives.
He stated his impression of the work he will do for the Council will
be in the area of interpretting the R.C.W. which is restrictive in
nature regarding City Council matters. He stated the Open Meeting
Law has made all government officials more wary of publicity and
more suspect of what they can and cannot do. Councilwoman Davis
asked if Mr. Senn practiced by himself. Mr. Senn stated he is a
private practitioner within the 6 -man firm since January, 1974. He
stated he is not a partner of the firm. He stated a meeting was
held by the members of the firm regarding his arrangement with the
City of Tukwila and it was agreed to go ahead; all members would be
available in case Mr. Senn was not available which would apply
for the month of May when Mr. Senn will be out of town. Council-
woman Davis asked if there would be any possible conflicts of
interest. Mr. Senn stated he knew of none represented by himself
or by the firm who has any adverse procedures with the City of
Tukwila; any such cases in the future will automatically be farmed
out. Councilman Johanson stated this arrangement is for consulta-
tion only and will not be a permanent arrangement. The money is
budgeted under the Council's Professional Services, in the amount of
$2,000. He stated he encouraged full Council participation in this
matter. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY JOHANSON, THAT THE COUNCIL
DISCUSS THE POSITION OF LEGISLATIVE ADVISOR AT ITS NEXT REGULAR
MEETING AND IT BE SO NOTED ON THE AGENDA. CARRIED. Discussion
followed on whether to invite Mr. Senn to the Monday night meeting.
Mr. Senn stated he felt it would not be ethical for him to display
himself in public for the purposes of being hired, that this may be
inadvertently construed as advertising for employment. Councilwoman
Harris suggested the Council meet in Executive Session Monday night.
The Councilmembers decided to discuss this further and notify Mr.
Senn later in the week.
MOVED BY JOHANSON, SECONDED BY DAVIS, THAT THE SPECIAL MEETING
ADJOURN. CARRIED.
Jon Ste ling, Presidet Pro -Tem
v
Doris Phelps, Deputy Ci4 Clerk