03-21-05 Council Rules Committee

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- r Council Rules Committee March 21, 2005 6:32 p.m. Purpose—Council Attorney Contract Attendance: Charlotte Pfeifer, President Derek D. Dieter 1st District Roland Kelly 2nd District Ann Puzzello 4th District David Varner 5th District Karen L. White At Large Timothy Rouse At Large Absent: Al `Buddy" Kirsits At Large Ervin Kuspa 6th District Others Present: John Voorde, City Clerk Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand Nancy Sulok, South Bend Tribune James Austin, 801 Turnock Rules Committee Members: Councilmember Pfeifer, Chairperson Karen L. White David Varner Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand was asked by Charlotte to leave the room. Charlotte Pfeifer, Chairperson, Rules Committee began the meeting with a brief retrospective of what has transpired over the last 3 months relative to the contract of Council Attorney Kathy Cekanski-Farrand. Pfeifer emphasized that she had worked diligently to get every Councilmember's opinion regarding the position of Council Attorney and the performance of current Council Attorney Kathy Cekanski-Farrand. Pfeifer provided a capsule of her approach and personal opinion regarding the attorney position for each member to begin discussion (See exhibit#1) Roundtable discussion followed, each member expressing their thoughts relative to the position, the process, and the person, namely, Council Attorney Kathy Cekanski-Farrand. Karen White—outlined her sense that the Council Attorney be full-time; that the attorney provide sound, unbiased advice free of personal opinion; that the attorney be readily available; and that all Councilmembers were to be treated equally with respect. Derek Dieter—pointed to Kathy Cekanski-Farrand's 30 plus years of experience working as Council Attorney, emphasizing the quality of her work and soundness of her legal opinions. 1